G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
5 October 2023  
(23-6675) Page: 1/40 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE  
AGREEMENT ON I MPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES ( 2023-2024) 
NEW ZEALAND  
The following communication, 28 September  2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation New Zealand.  
 
_______________  
 
Table of contents:  
 
1   ASBESTOS -CONTAINING MATERIALS  ................................ ................................ ..........  2 
2   ANTI -PERSONNEL MINES  ................................ ................................ ............................  3 
3   CHEMICAL WEAPONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5 
4   CONTROLLED DRUGS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 8 
5   CLUSTER MUNITIONS  ................................ ................................ ................................  11 
6   ENDANGERED, THREATENED SPECIES  ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
7   EXPLOSIVES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  14 
8   FIREARMS, RESTRICTED WEAPONS, BLANK -FIRING GUNS, AND AMMUNITION  ........  17 
9   GRAPHIC MATERIALS INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN  ................................ ..........  18 
10   HAZARDOUS WASTES  ................................ ................................ ..............................  20 
11   HIGH POWER LASER POINTERS  ................................ ................................ ..............  22 
12   IMPORTS TO ANTARCTICA  ................................ ................................ ......................  24 
13   MARINE ANIMALS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 26 
14   OFFENSIVE WEAPONS (KNIVES, BAYONETS, AND KNUCKLE DUSTERS)  ..................  28 
15   OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  ................................ ................................ ............  29 
16   PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES  ................................ ................................ ..................  32 
17   RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES  ................................ ................................ ....................  34 
18   SODIUM FLUOROACETATE (1080)  ................................ ................................ ...........  36 
19   TOBACCO CONTROLS  ................................ ................................ ...............................  38 
 
 
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  1  ASBESTOS -CONTAINING MATERIALS  
Outline of Systems  
1. Imports of asbestos -containing products under the Imports and Exports (Asbestos -containing 
Products) Prohibition Order 2016 require consent (in the form of a permit) from the Environmental 
Protection Authority. A permit is obtained through meeting the requirements of the Order.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. As above . 
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from any country. Manufacturing products 
from asbestos is not undertaken in New Zealand as asbestos itself is not approved for use.  
 
4. The purpose is to limit the import of asbestos -containing products to reduce the risk to people of 
exposure to asbestos.  
 
5. Imports and Exports (Restrictions) Act 1988, Imports and Exports (Asbestos -containing Products) 
Prohibition Order 2016.   
 
The leg islation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative 
discretion. It includes all asbestos -containing products.  
 
 It is not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without 
legisla tive approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a) No set time limit depends on timing of commercial arrangements. No ability to fast track a 
licence.   
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Yes - one single administrative organ (the Environmental Protection Authority).  
 
8. No additional reasons as to why a request would be refused. Judicial review of a decision is the 
only course of appeal.  
 
The ability for the EPA to refuse to issue a permit is set under 3BC of the Imports and Exports 
(Restrictions) Act 1988. The EPA can refuse to grant a permit if the Authority is satisfied that:  
 
(a) The person who applied for the permit has been convicted of an offence agains t this Act or an 
offence involving a convention chemical or waste; or  
(b) The information provided by the person to the Authority is incorrect . 
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) All persons, firms and institutions are el igible to apply.  
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  Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The application form for an import permit is provided on the EPA website:   
https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Documents/Hazardous -
Substances/Forms/54fce6e60f/Asbestos -Import -Application -Form.docx  
 
Documents the importer is required to supply with the application include information on how the 
importer will manage the risk of exposure from the asbestos -containing product.  
 
11. A numbered permit issued by the Environmental Protection Authority containing details of the 
import.  
 
12. An application fee of $650 excluding GST is payable when the application is lodged. If the total 
number of hours worked on the application exceeds 2.5 hours, then an assessment f ee of $116 for 
each hour worked over the 2.5 can be charged.  
 
13.  No. 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The period of validity of a license is up to twelve months.  
 
15. No. 
 
16. No.  
 
17.(a)  No 
 
(b) Yes, determined on a case -by-case basis.  
 
 See 3BB of the Im ports and Exports (Restrictions) Act 1988 for the matters on which the EPA 
may impose conditions to address.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No 
 
19. Foreign exchange is readily accessed through banks and there is no condition in the permit 
relating to foreign exchange.  
 
2  ANTI -PERSONNEL MINES  
The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti -Personnel 
Mines and on their Destruction, 1997 (the Convention), is implemented in New  Zealand through the: 
Anti-Personnel Mines  Prohibition Act 1998.  
 
Outline of Systems  
1. The Anti-Personnel Mines  Prohibition Act 1998 prohibits the import of all anti -personnel landmines, 
except for anti -personnel mines to be used, developed, produced, otherwise acquired, possessed, 
retained, imported or exported for the purposes of developing, or tr aining persons in, techniques of 
mine detection, mine clearance, mine deactivation, or mine destruction.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.(a) The Minister of Foreign Affairs may, by notice in writing, authorise anti -personnel mines to be 
used, develop ed, produced, otherwise acquired, possessed, retained, imported or exported 
for the purposes of developing, or training persons in, techniques of mine detection, mine 
clearance, mine deactivation, or mine destruction.  
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  (b)  Anti-personnel mine:  
 
(i)  means  a mine designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity, or contact of a 
person, and that is capable of incapacitating, injuring, or killing one or more persons; 
but 
(ii)  does not include a mine designed to be detonated by the presence, proximity, or c ontact 
of a vehicle as opposed to a person and equipped with an anti -handling device.  
  
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from "all" countries.  
 
4. The system is designed to meet the requirements of the Convention by restricting the quantity of 
anti-personnel mines imported to those required for the purposes of developing, or training persons 
in, techniques of mine detection, mine clearance, mine deactivation, or mine destruction. 
The Minister of Foreign Affairs must specify, by notic e in the Gazette , the number of anti -personnel 
mines determined by the Minister to be the number that, for the time being, are absolutely necessary 
for the purposes described above.  
 
5. The Anti-Personnel Mines  Prohibition Act 1998 prohibits the import of all anti -personnel landmines, 
except for anti -personnel mines to be used, developed, produced, otherwise acquired, possessed, 
retained, imported or exported for the purposes  of developing, or training persons in, techniques of 
mine detection, mine clearance, mine deactivation, or mine destruction.  
 
The licensing is statutorily required, and the legislation does not leave designation of products to be 
subjected to licensing to  administrative discretion (see answer to Q2 (i) above).  
 
It is not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without 
legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Importers must seek the approval of the Minister of Foreign Affairs , who must then give notice in 
writing as per 2(a) above.   
 
I.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs must specify, by notice in the Gazette , the number of 
anti-personnel  mines determined by the Minister to be the number that, for the time being, 
are absolutely  necessary for the purposes of developing, or training persons in, techniques of 
mine detection, mine clearance, mine deactivation, or mine destruction.  
 
II. Volume quotas do not apply.  
 
III. Not applicable.  
 
IV. Not applicable.  
 
V. There are no minimum o r maximum times for processing applications.  
 
VI There is no minimum or maximum time.  
 
VII. Consideration of applications is effected on the whole by a single administrative organ (the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand). However, applica tions may be referred 
as required to other agencies for technical advice when assessing the stated purpose of the 
import, the capabilities of the importer to effect the stated purpose, and security assessments 
around the storage, use and disposal of the an ti-personnel mines.   
 
VIII. The Minister of Foreign Affairs determines the number of anti -personnel mines required to 
meet any exceptions to the Act. Should an application have merit then the Minister could 
adjust the gazetted number of mines permitted in  the country.  
 
IX. Not applicable.  
 
X.  Not applicable.  
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  XI. No. 
 
7.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) Not applicable. Those importing anti -personnel mines inadvertently could face prosecution.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Not applicable.  
 
8. None. Although there is no statutory right of administrative appeal against any of the decisions 
by the Minister, applicants could seek a judicial review of an administrative decision through the 
courts.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Yes. 
 
(b)  Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. There are no specifically listed information requirements. Applicants would need to make a case 
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the importation of anti -personnel mines in confo rmance with 
the stated exemptions outlined in the Anti-Personnel Mines  Prohibition Act 1998 , and provide 
relevant details around type, quantity, storage and ultimate disposal.  
 
11. Authorisation from the Minister of For eign Affairs to import and designation by the Minister as 
an officer authorised to be in possession of anti -personnel mines as defined in the Anti-Personnel 
Mines  Prohibition Act 1998 . An import entry clearance would ne ed to be completed with Customs 
before release of the goods.  
 
12. There are no administrative charges for the process of obtaining permission to import 
anti-personnel mines.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. There is no set period of validity for an approval to import. It is possible a period of validity could 
be specified at the time of approval by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. No, other than compliance with the Anti-Personnel Mines  Prohibition Act 1998 . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Not applicable.   
 
3  CHEMICAL WEAPONS  
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is implemented in New Zealand through the Chemical 
Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1996.  
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  Outline of Systems  
1. The Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1996 prohibits the import of all CWC scheduled 
chemicals, unless permission is granted in writing (an import permit is granted) by the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs and Trade.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.(a) CWC Schedule 1 chemicals : these are the most toxic and tightly controlled chemicals, 
primarily consisting of military chemical warfare nerve, blister, choking, or blood agents, 
including sarin and its near relations.   
 
(b) CWC Schedule 2A toxic chemicals and 2B precursor chemicals : these are dual -use 
chemicals, more commonly used and traded for routine commercial purposes in New  Zealand. 
All Schedule  2A chemicals are controlled. A Schedule 2B chemical is controlled if:  
 
- it constitutes more than 10% (by weight) of a mixture, OR  
- if the mix contains more than one Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 chemical.  
 
(c) CWC Schedule 3A toxic chemicals and 3B precursor chemicals: these are dual -use 
chemicals, more commonly used and trade d for routine commercial purposes. A Schedule 3A 
or 3B chemical  is controlled if:  
 
- it constitutes more than 10% (by weight) of a mixture, OR  
- if the mix contains more than one Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 chemical.  
 
All scheduled chemicals are listed on t he OPCW website, https://www.opcw.org/ . 
  
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from "all" countries. The CWC prohibits 
the transfer of Schedule 1 and 2 chemicals to countries/territories which are not party to the CWC. 
A full list of countries/territories party to the CWC are listed on the OPCW website 
https://www.opcw.org/ . 
 
4. The licensing of CW C chemical imports is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, 
but to meet the requirements of the CWC, i.e., the CWC aims to eliminate an entire category of 
weapons of mass destruction by prohibiting the development, production, acquisit ion, stockpiling, 
retention, transfer, or use of chemicals weapons by States Parties. States Parties in turn must take 
the steps necessary to enforce that prohibition in respect of persons (natural or legal) within their 
jurisdiction . 
 
5. The Chemical Weap ons (Prohibition) Act 1996 prohibits the import of all Chemical Weapons 
Convention (CWC) scheduled chemicals, unless permission is granted in writing (an import permit 
is granted) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  
 
The licensing is statutorily required, and the legislation does not leave designation of products to be 
subjected to licensing to administrative discretion (see answer to Q2 above).  
 
