How to ship to New Zealand with USPS as a reseller

A small package of goods to New Zealand, up to 4 lb and $400, goes by First-Class Package International Service: $23.62 for up to 8 oz with a label from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider, or $24.80 at the Post Office or through Click-N-Ship. From 33 oz, a Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope costs less if the item fits: $51.27 online, against $62.00 by First-Class Package International, though USPS offers no tracking on Flat Rate Envelopes. Heavier or pricier packages go by Priority Mail International, up to 66 lb, from $68.36 for 1 lb online, and every package of goods needs an electronic customs form with a 6-digit HS code for each item. The country's own rules to watch: antiques, collectibles, jewelry and batteries banned.

Rules quoted from New Zealand's Individual Country Listing in USPS's International Mail Manual, read Oct 19, 2026. Prices from Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026; package prices are unchanged since the Jan 18, 2026 edition. The listing covers Cook Islands and Niue.

Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026

First-Class Package International, up to 8 oz, online: $23.62
Priority Mail International, 1 lb, online: $68.36
Heaviest package (Priority Mail International): 66 lb
Prepaid duties (USPS DDP): Not available

What you can and can't send to New Zealand

Goods on a country's prohibited list can't be mailed there, and a country can return or seize mail that breaks its rules even if USPS never published them (IMM 131.32-131.33). Here is what New Zealand's listing says about the goods resellers ship most, quoted from it, next to USPS's rule for every country where there is one. Other items on New Zealand's lists include ammunition, firearms, inert grenades, human and animal remains, live organisms, passports and ID documents, pesticides and most tobacco; meat and fish are admitted only conditionally.

Books, magazines and other printed matter

“Obscene and immoral articles contained in publications and on any media, including videotapes, films, records, and CD–ROMs.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)

Every country: USPS treats books as goods, not documents: they need a customs form with a value (IMM 123.623). There is no Media Mail abroad: USPS's five international mail categories don't include it (IMM 141.1), so books pay the same package prices as other goods. Airmail M-bags, a sack of printed matter to one address, are open to New Zealand (IMM 261.21).

CDs, DVDs, records and film

New Zealand's rule for these is under books, magazines and other printed matter.

Every country: CDs, DVDs and other recorded or blank media always need a customs form and a value; USPS never counts them as documents (IMM 123.622-123.623).

Clothing, shoes, leather and fur

“Used clothing and used bedding must be for personal use of persons in New Zealand, or with permission of the New Zealand Minister of Customs.” Worn-out clothing not for personal use must be clean and disinfected, or that is done at the addressee's expense. (IMM New Zealand listing, Restrictions)
“Furs and skins of animals (untreated).” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)

Used and secondhand goods

New Zealand's rule for these is under clothing, shoes, leather and fur.

Every country: Used, damaged or defective electronics with lithium batteries can't be mailed abroad; the manual exempts only devices new in their original packaging and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished ones (IMM 135.62).

Cosmetics, perfume and aerosols

Nothing on New Zealand's lists.

Every country: USPS lists aerosols, nail polish, perfumes containing alcohol and hemp-based (CBD) products among items that can't be sent to any country (USPS international restrictions). Dangerous goods, such as flammable materials and compressed gases, are banned in all international mail (IMM 136.1).

Electronics and batteries

“Lithium batteries — including items containing properly installed lithium batteries under IMM 135.6.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)

Every country: Only new lithium batteries installed in the device they run, at most four cells or two batteries per package and 100 Wh per lithium-ion battery; no spare batteries, and no used, damaged or defective devices with lithium batteries unless manufacturer-certified refurbished. The outside of the package must not carry lithium battery marks or labels (IMM 135.62-135.64).

Jewelry, watches, coins and precious metals

“Jewelry, precious metals or stones, watches.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)
“Coins; bank notes; currency notes (paper money); bullion; stamps (unused); bonds, shares, and securities of any kind payable to bearer; traveler’s checks; bills of exchange; and other negotiable instruments.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)
“Bank cards, including credit cards, debit cards, electronic-funds-transfer-at-point-of-sale cards (EFTPOS), and gift cards.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)

Every country: Valuables can't go by Priority Mail Express International; inexpensive costume jewelry with little precious metal ships like any other merchandise, and USPS says it “is accepted to countries that prohibit jewelry, but only at the sender’s risk” (IMM 134.2).

Toys, games and playing cards

New Zealand's rule for these is under knives, replica weapons and toy guns.

