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27 Feb 2026 / New Zealand

Introduction of commercial vessel levy

From 1 April, a new levy will be brought into effect for commercial vessels arriving in New Zealand, replacing existing charges for individual lodgement of Inwards Cargo Reports and Outward Cargo Reports (ICR / OCR).

The combined commercial vessel levy of NZ $4,679 (Customs $3,717 + MPI $962, excluding VAT) will apply to commercial vessels arriving at the country’s ports. Customs will issue individual invoices twice monthly for each vessel levy owed. Payment is due within 30 days. A consolidated invoice may be requested rather than receiving invoices for each vessel individually.

The following vessels will be exempt:
- Vessels whose purpose is wholly or primarily relating to passengers, such as cruise ships, as these costs are covered through the Border Processing Levy.
- Vessels making round trips in the Exclusive Economic Zone provided that the voyage does not include meeting with any craft or person from a point outside New Zealand.
- Fishing vessels making ‘round trip’ voyages to the High Seas that do not visit foreign ports or interact with other vessels.
- Vessels that are solely engaged in non-commercial activities, such as some research vessels.
- New Zealand Defence Force and other military vessels.
- Other vessels where necessary to comply with international obligations.

For information about operations in New Zealand, contact GAC at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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