A first-shipment checklist for Pacific Island buyers
Documents, pack notes, and logistics questions New Zealand exporters should settle before a mixed pallet leaves for island ports.
Pacific Island routes reward preparation. Sailings are less frequent than Tasman services, and a missing certificate can idle product in humid conditions that punish sensitive goods.
Confirm the commercial documents early
Commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin should match the buyer’s import process — not just your domestic template. Ask which authority will clear the goods and whether a local agent stamps anything on arrival.
Respect the pack
Cartons that survive a short Auckland–Sydney run may crush when double-handled onto smaller vessels. Note stack heights and whether pallets must be broken for container utilisation.
Plan for payment and partial orders
Mixed pallets are common. Agree how short-ships and damaged cartons are documented before the container seals. A clear photo protocol saves argument when the buyer opens the doors days later.