Antiques, art, stamps and collectibles

“Antiques and collectibles, including numismatic (collector’s) coins.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)
“Artwork including paintings, sculptures, and of other works of art.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)
“Vouchers, event tickets, and tickets for games of chance.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)

Also under jewelry, watches, coins and precious metals.

Knives, replica weapons and toy guns

“Offensive weapons and knives (including knuckledusters and swordsticks), bows (including crossbows and arrows), harpoons, spear guns, sling shots, catapults, and defensive chemical dispensers (including mace, pepper spray, and tear gas).” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)
“Air guns, stun guns, tasers, and stun batons.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)

Every country: USPS says some knives and sharp instruments may be mailed to certain countries, under the conditions in each country's listing (IMM 137). Inert or replica grenades and military ordnance are banned to every country (IMM 136.2).

Brand-name, copyrighted and origin-marked goods

Nothing on New Zealand's lists.

Every country: Counterfeit or pirated goods are prohibited to every country (IMM 136.3).

Home goods, instruments and baby items

“Magnets and magnetic material, such as refrigerator magnets and compasses.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)
“Keys.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)
“First aid kits.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)

Food, supplements, medicines and health items

“Medicines including over-the-counter and prescription drugs.” (IMM New Zealand listing, Prohibitions)

USPS says the burden is on the mailer to follow every country's rules, whatever a USPS employee says (IMM 131.4). The full lists: New Zealand in the IMM.

USPS services to New Zealand and their limits

From New Zealand's IMM listing (weight, size, insurance, M-bags, DDP) and Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026 (price groups). Global Express Guaranteed has been suspended since Sep 29, 2024.
Service	Price group	Weight limit	Size limit	Good to know
First-Class Package International Service	12	4 lb	24 in. long; length + height + thickness 36 in.	Value up to $400. Free electronic delivery confirmation to this country (IMM 252.22). No insurance. Customs form: PS Form 2976.
Priority Mail International	12	66 lb; Flat Rate Envelope and Small Box 4 lb, Medium and Large Box 20 lb	60 in. long; length + girth 108 in.	6-10 business days to many major markets (USPS). Tracking included, except on Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes (USPS). Insurance: $200 included for merchandise; more can be bought up to $1,025. Customs form: PS Form 2976-A.
Priority Mail Express International	12	66 lb	36 in. long; length + girth 79 in.	Serves all locations in New Zealand except the Ross Dependency. The listing offers a money-back guarantee, but USPS has suspended it (service alerts). No coins, jewelry, watches or other valuables. Customs form: PS Form 2976-B.
First-Class Mail International	6	3.5 oz letters; 15.994 oz large envelopes	Letter and flat sizes	Documents and correspondence only: no merchandise of any kind (IMM 242.2).
Airmail M-bag	6	66 lb	One sack	Printed matter (books, magazines, catalogs) to one address; $133.43 up to 11 lb, then $12.13 a lb.

Online prices need PC Postage. Commercial Base prices are for labels from a USPS-approved PC Postage product, “with the exception of Click-N-Ship service”, so Click-N-Ship labels pay the retail price for Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International alike (IMM 233.231, 252.25, 253.231).
Valuables: coins, precious metals, jewelry and watches can't go by Priority Mail Express International, and Registered Mail isn't offered for First-Class Package International Service or Priority Mail International (IMM 134, 332). New Zealand's own rule is under jewelry above.
Service alerts: USPS's international service alerts (updated Oct 2, 2026, checked Oct 19, 2026) don't list New Zealand among the 13 destinations where mail acceptance is suspended. The same page says that, effective Oct 25, 2021, “due to airline travel restrictions and cancellations,” USPS suspended the Priority Mail Express International guarantee to New Zealand. Check it before a big shipment.

USPS prices to New Zealand

"Online" is USPS's Commercial Base price, for labels from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider. "Post Office" is the retail price, which Click-N-Ship also charges: USPS lists retail Flat Rate prices “at Post Office & Online” (USPS, IMM 233.231). Commercial Plus prices are the same as Commercial Base in this edition. First-Class Package International weights round up to the next ounce (IMM 253.12), so an 8.2 oz package pays the 9-16 oz price.

