Sorry New Zealand, but it's time to say "Goodbye"

[FmGrowit]

As of 6:30 AM (EST) , May 16, 2020 Whole Leaf Tobacco will no longer be shipping retail orders to New Zealand residents.

A new law will go into effect on July 1, 2020 which prohibits the importation of tobacco.

"importers will no longer be able to import tobacco products, or tobacco leaf and refuse through the international mail service run by New Zealand Post"

There might be some alternative shipping options available in future, but until then, we will not be accepting orders shipped to New Zealand.

EDIT: You can try using a forwarding company with a US shipping address. www.MyUS.com has been suggested by other NZ customers.

 

[myboysarge]

Cheers @FmGrowit,,,it was bound to happen one day. At least we still have our FTT forum.
I always plan for the worst while hoping for the best, and my lil’ order from WLT was just the icing on the cake to top off an awesome season. Next seasons seedlings are all ready patiently waiting in the greenhouse.
Thanks WLT team.

 

[JennyLeez]

A new law will go into effect on July 1, 2020 which prohibits the importation of tobacco.

Hi,
This is not until the first of July. Are we able to still order this month. Takes 10 to 12 days to reach New Zealand. So we are right for while.
What do you think.

Cheers
Jenny

 

[FmGrowit]

We will not ship to NZ using USPS anymore. Nobody is getting their orders and it's nothing but a huge headache that I can do without.

If you want to use a forwarding company, that's up to you. Here is one that some customers use. I do not know anything about it and I am not responsible for anything shipped using a forwarding company.

MyUS.com | Shop US Stores & Ship Overseas

Shop US websites & ship to your country with reduced international shipping rates. Ship packages from popular stores like Amazon, Walmart, Ralph Lauren, and more. Get a free 30-day Premium Membership today!

www.myus.com

 

[Davo]

My understanding is that as private importers we are able to apply for a free permit that allows us one import per 12 months - making the 1st July cutoff only applicable to people who are ordering more regularly than this. Once USPS has worked through the current delays, and is back to more normal shipping timeframes, would you consider letting NZers order annually?

 

[FmGrowit]

My understanding is that as private importers we are able to apply for a free permit that allows us one import per 12 months - making the 1st July cutoff only applicable to people who are ordering more regularly than this. Once USPS has worked through the current delays, and is back to more normal shipping timeframes, would you consider letting NZers order annually?

New Zealand postal service can claim the fault lies with USPS all it wants and it still be untrue. My company will never ship another tobacco item to New Zealand using any standard postal service....ever. Register with a forwarding company, get a US address and I'll ship to you.

 

[Davo]

Cool thanks for being clear. I’m gonna look into that freight forward provider. Any of you other kiwis have experience with it?

 

[JennyLeez]

Hi Davo,

Can you keep us posted as to what you find out. I will research as well

Jenny

 

[JennyLeez]

Ok I have signed up following the link above to MYUS.
They have a 30 day trial so that should do the trick.

Which one do I need to tick please?

International Shipping Options
DHL Express 1 to 4 business days
FedEx Priority 1 to 3 business days
FedEx Economy 2 to 5 business days
UPS Worldwide Saver 1 to 4 business days
UPS Expedited 2 to 8 business days

 

[Davo]

Ok I have signed up following the link above to MYUS.
They have a 30 day trial so that should do the trick.

Which one do I need to tick please?

International Shipping Options
DHL Express 1 to 4 business days
FedEx Priority 1 to 3 business days
FedEx Economy 2 to 5 business days
UPS Worldwide Saver 1 to 4 business days
UPS Expedited 2 to 8 business days

I would assume they would all be somewhat similar no? If anything my gut would say go with the cheaper of the faster options.

am I reading the legislation correct where it says we can individually apply for a permit and order once per 12months provided we ship through a freight forward company? if so, I might try and rush a sample purchase through now to beat the cut off date, but wait until Black Friday sales etc before placing a decent sized order

 

[JennyLeez]

From our reading it appears that you just won't be able to buy any more tax free after July1.

Not sure why you feel you can obtain a permit which will allow you to purchase tax free once a year.

Side issue, I now appear to live in Florida.
Dont think I want to live up there just now

 

[myboysarge]

I would assume they would all be somewhat similar no? If anything my gut would say go with the cheaper of the faster options.

am I reading the legislation correct where it says we can individually apply for a permit and order once per 12months provided we ship through a freight forward company? if so, I might try and rush a sample purchase through now to beat the cut off date, but wait until Black Friday sales etc before placing a decent sized order

Bit more info in the faq’s

https://www.customs.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/misc/importing-or-bringing-tobacco-into-nz-faqs.pdf

says the permit system is in place to make sure tax on whole leaf is being paid. Unfortunately
So yeah the permit is free, but you’re pretty much applying to pay tax.

 

[Orson Carte]

Bit more info in the faq’s

https://www.customs.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/misc/importing-or-bringing-tobacco-into-nz-faqs.pdf

says the permit system is in place to make sure tax on whole leaf is being paid. Unfortunately
So yeah the permit is free, but you’re pretty much applying to pay tax.

Exactly!
There will be absolutely no way for anyone to avoid paying Excise Duty every time the permit is applied.
I don't know at what rate this duty will be charged on 'unmanufactured tobacco' after July 1 but if it's the same as what is presently for all manufactured tobacco products it will be around $1200 per kilo.
I'm afraid that the good times of cheaper tobacco are very soon to be over.

 

[Davo]

so I totally misread the FAQs! Haha well that’s what you get when you skim something at 3am. I had interpreted it as implying that the excise duty limits wouldn’t change (Unmanufactured leaf remains exempt), but you would need a permit to import. Thanks for giving me a kick up the butt! Originally was going to just order sample, but since this will be a one off, any last minute advice?

 

[myboysarge]

so I totally misread the FAQs! Haha well that’s what you get when you skim something at 3am. I had interpreted it as implying that the excise duty limits wouldn’t change (Unmanufactured leaf remains exempt), but you would need a permit to import. Thanks for giving me a kick up the butt! Originally was going to just order sample, but since this will be a one off, any last minute advice?

Hehe, I’m guilty of those late night reads/early morning great ideas. i guess you could still try MYUS for an order before the cut off date.
But yeah definitely not worth the hassles for the team @WLT to accept orders from us NZ’ers.
I’ve only ever used MYUS for clothing/shoes/tech, but never had a problem.

 

[Davo]

Yeah I will definitely try using that freight forward option. Just need to do a stock take of the cellar and figure out which varieties I need to buy to compliment what Blends I have and the burley and bright I’m growing

 

[abec72]

Yeah I will definitely try using that freight forward option. Just need to do a stock take of the cellar and figure out which varieties I need to buy to compliment what Blends I have and the burley and bright I’m growing

Hi, did you use myus

 

[Davo]

Hi, did you use myus

I’m about to. They currently have a 20% off freight deal until end of May which helps. Would mean we would need to order today for it to arrive with them and be processed in time to be shipped before then

 

[abec72]

I’m about to. They currently have a 20% off freight deal until end of May which helps. Would mean we would need to order today for it to arrive with them and be processed in time to be shipped before then

Yeah orderring tonight how many lbs are you orderring. Im going to try 14. I might also upgrade to 2-4 way shipping and rushed processing. Good luck Hopefully customs doesn't hold it till 1st July.

 

[Davo]

Yeah orderring tonight how many lbs are you orderring. Im going to try 14. I might also upgrade to 2-4 way shipping and rushed processing. Good luck Hopefully customs doesn't hold it till 1st July.

I Think as long as it has made it to customs by July 1st it should be sweet. From there on I couldn’t care how long they hold it for. I was thinking of 12lbs but I’ve read on these forums about an 8lb limit- does anyone know if this still applies?