1. How screening works
When you submit a request, our software runs an automated pre-check against the product name, notes and URL, and routes the request to the right queue. That check is triage only.
No automated process at AmeriKiwi approves an import. Every request is decided by a person, and human review is authoritative. Our statuses reflect that: a request is pending review, under manual review, approved for quote, or declined.
2. Categories that generally proceed to review
- Clothing— US-only ranges, sizes that never make it here, brands with no NZ store.
- Footwear— Sneakers, boots, wide/narrow fittings that Kiwi retailers don't stock.
- Books & print— First editions, signed copies, out-of-print titles, US-only releases.
- Collectibles— Trading cards, figures, memorabilia and limited drops.
- Hobby & craft— Model kits, quilting and craft supplies, sports gear, instrument parts.
- Toys (no batteries)— Non-powered toys and games. Anything with a battery goes to review.
- Household goods— Ordinary homeware, kitchen items, bedding, storage and decor.
- Replacement parts— Uncomplicated spare parts — trim, brackets, fittings, mechanical bits.
Being on this list means we are likely to be able to help. It is not an approval.
3. Categories that always get manual review
- Electronics— Possible, but always reviewed by a person — plugs, voltage and compliance.
- Anything with a battery— Lithium cells are restricted in air freight. We check every time.
- Cosmetics & skincare— Reviewed individually — ingredients and labelling rules vary.
- Something else— Not sure where it fits? Send it through and we'll tell you honestly.
Anything containing a battery, anything electrical, anything made of an unusual material, and anything where import eligibility is uncertain sits here regardless of the category you pick.
4. Products we cannot accept
Food & drink
Food · Beverages · Meat · Dairy · Honey · Supplements
Health & regulated goods
Medicines · Alcohol · Tobacco · Nicotine & vapes
Hazardous goods
Perfume · Aerosols · Flammable products · Dangerous chemicals · Loose lithium batteries
Weapons & biosecurity
Weapons · Firearms & parts · Ammunition · Seeds · Plants · Soil
These are excluded for the duration of our MVP. Some are prohibited or licence-controlled imports; others are dangerous goods our carriers will not fly. Submitting one will not get it through, and we will decline it with an explanation.
5. This list changes
Border rules, carrier policies and our own capability all change. The lists on this page are the current position and may be updated at any time. The version that applies to your request is the one in force when we review it.
Full legal classification of restricted and prohibited imports — including MPI biosecurity requirements, NZ Customs prohibitions and IATA dangerous goods rules — must be confirmed with a licensed customs broker and a New Zealand solicitor before AmeriKiwi trades publicly.