Market guide / NZ
How to import Korean cosmetics to New Zealand
EPA group-standard coverage and the 2026 changes.
Notification & local responsibility
Assess the shipment against EPA’s Cosmetic Products Group Standard. Since January 2026, it covers cosmetics containing a hazardous substance even when the finished product is not hazardous. Check group-standard assignment and reporting requirements with EPA before first import. [1] [2]
Labels & language
For products covered by the standard, labels must be in English and include ingredients, safety information, batch identification and contact information for the New Zealand importer or manufacturer. [1]
Ingredient checks
Review current Schedules 4–8 for prohibited and restricted ingredients and permitted colourants, preservatives and UV filters. Check EPA’s transition dates rather than relying on an older ingredient list. [1]
Duties & taxes
Use the official customs resource below as a starting point. Ask your customs broker to confirm the product classification, origin documents, customs value and applicable duties, taxes and fees for this shipment before you accept the quote. [4]
No duty rate is assumed in this guide. Include your receiving city and the importer of record in the quote request so destination costs can be discussed.
Categories needing extra care
Use Medsafe’s product-categorisation guidance if a product has therapeutic claims or its classification is unclear. [3]
- Food & supplements
Send these as a separate product list for classification, ingredient, label and permit review. This cosmetics guide does not determine their import requirements.
- Aerosols & perfume by air
Flag these products before choosing air shipping. Request a safety data sheet and a carrier acceptance review, including packaging and documentation, before confirming transport.
Ordering with VANVIOR
From Korea to your receiving address
Request a quote
Send the product names, sizes, quantities, destination and sales channel. Discuss any documents or label information your importer needs before confirming the order.
Confirm and prepay
Review the written quote with shipping listed separately. Accepted orders are paid in advance.
Purchase and check
VANVIOR purchases the agreed goods, checks counts, expiry dates and condition, and shares photos before shipping.
Pack and ship from Incheon
Small orders can use express courier; larger orders can use air or sea freight from Incheon. The method and cost are confirmed in the quote. Import duties and destination taxes are paid by the buyer unless the quote states otherwise.
Sources
Official government and regulator resources. Check the linked page for amendments and product-specific details before ordering.
Build your request
Sourcing for New Zealand?
Share your product list, quantities, destination and importer’s document requirements. We will discuss sourcing and a written quote for your order.