It is not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without 
legislat ive approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. Information concerning scheduled chemicals and how to apply for an import licence 
to enter New Zealand is published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New  Zealand's 
website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/trading -weapons -and-controlled -chemicals/how -to-
import -or-export -controlled -chemicals/  together with mo re detailed information on the application 
procedure.  
 
7.(a) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand endeavours to process all applications 
within ten -working days. Application for the import of CWC Schedule 1  Chemicals must be 
received by t he Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand at least 37 days prior to 
the anticipated shipment date. Advance notification is required because the transfer must be G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  notified to the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) which 
implements the CWC internationally, at least 30 days in advance. Licences can be obtained 
within a shorter time -limit if required.  
 
(b) Not immediately, but depending on circumstances, a licence can be provided within 24 hours 
of application.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Consideration of licence applications is effected by a single administrative organ.  
 
8. Specific CWC requirements prohibit the re -transfer of Schedule 1  chemicals. In practice this 
means that Schedule 1  chemicals imported into New Zealand may not be retrans ferred to a third 
country. In these circumstances an import licence would be declined. If Schedule 2 and 3 chemicals 
were imported for retransfer and if it is assessed that there is an unacceptable risk the chemicals 
may be diverted to a chemical weapons p rogramme, then the application to import would be 
declined.  
 
Authority for granting approval for the import of CWC Scheduled Chemicals rests with the Secretary 
of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Although there is no statutory right of administrative appeal aga inst 
any of the decisions by the Secretary, applicants could seek a judicial review of an administrative 
decision through the courts.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) Not appl icable.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. Importers are required to ensure full details of chemicals to be imported are provided, including 
the correct name, mixture weight/analysis breakdown and, if possible, CAS (Chemical Abstracts 
Service) number and  the intended use of the chemicals. Details of CWC Schedules of Chemicals 
(1-3) can be found on our website https://www.m fat.govt.nz/en/trade/trading -weapons -and-
controlled -chemicals/how -to-import -or-export -controlled -chemicals/ together with more detailed 
information on the application procedure. Completed documents should be sent by email  to 
exportcontrols@mfat.govt.nz .  
 
11. Import Permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand.  
 
12. There is no charge for the processing of import permi ts. 
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The period of validity of a license is three months after the licence has been issued. Extensions 
to import licences can be granted when an import does not fall within the usual three -month period, 
by applying to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand.  
 
15. No, but the applicant must inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand in 
writing if the actual quantity imported is less than that approved, or if the im port does not take 
place.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. No.  
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  Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No – not from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand. Some chemicals may 
constitute hazardous substances and could be required to comply with the Hazardous Subst ances 
and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 and supporting regulations.  
 
19. Not applicable to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand.  
 
4  CONTROLLED DRUGS  
Outline of Systems  
1. New Zealand is a party to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1 961 (the Convention) and 
the Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971. The purpose of the conventions is to have single 
international treaties concerned with the control of narcotic drugs and the production of raw 
materials of narcotic drugs and similar international control of psychotropic substances. 
Both narcotics and psychotropic drugs are classified as Controlled Drugs in New Zealand under the 
Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 ("the Act"). Psychotropic substances include barbiturates and 
benzodiazepines and s ome non -medicinal substances such as LSD.  
 
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) monitors the compliance with the provisions of the 
conventions. The conventions set requirements for member countries with respect to regulatory 
provisions, report ing requirements and quotas.  
 
Importing and exporting of controlled drugs (narcotics and psychotropics ) requires an import or 
export licence to be issued prior to the shipment of drugs entering or leaving New Zealand. 
Applications are submitted to Medicin es Control, Medsafe, Ministry of Health. Licences are issued for 
medicinal (human consumption/veterinary use), scientific (including analysis for law enforcement) 
or drug -detector training purposes only.  
 
A Licence to Deal in Controlled Drugs or a Licence  to Possess Controlled Drugs or a Medicinal 
Cannabis Licence, or authorisation under the Act (e.g., a registered medical practitioner), is required 
before the issuance of licences to import or export controlled drugs.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. Import and export licensing is required for controlled drugs listed in Schedules 1, 2, 3 (excluding 
part 6) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. A Licence to Deal in Controlled Drugs or a Licence to Possess 
Controlled Dru gs or a Medicinal Cannabis Licence, or authorisation under the Act (e.g., a registered 
medical practitioner), is required before the issuance of licences to import or export controlled drugs.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from a ll countries.  
 
4. Licensing is intended to restrict the quantity of imports to quotas issued by the INCB. The INCB 
administers a system of estimates for narcotic drugs and a voluntary assessment system for 
psychotropic substances. As a signatory to the con ventions no alternative methods are permissible.  
 
5.  The domestic law under which licensing is maintained is the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, the Misuse 
of Drugs Regulations 1977, and the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019. 
The schedules of the Act define the class of each controlled drug. All controlled drugs require import 
and export licences and licences to deal or possess, or a Medicinal Cannabis licence, or alternatively 
an authorisation within the Act. Part 2 of the Regulations cover s the requirements and issuance of 
licences under the Act.  
Licensing is statutorily required and there is no administrative discretion as to the products to be 
subjected to licensing. The legislation defines the restrictions applicable to drugs listed in e ach 
schedule to the Act. It is not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the 
system without approval of the legislature.  
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  Procedures  
 
6.I. Quotas (also known as 'estimates' and 'assessments') for the import of controlled drugs can 
be viewed at the INCB website: www.incb.org . The Competent National Authorities (the 
authority  responsible for administration of the regulatory regime in that country) are advised 
to check their quota status regularly online. Quotas are set for the country not for specific 
importers.  
 
II. Quotas are established on a yearly basis, running from 1 Ja nuary - 31 December each year. 
The size (quantity in kilograms or grams) of a quota is determined by the stock on hand as of 
31 December each year as well as previous, current and projected consumption. 
Supplementary quotas can be applied for from the INCB , if required, during the year. Licences 
are issued per consignment. Importers are required to apply for a licence every time they 
wish to import or export. Import and export licences are only valid for 6 months from the date 
of issue.  
 
III. Import licenc es are endorsed by New Zealand Customs Services at the time of Customs 
clearance at the New Zealand border. Another copy of the import licence is endorsed by the 
importing company/entity. These copies of the licence are returned to Medicines Control and 
the information provided regarding the actual quantities imported is updated in databases. 
This information is relied on for reporting to the INCB of statistics of imports and exports on 
a quarterly basis, as well as in the determination of consumption (with in New Zealand) in 
collaboration with information on stocks held. Unused allocations cannot be rolled over into 
the next year. Licences cannot be used multiple times.  
 
IV. Applications are demand driven. Applications can be made at any time.  
 
V.      Medic ines Control advises applicants to allow up to 30 working days for the processing of 
import applications. There may be delays in the processing of applications where the 
information provided is inaccurate or incomplete, or if additional quota is required.  
 
VI.   An importation may be made as soon as the import licence is issued and the competent 
national authority in the country of export has issued the appropriate export 
authorisation/licence.  
 
VII.  Prospective importers can obtain application forms by requesting these from Medicines 
Control. The application form can be submitted securely through the Medicines Control Online 
System platform and the licences are administered by Medicines Control, Medsa fe, Ministry of 
Health. Where applicable, the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) 
regulator is consulted on importations for veterinary controlled drugs  which are subject to a 
registration under the ACVM Act . The Ministry for Primary Ind ustries (MPI) may also be 
involved with the import of varieties of plants prohibited under the Act, which contain 
controlled drugs. Ministerial approval is necessary for the import and export of controlled 
drugs listed in schedule 1 (with the exception of cocaine), Part 1 and Part 2 of schedule 2 of 
the Act (excluding morphine and opium) and Part 1 of schedule 3. Following the issuance of 
an import licence, the competent national authority of the country of export must be 
approached for an export licence/au thorisation.  
 
VIII.   Applications are examined and processed on receipt. If the application exceeds the current 
quota, there will be a delay while extra quota is requested from the INCB. Generally extra 
quota is allowed as long as it can be justified by a licit purpose.  
 
IX. Competent national authorities in other countries that are signatories to the INCB Conventions 
require an import licence issued by New Zealand before exporting from their country.  
 
X.  The importing country is informed of the effect given by the exporting country by the transfer 
of the appropriate copies of standardised import and export licences required by the INCB for 
signatories to the conventions.  
 
XI.  Licences may be issued with an additional condition to reflect that the impor t is for re -export 
(or partial re -export). The INCB has advised that import licences issued with this condition 
should not be used in determination of compliance with quotas.  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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7. The conventions place a quantitative limit on all controlled drugs imported, with the exception of 
a few substances which are classified as controlled drugs under the Act but are not controlled under 
INCB conventions.  
 
(a)  Not applicable.  
 
(b)  Not applicable.  
 
(c)  Not applicable.  
 
(d)  Not applicable.  
 
8. The most common reas on for refusal is that the importer is not authorised to deal in controlled 
drugs in New Zealand. The reason for refusal is advised and an application form for an appropriate 
licence outlining the requirements for a licence may be provided if appropriate. Licences must be 
issued prior to the arrival or exit of goods. Licences to import cannot be issued retrospectively.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
 
9.(a) The importation of controlled drugs operates under a restrictive system as required by the 
international conventions. Only importers with a Licence to Deal in Controlled Drugs, or a 
Licence to Possess Controlled Drugs, or a Medicinal Cannabis Licence,  or an authorisation 
under the Act (e.g., a registered medical practitioner) are eligible to apply for import licences.  
 
(b)    Not applicable.  
 
Documentation and Other Requirement for Application for Licence  
 
10. A sample of an application for an import licenc e is provided. Applicants are occasionally requested 
to provide additional documentation depending on the nature and purpose of the importation 
(e.g.,  confirmation of ethics approval where the controlled drugs are being imported for a clinical 
trial).  
 
11. The export licence copy must accompany the goods across the border and match up with the 
import licence copy. Licences to import (and export) are issued in quintuplicate. Each copy has a 
specific purpose as stated on the bottom of the copy and must be ret ained or forwarded to the 
appropriate authority.  
 
Original copy: licensee to forward to the exporter for presentation to the Authorities in the 
country of export.  
Duplicate copy: New Zealand Customs to complete "Import Certification".  
Triplicate copy: Im porter to complete "Importer's Certification".  
Quadruplicate: Importer's copy.  
Quintuplicate: Copy retained by the Ministry of Health.  
 
12. The fee for an import or export application is NZ$194.22 (inclusive of Goods and Services Tax). 
Up to four control led drug preparations may be listed on one import or export application,  however 
these must all be within the same consignment.  
 