First-Class Package International Service, price group 12. Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026. Online saves $1.18 to $13.35.
Weight	Post Office	Online
1-8 oz	$24.80	$23.62
9-16 oz	$41.25	$39.16
17-32 oz (up to 2 lb)	$46.05	$43.86
33-48 oz (up to 3 lb)	$65.25	$62.00
49-64 oz (up to 4 lb)	$79.10	$65.75

Priority Mail International by weight, price group 12, weight not over. Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026.
Weight	Post Office	Online
1 lb	$70.65	$68.36
2 lb	$77.95	$75.41
3 lb	$86.80	$83.98
4 lb	$96.80	$93.65
5 lb	$106.65	$103.17
10 lb	$166.15	$160.75
20 lb	$258.80	$250.39
30 lb	$360.55	$348.85
44 lb	$473.85	$458.50
66 lb	$686.50	$664.25

Priority Mail International Flat Rate, Flat Rate price group 6. USPS's own Flat Rate packaging only; every envelope or box named in a row costs the same, and USPS suggests the padded envelope for clothing, books and boxed jewelry (USPS). Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026.
Packaging	Up to	Post Office	Online
Flat Rate Envelope: regular, padded, legal, window or small	4 lb	$53.00	$51.27
Small Flat Rate Box (also the DVD and Large Video boxes)	4 lb	$54.75	$52.98
Medium Flat Rate Box (top- or side-loading)	20 lb	$112.70	$109.03
Large Flat Rate Box (also the Board Game box)	20 lb	$139.55	$135.05

Three packages, priced

A paperback in a padded mailer, 14 oz: First-Class Package International Service $39.16; Priority Mail International by weight (1 lb) $68.36; Priority Mail International Padded Flat Rate Envelope $51.27. Cheapest: First-Class Package International Service, $39.16 online.
Jeans and a sweater, 2 lb 8 oz: First-Class Package International Service $62.00; Priority Mail International by weight (3 lb) $83.98; Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box $109.03. Cheapest: First-Class Package International Service, $62.00, as long as the value is $400 or less.
Six hardcovers, 9 lb: too heavy for First-Class Package International. Priority Mail International by weight (9 lb) $152.20; Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box (if they fit) $109.03; Airmail M-bag (printed matter only, priced from 11 lb) (Post Office counter) $133.43. Cheapest: Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box, $109.03.

Online prices, except the M-bag. Selling platforms and label services can charge their own rates. Domestic rates: postage calculator.

Customs form, HS codes and value

Which form: PS Form 2976 for First-Class Package International Service (up to $400), PS Form 2976-A in a 2976-E envelope for Priority Mail International, PS Form 2976-B for Priority Mail Express International. All must be printed electronically, by your label software, Click-N-Ship, Customs Form Online or the Post Office counter; hand-filled forms with a barcode are obsolete (IMM 123.11, 123.61).
What goes on it: full names and addresses, the category (gift, merchandise and so on), a detailed description with quantity, net weight and value for each item, and “the 6-digit WCO HS code for each item in the package unless otherwise specified in the individual country listing” (IMM 123.711). USPS's example: “Men's cotton shirts”, not “Clothes” (USPS).
Books and media count as goods: books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs need a form and a value even though they're printed or recorded (IMM 123.623).
Export filing: enter “NOEEI 30.37(a)” when each class of goods is worth $2,500 or less (IMM 526.2).
New Zealand's listing: “Addressees are required to obtain import licenses from the New Zealand customs authorities for all shipments except the following:” The exceptions: bona fide gifts up to 100 NZD, and merchandise for the addressee's personal use (not for sale) up to 20 NZD.
New Zealand's listing: “Each commercial shipment must be covered by a commercial invoice showing the current domestic price of the goods” that is, the US price, plus the selling price to the buyer in New Zealand and a value certificate signed by the shipper.
New Zealand's listing: “the mailer include both the addressee’s telephone number (preferably mobile) and email address, if available, on the customs declaration form.”

Duties, taxes and fees: who pays

USPS's manual says: “The duties, taxes, import fees, and other charges, if applicable, are not included in the postage paid by the mailer,” and most countries charge the recipient a customs clearance and delivery fee on top (IMM 131.34, as revised Oct 19, 2026). Apart from Delivered Duty Paid and the invoices below, USPS doesn't give out information on what other countries charge (IMM 131.34).

If the charges go unpaid: since Oct 19, 2026, when duties, taxes or import fees on your package haven't been paid in full and the customs authority, postal operator or broker in New Zealand seeks them from you or USPS, “the Postal Service (or its representative) will send an invoice to the mailer for such amounts” (IMM 424.1). You have to pay the whole invoice by its due date “even if the mailer disputes the assessment,” whether the package was delivered, lost, damaged or returned, and anything not paid by the invoice's due date draws interest at 6% a year (IMM 424.2, 424.4). A challenge to the amount goes to the party that set it, not to USPS (IMM 424.5). USPS made these changes in an interim final rule effective Oct 19, 2026 (Federal Register, 91 FR 66000); its online manual, dated Sep 7, 2026, didn't show them yet when we checked on Oct 19, 2026. More: when USPS bills the sender for unpaid duties.

