5 Import & Export Tips to Shipping Cosmetics in New Zealand

At present, cosmetics have become an indispensable part of our lives – and not just for the ladies. According to the Men’s Personal Care Market Size Report by Grand View Research, the men’s personal care industry is slated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2022 to 2030, the Global K-beauty Products Market Forecast Report by ReportLinker also showed that global K-beauty products is expected to register a CAGR of 10.07% in the same period. As such, consumer demand is set to remain stable. 

For businesses within the sector or seeking new opportunities, this rising demand bodes well. Through the global pandemic, we’ve seen brands diversifying their manufacturing and going into producing everyday products such as hand sanitisers and hygiene products. Today, cosmetics are no longer for the self-conscious few – they have become a feature in  the everyday lives of most people.

Things to note when shipping cosmetic products internationally

With the thirst for cosmetics coming in from everywhere, overseas shipping has become a valuable revenue generating channel for many retailers. With this comes a need to understand the right methods and rules for shipping cosmetics across the New Zealand border. 

1. Customs rules for skincare businesses

As a cosmetics importer or exporter, it’s important to know the regulations such as customs, tariffs, modes of transport and documentation. This does not just apply to the product on their last-mile journey to the buyer, but also encompasses the entire processing line from raw materials to that final tube of lipstick.

2. Taxes payable by makeup importers

Like most nations, importing goods to New Zealand will likely entail tax charges. For example, a Goods & Services Tax (GST) is levied on all imported items valued above NZ$1,000, including raw cosmetics materials. However, with trade agreements with other countries, most exports are not charged with an export fee.

With many shipments requiring a declaration and tax payment, the best way to go about sending your cosmetics orders is to engage a delivery partner who will help you submit your documents and breakdown the bill on taxes on your behalf.

3. Export cosmetics safely

Packaging plays a big role in getting your products to stay safe during transit, especially for natural ingredients with a shorter shelf life. Common causes of damage include incorrect storage and handling, flimsy packaging and even theft or damage.

If you don’t want to worry about handling a return or refund, always ensure that your products are well packed, and the designated logistics provider is aware of how to handle them. 

4. File the documentation

Apart from just careful packaging, being transparent with what’s inside the package also goes a long way in ensuring your cosmetics shipment arrives safely. Each shipment should have a proper declaration on the airway bill and shipping invoice which gives a clear description of the commodity within.

5. Choose a logistics partner

To make your import and export journey easier and worry-free, you should always pick a reliable logistics partner whom you can trust – especially for sensitive shipments such as cosmetics products. International deliveries may be fraught by unpredictable weather conditions, supply chain disruptions and disasters, amidst others. It can be a hassle for cosmetics exporters to navigate these issues, so you’ll want an experienced team of logistics experts to partner with.

Track your cosmetics shipment with DHL Express

With DHL Express, you can ship, track and monitor your shipments from start to finish. Apart from just providing logistics visibility, our customers will also be able to get help on things like customs clearance, packaging, and more. 

Importing and exporting sensitive goods such as skincare and certain cosmetic products may be trickier than merely sending a document parcel, but we’re here to help. Want to ride the beauty trend? Speak to our customer service agents about our logistics services and how we can help your business today. Why not create an account to get started too?