13. Payment in full is required prior to issuing of a licence. The fee is not refundable if an import or 
export licence expires . 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. An import or export licence is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. No extensions can be 
given.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
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  17.(a)The standard conditions on an import licence are:  
 
-  That the goods must be imported before the expiry date of ...... [six months from date 
of issue]  
-  That the controlled drugs are only used for medical, scientific or dog -training purposes 
only  
 
Other conditions that the Licensing Authority may deem necessary can be added to a licence  
 
(b) Not applicable/as above.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. Yes, the importer must have a Licence to Deal in Controlled Drugs or a Licence to Possess 
Controlled Drugs or a Medicinal Cannabis licence or be authorised to possess controlled drugs under 
the Act.  
 
19. Not applicable. A licence to import is issued to a New Zealand entity.  
 
5  CLUSTER MUNITIONS  
The Convention on Cluster Munitions, 2008, is implemented in New Zealand through the: Cluster 
Munitions Prohibition Act 2009 . 
 
Outline of Systems  
1. The Cluster Munitions Prohibition Act 2009 prohibits the import of al l cluster munitions, except for 
cluster munitions to be used, developed, produced, otherwise acquired, possessed, retained, 
imported or exported for the purposes of developing, or training persons in, techniques of cluster 
munitions detection, clearance, d eactivation, or destruction.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.(a) The Minister of Foreign Affairs may, by notice in writing, authorise cluster munitions to be 
used, developed, produced, otherwise acquired, possessed, retained, imported or exported 
for the purposes of developing, or training persons in, techniques of cluster munitions 
detection, clearance, deactivation, or destruction.  
 
(b)  A cluster  munition  means a conventional munition that is designed to disperse or release 
explosive submunitions e ach weighing less than 20 kilograms and  
(i)  includes those explosive submunitions; but  
(ii)  does not include  
-  a mine; or  
-  a munition  or submunition that is designed:  
-  to dispense flares, smoke, pyrotechnics, or chaff; or  
-  to produce  electrical or  electronic effects; or  
-  a munition that is designed exclusively for an air defence role; or  
-  a munition that, in order to  avoid indiscriminate effects and the risks posed by 
unexploded submunitions, has all of the following characteristics:  
-  each munition contains fewer than ten explosive submunitions:  
-  each explosive submunition weighs more than 4 kilograms:  
-  each exp losive submunition is designed to detect and engage a single 
target object:  
-  each explosive submunition is equipped with an electronic self -destruction 
mechanism:  
-  each explosive submunition is equipped with an electronic self -deactivating  
feature.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from "all" countries.  
 
4. The system is designed to meet the requirements of the Convention by the restricting the quantity 
of cluster munitions imported to those required for the purposes of developin g, or training persons G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  in, techniques of cluster munitions detection, clearance, deactivation, or destruction. The Minister of 
Foreign Affairs must specify, by notice in the Gazette , the number of cluster munitions determined 
by the Minister to be the numb er that, for the time being, are absolutely necessary for the purposes 
described above.  
 
5. The Cluster Munitions Prohibition Act 2009  prohibits the import of all cluster munitions, except for 
those to be used, develop ed, produced, otherwise acquired, possessed, retained, imported or 
exported for the purposes of developing, or training persons in, techniques of cluster munition 
detection, clearance, deactivation, or destruction.  
 
The licensing is statutorily required.  
 
The legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative 
discretion (see answer to Q2 (i) above).  
 
It is not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without 
legislative appro val. 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) Not applicable. Those importing cluster munitions inadvertently could face prosecution.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Not applicable.  
 
8. None. Although there is no statutory right of administrative appeal against any of the decisions 
by the Minister, applicants could seek a judicial review of an administrative decision through the 
courts.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a)  Yes. 
 
(b)  Not applicable.  
 
Documentation an d Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. There are no specifically listed information requirements. Applicants would need to make a case 
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the importation of cluster munitions in conformance with the 
stated exemptions outlined in the Cluster Munitions Prohibition Act 2009 , and provide relevant details 
around type, quantity, storage and ultimate disposal.  
 
11. Authorisation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs to import and  designation by the Minister as 
an officer authorised to be in possession of anti -personnel mines as defined in the Cluster Munitions 
Prohibition Act 2009 . An import entry clearance would need to be completed with Custo ms before 
release of the goods.  
 
12. There are no administrative charges for the process of obtaining permission to import 
anti-personnel mines.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. There is no set period of validity for an approval to impor t. It is possible a period of validity could 
be specified at the time of approval by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 13 - 
 
  15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. No, other than compliance with the Cluster Munitions Prohibition Act 2009.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Not applicable.   
 
6  ENDANGERED, THREATENED SPECIES  
Outline of systems  
1. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), documentation is 
required f or the import, export, re -export and introduction from the sea of species listed in its 
Appendices. The nature of permitting varies depending on: the Appendix in which the species is 
listed; the age of the specimen; and the nature of the specimen (e.g. per sonal effects, scientific 
samples, etc.). All parts and derivatives of species are included. Permits are obtained from the CITES 
Management Authority in each country.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. All parts and derivatives of species listed in the  CITES Appendices.  
 
3. All Parties to the CITES Treaty. Non -parties trading CITES listed species with CITES Parties are 
also required to use equivalent documentation.  
 
4. Licensing is intended to ensure that harvesting for trade does not impact the long -term survival 
of endangered species in the wild.  
 
5. In New Zealand, Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable, as New Zealand does not have restrictions on quantity of imports.  
 
7. In New Zealand, we aim to process all permits w ithin 20 working days (though it usually takes 
five-ten days). All CITES permits are granted by the Department of Conservation. Permit signatories 
must be lodged with the CITES Secretariat to ensure a system of checking veracity of permits (for 
example thr ough signatures).  
 
8. An application for a permit may be refused if criteria are not met. No applications have been 
declined due to other reasons.  
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for permits.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for license  
10. Full information about the importer and the specimen to be traded is required. Application form 
is available here: www.doc.govt.nz/cites . 
 
11. Original permits must accompany the consignment and are collected by the border control 
agency in the country of import.  
 
12. New Zealand fees are indicated on the webpage specified under Question 10. If permits are 
required by other countries (for example in a situation where both import and export permits are 
required), applicants must pay those. Prices vary by country, so this information is n ot available.  
 
13. Payment must be received before a permit can be issued.  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 14 - 
 
   
Conditions of licensing  
14. New Zealand permits cannot be extended, as they cannot be tampered with. CITES permits 
issued by the New Zealand CITES authorities are printed on security paper containing a watermark 
and holographic DOC logo, so originals (not tampered with) must be used. Permits are valid for up 
to six  months (unless a shorter term is specified)  and they cannot be extended.  
 
15. There is no penalty for non -use of an issued CITES permit if the trade of the CITES species did 
not occur. There are penalties for trading in CITES species without appropriate permits or 
certificates. The penalties for infringement offences are dependent on the Appendix listing of the 
species imported - up to a maximum of $800 per offence. Fines are greater if the offence progresses 
to court.  
 
16. Permits are non -transferable.  
 
17. Permit conditions are included with this document (general conditions for all permits, special 
conditions for  live bird exports).  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. None related to CITES requirements.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
7  EXPLOSIVES  
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and various HSNO regulations.  
 
Outline of Systems  
1. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 is the legislation under which 
hazardous substances are regulated. Under the legislation all hazardous substances must be 
approved before they are manufactured in, imported to, or used in New Ze aland. Approval and 
certificate holders in compliance with all conditions of their approvals may import, manufacture, or 
tranship the substances.   
 
There are a number of approval types with approvals being given under different parts of the HSNO 
Act, howev er explosives may only be approved under Part 5 of the Act, which covers a single 
hazardous substance.  
 
Controls are applied on the use of the substance. Applications can be made for the following 
approvals of hazardous substances:  
 
- Release approvals - pesticides, veterinary medicine and products not covered by group 
standard approvals;  
- Group standard approvals  - general and industrial use products with similar uses and hazards;  
- Issuing a new group standard approval - for products with similar uses and hazards for which 
a group standard does not yet exist;  
- Emergency approvals  - to use a non -approved substance in an emergency situation or to use 
a substance in a way it is not approved for;  
- Containment approvals  - for use as an analytical standard, research and development, or for 
export only;  
- Transhipment approvals  – for the temporary entry of a hazardous substance into New  Zealand 
for transhipment;  
- Import certificates for explosives - to import Class 1 substances into New Zealand;  
- Approvals for fireworks  - for test certificates required for fireworks.  
 
The first three of these are generic and apply to the substance and all users may make use of the 
approval. The last five relate to a particular use/action and are held by  individuals for a particular 
purpose that relates to the substance.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 15 - 
 
  The agency that administers the regulatory regime and which makes decisions on applications is the 
Environmental Protection Authority.  
 
In 2015 the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 amended the legislation regarding the use of 
hazardous substances in wor kplaces. These changes meant the regulatory provisions concerning the 
import of explosives have been changed but the requirements are largely identical to earlier rules.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. All hazardous substances must be approved unde r the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms 
Act 1996 before they can be manufactured in New Zealand or imported into New Zealand. Before 
an   explosive article can be imported, an import certificate for the explosive would need to be sought 
under Part 5 o f the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 for each instance of import.  
 
Import certificates are required for the import of approved explosives into New Zealand under the 
Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Notice 2015 (EPA Conso lidation 
30 April 2021).  
 
https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Documents/Hazardous -
Substances/GHS2/Consolidated_Hazardous_Substances_Importers_and_Manufacturers_Notice_20
15.pdf  
 
As a result of the 2018 Amendment, since 1 October 2018, an import certificate is only required for:  
 
• explosives that require a c ontrolled substance licence under the Health and Safety at Work 
(Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 ; and  
• retail fireworks, except novelty and noise -maker fireworks specified in regulation 4(2) of the 
Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001, s uch as party poppers and Christmas 
crackers.  
 
The Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations are available at: 
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0131/latest/DLM7309401.html?search=ta_r
egulation_H_rc%40rinf%40rnif_an%40bn%40rn_25_a&p=2  
 
The requirement for import certificates covers all explosives as outlined in the Hazardous Substances 
(Fireworks, Safety Ammunition, and Other Explosives Transfer) Regulations 2003: except for the 
following:  
 
(a) pre-primed cartridges and primers, of class 1.4S;  
(b)  airbag initiators and seatbelt pre -tensioners of classes 1.4G and 1.4S;  
(c)  cable cutters of class 1.4S (UN 0070);  
(d)  power device cartridges of class 1.4S (UN 0323);  
(e)  signal or shock tubes of class 1.4 (UN 0349);  
(f)  cassette degradation devices of c lass 1.4S (UN 0432) ; and  
(g)  novelty and noise -maker fireworks specified in the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) 
Regulations 2001.  
 
3. The Import Certificate for Explosives applies to the relevant goods originating from all countries.  
 
4. The purpose of the HSNO regulation of hazardous substances is to protect the environment and 
the health and safety of people and communities by preventing or managing the adverse effects of 
hazardous substances. A licensing system is used for only one area: explosives re quire an 
"Explosives Import Certificate" to be imported into New Zealand.  
 
