Why are New Zealand terminal shipments held at customs?
Payment terminals shipped to New Zealand with a commercial value over NZ$1,000 require a New Zealand Customs Number (also known as a client code) before New Zealand Customs will clear them. If the receiving party does not have one, the shipment is held at customs and cannot be released until the number is provided.
This applies to all New Zealand terminal orders, regardless of which partner or sub-merchant the terminals are for.
What is a New Zealand Customs Number (client code)?
A client code is a unique identifier issued by New Zealand Customs to the importer of record. It is required for any commercial import valued over NZ$1,000.
The code can be held by either a business or an individual, and obtaining one is a standard and common step for commercial imports into New Zealand.
You can apply for a client code directly with New Zealand Customs here:
https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/import/lodge-your-import-entry/client-codes
What you need to do before ordering terminals
Before terminals are shipped to a New Zealand sub-merchant, the receiving party needs a New Zealand Customs Number in place.
The receiving party (the business or individual who will take delivery of the terminals) applies for a client code with New Zealand Customs using the link above.
Once the code is issued, provide the client code along with the holder's entity details to your CSM during onboarding.
Your CSM ensures the shipping paperwork is prepared against the correct client code holder so the shipment can clear customs on arrival.
Arranging the client code ahead of the terminal order is the best way to avoid delays.
What happens if a shipment is already held at customs
If a shipment has already been sent and is being held pending customs clearance, the issue can still be resolved.
Obtain the New Zealand Customs Number for the receiving entity, along with that entity's details.
Send both to your CSM or to ValPay support at [email protected].
ValPay raises this with the Adyen logistics team, who can reissue the commercial invoice so the receiver's details match the holder of the client code.
Once the paperwork is updated, the carrier can submit the shipment for clearance and it will be released.
Who pays the duties and GST?
Adyen ships terminals on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis, which means any import duties and GST are handled through Adyen rather than collected from the receiver on delivery. The client code is still required for clearance regardless of how duties are handled.
Questions?
If you are onboarding a New Zealand sub-merchant or are unsure whether a client code is in place, contact your CSM before terminals are ordered. Getting this confirmed early prevents shipments being held at the border.