The market for ceramics in New Zealand today is experiencing a marked increase in demand. Insight from 6Wresearch indicates a decrease in the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for the New Zealand ceramics market, from 6158 in 2017 to 5883 in 2023. This reduction in market concentration indicates that there are more players in the market, which could lead to increased competition and diversity in the products offered.
Additionally, Grand View Research reports that the global ceramics market, valued at US$239.53 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is largely fueled by the expansion of the building & construction sector, where ceramics find extensive use in tiles, sanitary ware, and bricks. Moreover, evolving indoor home décor trends globally are reshaping the application of ceramics in construction and driving even more market demand.
Alongside these broader market trends, there is also a burgeoning niche market as the interest in ceramics among small businesses and collectors in New Zealand has seen a noticeable uptick. Therefore, it is vital for importers to ensure they have a reliable logistics process to meet the growing demands and capitalise on the expanding ceramics market. However, despite their aesthetic and practical value, ceramic products present unique challenges in importation due to their fragility and specific regulatory requirements.
This comprehensive guide will highlight the best practices for shipping and packaging fragile ceramic items for import, ensuring they reach New Zealand markets in pristine condition.
What are the specific regulations and certifications required for importing ceramics into New Zealand?
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) enforces stringent biosecurity measures to protect the country from various risks associated with imported products, including ceramics. Before any goods can be cleared by Customs, importers must first submit an electronic import entry or electronic cargo entry (ECI) lodgement and pay the applicable Customs duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST). Importers must also settle any other relevant charges and levies.
Additionally, importing ceramics into New Zealand is governed by stringent regulations to ensure safety and compliance. Ceramic items like mugs, plates, or utensils often require a Heavy Metals Certificate, which must be issued by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. This certification process includes testing that may result in a wait of at least 48 hours to determine if the goods can be imported. Hence, this process should be accounted for in your shipment timeline.
How should I properly package ceramics to ensure they arrive safely during transit?
When shipping fragile items such as ceramics internationally, employing robust packaging strategies is critical to prevent any potential damage from occurring during delivery. Here are some packaging tips and shipping solutions you can adopt to ensure your items arrive safely:
- Use high-quality packing materials: Select strong, durable boxes and high-quality packing materials such as bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and packing paper to cushion your ceramics.
- Wrap each item individually: Use protective materials such as honeycomb paper, bubble wrap or foam. And wrap each ceramic item separately in several layers for maximum protection against impacts and vibrations.
- Fill empty spaces: Use packing peanuts, excelsior or crumpled paper to fill the empty spaces within the box. This prevents the items from moving around during shipment.
- Double-box fragile items: For added protection, place the wrapped ceramic item in a smaller box, then put this box inside a larger one with padding between the two boxes.
- Reinforce box edges and seams: Tape all box edges and seams securely with strong packing tape to prevent the box from opening or breaking during transit.
- Use fragile labels: Clearly mark the boxes with "Fragile" and "Handle with Care" stickers to inform handlers of the delicate nature of the contents.
- Choose the right size box: Use a box that is appropriately sized for delicate ceramic items to prevent shifting and reduce the risk of damage.
What are the best shipping methods for transporting fragile ceramics into New Zealand?
There are various shipping options available for importing ceramics. And choosing the right shipping method calls for balancing cost, speed, and the delicate nature of ceramics.
One method you can select is sea shipping. This method is cost-effective for large, heavy shipments and offers extensive capacity, but it is slower, taking weeks to months for delivery. This method also requires careful packaging to withstand longer transit times and rougher handling.
If sea shipping is not suited for your needs, you can also opt for air freight. Air freight is typically much faster. It is also ideal for smaller, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments. However, it is more expensive than sea shipping and has stricter size and weight limitations.
Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your needs as an importer. Most trusted logistics companies, such as DHL Express NZ, should provide both solutions, allowing you to make the decision that best fits your requirements.