The purpose of the Import Certificate for Explosives is to ensure that only approved explosives enter 
or are manufactured in New Zealand. Once inside New Zealand, under the Health a nd Safety at Work 
(Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 all explosives other than those listed exempt by Schedule 
26 of the regulations must be tracked. Domestically produced explosives are also tracked. 
The purpose of the tracking system is to ensure th at the whereabouts of explosives can be traced 
so that only those able to have and use them have access to them.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 16 - 
 
  5. The requirement for an Import Certificate for Explosives is in the EPA's Hazardous Substances 
Importers and Manufacturers Notice 2015 (EPA  Consolidation 30 April 2021) issued under the 
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.  
 
https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Documents/Hazardous -
Substances/GHS2/Consolidated_Hazardous_Substances_Importers_and_Manufacturers_Notice_20
15.pdf  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) The import certificate must be applied for at least ten working days before the arrival of the 
goods in New  Zealand.  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Yes, a single organisation handles the application and approval process.  
 
8. The import certificate can be de clined if there is not sufficient guarantee that the materials will 
be kept secure in transit or after arrival, or there is insufficient evidence to link the goods to an 
existing approval as listed in the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks, Safety Ammunition,  and Other 
Explosives Transfer) Regulations 2003. Applicants have the right to judicial review in the New 
Zealand judicial system if they wish to dispute the outcome of an application.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. Anyone (firm, organis ation or person) can apply for an Import Certificate for Explosives. If the 
amount of explosive is over the threshold for a site before a test certificate is required under the 
Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, then evidenc e must be shown 
that the site has a test certificate indicating it complies with storage requirements.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. Links from the webpage go to forms and guides relevant to import certificates fo r explosives:  
https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry -areas/hazardous -substances/making -an-application/explosives -
import -certificate/ . 
 
Evidence is needed of the site the explosives are to be stored in (or used) and of the person in 
charge of the explosives at this site.  
 
11. Documents required on importation are those required under the United Nations 
Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, model regulations 17th revised edition. 
https://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/unrec/rev17/17files_e.html  
 
12. The full list of substance application fees is found on: https://www.epa.govt.nz/applications -
and-permits/fees -and-charges/ . 
 
The fees for an import certificate for explosives and controlled substances licences are:  
 
Import certificate for explosives : 
 
Activity  Fee ($NZ, Goods and Services tax inclusive)  
Import certificate for explosives and fireworks und er 
the Hazardous Substances (Importers and 
Manufacturers) Notice 2015 (Consolidated 
30 April 2021)  $575.00  
 
13. Payment in full is required upon application submission.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Conditions of Licensing  
14. The Import Certificate for Explosives relates to a specific consignment. The Health and Safety at 
Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 
require tracking of the substance(s) from here onwards.  
 
15. No . 
 
16. No.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
8  FIREARMS, RESTRICTED WEAPONS, BLANK -FIRING GUNS, AND AMMUNITION  
Arms Act 1983  (as amended by the Arms Legislation Act 2020)  and Arms Regulations 1992 . 
 
Outline of Systems  
1. Applicants for a permit to import arms items may apply directly to Permit, Visitor and Licence 
Cards Centre, Arms Safety and Control, NZ Police for the permit.  The requirement for an import 
permit covers  all arms items , including prohibited firearms, (most centrefire semi -automatic rifles 
and shotguns with detachable or large capacity magazines are prohibited firearms), pistols, 
restricted weapons, and parts the reof, prohibited magazines, airguns which mimic real firearms 
(restricted airguns), pistol carbine conversion kits, air pistol carbine conversion kits, blank -firing 
guns (including starting pistols), and ammunition. Permits to import pistols, restricted we apons, 
parts of pistols or restricted weapons, prohibited firearms, prohibited magazines, prohibited parts, 
restricted airguns, and prohibited ammunition are subject to Police being satisfied there is a special 
reason why the item should be allowed in New Zealand.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The permitting regime applies to firearms (including prohibited firearms), pistols, restricted 
weapons, and parts thereof, prohibited magazines, restricted airguns, pistol carbine conversion kits, 
air pistol carbine conversion kits, blank -firing guns and ammunition.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
 
4. The purpose is  to reflect the following principles of  the safe use and control of arms items as a 
privilege, and th at persons authorised to import arms have a responsibility to act in the interests of 
personal and public safety.  
 
5. Import permitting for firearms (etc.) is established by the Arms Act 1983 (as amended by the 
Arms Legislation Act 2020) and Arms Regulati ons 1992. Certain organisations, including New 
Zealand Defence and Police are exempt from the licensing regime and may import firearms etc. for 
the purposes of that organisation.  
 
Procedures  
6. The importation of rimfire firearms is constrained by the appr oval of those firearms as being safe 
and having a valid civilian use in New Zealand, and by market forces. Importation of pistols, 
restricted weapons, parts of pistols or restricted weapons, prohibited firearms, prohibited magazines 
and prohibited parts, r estricted airguns, and prohibited ammunition are constrained by the 
requirement for a "special reason".  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 18 - 
 
  7.(a) A permit to import is required before the item lands in New Zealand. The only exception is 
where the individual has been unable to obtain a perm it. This is only in exceptional 
circumstances.  
 
(b) With the exception of blank -firing guns, import permits may only be issued to the holder of a 
firearms licence. Visitors may obtain a visitor's licence and permit to import (on demonstrating 
that they are fit and proper to possess firearms, and that they h ave been a bona fide shooter 
in their country of origin). Visitors must apply through an online application form direct to the 
Permit, Visitor and Licence Cards Centre, Arms Safety and Control, NZ Police , 28 working days 
ahead of arrival in New Zealand. Fo r all arms items, and blank -firing guns, an application to 
import may be granted, but restricted to the import of a single item as a sample for inspection 
and for testing.    
 
(c)  Not applicable.  
 
(d) New Zealand Police manages the firearms import permit regime (see above).  
 
8. The application for a permit to import items that require a special reason listed in 6 above may 
be refused at the discretion of Police. A refusal is subject to judicial review. In the case of all other 
items listed in 2 above, the application for a permit to import must be issued if Police is satisfied 
that the applicant is lawfully able to possess the item, and, if a sample of the item has been required 
for examination and testing, the applicant has lawfully provided a sample and t he item is approved 
by Police.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Only the holder of a firearms licence may apply for a permit to import a firearm (etc.), other 
than a blank -firing gun and an airgun if the applicant is aged 18 years or ol der. 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The applicant is required to complete a standard form.  
 
11. The permit to import is required to be presented to the New Zealand Customs Service.  
 
12. There is currently no charge.   
 
13. None.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Permits to import firearms (etc.) are valid for one year from date of issue but apply to a single 
consignment or multiple consignments provided the second and later consignments arrive within a 
30-day period of the  first consignment.  
 
15. No, although the permit is now limited to a single consignment or multiple consignments, second 
and later consignments are allowed to arrive within 30 days of the first consignment.  
 
16. The permit to import is personal to the person it is issued to, although a dealer may import an 
arms item as an agent for an individual licence holder.  
 
17. Conditions may be placed on the permit to import (for example, surrender of a worn part where 
the special reason relates to replacing a wor n part of a prohibited firearm), or the provision of a 
sample if the firearm had not previously been imported into New Zealand or in the case of a blank -
firing gun is identified as able to be readily converted to a firearm.  
 
9  GRAPHIC MATERIALS INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN  
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 Graphic Materials Group Standard 
2020.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Outline of Systems  
1. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 was enacted to provide a 
comprehensive health, safety and enviro nmental regulatory framework covering explosives, 
flammable, oxidising and corrosive substances, as well as those that are toxic to people and the 
environment. The purpose of the HSNO Act is: "to protect the environment, and the health and 
safety of people  and communities, by preventing or managing the adverse effects of hazardous 
substances and new organisms".   
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. Some graphic materials have been found to contain high concentrations of toxic elements and 
their compounds . The Graphic Materials Group Standard covers a number of different products, but 
crayons, finger paints and children's watercolour paints, specifically manufactured for use by 
children, require evidence of compliance with the group standard for import int o or manufacture in 
New Zealand.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
 
4. Young children are at greater risk of poisoning through ingestion of hazardous substances that 
may be contained in such products. These requirements on the importation of graphic materials are 
in place to reduce the risk of poisoning of young children.  
 
5. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 , the Graphic Materials 
Group Standard 2020 was issued to reduce the risk of poisoning of young children. 
The Environmental Protection Authority has adopted the limits that were specified  in the old Toxic 
Substances Regulations. The Group Standard regulates the maximum permissible levels of elements 
in imported and locally made graphic materials. Since June 2009, it has been an offence to import 
or manufacture graphic materials intended fo r use by children if they exceed the maximum 
permissible metal limits set in the Group Standard.  
 
The import clearance under the Graphic Materials Group Standard is given by the EPA. Until 2017, 
it was given by the Medical Officer of Health.   
 
Procedures  
6. Not Applicable.  
 
7.(a) Clearances of imported graphic materials for use by children are managed by the EPA. 
Applications for the assessment of evidence of compliance with the Graphic Materials Group 
Standard are sent to the EPA on the appropriate form. The written approval of the EPA is 
required before  goods are imported into New Zealand. Importers or manufacturers are 
responsible to ensure that graphic materials are tested for element levels by an accredited 
laboratory. In New  Zealand, laboratories are accredited by International Accreditation 
New Zealand (IANZ) who can provide contact details of accredited laboratories. Products being 
imported into New Zealand may be tested by overseas laboratories that are accredited by a 
body recognised by IANZ.  
 
(b) No. Approval for clearance can be provided once the EPA is provided with evidence that 
imported graphic materials intended for use by children do not exceed the maximum 
permissible element limits set in the Group Standard.   
 
 Goods that arrive without app roval will be held at the border until the EPA has issued a 
clearance letter for NZ Customs.   
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made, other than applications generally  being required to be submitted 
during normal business hours. Applicants should allow ten working days for an application to 
be reviewed after all information has been received.  
 
(d) Consideration  of licence applications is effected by a single administra tive organ, the EPA.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 20 - 
 
  8. No additional reasons as to why a request would be refused. Judicial review of a decision is the 
only course of appeal.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply u nder non -restrictive systems.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The information required for an application is a completed application form and evidence that 
imported or manufactured graphic materials intended for use by children do not exceed the 
maximum permissible metal limits set in the Group Standard. This may take the form of analytical 
results from New Zealand laboratories accredited by International Accreditation New  Zealand (IANZ) 
or from overseas laboratories that are accredited by a body recognised by IANZ. The documentation 
required is outlined in the application form:  
 
- https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Documents/Hazardous -
Substances/Forms/335f1e3d52/Graphic -materials -application -form.docx  
- https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry -areas/hazardous -substances/making -an-
application/graphic -materials/  
 
11. To import graphic materials intended for use by children, importers must present NZ Customs 
with a clearance letter from the EPA containing a Customs clearance code specific to that 
consignment.  
 
12. There i s no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The period of validity of a clearance code is for the specific consignment that has been approved.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No as the approval is specific for each consignm ent. 
 
