Do I Need to Pay Customs Tax on My Dress?

We are living in London but are coming home to NZ to get married in January. I have bought my dress over here, and since we are traveling home via India, I would like to courier my dress home so that I don't have to take it with me on my travels. Will I have to pay customs tax on my dress when it arrives in NZ? We will be in NZ for two months over the time of our wedding and will then return to the UK.

Sally, London

Do I Need to Pay Customs Tax on My Dress?

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Erin answers...

After a lengthy discussion with New Zealand Customs, this is what they said you should do.

Based on the assumption that you, personally, have paid for the dress in full in the UK:


  • Choose a trustworthy, reliable friend or family member in New Zealand who you can give permission to clear the dress on your behalf. Send the dress and attention it to this person.
  • Have this person provide evidence that you have entrusted him or her with this job (i.e. an email from you giving them this permission). He or she should also bring ID.
  • You should include in the parcel or have the entrusted person present customs with:
  • Evidence that the dress is paid in full (i.e. sales receipt)
  • A copy of your passport
  • Ideally, a copy of your ticket for your outbound flight (back to the UK)


    • According to the Customs agent, if you have evidence to show that you paid for the dress yourself and the dress is for your own use, than you should not incur any costs!


    Nevertheless, I suggest you double-check with NZ Customs. I just called the general number: 0800 4 CUSTOMS. If you're calling from overseas, phone +64 9 300 5399.


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