New Zealand's listing: “Goods purchased online from the United States with an individual value not exceeding 1,000 New Zealand Dollars (NZD) may have the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collected by the seller at the point of sale.”
New Zealand's listing: “To avoid double taxation, New Zealand Post recommends that a U.S. mailer include a copy of the receipt or commercial invoice showing the GST number and the amount of GST paid.”
New Zealand's listing: “When no proof of payment of GST is available, NZCS may charge the GST to the addressee before completing importation.”

General information from USPS's manual, not tax or customs advice. Whether you have to register for New Zealand's VAT, GST or a similar tax is a question for a tax professional.

Questions

What's the cheapest way to ship a package to New Zealand with USPS?

For a light package, First-Class Package International Service (up to 4 lb and $400 in value): $23.62 for up to 8 oz with a label from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider, or $24.80 at the Post Office or through Click-N-Ship, which charges the retail price (IMM 252.25). From 33 oz, a Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope costs less if the item fits: $51.27 online, against $62.00 by First-Class Package International, though USPS offers no tracking on Flat Rate Envelopes. Heavier or more valuable packages go by Priority Mail International, from $68.36 for 1 lb online (Notice 123).

Can I ship books to New Zealand?

Yes, but check this entry in New Zealand's listing. Prohibited: “Obscene and immoral articles contained in publications and on any media, including videotapes, films, records, and CD–ROMs.” Books need a customs form with a value (IMM 123.623). For 11 lb or more of books to one address, an Airmail M-bag starts at $133.43 plus $12.13 a pound over 11 lb (Notice 123).

Can I ship used clothing to New Zealand?

Yes, but check these entries in New Zealand's listing first. Restricted: “Used clothing and used bedding must be for personal use of persons in New Zealand, or with permission of the New Zealand Minister of Customs.” Worn-out clothing not for personal use must be clean and disinfected, or that is done at the addressee's expense. Prohibited: “Furs and skins of animals (untreated).” Describe each piece on the customs form (USPS's example: “Men's cotton shirts”, not “Clothes”) (USPS customs forms).

Can I ship electronics with lithium batteries to New Zealand?

No. New Zealand's listing prohibits “Lithium batteries — including items containing properly installed lithium batteries under IMM 135.6.”, so a device with its battery installed is out too. USPS's own limits for other countries are in IMM 135.62-135.64.

Who pays duties and taxes on a package to New Zealand?

Normally the buyer, in the price or at import. For goods up to 1,000 NZD, the seller may collect New Zealand GST at the point of sale; when there's no proof it was paid, New Zealand Customs may charge it to the addressee before releasing the item. If you collected it, New Zealand Post suggests including a copy of the receipt or invoice showing the GST number and amount, to avoid the buyer paying twice. USPS can't prepay duties to New Zealand. The listing's exact words are quoted under duties and taxes above (IMM New Zealand listing). If the charges go unpaid and the destination seeks them from you or USPS, USPS will invoice you, and you have to pay it by its due date even if you dispute the amount (IMM 424, effective Oct 19, 2026).

Do I need an HS code to ship to New Zealand?

Yes. Every customs form needs at least the 6-digit HS code for each item unless the country listing says otherwise (IMM 123.711). With USPS's own tools (Click-N-Ship, Customs Forms Online or Global Shipping Software) you can skip the lookup: give a specific description, such as “Men's cotton shirts” instead of “Clothes”, and USPS assigns the code (USPS customs forms). Whatever tool picks the code, “the mailer remains solely responsible” for it being right (IMM 537.4).

Can I mail a trading card or other small item I sold to New Zealand in a letter?

No. First-Class Mail International takes only correspondence and documents: “No merchandise, whether dutiable or nondutiable, may be mailed using First-Class Mail International service” (IMM 242.2). The lowest-priced USPS service for goods is First-Class Package International Service, $23.62 online for up to 8 oz, with a customs form; the package has to be at least 6 inches long and 4 inches high (IMM 251.22).

Sources

Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026 from each official page below.

Free 1-page Reseller Cheat Sheet: fees on 8 platforms, Media Mail and stamp prices

What each platform takes from a $10, $25 and $50 sale, Media Mail 1-10 lb, Ground Advantage to Zones 1, 5 and 8, and the Forever stamp, on one printable page. The link appears as soon as you sign up.