Shipping Policy (New Zealand)
SHIPPING POLICY
[Business Name] | NZBN [Business NZBN]
Effective Date: [Effective Date]
1. INTRODUCTION
This Shipping Policy sets out the terms on which [Business Name] (NZBN [Business NZBN]), of [Business Address], [Business City] [Business Postcode], New Zealand (“we”, “us”, or “our”) despatches and delivers goods to customers in New Zealand and overseas.
This Policy must be read together with our Terms and Conditions and is subject to our obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA), the Fair Trading Act 1986 (FTA), and the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA).
By placing an order with us, you agree to the terms of this Shipping Policy.
2. PRICING AND GST
[GST Treatment] Under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985, GST at 15% applies to taxable supplies of goods made by GST-registered businesses in New Zealand.
Shipping fees are stated in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and are subject to change without notice. Any changes will be reflected in our online store at the time of checkout.
3. ORDER PROCESSING
3.1 Orders are processed within [Processing Time] after payment is confirmed. Delivery timeframes are in addition to order processing time.
3.2 Orders placed before [Cutoff Time] on a business day will generally be despatched that same day, subject to stock availability.
3.3 Business days are Monday to Friday, excluding New Zealand public holidays.
3.4 We will notify you by email once your order has been despatched, and provide tracking information where available.
4. DOMESTIC SHIPPING (WITHIN NEW ZEALAND)
4.1 We offer the following domestic shipping options for delivery within New Zealand:
Standard Shipping: estimated [Domestic Standard Days] business days after despatch. Cost: NZD $[Domestic Standard Fee].
Express Shipping: estimated [Domestic Express Days] business days after despatch. Cost: NZD $[Domestic Express Fee].
4.2 Free standard shipping applies to orders with a total value of NZD $[Free Shipping Threshold] or more (before shipping).
4.3 Delivery timeframes are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Delays may occur due to courier network capacity, adverse weather, or other circumstances outside our control. We will use reasonable endeavours to notify you of any significant delay.
4.4 Delivery timeframes are from the date of despatch and may vary during peak periods such as Christmas, Easter, and other New Zealand public holidays.
5. LOST OR DAMAGED IN TRANSIT
[Lost Damaged Process]
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, risk in goods passes to the consumer once the goods are delivered to the consumer’s address or to a carrier agreed by the consumer. If delivery is made by a carrier chosen by us without the consumer’s agreement, risk remains with us until the goods are delivered to the consumer.
6. RETURNS AND CONSUMER GUARANTEES
6.1 Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 Rights: Under the CGA, if goods are supplied to a consumer and they fail to comply with any consumer guarantee (for example, the guarantee of acceptable quality under section 6, the guarantee that goods match their description under section 9, or the guarantee of fitness for a disclosed purpose under section 8), the consumer has the right to require us to remedy the failure. If the failure is substantial, the consumer may reject the goods and obtain a full refund or replacement.
6.2 Change-of-Mind Returns: We accept change-of-mind returns within [Return Period] of delivery, provided the goods are unused, in original condition and packaging, and accompanied by proof of purchase. Change-of-mind returns are offered as a courtesy and are not required by law.
6.3 Return Shipping for Faulty Goods: For returns arising from a CGA failure (faulty or misdescribed goods), return shipping is paid by [Return Shipping Responsibility].
6.4 Nothing in this Shipping Policy excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy available to a consumer under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or any other applicable New Zealand law.
6.5 To initiate a return, please contact us at [Contact Email] before sending any goods back.
7. CONTACT US
For all shipping enquiries, please contact us at [Contact Email] or write to us at [Business Name], [Business Address], [Business City] [Business Postcode], New Zealand.
We aim to respond to all enquiries within two business days.
8. GOVERNING LAW
This Shipping Policy is governed by the laws of New Zealand, including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, and the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017. Any disputes arising out of this Policy will be subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.
Authorised Representative
________________
Signature
What Is a Shipping Policy (New Zealand)?
A Shipping Policy in New Zealand sets the organisation's rules and expectations on shipping and delivery and the responsibilities of staff and users, supporting compliance with the Companies Act 1993.
A thorough shipping policy addresses all key aspects of the delivery process: domestic shipping options and timeframes within New Zealand, rural delivery surcharges, international shipping to overseas customers, order processing times, GST treatment, lost and damaged goods procedures, and the consumer's statutory rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA).
In New Zealand, the legal framework governing the supply of goods to consumers is centred on the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) and the Fair Trading Act 1986 (FTA). The CGA implies mandatory guarantees into every contract for the supply of goods to a consumer, including the guarantee of acceptable quality (section 6), the guarantee that goods match their description (section 9), and the guarantee that goods are fit for a disclosed purpose (section 8). These guarantees cannot be excluded in consumer transactions.
