WiseTech to modernise New Zealand’s tariff system
NZ Customs selects WiseTech for a 7-year deal to launch a digital tariff portal and free BorderWise access.
The New Zealand Customs Service has selected WiseTech Global to digitise and streamline the Working Tariff Document of New Zealand, a critical classification system for goods traded internationally. The contract, announced on 3 September 2025, aims to modernise tariff management through a new digital portal and wider access tools.
The Working Tariff is based on the World Customs Organization’s Harmonised System, which is used by more than 200 countries and economies to classify over 98 percent of global trade in goods. In New Zealand, every imported and exported product must be classified against this tariff to determine duties, excise, levies and taxes, while ensuring compliance with international obligations and trade restrictions.
WiseTech’s solution will provide an online Customs Tariff Management Portal, replacing fragmented internal processes, emails, and paper documents with a centralised digital system. The platform will help border agencies, including Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries, to update and manage tariff data and documents more efficiently.
As part of the agreement, WiseTech will also launch a New Zealand-specific community edition of its BorderWise product, free for users. This will give importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, logistics providers and government agencies access to a current, accurate and searchable version of the Working Tariff. The product will also continue to support PDF and print versions for those who rely on traditional formats.
The contract runs for an initial seven years, including a two-year implementation period, with options to renew for further terms. It was awarded after a competitive tender process.
The solution includes two main elements. The Customs Tariff Management Portal will digitise and consolidate tariff management, a task that currently relies on a mix of emails, Word and Excel files, PDFs, physical documents and customs entry systems. Meanwhile, the BorderWise Community Edition (New Zealand) will provide detailed access to tariff information, legal notes, tariff concessions, customs advice, free trade agreements and other international trade requirements, with options to upgrade to include tariffs of other major economies and the WCO Harmonised System.
Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer of WiseTech Global, said: “The Tariff Management Portal will be a significant first step in WiseTech providing a global solution intended for many countries and border agencies, that builds on our strong pedigree in customs and compliance. The development of this capability is a logical step within our goal to digitally connect all players within global trade and logistics, driving greater productivity and efficiencies across the industry.”
