🇳🇿Shipping from New Zealand to Samoa🇼🇸
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
NZ Post
$11.35/kg
10-25 days
Fastest option
NZ Post
1-2 days
$11.35/kg
Duty-free under
$50
VAT / Sales Tax: 15%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$8.52
NZ Post
10-25 d
Clothing 2kg
$16.47
NZ Post
Box 5kg
$28.39
NZ Post
Heavy 10kg
$47.69
NZ Post
from $11.35/kgfrom 1 days4 carriersde minimis $50
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
Currency:
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4 results
NZ Post~ EstimatedCheapest3.1 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
3–10 days
Estimated Price
$11.35
Tracking: Yes
NZ Post~ EstimatedFastest3.1 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–2 days
Estimated Price
$11.35
Tracking: Yes
NZ Post~ Estimated3.1 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
10–25 days
Estimated Price
$11.35
Tracking: Yes
EMS✓ Verified3.1 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$12.85
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — May 15, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ PostExpress | $10.44 | $11.35 | +8.7% |
| NZ PostStandard | $10.44 | $11.35 | +8.7% |
| NZ PostEconomy | $10.44 | $11.35 | +8.7% |
| EMSEMS Express | $12.72 | $12.85 | +1% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: Samoa
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 85 | 0-20% |
| Clothing | 61-62 | 10-20% |
| Footwear | 64 | 10-20% |
| Food & Beverages | 01-24 | 0-20% |
| Machinery | 84 | 0-5% |
| Cosmetics | 33 | 10-20% |
| Books | 49 | 0% |
| Toys & Games | 95 | 10-20% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
Samoa Ministry for Revenue, Customs Division. ASYCUDA World system. PACER Plus member. VAGST (Value Added Goods and Services Tax) at 15% on imports. Duties 0-20%. Tala (WST) currency. Apia port (Matautu Wharf) is the main entry. WTO member since 2012.
Processing time3-7 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for WS: $0. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for Samoa →Small Polynesian nation (~200,000 people). VAGST at 15% plus duties up to 20%. Apia port handles cargo from NZ, Australia, Fiji, and American Samoa. DHL has limited service. Postal mail 2-4 weeks from NZ. Cargo ships every 1-2 weeks. Strong remittance economy from NZ/Australia/US diaspora drives personal imports. Customs reasonably organized with ASYCUDA World. Strict biosecurity. Cyclone season (Nov-Apr) disrupts shipping. Faleolo Airport for air cargo. WTO member since 2012.
Required Documents
✓For export from NZ: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading
✓certificate of origin
✓import entry (NZCS)
✓MPI biosecurity clearance for food/plant/animal products
✓For import into WS: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓customs declaration
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: PACER Plus for Pacific trade. PICTA for regional preferences. General certificates from Samoa Chamber of Commerce. Import licenses: Required for firearms, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for biosecurity. Import permits for vehicles.
Trade: New Zealand & Samoa
Limited direct trade data between NZ and WS. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into WS: Consumer goods, machinery, electronics. Key exports from NZ: Dairy products, meat, wood products, wine, kiwifruit, wool, fish, aluminum, machinery. Strict biosecurity. Limited shipping options. Sea freight often the only option for parcels.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipper reports, delivery from NZ to WS takes 7-21 days depending on the service. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer faster delivery in 3-7 days. Accurate customs declarations are recommended to speed up the process.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from NZ: Narcotics
⚠weapons
⚠objectionable publications
⚠products from endangered species
⚠certain food/plant/animal products (strict biosecurity)
⚠e-cigarettes with nicotine (restricted)
⚠Prohibited for import into WS: Drugs
⚠weapons
⚠biosecurity-restricted items
⚠certain plants/animals
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
NZ and WS are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 15% (VAGST). Applies to: CIF value + duty. VAGST at 15% on most imports.
Shipping from New Zealand to Samoa: Overview
We found 4 shipping options from New Zealand to Samoa. The cheapest option is NZ Post (Express) starting from $11.35 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is NZ Post in 1–2 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from New Zealand to Samoa?
The most affordable option for shipping from New Zealand to Samoa is typically NZ Post (Express), starting from approximately $11.35 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from New Zealand to Samoa take?
Delivery times from New Zealand to Samoa range from 1 to 25 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-7 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from New Zealand to Samoa?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from New Zealand to Samoa. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to Samoa?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to Samoa. The duty-free threshold is $50. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (15%) and import duties (average 10%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to WS?
Items prohibited for import into WS include: Drugs, weapons, biosecurity-restricted items, certain plants/animals. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from NZ to WS?
To ship from NZ to WS you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration. Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between NZ and WS?
Yes, NZ and WS share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to WS?
Strict biosecurity. Limited shipping options. Sea freight often the only option for parcels. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for WS?
The de minimis threshold for WS is $0. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into WS?
VAT/GST rate: 15% (VAGST). CIF value + duty. VAGST at 15% on most imports.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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