Particularly relevant to shipping, section 16 of the CGA governs the passing of risk in consumer transactions. Risk in goods passes to the consumer when the goods are delivered to the consumer or to a carrier agreed upon by the consumer. If the seller arranges delivery through a carrier without the consumer's agreement, risk remains with the seller until the goods are physically delivered to the consumer. This means that an online retailer bears the risk of goods being lost or damaged in transit in typical e-commerce transactions.
The Fair Trading Act 1986 requires that all representations made by a business in connection with the supply of goods — including representations about delivery timeframes, shipping fees, and return policies — must not be misleading or deceptive. Businesses that advertise shipping timeframes they cannot consistently meet, or that hide rural delivery surcharges until checkout, may be in breach of section 9 of the FTA.
GST at 15% applies to shipping fees charged by GST-registered businesses under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985. The shipping policy should clearly state whether displayed prices and shipping fees include or exclude GST.
For rural deliveries within New Zealand, rural delivery surcharges apply because New Zealand Post charges courier companies additional fees for deliveries to rural addresses. These surcharges should be disclosed transparently in the shipping policy and at checkout.
When Do You Need a Shipping Policy (New Zealand)?
A written Shipping Policy is essential for any New Zealand business that sells physical goods online, by catalogue, or by mail order. Without a clear written policy, disputes about delivery timeframes, shipping costs, lost goods, and returns can quickly escalate into complaints to the Commerce Commission or claims under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
You should create a Shipping Policy when you launch an e-commerce website or online store in New Zealand. The Fair Trading Act 1986 requires that pricing and terms of sale — including shipping fees and any rural delivery surcharges — be disclosed clearly before the customer places an order. Publishing a detailed shipping policy before accepting orders demonstrates your commitment to FTA compliance.
A shipping policy is particularly important when your business serves rural customers. New Zealand has a significant rural population, and rural delivery surcharges are a common source of customer complaints if not disclosed upfront. A shipping policy that clearly explains how rural addresses are identified and the applicable surcharge prevents disputes and demonstrates FTA compliance.
If your New Zealand business ships internationally — to Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, or elsewhere — you need a shipping policy that addresses international delivery timeframes, customs duties and taxes, and your obligations when goods are lost or damaged in international transit. International customers are generally not protected by the CGA (which applies to supplies in trade in New Zealand), but your FTA obligations to make accurate representations about delivery timeframes and costs apply equally to international customers.
A shipping policy is also necessary when your business offers free shipping above a certain threshold. Free shipping promotions must be clearly structured and the threshold clearly communicated to avoid misleading conduct under the FTA. The policy should specify exactly when free shipping applies and any exclusions (for example, rural addresses or oversized items).
Online retailers and marketplace sellers operating on platforms such as Trade Me, Shopify, or WooCommerce in New Zealand should publish a shipping policy that is consistent with the platform's requirements and with the CGA and FTA. Trade Me sellers are required to clearly state their postage and handling fees in each listing, and having a thorough shipping policy to which listings can refer is established standards.
What to Include in Your Shipping Policy (New Zealand)
A well-drafted New Zealand Shipping Policy should include the following key provisions to comply with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Fair Trading Act 1986, and other applicable legislation.
Business Identification — Identify your business by its full legal name, NZBN (New Zealand Business Number), and registered address. Companies must use the name ending in Limited or Ltd as registered under the Companies Act 1993. Including your NZBN adds credibility and is increasingly expected in New Zealand business-to-consumer relationships.
GST Treatment — State clearly whether all prices, including shipping fees, are inclusive of GST at 15% or exclusive of GST. Under the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Price Display regulations, retail prices displayed to consumers must include GST. Your shipping policy should be consistent with your pricing displayed at checkout.
Order Processing Time — Specify the time between receiving a confirmed, paid order and despatching it. This is distinct from the delivery timeframe. Clearly state the cut-off time for same-day despatch on business days. Orders received after the cut-off time should be despatched on the next business day.
Domestic Shipping Options and Timeframes — Set out the standard and express shipping options available for delivery within New Zealand, including estimated delivery timeframes (in business days from despatch) and costs in NZD. Clearly state any free shipping threshold.
Rural Delivery Surcharge — Disclose any rural delivery surcharge upfront. Explain how rural addresses are identified and how the surcharge is applied at checkout. Transparency is required by the Fair Trading Act 1986.
International Shipping — If you ship internationally, list the countries or regions you serve, estimated delivery timeframes, and that customs duties and taxes are the customer's responsibility.
Risk of Loss and Damaged Goods — Explain how risk passes during delivery, consistent with section 16 of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. Set out the process for reporting lost or damaged goods and the timeframe within which customers must notify you.