17. Not applicable – the clearance letter will not be issued until evidence is provided that imported 
graphic materials intended for use by children are in compliance with the requirements of the Graphic 
Materials Group Standard.  
 
Other Procedural Re quirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
10  HAZARDOUS WASTES  
Outline of Systems  
1. Imports of waste classified as plastic waste, hazardous waste, or waste coming from households 
under the Imports and Exports (Restrictions) Prohibition Order (No. 2) 2004 require consent from 
the Environmental Protection Authority. Consent is obtained t hrough meeting the requirements of 
the Order and where proposed imports are in conformity with New Zealand's obligations under the 
Basel Convention, the Waigani Convention and the OECD Decision C(2001)107/Final on the Control 
of Transboundary Movements of Wastes Destined for Recovery Operations.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. As above.  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 21 - 
 
  3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from countries who are Parties to the Basel 
Convention, the Waigani Convention or the OECD Decision. Imports  from non -Parties are prohibited.  
 
4. The purpose is to ensure environmentally sound and efficient management of hazardous wastes 
and that transboundary movements are conducted in a manner which will protect human health and 
the environmental against the a dverse effects which may result.  
 
5. Imports and Exports (Restrictions) Act 1988, Imports and Exports (Restrictions) Prohibition Order 
(No. 2) 2004.   
 
Required to implement obligations under the Basel Convention on the Control of the Transboundary 
Movemen t of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal and the Waigani Convention to Ban the 
Importation into Forum Island Countries of Hazardous and Radioactive Wastes and to Control the 
Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within the South Pacific  Region 
and the OECD Decision C(2001)107/Final on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Wastes 
Destined for Recovery Operations.  
 
""waste" and "hazardous waste" are defined in the Order.  
 
 It is not possible for the government (or the executive branch)  to abolish the system without 
legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) No set time limit, depends on timing of commercial arrangements. No ability to fast track a 
licence.   
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Yes - one single administrative organ.  
 
8. No additional reasons as to why a request would be refused. Judicial review of a decisi on is the 
only course of appeal.  
 
The ability for the EPA to refuse to issue a permit is set under 3BC of the Imports and Exports 
(Restrictions) Act 1988. The EPA can refuse to grant a permit if the Authority is satisfied that:  
 
(a) The person who applied for the permit has been convicted of an offence against this Act or an 
offence involving a convention chemical or waste; or  
(b) The information provided by the person to the Authority is incorrect.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. A guidance document and the application form for an import permit is provided on the 
EPA website:  https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry -areas/hazardous -substances/hazardous -
waste/importing -hazardous -waste/  
 
Documents the importer is required to supply with the application include a completed notification 
form, contract(s), insurance, evidence of environmentally sound management, reason for export.  
 
11. A permit issued by the Environmental Protect ion Authority containing a permit number.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 22 - 
 
  12. No.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The period of validity of a license is up to 12 months.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. Yes, determined on a case -by-case basis. See 3BB of the Imports and Export s (Restrictions) Act 
1988 for the matters on which the EPA may impose conditions.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. The permit holder must provide movement forms that record the movement of the hazardous 
waste allowed for import or export on their permit at various stages during the life of the permit. 
This is covered by a condition on the permit issued by the EPA.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
11  HIGH  POWER LASER POINTERS  
The Health (High -power Laser Pointers) Regulations 2013.  
The Customs Import Prohibition (High -power Laser Pointers) Order 2019 . 
The Summary Offences (Possession of High -power Laser Pointers) Amendment Act 20 14. 
 
Outline of Systems  
1. The regulatory controls  to restrict the importation, supply and acquisition of high -power laser 
pointers in New Zealand is implemented through the Health (High -power Laser Pointers) Regulations 
2013 and the Customs Import Prohibition (High -power Laser Pointers) Order 2019.  
 
Under the legislation applicants must apply for authorisation from the Direc tor - General of Health 
or their delegate to supply or acquire high -power laser pointers. Before granting authorisation, the 
Director -General must be satisfied the applicant is of good character and has a legitimate purpose 
for acquiring a high -power laser  pointer.  
 
Every authorisation issued to import HPLP specifies the quantity and frequency of the permitted 
import. Each authorisation is individually assessed and issued according to the requirements of the 
importer.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The Ministry of Health is responsible for administering regulatory controls to help manage the 
health and safety risks from high -power laser pointers (HPLP).  
 
HPLP are small hand -held devices that emit a beam of non -ionising electromagnetic radiation. 
The controls do not apply to all laser pointers.  Devices with a power output up to and including 1mW 
are regarded as low risk and are not covered by the controls.  
  
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
 
4. The licensing is intended to control the quantity of imports and ensure there is a legitimate use 
for devices imported. Options for managing the risks from HPLP were considered in a regulatory 
impact statement.  
 
5. The Customs Import Prohibition (High -power Laser Pointers) Order 2019 (CIPO) restricts the 
importation of HPLPs to people authorised to import them by the Director -General of Health. G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 23 - 
 
  The CIPO is made under section 96 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 and ad ministered by the 
New Zealand Customs Service.  
 
The Health (High -power Laser Pointers) Regulations 2013 restrict the sale/supply of HPLPs to 
authorised suppliers and restrict their acquisition to authorised recipients. They are made under 
sections 117(1)(a ) and (z) and 119(d) of the Health Act 1956 and are administered by the Ministry 
of Health.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
  
7.(a)  Ministry of Health seeks to process all applications within 25 working days and authorisation 
is valid from the date of iss ue.  
 
(b)     Ministry of Health seeks to process all applications within 25 working days  but if an application 
is urgent it may be possible to process in a shorter time frame.  
(c) No. 
(d)    Authorisations are issued solely by Ministry of Health. The outcome (decline or approval) is 
shared with NZ Customs.  
 
8. An authorisation will be declined if the applicant has not provided sufficient information to satisfy 
that they had a legitimate purpose for acquiring a high -power laser pointer as required by th e 
Regulations.  
 
An application will be declined if the application has not been fully completed. The reasons for 
declining are shared with the applicant. Applicants are advised of the process to follow if they feel 
their application should be reconsidered  because they have new information or evidence.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply under non -restrictive systems. There is no 
registration fee.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The applicant is required to complete a standard application form. The applicant must provide 
details about themselves, the devices they are seeking to import/supply/acquire, the frequency and 
volume of imports, the intended use, and how they will be stored. A statutory declaration is required 
for the application.      
 
The application form can be downloaded from here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our -
work/environmental -health/high -power -laser-pointers . 
 
11. Nil but New Zealand Customs may request confirmation of the authorisation to import.  
12. There is currently no licensing fee.  
13. No.  
Conditions of Licensing  
14. There is no period of validity of a licence.  
15.  No  
16. No.   
17. Additional conditions can be placed on an authorisation, such as the requirement to notify 
Ministry of Health of any changes to an authorised importer's circumstances where those changes 
may impact their eligibility to hold an authorisation to import or su pply HPLPs.  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No.  
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
12  IMPORTS TO ANTARCTICA  
Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act 1994  
 
Outline of Systems  
1. Under the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act 1994  and consistent with the requirements 
of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol), the 
importation of certain items into Antarctica is restricted or prohibited.  
This legislation applies:  
 
- to any person in th e Ross Dependency;  
- to any New Zealand citizen and to any person ordinarily resident in New Zealand;  
- to any person who is for the time being a member of, or responsible for organising, any 
expedition to Antarctica which is organised in New Zealand or wh ich proceeds from 
New Zealand as its final point of departure for Antarctica; and  
- in respect of any act or omission occurring on board any ship or aircraft, to any person on 
board any ship or aircraft that is:  
- a New Zealand ship or a New Zealand aircraft; or  
- any other ship, whether registered or not and of whatever nationality, which proceeds 
from New Zealand as its final point of departure for Antarctica.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The import licensing system is implemented through the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) 
Act 1994  which provides that:  
 
- No person shall introduce onto land or ice shelves or into water in Antarctica any species of 
animal, plant, or micro -organism not native to that area (s28(1) (e).  
- No person shall import any non -sterile soil into Antarctica – except in accordance with a permit 
issued under the Act (s28(1) (f).  
- No person shall import into Antarctica any dressed poultry knowing that an inspection in 
accordance with the Protocol on Environmental Pr otection to the Antarctic Treaty reveals 
evidence of disease.  
- Permits to bring into Antarctica any animal, plant, or micro -organism not native to Antarctica, 
or to import any non -sterile soil shall only be issued in accordance with and subject to the 
restrictions and conditions set out in Article 4 of Annex II to the Madrid Protocol and 
appendices to that Annex and subject to other conditions as the Minister considers appropriate 
and not inconsistent with the purposes and principles in section 9 of the A ntarctica  
(Environmental Protection) Act 1994 . 
 
3. The system applies to goods from all countries.  
 
4. The above restrictions have been put in place to implement the Protocol on Environmental 
Protection to the Antarctic Treaty . The objective of the Protoco l on Environmental Protection to the 
Antarctic Treaty  is the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and its dependent 
and associated ecosystems.  
 
5. The permitting regime for Antarctic activities including the importation of certain goods as  
highlighted above is a statutory requirement. The Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act 1994  
grants the Minister of Foreign Affairs the power to grant some permits with respect to proposed 
activities in Antarctica based on their likely impact on the A ntarctic environment. Other permits 
require the approval of Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties. The Antarctica (Environmental 
Protection) Act 1994  may not be repealed without legislative approval.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Persons proposing to undertake activities in Antarctica including those which may involve the 
importation of certain goods are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  and 
Trade  as early as possible to discuss their plans and no later than three months before t he 
proposed activity is expected to start.  
 
(b) Permits cannot be granted immediately upon request. Permits should generally be obtained 
prior to activities being pursued in Antarctica. In exceptional circumstance permits can be 
issued retrospectively.  
 
(c) Applicants are encouraged to seek permit before the end of September each year prior to the 
activity taking place but applications can be recei ved through the year.   
 
(d) Permit applications are assessed by the Environment Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
and Trade who seek expert advice on the likely environmental impact of proposed activities 
and provide advice to the Minister of Fo reign Affairs on whether to permit the activity and 
whether to  impose conditions on the activity to protect the environment, and manage 
compliance, environmental monitoring and post -activity reporting. Applicants deal exclusively, 
with the Ministry of Fore ign Affairs  and Trade . 
 
8. The issuance or denial of a permit is based on the likely impact of the activity on the Antarctic 
Environment, and the reason for a decision or conveyed to the applicant. The applicants have 
recourse to judicial review of the dec ision under the Judicature Amendment Act 1972.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) All persons to whom the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act 1994  applies are eligible 
to apply for a permit for a proposed activi ty in Antarctica. There is no fee.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The applicants are required to provide the following information:  
 
- A description of the proposed activity;  
- A statement as to the likely environme ntal impact of the proposed activity;  
- A statement as to whether the applicant is applying or has applied the environmental; 
assessment procedures set out in Annex I of the Madrid Protocol to the activity;  
- The name and contact address in New Zealand of the person;  
- The number of person the in the expedition likely to carry out the activity;  
- The date and place of final departure from Antarctica;  
- Further information may be required to be submitted based on the initial evaluation of the 
proposed  activity.  
 
11. Permits are required to be carried at all times when undertaking approved activities.  
 
12. No fee is charged.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The period of the permit depends upon the specific activity. Extensions  to permits can be applied 
for by applicants.  
 
15. There is no penalty fee for not using a permit or portion of a permit.  
 
16. Permits are not transferable but can be varied by the addition or omission of persons covered.  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 26 - 
 
  17. The Minister of Foreign Affai rs can impose additional conditions on permits in order to minimise 
the effects of the activity on the Antarctic environment.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. There are no other administrative processes required.  
  
19. No applicable.  
13  MARINE ANIMALS  
Outline of Systems  
1. The import and export of marine mammals (including marine mammal products) is governed by 
both CITES and the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 (sections 4(2), (5), and (6)). A permit is 
required to hold any marine mammal (or marine mammal product) exce pt in the circumstances set 
out in section 4(5) Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA), and any institution or individual wishing 
to export or import such material must apply for a permit from the Department of Conservation to 
do so. The Marine Mammals Prote ction Act specifies particular aspects that must be considered when 
assessing an application for such a permit, which include:   
 
- The need to conserve, protect, or manage any marine mammal;   
- Any international agreement to which New Zealand is a party;    
- Any submissions received.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. Permits to import/export issued under the Marine Mammals Protection Act include all live or dead 
marine mammals, and all marine mammal products (with the exception of marine mammal mater ial 
being an ornament or an item for personal use or adornment made wholly or principally from any 
part or parts of a marine mammal, if the marine mammal product accompanies that person from or 
into New Zealand or comprises part of that person's belongings  and was in existence in a similar 
form as at the commencement of this Act) (see s.4(5) MMPA).  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
 
4. A function of the Department of Conservation, under the MMPA, is to protect, co nserve and 
manage marine mammals in New Zealand and in New Zealand fisheries waters. The most effective 
way to manage and minimise human impact on marine mammals is through a permitting system.  
New Zealand has no specific quantity or value limits on the i mport/export of marine mammal 
material.  
 
5. Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. The legislation would require amending to remove the 
requirement for import/export permits. It is not possible to abolish the system without legislative 
approval.   
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  At least 12 weeks is the minimum preferable.  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Yes, applications can be dealt with under delegated authority from the Minister of 
Conservation by the Department of Conservation's staff.  
 DOC is the administering authority but permit applications may require a statutory process 
of public consultation (28 days). Permit applications that relate to an emergency situation 
or to the taking of any marine mammal solely for the purposes of research  may not require 
public consultation (at the discretion of the Minister) – see section 5(6) MMPA.  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 27 - 
 
  8. There are no circumstances where a permit may be declined other than the criteria specified in 
the Marine Mammals Protection Act. Yes, reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. Applicants 
have no right of appeal (see section 6 MMPA) but could apply for judicial review if administrative law 
failure present.  
   
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) All persons, firms an d institutions are eligible to apply if they meet the criteria specified in 
the Marine Mammals Protection Act.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The applicant is required to provide the following:  
 
(a) The full name a nd address of the applicant, whether or not the applicant is a New Zealand 
citizen, and details of such qualifications and experience as the applicant considers will assist 
the Minister in his consideration of the application;  
 
(b) In the case of an inten ded research project, a full description of the project or programme in 
which the marine mammal to be taken will be used, a complete list of the sponsors or co -
operating institutions concerned with the project, and the names and qualifications of any 
scientists involved;  
(c) Where the marine mammal is for display or zoological purposes, details relating to the facilities 
where the mammal taken will be held or displayed or, if a certificate has been issued in respect 
of any zoological garden pursuant to reg ulations made under section 25 of the Animals Act 
1967, details of the certificate;   
 
(d) Where a  marine mammal is to be captured, the number of persons to be involved, the 
population or area from which it is proposed to take the mammal, and details of th e proposed 
methods of capture and transportation.  
 
Sample form: https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/about -doc/concessions -and-
permits/marine -mammal -permits/marine -mammals -for-non-research -purposes -12b.doc   
 
11. CITES documentation and Marine Mammals Pro tection Act permit.  
 
12. Permit processing fees are applicable and vary among applications according to the work 
involved in permit processing, and whether the application would require gazettal. General power to 
charge fees given under section 60A -C Conse rvation Act.  
 
13. On receipt of a permit application, DOC provides an estimate of the cost of permit processing to 
the applicant and requires a lodging fee/deposit prior to initiating processing. DOC is able to waive 
the fees under certain circumstances.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Varies among permits and may be varied by permit amendment. A permit may be extended by 
application to do so being granted by the Minister's delegate.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. Permits may be transferred to another person with the prior c onsent of the Minister after an 
appropriate application. Such transfers are likely to be subject to conditions.  
 
17. Conditions may be prescribed as per section 7 of the Marine Mammals Protection Act.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 28 - 
 
  19. Not applicable.  
 
14  OFFENSIVE WEAPONS (KNIVES, BAYONETS, AND KNUCKLE DUSTERS)  
Outline of Systems  
1. The Customs Import Prohibition Order 2017 (replaced by the Customs Import Prohibition 
(Offensive Weapons) Order 2021 on 1 October 2021) prohibits the importation of the offensive 
weapons listed below, except with the consent of the Commissioner of Police.  
 
Applicants for a consent to import the above offensive weapons may apply to the Operations 
Manager: permi ts, visitor and licence Cards, Arms Safety and Control, New Zealand Police; or the 
Director Firearms Safety: Arms Safety and Control, New Zealand Police.  This process is administered 
by the New Zealand Police using the provisions of the New Zealand Customs  and Excise Act 2018 
(the 2018 Act).  
 
Under the 2018 Act there is no statutory maximum duration for prohibition Orders. Previously, such 
orders expired after three years.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The permitting regime applies to all of the of fensive weapons listed below:  
 
• Knuckledusters, knives incorporating knuckledusters, swordsticks (including, without 
limitation, any identifiable components of swordsticks), and any weapon disguised to give the 
appearance of another article.  
• Any knife havin g a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, 
spring, or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife (sometimes known as a flick 
knife or flick gun).  
• Any knife having a blade that is released from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or 
the application of centrifugal force, and that, when released, is locked in place by means of a 
button, spring, lever, or other device (sometimes known as a gravity knife or butterfly knife).  
• Any knife, with the exception of a fo lding pocketknife with a blade less than 10cm in length, 
that: 
 
(a) is designed  for ease of concealment on the person; or  
(b)  has a blade with at least two edges that is designed or suitable for stabbing or throwing 
(as opposed to cutting); or  
(c)  is a k nife of any of the kinds sometimes known as a fist knife, gimlet knife, punch 
dagger , push dagger, push dirk, push knife, T -handled knife, or throwing knife.  
• Bayonets . 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
4. The purpose is the control of offensive weapons.  
5. Customs Import Prohibition Order 20 21. 
Procedures  
6. Controls on the importation of offensive weapons is not subject as to the quantity or value of the 
imports.  The importation of offensive weapons is constrained by the purpose for which the applicant 
wishes to possess the weapon, and their suitability to  do so.  
 
7.(a) Permission to import is required before the offensive weapon is imported into New Zealand. 
Permission may only be issued on the basis of an application made in writing.  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No. 
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 29 - 
 
  (d) Yes, New Zealand  Police manages the offensive we apons import permit regime.  
 
8. The application for permission to import may be refused at the discretion of Police. A reason is 
required to be provided and is subject to judicial review.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. Yes. Upon receiv ing an application in writing police consider the purpose for which the applicant 
wishes to import the weapon and their suitability to possess that weapon.  
   
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The applicant is required to complete a standard form.  
 
11. The permission to import is required to be presented to the New Zealand  Customs Service.  
 
12. There is currently no charge.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Permission to import offensive weapons is valid for one year from date of issue.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. The permission to import is personal to the person it is issued to.  
 
17. Conditions may be placed on the permission to import.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. No.  
 
15  OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
Outline of Systems  
1. Imports of ozone depleting substances and specified synthetic greenhouse gases controlled under 
the Ozone Layer Protection Act and Regulations 1996 require consent from the Environmental 
Protection Authority (EPA). How consent is obtained depend s on the substance and/or intended use.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. As above.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from countries who are Parties to the 
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its various amendments.  
 
4. The purpose is to help protect human health and the environment from adverse effects resulting 
or likely to result from human activities which modify or are likely to modify the ozone layer by 
phasing out ozone depleting substan ces as soon as possible except for essential uses and giving 
effect to New Zealand's obligations under the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol.  
 
5. The Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996, and the Ozone Layer Protection Regulations 1996, 
implement our  obligations under the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol. Controlled ozone 
depleting substances and products containing ozone depleting substances are listed in the 
Regulations, and restrictions on these are also in the Regulations. It is not pos sible for the 
government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval. A 2019 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 30 - 
 
  amendment to the Regulations extended coverage to hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) that are subject to 
the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. From  1 January 2020 a permit from the EPA is 
required before bulk HFC can be imported, exported or transhipped, into or through New Zealand.  
 
The Act:   
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0040/latest/DLM391469.html?search=ta_act_O_ac
%40ainf%40anif_an%40bn%40rn_25_a&p=3  
 
The Regulations:  
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/1996/0222/latest/DLM217751.html?search=ta_re
gulation_O_rc%40rinf%40rnif_an%40bn%40rn_25_ a&p=1  
 
Procedures  
6.I. Information on formalities of filing applications for licences is published on the Environmental 
Protection Authority website: https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry -areas/hazardous -
substances/ozone -depleting -substances/import -ozone -depleting -substances/  
 
II. A quota system is took effect from 1 January 2020 for imports for domestic use of bulk, new 
hydrofluorocarbons controlled by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The 
regulations concerning permitting processes came into effect on 18 February 2019  so that 
permits could be issued before 1 January 2020.  
 
The quota is in two pools and the size of these for each is prescribed in the Regulations. The 
total available for allocation enables New Zealand to comply with the phase -down required by 
the Kigali  Amendment. The first pool, grandparented, is reserved for those holding eligibility. 
Eligibility is based on the proportion of New Zealand imports that the importer imported 
between January 2015 and December 2017 and the grandparented pool is allocated in  the 
same proportions. A special pool is also available and allocation is made once a year for the 
following year's allocation of this pool. Permits for the grandparented pool are for a calendar 
year and these are issued prior to the beginning of the year;  applications close on 1 September 
for the following year. Applications for the special pool close 1 July. Permits issued are valid 
from 1 January the following year and may be for the duration of one to three calendar years.  
 
III. No. 
 
IV. The grandparent ed pool is open to applications any time before 1 September for the following 
year and the special pool is open for applications up to 1 July for the following year. 
Applications for special permits are all processed concurrently after the closing date of 1 July 
for applications.  
 
V. The EPA has 40 working days in which to request further information if required. If all 
information is present and correct, permits can be issued in a shorter time frame after the 
closing of applications.  
 
VI. Permits can be used to import on the same day  as issue other than permits for new, bulk 
HFCs. These HFC permits are valid from 1 January for each year.  
 
VII. Yes – one single administrative organisation, the Environmental Protection Authority.  
 
VIII. Not applicable except for HFCs. The grandparented  pool was allocated in proportion to each 
importer's imports of HFCs for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 calendar years. The special pool, if 
allocated, is allocated according to the energy efficiency and environmental advantages of the 
HFCs' use, the possibility of adverse economic and social impacts if the application is refused, 
and the quantity of HFCs available for import in the pool.   
 
IX. Yes, import licenses are required, they are not issued automatically.  
 
X. Not applicable.  
 
XI. No. 
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 31 - 
 
  7.(a) No set time li mit, depends on timing of commercial arrangements. No ability to fast track a 
licence but import exemptions for e.g., inadvertency can be applied for up to 10 days after 
arrival.  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) No, except for HFC permits. Applications for permits for the fo llowing year close 1 July for the 
special pool and 1 September for the grandparented pool.  
 
(d) Yes - one single administrative organisation, the Environmental Protection Authority.  
 
8. No additional reasons as to why a request would be refused. Appeal aga inst an adverse decision 
is possible to the High Court.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Only those with eligibility can apply for permits for HFCs from the grandparented pool. 
All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for HFCs from the special pool.  
 
(b) All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. Requirements are set out in the Regulations and published on the website. Document s the 
importer is required to supply vary with the substance to be imported.  
 
Regulations - 
http:// www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/1996/0222/latest/DLM217751.html?search=ta_re
gulation_O_rc%40rinf%40rnif_an%40bn%40rn_25_a&p=1  
 
Website giving requirements and application forms for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs):  
https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry -areas/hazardous -substances/hfcs/types -of-permit/  
 
Website giving requirements and application  forms for methyl bromide and other ozone depleting 
substances (other than HFCs):  
https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry -areas/hazardous -substances/ozone -depleting -
substances/impo rting-or-exporting -ozone -depleting -substances -in-new-zealand/  
 
11. Letter from the Environmental Protection Authority containing a permit number.  
 
12. No.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The period of v alidity of a licence is either a calendar year or up to twelve months depending on 
the substance to be imported.  
 
15. Yes, permits can be cancelled for non -use. 
 
16. No.  
 
17. Yes, depending on the substance, determined on a case -by-case basis.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. The New Zealand Emissions trading scheme was created through the Climate Change Response 
Act 2002 (the Act). The Act was passed in  recognition of New Zealand's obligations under the Kyoto 
Protocol. It is the  primary method  for the New Zealand Government to achieve its  long-term 
commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 32 - 
 
  'Emissions trading' is a market -based approach for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. The  ETS 
puts a price on emissions, by charging certain s ectors of the economy for the greenhouse gases they 
emit. On an annual basis these sectors must calculate their emissions by submitting an emissions 
return.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
16  PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES  
Outline of systems  
1. New Zealand regulates trade in  psychoactive substances (that are otherwise unregulated) under 
the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 (the Act).  The purpose of the Act is to regulate the availability 
of psychoactive substances in New Zealand to protect the health of, and minimise harm to , 
individuals who use psychoactive substances. For the purposes of the Act, a psychoactive substance 
is something that produces a psychoactive effect in an individual such as a high, euphoria, visions 
or changes to a person's mood, when taken. The definiti on of a psychoactive substance includes the 
finished product. The Act does not control precursor substances. The New Zealand legislation to 
regulate rather than prohibit psychoactive substances is a world first.  
 
An importer must hold a licence to import psychoactive substances. Licences to import are issued 
and authorised by the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority (the Authority), which is part 
of the Ministry of Health. New Zealand does not require individual imports to be licensed, but each 
import must be notified to the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority before arriving in 
New Zealand. The Authority does not issue licences to export but psychoactive substances can only 
be exported by a person who holds a licence to import, manufacture , research or sell approved or 
unapproved psychoactive substances. Individual exports must be notified to the Authority 
beforehand.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The licensing regime applies to the importer of any substance that may be used for a psychoactive 
effect, unless it is already regulated under another enactment.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in, and arriving from, all countries.  
 
4. Licensing is intended to ensure that psychoactive substances are only imported by persons wit h 
lawful reason to do so. The system is intended to reduce risks to the public by removing untested 
and potentially harmful products from being sold and introducing a pre -market approval scheme 
with testing requirements and retail restrictions for low -risk psychoactive substances. A restriction 
on using trials that involve animal testing to support a product approval application was introduced 
when the Act was amended in May 2014, this restriction has resulted in no products being approved 
under the Act.  
 
5. Licences are required by and issued under the Act. The licensing provisions are set out in Part 2 
of the Act.  
 
The Act applies to all substances capable of inducing a psychoactive effect in a person, except 
substances already regulated such as alcohol,  medicines, controlled drugs and foods.  
 
It is not possible for the government (or executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable, there are no quantity restrictions on imports.  
 
7.(a) Licences must be held in advance of importation, and the importation must be notified to the 
Authority before imports arrive in New Zealand.  
 
(b) No. 
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 33 - 
 
  (c) To obtain an import licence, a person must submit an application in the prescribed manner. 
There are no limitations a s to the period of the year during which application for importation 
of a consignment may be made.   
 
(d) Licences are issued by the Authority. The Authority must be notified of individual shipments 
before they arrive in New Zealand. The Authority notifies  the New Zealand Customs Service 
when informed of an import. The importer only has to approach the Authority.  
 
8. Licences may be refused if the application is incomplete or misleading, or if the applicant is not a 
fit and proper person to hold a licence.  Consideration of whether a person is fit and proper includes 
consideration of previous non -compliance, or likely future non -compliance, and relevant criminal 
history. If the Authority proposes to refuse a licence it must inform the applicant of the reason s for 
the proposed refusal and provide a reasonable opportunity to respond. The applicant may appeal to 
the Psychoactive Substances Appeals Committee established under section 45 of the Act. Appeals 
are by way of rehearing.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to App ly for a Licence  
9. Any person (including bodies corporate) can apply for a licence to import. The application fee is 
$NZ2500 with an annual licensing levy of $NZ  7,500. Licensed importers are listed on the New 
Zealand Ministry of Health's website at https://www.health.govt.nz/our -work/regulation -health -
and-disability -system/psychoactive -substances -regulation/licences -psychoactive -substances .    
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. A copy of the licence application form can be found here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our -
work/regulation -health -and-disability -system/psychoactive -substances -regulation/how -get-licence .  
 
To support the application, an applicant must provide:  
 
- NZ Police vet request and consent form ; 
- The NZ Police vet and Australian History check form can be found in "Forms and Guides " at 
http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/businesses -and-organisations/vetting/forms -and-guides ; 
- Copies of two forms of identifi cation that have been witnessed and signed by a trusted referee ; 
and 
- Referee's contact details . 
 
11. Only the standard Customs clearance documentation is required.  
 
12. The application fee for a licence to import is $NZ  2,500 with an annual licensing le vy of 
$NZ 7,500. There is no charge for individual import clearance.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Licences are normally valid for three years but  may be renewed by submitting a new licence 
application to the Authority prior to expiry . 
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17.(a)N/A – there are no quantitative restrictions on products.  
 
(b)  Section 17 of the Act places compulsory conditions on licences. For licences to import, these 
conditions are:  
 
• before each importation of a psychoactive substance by the licence holder ; 
o advise the Authority of the importation; and  
o provide to the Authority particulars of — 
▪ the name and quantity of the psychoactive substance to be imported; and  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  ▪ the intended date of th e importation.  
• every licence that the licence holder must ; 
o keep, in a secure place at the licence holder's place of business, any records required 
to be kept by the licence holder by the regulations; and  
o retain those records for the period of time prescrib ed in the regulations.  
• It is a condition of every licence that the licence holder must, before each exportation 
of a psychoactive substance by the licence holder ; 
o advise the Authority of the exportation; and  
o provide to the Authority particulars of ; 
▪ the nam e and quantity of the psychoactive substance to be exported; and  
▪ the intended date of the exportation.  
 
Under section 18 of the Act, the Authority may, when granting a licence, impose any other conditions 
on the licence in addition to a relevant condition specified in section 17 that the Authority thinks fit.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
17  RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES  
Radiation Safety Act 2016 and Radiation Safety Regulations 2016  
Outline of Systems  
1. The Office of Radiation Safety (ORS) administers New Zealand's radiation safety legislation. 
The Radiation Safety Act 2016 (the Act) defines radioactive material and sets out the requirement 
for import consents. The Radiation Safety Regulations 2016 (the Regulations) sp ecify exemptions 
from the requirement to obtain an import consent.  
 
When a consent is issued, ORS also issues a permit number which the importer then provides to the 
New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) in order for the material to be imported. The issue of  permit 
numbers on consents is not a legislative requirement, but is an arrangement made between ORS 
and NZCS for transborder monitoring purposes. NZCS provides a list of permit numbers generated 
by their system to ORS on a quarterly basis.  
 
Purposes and C overage of Licensing  
2. High -activity sealed radioactive material (i.e., IAEA category 1 or 2), low -activity (i.e., IAEA 
category 3 - 5) sealed radioactivity material and low -activity unsealed radioactive material are the 
main product categories of the con sent system. For the import of sealed radioactive material, a 
single occasion import consent is issued. For low activity unsealed radioactive material 
(e.g.,  radiopharmaceuticals), a consent that authorises more than one importation can be issued. 
The maxi mum consent term for all types is one year.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
 
4. The consent system forms part of the national regulatory system designed to ensure as far as 
practicable the safety and security o f radioactive sources.   
 
5. Section 13(c) of the Radiation Safety Act 2016 prohibits the importation of radioactive material 
without a consent. Regulations 10 to 12 of the Radiation Safety Regulations 2016 exempt specified 
material from consenting require ments and regulation 14 exempts imports where the material is 
immediately exported. There is no administrative discretion to amend these requirements. The 
executive cannot amend the requirements of the Act without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.I.  There are no  restrictions on value or quantity for import of radioactive substances, subject to 
any safety requirements in the IAEA Regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material.  G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  II.  There are no import  quotas . 
 
III.  There are no limitations on granting consents for certain goods to domestic producers of like 
goods. Certain transactions can be traced by New Zealand Customs Services either by permit 
numbers or names of importers. The Director for Radiation Safety may, f or the purpose of the 
Radiation Safety Act 2016, disclose any information obtained or made available under Section 
35 to any agenc y inside or outside New  Zealand.  
 
IV.  Not applicable to radioactive material . 
 
V.  Three -ten working days . 
 
VI.  All consents are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.  
 
VII.  Yes, in respect to radioactive material. If a product contains a radioact ive material and for 
example a psychoactive substance, an applicant must approach the right organisation for a 
separate authorisation apart from a consent issued by ORS for a radioactive material.  
 
VIII.  There is no maximum  number  of consents allocated pe r applicant. The NZ regulator has been 
able to meet the demand for consents requested and the administrative procedure to process 
received applications is on the first come first served basis.   
 
IX.  Not applicable  
 
X.  Not applicable  
 
XI.  No  
 
7.(a) Five-ten working days.  
 
(b) In exceptional circumstances, consent can be granted within a few hours following the receipt 
by ORS of an application and payment of the corresponding fee can be made after the issue 
of consent.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Importers make a singl e application to ORS. In some cases,  ORS will seek a technical opinion 
from the Institute for Environmental Science and Research before issuing the consent. This is 
an internal process and does not require multiple approaches by the importer.  
 
8. Applications may be refused on security or safety grounds.  Refusals are rare because most 
applications are for justified reasons. However, in the case of a refusal the reasons are given to the 
applicant. Section 48 of the Radiation Safety Act provides for appeals.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) Yes.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The information required for applications and application forms are available from  the Office of 
Radiation Safety.  
 
https://www.health.govt.nz/our -work/ionising -radiation -safety/ buy-sell-and-import -export -
radiation -sources/import -or-export -radioactive -material  
 
11. Notification of arrival or departure of material – no prescribed form.  
 
12. For a single consignment consent to import of IAEA catego ry 1 or 2 radioactive material - $233. 
For a single consignment import consent of IAEA category 3, 4 or 5 radioactive material - $163. G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  For an ongoing consent to import multiple consignments of unsealed radioactive material over a 
one-year period - $4,163. 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. One year which cannot be extended.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.   
 
17.(a)  Not applicable.  
 
(b) Yes. Quantitative restrictions apply to multiple consignment consents  to ensure safety . 
Restrictions are in the form of quarterly limits on the total activity of individual radionuclides 
imported.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. All persons who manage or control radioactive sources must have a source licence. The importer 
can only transfer material to a person or organis ation who holds such a licence.   
 
19. The payment of all fees is required to be in New Zealand dollars.  
18  SODIUM FLUOROACETATE (1080)  
Outline of Systems  
1. Sodium fluoroacetate is controlled under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 
(HSNO A ct) and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSW Act). In addition, the Health and 
Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 regulate the import, handling, storage 
and use of sodium fluoroacetate. Under these regulations, a person conductin g a business or 
undertaking (PCBU) who wishes to import sodium fluoroacetate must obtain a certificate of 
importation from WorkSafe New Zealand before the product is imported to and collected in New 
Zealand. The import certificate must be presented to New Zealand Customs Service along with 
collection details before the product can be uplifted at the border.  
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. All hazardous substances must be approved under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms 
Act 1996 before they can be manufactured in or imported into New Zealand. The issuing of an import 
certificate to import sodium fluoroacetate is specified in the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous 
Substances) Regulations 2017. Before a PCBU imports sodium fluoroacetate, the PCBU must obtain 
a certificate from WorkSafe (regulation 13.6 (2)(b)) confirming that the PCBU has complied with the 
criteria in regulation 13.6(2)(a).  
3. The system applies to sodium fluoroacetate originating in and coming from all countries.  
  
4. The req uirement for an import certificates are to ensure WorkSafe has knowledge of where sodium 
fluoroacetate is held in New Zealand, along with a requirement of PCBUs holding stocks of sodium 
fluoroacetate to report annually their holdings to WorkSafe.   
5. The regulations under which import certificates for sodium fluoroacetate are required are the 
Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, regulation 13.6. An import 
certificate is statutorily required. The requirement is specific to sodi um fluoroacetate (Chemical 
Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number 62 -74-8 and does not include formulation products 
containing sodium fluoroacetate. The New Zealand Government (or the executive branch) cannot 
abolish the system without legislative approva l. G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  Procedures  
6. Not applicable, as New Zealand does not have restrictions on the quantity of imports.  
 
7.(a)  A certificate to import sodium fluoroacetate is required before the substance can be collected 
in New Zealand and cleared through Customs. The processing of an application and issuing of 
the certificate typically takes 1 -3 business days.  
(b)  A sodium fluoroacetate import certificate can only be issued after an application for a 
certificate has been received at WorkSafe, the applicat ion is assessed against the criteria in 
regulation 13.6 (2)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 
2017 and a person with statutory authority to issue the certificate has assessed the 
application. This is not an immediate pr ocess.    
 
(c) An application for an import certificate can be made at any time of the year. There are no 
limitations as to when an application may be made.  
 
(d)  The consideration of an application and the decision to issue an import certificate is 
admini stered solely by WorkSafe New Zealand.  
 
8. There are no statutory reasons under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) 
Regulations 2017 to refuse to issue an import certificate if the requirements of regulation 13.6(2)(a) 
have been met. As th ere are no statutory reasons to refuse to issue an import certificate there is no 
provision within the regulations for an applicant to appeal or dispute an application that is refused.  
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. All PCBUs are eligibl e to apply for an import certificate.  
 
Documentation and Other Requirement for Application for Licence  
 
10. The applying PCBU must give WorkSafe written notice of : 
 
(i) the name of the overseas supplier of the sodium fluoroacetate; and  
(ii) the quantity of sodium fluoroacetate to be collected; and  
(iii) the name of the person collecting it from New Zealand Customs.  
 
A copy of the WorkSafe issued application form is available here: 
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0131/25.0/DLM7311051.html . 
 
11. The PCBU must provide a copy of the import certificate to the New Zealand Customs Service 
along with colle ction details before the sodium fluoroacetate can be uplifted at the border.  
Once an import of sodium fluoroacetate has been cleared through Customs, Customs will advise 
WorkSafe that the substance has been collected.  
12. There is no licensing or administ ration fee required to apply for an import certificate.   
 
13. There is no payment required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Not applicable. An import certificate for sodium fluoroacetate does not have an expiry date.   
 
15.There is no penalty for the non -utilization of an import certificate.  
 
16. Import certificates are specific to a PCBU. They are non -transferable between importers.  
 
17. No conditions are attached to an import certificate.  
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous 
Substances) Regulations 2017 that are required prior to importation of a consignment of sodium 
fluoroacetate.   
19. Not applicable; an import certificate is is sued to a New Zealand entity.  
 
19  TOBACCO C ONTROLS  
Outline of systems  
1. The Customs and Excise Act 2018 was amended (the Customs and Excise (Tobacco) Amendment 
Act 2020) to make tobacco products, tobacco leaf and tobacco refuse, prohibited imports  from 1 
July 2020 unless a permit has been granted by the New  Zealand Customs Service and the conditions 
of the permit have been met . The Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products) Amendment Bill included 
water -pipe tobacco in the import prohibition from 25 May 2022. A permit issued by the New Zealand 
Customs Service prior to importation is required.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The import prohibition applies to all tobacco products (manufactured tobacco), including water -
pipe tobacco, tobacco leaf and tobac co refuse imported into New Zealand unless a permit has been 
issued by the New Zealand Customs Service. Tobacco products are defined to include cigarettes, 
pipe tobacco,  water -pipe tobacco,  and hand rolling tobacco but do not include cigars and similar 
products. The prohibition does not apply to:  
 
• cigars, cigarillos, chewing tobacco, snuff and snus;  
• tobacco imported by a person holding a permit issued under new Schedule 3A  of the Customs 
and Excise Act 2018 ; 
• tobacco imported by a person who brings tobacco into the country with them (for example, 
as part of their duty -free allowance); and  
• tobacco that enters New Zealand but only temporarily (for example, as part of an international 
transhipment).  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in, and ar riving from, all countries.  
 
4. The purpose of the new requirements is to tighten border controls to reduce revenue evasion by 
increasing Customs' visibility on imports and closing off import channels used by smugglers. The 
measures are consistent with the  principles of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention 
on Tobacco Control.  
 
5. Section 95A of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 provides for the import prohibition. The details 
of the permit regime are set out in Schedule 3 clause 3A of the Custom s and Excise Act 2018. No 
tobacco products, including  water -pipe tobacco,  leaf and refuse, can be received through the 
international mail. These goods cannot be imported using a registered postal operator.  Tobacco must 
only be imported using a freight forw arder, the fast -freight courier system or as bulk sea or air 
cargo.   Any tobacco products,  including water -pipe tobacco,  leaf or refuse imported without a permit 
will be seized and destroyed.  
 
It is not possible for the government (or the executive branch)  to abolish the system without 
legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) A permit must be applied for and issued before the goods are imported into New Zealand. 
Issuance of permits takes 5 -10 days on average.  
 
(b) No. 
 G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
- 39 - 
 
  (c) To obtain a pe rmit, a person must submit an application in the prescribed manner. There are 
no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for importation of a 
consignment may be made.   
 
(d) Permits are issued by the New Zealand Customs Service.  
 
8. A permit may be refused if the application is incomplete or does not meet the requirements in the 
legislation. An applicant who is dissatisfied with a decision of the chief executive under clause 3 of 
Schedule 3A of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 may,  within 20 working days after the date on 
which the notice of the decision is given, appeal to a Customs Appeal Authority against that decision.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for a Licence  
9. Any importer who is over 18 years of age can apply for a pe rmit to import tobacco products as 
long as they meet the conditions imposed by the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Customs 
Service.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. A copy of the tobacco products application form can be found here:  
 
- nzcs-258-application -for-a-permission -to-import -tobacco -products.pdf  (customs.govt.nz) ; 
and  
- for tobacco leaf and refuse: nzcs-259-application -for-a-permission -to-import -tobacco -leaf-or-
refuse.pdf (customs.govt.nz)  
 
11. Only the standard Customs clearance documentation is required.  
 
12. There is no permit application fee.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Condition s of Licensing  
14. If approved Customs will issue a permit valid for use as per the timeframes below:  
 
For tobacco products  including water -pipe tobacco : 
•  Private importer or commercial importer not holding a deferred payment account: a single use 
permit  (i.e., a single importation) ; 
valid for 12 months from the date of issue.  
•  A commercial importer holding a deferred payment account: a multiple use permit valid for 
three years from the date of issue.  
•  A Customs -controlled Area (CCA) licensee, being a duty -free store, export warehouse, or 
licensed manufacturer: a multiple use permit valid for so long as the CCA licence remains in 
force.  
 
For tobacco leaf or refuse:  
If approved Customs will issue a permit  valid for use as per the timeframes below:  
•  An approved importer: a multiple use permit valid for 12 months from the date of issue.  
•  A Customs -controlled Area (CCA) licensee, being a licensed manufacturer of tobacco products: 
a multiple use permit v alid for so long as the CCA licence remains in force.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No. A permit to import is not transferable. Attempts to use a permit issued to a third party will 
result in the permit being revoked.  
 
17.(a)N/A .  
 
(b)  There are no quantitative restrict ions on permits issued for tobacco products. For permit 
holders importing tobacco leaf or refuse to be used other than manufacturing tobacco products G/LIC/N/3/NZL/10  
 
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  in an area licensed by Customs, the approved permit will stipulate a maximum quantity that 
can be imported . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
__________