The short answer
Importing timber flooring into New Zealand means meeting MPI biosecurity requirements for the wood product, using ISPM 15-compliant wood packaging, clearing the goods through customs and paying GST. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) publishes import health standards (IHS) for wood products (MPI), and New Zealand Customs handles the customs entry and border charges.
Requirements change, and they depend on the exact product and how it is processed and packed. Treat this guide as a checklist, then confirm the current rules with MPI or a licensed customs broker.
MPI import health standards for wood products
An import health standard sets the biosecurity conditions an imported product must meet before it is cleared into New Zealand. For wood products, the concern is pests and diseases carried in timber, bark or contamination such as soil (MPI).
Highly processed products – for example kiln-dried, machined and finished flooring – generally present a lower biosecurity risk than raw or rough-sawn timber, but they still need to meet the applicable standard.
| Check | What MPI is looking for | Practical step |
|---|---|---|
| Product type and processing | Whether the product meets the conditions for its category | Describe the product accurately on documents |
| Cleanliness | No bark, insects, soil or other contamination | Inspect stock and packaging before dispatch |
| Documentation | Documents required by the applicable IHS | Ask the supplier what accompanies the order |
| Packaging | Compliant wood packaging (see ISPM 15) | Check pallet and crate marks |
| Container | Clean container, free of contamination | Use your freight forwarder's guidance |
ISPM 15 and wood packaging
ISPM 15 is the international standard for treating and marking wood packaging material – pallets, crates, dunnage and similar – to stop pests moving between countries (IPPC). Packaging must be treated by an approved method and carry the official mark, which shows the country, the treatment provider and the treatment code.
Flooring is usually shipped in cartons on pallets, so the pallets are the most common ISPM 15 issue. Non-compliant packaging can lead to treatment, re-export or destruction at the importer's cost, and delays. Plastic or processed-wood pallets (such as plywood or particleboard) are not covered by ISPM 15 in the same way; check MPI's current rules for your packaging.
Customs clearance, duty and GST
Imported goods need a customs entry, and GST of 15% generally applies at the border, along with any duty and fees. Duty depends on the tariff classification and origin of the goods – a licensed customs broker can confirm the figures for your shipment (NZ Customs).
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Customs entry | Lodged by the importer or their broker |
| GST | 15% on imported goods, generally collected at the border |
| Duty | Depends on tariff classification and rules of origin |
| Biosecurity fees | May apply to clearance and any inspection |
| Freight | From Melbourne, quoted per order by Timbo |
NZ prices and costs should always be shown in NZD with GST treatment stated. See our oak flooring cost guide for NZ.
The NZ legal harvest regime
New Zealand legislated for a legal harvest assurance system for timber, and MPI is now redesigning how it will work (MPI). Until the redesigned system is confirmed, check MPI for current requirements and timing before assuming any registration, due diligence or reporting obligations apply to importers of flooring.
Meanwhile, buyers can still ask suppliers about legal origin. Timbo's approach: ask Timbo for documentation for your order. For the Australian and European rules that sit upstream of a lot of oak, see illegal logging laws and EUDR and European oak.
On arrival – before installation
Clearance is only half the job: imported oak still needs to reach the right moisture content for the site before it is laid. Practical points for NZ installers:
- Slab moisture. About 92% of new NZ houses are built on concrete slabs, citing BRANZ (ArchiPro NZ). BRANZ guidance for solid timber on slabs refers to a maximum of 75% RH at the slab surface (BRANZ BU644), and a 100mm slab can take four months or more to dry (PlaceMakers). See timber flooring over slab in NZ.
- Storage. Keep cartons sealed, flat and off the ground in an enclosed, dry building.
- Acclimatisation. Follow the product and adhesive guidance – see acclimatising oak flooring.
Ordering from Timbo in New Zealand
Timbo supplies trade partners in New Zealand from Melbourne stock, with freight quoted per order. There are no container minimums, so NZ flooring businesses can order what a job needs rather than importing a full container. Ask Timbo how your order will be packed and shipped, which documents come with it, and who acts as importer of record.
Find out more on the New Zealand partner page or about wholesale oak flooring in NZ. Delivery questions are covered in delivery and lead times.
Sources
- Ministry for Primary Industries – Importing wood products: mpi.govt.nz
- Ministry for Primary Industries – Legal harvest assurance system for timber: mpi.govt.nz
- International Plant Protection Convention – ISPMs (including ISPM 15): ippc.int
- New Zealand Customs Service: customs.govt.nz
- BRANZ – BU644 Solid timber strip flooring on a concrete slab: branz.co.nz
- PlaceMakers – Live, let dry: placemakers.co.nz
- ArchiPro NZ – Solid vs engineered wood flooring: archipro.com.au
Frequently asked questions
Does finished oak flooring need MPI clearance in New Zealand?
Yes, imported wood products go through biosecurity clearance under MPI's import health standards. Requirements depend on the product and its processing, so check the current standard on the MPI wood products page or use a customs broker.
What is ISPM 15?
ISPM 15 is the international standard for wood packaging material such as pallets, crates and dunnage. Packaging must be treated (for example heat treated) and carry the official mark. Non-compliant packaging can be treated, re-exported or destroyed at the importer's cost.
Who is responsible for clearing the goods?
The importer of record – usually the NZ business receiving the goods – or their customs broker. Ask Timbo how a specific order will ship and what documents come with it.
Is GST charged on imported flooring in New Zealand?
Yes. NZ GST is 15% and is generally collected on imported goods at the border, along with any duty and fees. A customs broker can confirm the total for your shipment.
What is happening with NZ's legal harvest rules?
New Zealand legislated for a legal harvest assurance system for timber, and MPI is redesigning how it will work. Check MPI for current requirements and timing.
Does Timbo deliver to New Zealand?
Yes. Timbo supplies trade partners in New Zealand from Melbourne stock, and freight is quoted per order. See the New Zealand partner page for details.