Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
International trade law covers the rules and regulations that govern buying and selling goods and services across national borders. For people and businesses in Feilding - a town with a significant agricultural and rural services base - international trade law matters when exporting primary products, importing inputs, or contracting with overseas buyers and suppliers. Key concerns include customs procedures, biosecurity and phytosanitary requirements, export documentation and certification, tariff and non-tariff measures, trade agreements and rules of origin, and compliance with international sanctions and export controls.
International trade can create legal risks that are technical and time-sensitive. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- Preparing or reviewing international sales contracts and terms of delivery - for example negotiating Incoterms, payment terms, and liability clauses.
- Navigating customs classification, tariff treatment and import or export duties.
- Seeking export certification, meeting sanitary and phytosanitary standards, or responding to quarantine or biosecurity holds imposed by authorities.
- Dealing with non-payment, contract breaches, supply chain interruptions, or disputes with foreign buyers or suppliers.
- Responding to investigations such as anti-dumping, subsidy inquiries, or customs audits.
- Ensuring compliance with trade sanctions, export controls, or restrictions on strategic goods and technologies.
- Protecting intellectual property rights abroad or complying with labeling and product safety laws in destination markets.
- Structuring cross-border transactions, joint ventures or distribution arrangements to manage tax and regulatory exposure.
A number of New Zealand laws and regulatory regimes are relevant to international trade activities carried out from Feilding. The most relevant areas are described below in plain terms.
- Customs and border controls - The New Zealand Customs Service administers customs rules that regulate import and export clearance, tariff classifications, valuation and the imposition of duties and GST on imported goods. Proper customs declarations and documentation are essential.
- Biosecurity and food-safety rules - The Ministry for Primary Industries administers biosecurity and export certification regimes for plants, animals and food products. Exporters of agricultural produce and animal products must meet strict phytosanitary and sanitary standards and maintain traceability.
- Trade agreements and international obligations - New Zealand is party to multiple free trade agreements and to the World Trade Organization. These agreements affect tariff preferences, rules of origin, and dispute resolution options that can impact pricing and market access.
- Competition and commercial regulation - The Commerce Act and Fair Trading Act set rules against anti-competitive conduct and misleading or deceptive conduct. These laws affect commercial behaviour with overseas partners and the marketing of goods abroad.
- Tax and GST - Inland Revenue administers tax rules that affect cross-border transactions, including rules on transfer pricing and GST treatment of imports and exports. Import GST is typically applied at the border.
- Sanctions and export controls - New Zealand enforces targeted sanctions and export controls on certain goods, technologies and countries. Compliance is required to avoid criminal and civil penalties.
- Contract and commercial law - New Zealand contract law governs agreements formed in New Zealand, including international contracts entered into by Feilding businesses. Choice-of-law and dispute-resolution clauses will determine how cross-border disputes are resolved.
Begin by verifying that your product can be exported - check biosecurity and sanitary requirements with the Ministry for Primary Industries - and ensure you have the right packaging, labeling and export documentation. Register for any necessary export licences and get advice on customs classification, tariff codes and preferred rules of origin if you want to claim preferential tariffs under a free trade agreement.
The Ministry for Primary Industries issues export certificates and confirms that products meet the sanitary and phytosanitary standards required by the destination country. Exporters must follow MPI guidance on sampling, testing and documentation.
Yes - imported goods are generally subject to New Zealand GST at the point of importation. Customs will assess import GST based on the value of the goods plus duty and transport costs. Businesses registered for GST may be able to claim input tax credits on the GST paid, subject to normal GST rules.
A customs broker is a licensed agent who prepares and lodges customs declarations, classifies goods, and handles customs compliance on your behalf. While not mandatory, using an experienced customs broker is highly practical for small exporters and importers who do not want to navigate complex customs procedures themselves.
Potential ways to reduce tariff costs include using preferential tariff rates available under New Zealand free trade agreements - this requires meeting rules of origin - classifying goods correctly to ensure the right tariff applies, and structuring transactions to optimise value for customs valuation purposes. Legal and customs advice can help you identify legitimate savings.
Key clauses include parties and product description, price and payment terms, Incoterms or delivery terms, risk and title transfer, packaging and labeling, quality standards and inspection, warranties and liabilities, insurance, force majeure, dispute resolution and applicable law, and termination rights. A lawyer will tailor these clauses to reduce exposure to foreign law risks.
If goods are detained or seized for suspected biosecurity or non-compliance issues, you should contact MPI and your customs broker immediately. You may need to provide additional documentation or arrange treatment, re-export or destruction. A lawyer can advise on challenging decisions or seeking administrative review.
Sanctions and export controls restrict trade with certain countries, entities or for specified goods and technologies. Exporters must screen customers and shipments to ensure they are not breaching sanctions. Violations can lead to severe penalties, so seek legal guidance if your trade involves higher-risk destinations or dual-use goods.
Anti-dumping and safeguard measures are trade remedies imposed to protect domestic industry from unfairly priced imports or sudden import surges. If an investigation is opened, exporters may face provisional duties or other restrictions. Legal representation can help respond to investigations and protect your rights.
First, review your contract for dispute-resolution clauses - these will often specify mediation, arbitration or court jurisdiction. Many businesses prefer arbitration for international disputes. A lawyer experienced in international dispute resolution can advise on procedural options, provisional relief and enforcing judgments or awards across borders.
Useful government and sector bodies that provide guidance and support for international trade include:
- New Zealand Customs Service - for customs procedures, tariff classification and import-export rules.
- Ministry for Primary Industries - for biosecurity, food safety and export certification requirements.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - for trade policy and agreement information.
- New Zealand Trade and Enterprise - for export assistance, market intelligence and business support.
- Commerce Commission - for competition and fair trading concerns.
- Inland Revenue - for tax and GST guidance on cross-border transactions.
- Standards New Zealand and relevant sector industry bodies - for product standards and compliance advice.
- Local business support groups - such as the Feilding and Districts Business Association and Manawatū District Council business advisors - for local market connections and practical trade guidance.
- Licensed customs brokers and freight forwarders - for practical customs clearance and logistics support.
If you need legal assistance with an international trade issue in Feilding, consider the steps below.
- Identify your primary legal need - contract drafting, customs classification, export compliance, dispute resolution or regulatory advice.
- Gather key documents - contracts, invoices, shipping and customs paperwork, correspondence with authorities and any notices you have received.
- Find a lawyer with specific international trade experience and relevant sector knowledge - for example experience with agricultural exports if that is your product. Ask about their experience with New Zealand customs law, MPI export certification, trade remedies and cross-border dispute resolution.
- Ask about fee structures - whether the lawyer charges hourly rates, fixed fees for document work, or retains for ongoing compliance. Get a written engagement letter that sets out the scope of work and estimated costs.
- Consider parallel practical steps - engage a customs broker or freight forwarder, check MPI guidance, and use local business support services to prepare markets and logistics while legal matters are being addressed.
- Maintain good records and a compliance program - keep contract templates, customs documentation and export certifications organised to reduce future risk and speed up customs and certification processes.
If you are unsure where to start, a short initial consultation with a trade law solicitor will help you prioritise actions and understand likely costs and outcomes. Acting early often reduces legal risk and preserves commercial options.