Consumer Guarantee Rights — Include a clear statement that the shipping policy does not exclude or limit consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. This is legally required — any attempt to exclude CGA rights in a consumer transaction is void under section 43(4) of the CGA.
Returns and Refunds — Specify your change-of-mind return policy (if any — this is not legally required) and your obligations to provide a remedy (repair, replacement, or refund) when goods fail to comply with a CGA guarantee.
Contact Information — Provide clear contact details (email address and postal address) for shipping enquiries and return authorisation requests. The forms-legal.com Shipping Policy (New Zealand) provides a ready-to-use template that meets New Zealand legal requirements.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Shipping Policy (New Zealand) (New Zealand) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/business/policies/shipping-policy-new-zealand
"Shipping Policy (New Zealand) (New Zealand)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/business/policies/shipping-policy-new-zealand.
@misc{formslegal-shipping-policy-new-zealand,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Shipping Policy (New Zealand) (New Zealand)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/business/policies/shipping-policy-new-zealand}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Companies Act 1993}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA), goods supplied to a consumer in New Zealand come with statutory guarantees that cannot be excluded. Relevant to shipping, section 6 guarantees that goods are of acceptable quality — meaning they arrive in the condition in which they were described and without damage caused during transit if risk has not passed to the consumer. Under section 16 of the CGA, risk passes to the consumer when the goods are delivered to the consumer or to a carrier agreed upon by the consumer. If delivery is made via a carrier chosen by the seller without the consumer's agreement, risk remains with the seller until the goods are actually delivered to the consumer. If goods arrive damaged and the seller bore the risk of loss during transit, the consumer is entitled to a remedy — repair, replacement, or refund — depending on the nature and severity of the fault. A shipping policy that clearly addresses how delivery risk is allocated and how damaged goods will be handled is essential for CGA compliance.
No. New Zealand law does not require businesses to offer free shipping or to meet any specific delivery timeframe, provided the business is transparent about its shipping fees and estimated delivery times before the customer places an order. However, under the Fair Trading Act 1986, shipping fees and delivery timeframes stated by a business must not be misleading or deceptive. If a business advertises 'next day delivery' but routinely delivers in 5 days, this could constitute misleading conduct under section 9 of the FTA, which prohibits any conduct in trade that is misleading or deceptive or is likely to mislead or deceive. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, if no delivery date is agreed, goods must be delivered within a reasonable time (section 15). What constitutes a reasonable time depends on the nature of the goods and the circumstances of the supply. A written shipping policy that sets out realistic estimated delivery timeframes helps manage customer expectations and demonstrates compliance with the CGA and FTA.
Shipping fees charged by a GST-registered business in New Zealand are generally treated as taxable supplies and are subject to GST at 15% under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985. A business must register for GST once its taxable supplies exceed or are expected to exceed NZD $60,000 in any 12-month period. Once registered, the business must include GST on all taxable supplies — including shipping fees — and must issue tax invoices that comply with the GST Act, showing the business's GST number and the amount of GST charged. Shipping fees should be clearly stated in NZD, and the shipping policy should specify whether stated shipping fees include or exclude GST. Many New Zealand e-commerce businesses display prices inclusive of GST (as required for retail prices under the Fair Trading Act 1986, which prohibits displaying prices that exclude tax) and separately show the GST component in the tax invoice.
When a New Zealand consumer orders goods from an online retailer, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 governs who bears the risk of loss or damage during transit. Under section 16 of the CGA, risk in consumer goods passes to the consumer when the goods are delivered to the consumer or to a carrier agreed upon by the consumer. If the seller chooses the carrier without the consumer's agreement (which is typical for standard courier deliveries arranged by the seller), risk remains with the seller until the goods are physically delivered to the consumer. This means that if goods are lost in transit or arrive damaged in circumstances where the seller bore the risk, the seller must provide a remedy to the consumer — generally a replacement or full refund. The seller may then seek compensation from the courier company through the courier's insurance or liability scheme. A shipping policy should set out a clear process for customers to report lost or damaged goods, including a reporting timeframe and contact details.
There is no specific legislation in New Zealand that prohibits or limits rural delivery surcharges. However, rural delivery surcharges charged by online retailers must comply with the Fair Trading Act 1986 — they must be disclosed clearly and not be hidden from customers until after they have placed an order, as this could constitute misleading conduct under section 9 of the FTA. established standards is to display any rural delivery surcharge at the point of checkout, before the customer confirms their order. New Zealand Post charges couriers a rural delivery surcharge for deliveries to rural addresses, and many retailers pass this cost on to rural customers. Rural addresses are typically identified by a Rural Delivery (RD) number in the address. Retailers should include a clear explanation of how rural addresses are identified and the applicable surcharge in their shipping policy to avoid disputes and ensure FTA compliance.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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