The forms in this page contain references to terminology and provisions that have changed under the Arms Act 2026. As we progressively update all forms, they remain available for use. They will be processed under the provisions of the new legislation.
Export, import or manufacture arms items
Find out what to do if you want to export, import or manufacture arms items in New Zealand.
On this page
Importing firearms and other arms items
Before you import any of the following items, whether an overseas supplier sends those items to you or you bring them in with you, you must first get a permit to import:
- 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.
Licensing requirements for blank-firing guns
You must have a firearms licence before importing or purchasing a blank-firing gun.
If you already own one of these guns and do not have a firearms licence, you can keep it. However, you can only sell or transfer it to someone who holds a valid firearms licence.
Requirement for possession of blank-firing gun | Arms Act 2026, