Export, import or manufacture arms items

For information about applying for an export permit, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. 

How to export military and dual use goods - MFAT.govt.nz

If you want to import a firearm or an arms item, you must first get a permit to import. 

You must obtain a permit before an overseas supplier sends the item to you, or before you bring it into New Zealand yourself. This applies to the following items:

• Standard firearms and magazines
• Parts
• Airguns - restricted and high-energy
• Pistols and large capacity pistols magazines
• Restricted weapons
• Restricted firearms and magazines
• Pistol carbine conversion kits
• Air pistol carbine conversion kits
• Offensive weapons
• Blank firing guns, parts and exempt blank firing guns
• Exempt standard firearms and exempt pistols

You must do this each time you import an item.

See more information about Items that require a permit or consent to import

If you intend to manufacture arms items, that proposed business activity should be specified on your business licence application and that business activity and the class/es of arms items that you propose to manufacture must be specified on your business licence.   

In addition, you must apply to the Chief Executive for approval before you start manufacturing any of the following:  

• pistols  
• restricted weapons  
• pistol carbine conversion kits  
• air pistol carbine conversion kits. 

You must state the number of items you intend to manufacture.  

For pistols, restricted weapons, and pistol carbine conversion kits, your application must satisfy the Chief Executive there are special reasons these items you are proposing to manufacture should be in New Zealand. 

The Chief Executive can give you approval to manufacture air pistol carbine conversion kits only if satisfied that the kits are for the personal use of members of an airsoft or paintball club affiliated with a national organisation.

Use this form to apply for approval before you start manufacturing:

FRM06BMAN - Application by a Licensed Business for Approval to Manufacture (PDF 293.06 KB)

If you are a firearms licence holder who intends to manufacture a pistol, restricted weapon, or pistol carbine conversion kits (PCCKs) for personal use, you must apply for a permit to possess the item before you can begin to manufacture the item.