The New Zealand market for Indian granite slabs, tiles & monuments
Australia banned engineered stone from 1 July 2024; natural granite is not covered by that ban (ASSUMPTION - confirm with Safe Work Australia). India-Australia ECTA (in force 29 Dec 2022) gives zero duty on most tariff lines with a preferential certificate of origin.
Indian community in New Zealand (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 300,000 (NRI 157,000 + PIO 143,000).
Granite Slabs, Tiles & Monuments specification for New Zealand orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 18/20 mm and 30 mm slabs; 10-20 mm tiles (typical) |
| Slab size | Gangsaw ~270-320 x 160-200 cm; cutter slabs smaller (typical) |
| Finish | Polished, honed, flamed, leathered, brushed, bush-hammered (typical) |
| Water absorption | ≤ 0.40% (ASTM C615 requirement, typical) |
| Density | ≥ 2,560 kg/m³ (ASTM C615, typical) |
| Compressive strength | ≥ 131 MPa (ASTM C615, typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the New Zealand requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in New Zealand
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Biosecurity | MPI | IHS compliance; ISPM-15; treatment certificates |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping granite slabs, tiles & monuments to New Zealand
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Auckland: 26-36 days. Transhipment Singapore or Australian ports; MPI biosecurity clearance
Supply window: Indian granite slabs, tiles & monuments is mainly produced or harvested Harvest Dec-Feb (ASSUMPTION); Year-round. Allow 26-36 days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and New Zealand customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~24-27 MT (≈ 450-500 m² of 2 cm or ≈ 320 m² of 3 cm slabs), 40' HC Not preferred - weight-limited; 20' used.
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF; CIF Auckland is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in New Zealand
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | Lyttelton Port (Christchurch) · Christchurch International (CHC) | construction/engineering materials, agri-food & dairy trade, Indian diaspora grocers |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import granite slabs, tiles & monuments into New Zealand?
Key requirements: Biosecurity — MPI (IHS compliance; ISPM-15; treatment certificates). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to New Zealand take?
Typically 26-36 days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Auckland, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does New Zealand have a trade agreement with India?
India–New Zealand FTA signed April 2026, in force 20 Oct 2026 (rules of origin notified 12 Oct 2026 per S7; S10 says both sides ratified 21 Sep 2026) — very new, confirm tariff schedules before pricing. CONFLICT: 06 §C.8 still says 'no FTA (negotiations launched 2025)'; S7 (28 Oct 2026) is newer — treat as in force, confirm with MPI/MFAT A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to granite slabs, tiles & monuments from India?
Usually HS 680223. New Zealand applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is the difference between gangsaw and cutter slabs?
Gangsaw slabs are cut from whole blocks into large uniform slabs. Cutter slabs are smaller, cut on block cutters, and cheaper.
Can I see the slabs before shipment?
Yes. Slab-by-slab photographs and a measured packing list are standard, and yard inspection can be arranged.
How many square metres fit in a container?
About 450-500 m² of 2 cm slabs or about 320 m² of 3 cm slabs per 20' container (ESTIMATED, weight-limited).
Related guides
Request a quote: granite slabs, tiles & monuments to New Zealand
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in New Zealand. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.