Domestic Transhipment Request (DTR) FAQs

Uncleared cargo means any importation that has not been released by Customs and MPI.

A DTR must be made electronically using the Trade Single Window (TSW) as part of an Inward Cargo Report (ICR).

View a video presentation by Customs and MPI that outlines general information about DTR.

Glossary of terms

• CCA - Customs-controlled Area
• CTO - Cargo Terminal Operator
• DTR - Domestic Transhipment Request
• ICR - Inward Cargo Report
• ITR - International Transhipment Request
• TF - Transitional Facility

DTR for Consolidated Shipments

TSW supports the submission of a DTR as either, a single consignment ICR which reports the consolidation at Master level, or, as a multi consignment ICR which reports the consolidation at House Bill (or House Bill equivalent) level.  For information on how to submit either single or multi consignment ICR’s, speak to your software provider.

For multi consignment ICR’s which are reporting the consolidation at House Bill level it is important to ensure that the Master Bill information is entered for all consignments. The response from Customs and MPI can then be summarised by TSW at Master Bill level which simplifies the process for the releasing Warehouse as they do not need to check the movement status of each consignment (e.g. MB123456789 - movement approved).

Note: A consolidation will not be broken down by the CTO to release individual cargo items.

Movement for Examination

If a consignment or parts of a consignment are required for Customs or MPI exam, the requirement of examination from either agency will act as approval to move the goods from the current CCA to the exam location and no DTR is required. This also applies for the subsequent return to the CCA.

What flight number should I be using on the ICR?

The flight number that needs to be submitted on the ICR is the international flight on which the cargo first arrived into New Zealand.  Any reference number used to identify the means of transport being used to move the cargo domestically (e.g. Domestic flight number, trucking route number) is not required, or valid to be used on the ICR. 

What process should I follow if there are packages within a Consolidation that are destined for a country other than NZ?

When there are packages within a consolidation that are destined for a country other than NZ (International Transhipments) then a two-step process is required. 

Step 1: Submit an ICR with a DTR to enable the whole consolidation to be moved from the CTO back to your warehouse. 

Step 2: Submit the International Transhipment Requests (ITR) for the packages which need to be exported using either a second ICR or a CRE.

How much does a DTR cost?

Currently no fees are charged where an ICR is submitted to only request a DTR movement. Charges still apply to ICRs that includes write-offs.  Refer to Goods Clearance Fees.

What does DTR replace?

DTR replaces the Customs Continuous Collectors Permit or “paperless transhipments” (NZCS 203) and hard copy permit to remove for movement in New Zealand under Customs Control (NZCS 202).

DTR will also replace the MPI General Authorisation for Carriage (GAC).

What is not covered by a DTR?

A DTR approval does not release goods from MPI or Customs Control.

Any Agency Directions, either by MPI or Customs, must still be complied with.

The movement from aircraft to Cargo Terminal does not currently require a DTR.

Some movements are not covered by the DTR and these are:

• NZCS 201 Removal of goods from a CCA (PDF 94 KB)
• NZCS 244 Temporary removal of goods from a CCA (PDF 246 KB)
• NZCS 508 Request for release of goods for export) (PDF 188 KB)

These requests can be sent to service.delivery@customs.govt.nz or ITOCtradetargeting@customs.govt.nz (outside business hours).

Will my procedure statement change?

The NZCS licencing team is in the process of making the necessary changes to the procedure statements and will be making contact with general CCAs in due course.

Who lodges a DTR?

A DTR can be submitted by freight forwarders, an approved facility operator or on behalf of a Carrier.

Do I need to be a declarant?

No. However, if a DTR is part of an ICR with write off requests, then a declarant with the required privileges will need to lodge the request.

When should a DTR be lodged?

The DTR must be submitted prior to movement of the goods allowing sufficient time for processing by Customs and MPI. Download DTR Air Scenarios (PDF 1.8 MB).

Who lodges the DTR for cargo?

Our expectation is the destination CCA/TF for the movement will be submitting the DTR.

If you currently use your collectors permit to move cargo, then it gets replaced by the DTR.

How is a DTR lodged?

A DTR can be lodged using a third party software which has DTR capabilities or via TSW Online.

A DTR must be lodged as part of an ICR. 

DTRs can be included in the carrier ICR, or as a separate ICR submitted by a freight forwarder or an approved facility operator. 

Refer to ICR Factsheet for requirements of completing an ICR.

Can I amend my ICR?

Yes.  An ICR can be amended to make any changes or add a DTR.

Can I withdraw my DTR?

Yes.  The movement request can be removed and then the ICR is resubmitted to withdraw the DTR.

Notifications of the change will be sent to any previously advised parties.

What happens after a DTR is submitted?

After the DTR is submitted, each consignment is automatically assessed by both Customs and MPI Biosecurity.  A response will be returned to the submitter, the current location of goods and the transhipment destination. 

Responses can be by B2B messaging or email notifications.

If using TSW Online, you can view responses via My Lodgements (see TSW Online Guides for more information).

How do I find the Location of Goods Code?

A regularly updated list of Location of Goods Codes are located on our website.

What if the movement is Rejected?

If the DTR rejects in the system, the goods cannot be moved until the error has been resolved. The most common reason for rejection includes failing to add the second Location of Goods Code in the ICR.

Does approval of DTR mean approval to release goods?

No. The DTR relates to the movement of uncleared cargo only.

• Approval means that the cargo can be moved from one approved facility to another.
• This TSW notification/s contain both a Movement and Clearance status as they are independent of each other.
• It is possible a consignment may be approved to move, but we may still need additional action or information to be performed prior to clearance being given.

Do I need to make any IT system changes to be able to submit DTR’s?

DTR’s are submitted on an Inward Cargo Report through Trade Single Window.

TSW Online is fully set up to handle the submission of DTR’s.

Most software providers are also able to submit the DTR, however it is best to check with them directly, particularly if you have a specific set of requirements that need to be handled

What is an Approved Facility?

An approved facility is both a Customs-controlled Area (CCA) as well as an Authorised Transitional Facility (ATF).

DTR for Consolidated Shipments

A DTR can be lodged for consolidations using information at the Master Bill level or at House Bill level. 

For consolidated shipments it is important to ensure that the Master Bill information is entered for all consignments that include a DTR. The overall response from the Customs and MPI are linked to the Master Bill and approval will be given at Master Bill level (e.g. MB123456789 - movement approved).

Note: A consolidation will not be broken down by the CTO to release individual cargo items.

Do I need House Bill level information to request DTR?

No. Housebill level information is only required for ICR’s where a write-off is requested.

How is the DTR approval managed in Trade Single Window (TSW)?

After being successfully submitted, the DTR is then processed by both Customs and MPI who will either Approve or Decline the request.

Notifications are automatically emailed to the following:

• Submitter
• Location holding the goods (Location of Goods)
• Destination of the goods (Transhipment Destination)
• Any third (Notify) parties listed in the request.

Are there MPI risk goods that cannot be moved under a DTR?

There are no MPI specific commodity conditions for the movement of uncleared airfreight from one approved facility to another. All movements approved under a DTR for uncleared goods must be moved by way of an enclosed, secure, leak-proof conveyance, being either within an enclosed vehicle or within and enclosed air container.

Need help?

If you need help completing a DTR, email DTRair2022@customs.govt.nz for assistance.