Prohibited items
You can’t bring or import any of these items into New Zealand:
- Objectionable material contained on items such as:
- Mobile phones
- USB devices
- Videotapes or films
- Records or CD-ROMs
- Publications
- Equipment for smoking or taking drugs, including:
- Certain cannabis or methamphetamine utensils
- Vaporisers
- Some firearms and weapons, such as:
- Flick knives
- Butterfly knives
- Swordsticks
- Knuckle dusters
- Small high powered magnets, such as “buckyballs”
- Anything which you’re planning to use in a crime involving dishonesty.
Restricted items
You need a permit or an exemption to import these items:
- Protected speciesunder the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Carnivorous plants
- Firearms and ammunition
- Handheld high power laser pointers
- Gold of Russian origin
- Oil, gas and coal of Russian origin
- Luxury goods of Russian origin, including:
- Vodka
- Truffles
- Seafood
- Precious stones of any value
- Other luxury goods of Russian origin worth more than NZ$1000 including:
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Personal electronics
This prohibition applies to goods made in Russia, no matter where they are sold online or shipped from.
Medicines
You may not be able to bring some medicines or controlled drugs into New Zealand.
Prohibited and restricted exports
Some items are prohibited or restricted. You may not be able to take them out of New Zealand without a permit or consent, or at all. These include:
- Pounamu (greenstone) in its natural state
- Paua meat
- Wildlife
- Protected objects covered by the Protected Objects Act
If you aren’t sure whether you can take something out of New Zealand,contact us.
FAQs
Prohibited items
- Objectionable material contained on items such as: Mobile phones. ...
- Equipment for smoking or taking drugs, including: ...
- Some firearms and weapons, such as: ...
- Small high powered magnets, such as “buckyballs”
- Anything which you're planning to use in a crime involving dishonesty.
Some items can carry harmful pests and diseases and need to be declared. This includes things like some foods, used outdoor equipment, animal and plant products. You may also need to declare medicines, tobacco, alcohol and if you are carrying NZ$10,000 or more cash (or equivalent) into New Zealand.
What items are restricted by customs? ›
Prohibited and Restricted Items
- Absinthe (Alcohol) ...
- Alcoholic Beverages. ...
- Automobiles. ...
- Biological Materials. ...
- Ceramic Tableware. ...
- Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property. ...
- Defense Articles or Items with Military or Proliferation Applications. ...
- Dog and Cat Fur.
There is no problem. All food and agricultural products are allowed to be brought in. Some food and agricultural products can be brought into New Zealand, but you must declare them as such and submit them for customs inspection.
Can I bring deodorant to New Zealand? ›
All liquids, aerosols, gels or pastes must be in individual containers not larger than 100ml in volume. This includes any item you can pump, squeeze, spread, smear, spray, or spill (things like toothpaste, peanut butter, sunscreen, liquid electrolytes, and bug spray).
Can I bring shoes into New Zealand? ›
New Zealand has very strict biosecurity rules and you will need to declare if you are carrying any items that have been used for outdoor activities. This includes things like hiking boots and hiking poles. Customs officers will want to check that these are clean and free of dirt, seeds and leaves.
What items do you have to declare when going through customs? ›
Declare all items:This includes anything you purchased abroad, gifts, food items, and even medication. Declare everything accurately to avoid delays or fines. Familiarize yourself with US customs regulations:Visit the US Customs and Border Protection website for detailed information on prohibited and restricted items.
Can I bring medicine to New Zealand? ›
If you are arriving into New Zealand with prescription medicines (other than medicines containing controlled drugs), on you or in your luggage you must: have a copy of the prescription from your doctor, or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine(s), and.
Can I bring sunscreen to New Zealand? ›
The item that has some travellers stumped is sunscreen which does not meet Australian and New Zealand standards. In September 2022, it became mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of sunscreen products in New Zealand to comply with the Safety Standard set out in the Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act.
What food Cannot go through customs? ›
Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil and products made from animal or plant materials. For generally allowed food items please visit USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
U.S. Customs officers may exam- ine cargo to look for illegal drugs, counterfeit merchandise, merchan- dise from a country with which the U.S. has an embargo, food or medical devices not in compliance with FDA regulations, or motorcycles not ap- proved by the Environmental Protec- tion Agency (EPA), to name a few ...
What items require customs clearance? ›
Customs clearance is necessary for all packages entering the U.S. from other countries. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides a form for you to complete a shipment description.
What can you not bring into New Zealand? ›
Travellers arriving in NZ
- Food of any kind.
- Plants or parts of plants (alive or dead)
- Animals (alive or dead) or their products.
- Equipment used with animals.
- Equipment such as camping gear, golf clubs, and used bicycles.
- Biological specimens.
declare all risk items – like food, plants, wooden products, soil, water, outdoor equipment, and animal products so we can assess and prevent any pests or diseases entering New Zealand. dispose of undeclared risk goods in marked amnesty bins on your arrival to avoid being searched or fined.
Can I bring spices into New Zealand? ›
If it is unground tea, herbs, roots, spices it must be commercially manufactured and packaged, and in its original unopened packaging. If it is dried and frozen tamarind it must be compressed pulp. If it is dried legumes, it must be split or ground.
What should be avoided while travelling to New Zealand? ›
Visitors to New Zealand
- Don't walk alone late at night and avoid unlit areas.
- Don't carry lots of cash, valuables or expensive jewellery with you.
- New Zealanders are very sociable but you need to be sensible. ...
- Be aware of people around you when using ATMs (cash machines) and hide your PIN.
If you are arriving into New Zealand with prescription medicines (other than medicines containing controlled drugs), on you or in your luggage you must: have a copy of the prescription from your doctor, or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine(s), and.
What are the entry restrictions for New Zealand? ›
Border measures
You must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (NZTD) before passport control on arrival. You need to answer questions about your trip and what you're bringing into the country. You can complete it online or by using the NZTD app, there's no cost.
Can I take food on an international flight in NZ? ›
There are some things that you cannot send overseas but you can take them with you. Aside from a small number of restricted products, you can take any food or animal products with you for personal use when you leave New Zealand. This includes carrying food or animal products in your checked or hand luggage.
