UNCLASSIFIED

[Customs reference: OIA 25-644]

 

Kia ora Chris,

 

Thank you for your email of 8 August 2025 request the following under the
Official Information Act 1982:

S

pecifically, I am seeking information on:

 

The number or proportion of import/export consignments sent under
Incoterms such as EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost,
Insurance & Freight), and C&F (Cost & Freight);

 

“Any breakdown of shipments that are freight collect versus freight
prepaid.

Whether this information is collected in New Zealand’s import/export
declaration process and, if so, whether it is available either publicly or
via custom data request.

I have reviewed the publicly available overseas merchandise trade datasets
and understand that values are typically reported on an FOB or CIF basis.
However, I would appreciate guidance on whether:

More detailed Incoterm or freight payment data is collected.

This could be made available through a customised data service or on
request.

There are alternative sources or contacts you would recommend for this
type of information.

Please let me know the best way to proceed and whether there are any
associated costs.

Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to your response.”

 

In order for Customs to respond to your request can you please confirm the
time period(s) for the information requested. 

 

Please respond to this request for clarification, on or before Tuesday 26
August 2025.

 

UNCLASSIFIED

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Thank you for contacting the New Zealand Customs Service. This is an
automatic reply to let you know that we have received your correspondence.

If your correspondence relates to an Official Information Act request, we
will consider and respond to your request in accordance with the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act). Under section 15(1) of the Act, we are
required to make and inform you of our decision on your request as soon as
reasonably practicable and in any case not later than 20 working days
after the day on which your request is received.  If you would like to
calculate the timeframe, you can use the Ombudsman's online calculator
here: [1]http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/

 

If we need to clarify, or transfer your request, or extend the timeframe
for response, we will contact you shortly. If more than 20 working days
are needed due to the potential workload and/or consultations involved in
answering your request, we will notify you accordingly.

 

Please note, we publish some of our Official Information Act responses on
our web site. We will not publish your name or contact details.

 

 

 

The information contained in this email is intended for the addressees and
is not necessarily the official view or communication of the New Zealand
Customs Service.

This email may contain information that is confidential or legally
privileged. If you received this in error, please:

 a. Reply promptly to that effect, remove this email and any replies from
your system.
 b. Do not act on this email in any other way.

References

Visible links
1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/

UNCLASSIFIED

[Customs reference: OIA 25-644]

 

Kia ora Mr Sutcliffe,

 

Thank you for your email received on 8 August 2025, to the New Zealand
Customs Service (Customs) requesting the following under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act):

 

“I am writing to enquire whether the New Zealand Customs Service holds or
can produce data related to the Incoterms or shipment/payment terms used
in New Zealand's international merchandise trade.

Specifically, I am seeking information on:

The number or proportion of import/export consignments sent under
Incoterms such as EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost,
Insurance & Freight), and C&F (Cost & Freight);

Any breakdown of shipments that are freight collect versus freight
prepaid.

Whether this information is collected in New Zealand’s import/export
declaration process and, if so, whether it is available either publicly or
via custom data request.

I have reviewed the publicly available overseas merchandise trade datasets
and understand that values are typically reported on an FOB or CIF basis.
However, I would appreciate guidance on whether:

More detailed Incoterm or freight payment data is collected.

This could be made available through a customised data service or on
request.

There are alternative sources or contacts you would recommend for this
type of information.

Please let me know the best way to proceed and whether there are any
associated costs.”

 

Customs is unable to process your request within the original timeframe
because the consultations necessary to make the decision on your request
as such that a proper response cannot be reasonably be made within the
original time limit. Customs is therefore extending the time frame for a
response by an additional 20 working days (counted from 5 September 2025)
which was the statutory date it was initially due) pursuant to section
15A(1)(b) of the Act.

 

The new due date for your request is 3 October 2025. Customs will provide
a response to you as soon as reasonably practicable and as soon as it
becomes available.

 

You have the right, by way of complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman
under section 28(3) of the Act, to seek an investigation and review of the
decisions conveyed in this letter.

 

Ngâ mihi

 

Ayesha Burn

Senior Advisor | Correspondence, Reviews and Ministerial Servicing

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ârai o Aotearoa

 

 

 

 

UNCLASSIFIED

 

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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IN-CONFIDENCE RELEASE EXTERNAL

[Customs reference: 25-644]

 

Kia ora Chris

 

Please see attached Customs’ response to your request made under the
Official Information Act 1982.

 

Ngâ mihi

 

Ayesha Burn

Senior Advisor | Correspondence, Reviews and Ministerial Servicing

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ârai o Aotearoa

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN-CONFIDENCE RELEASE EXTERNAL

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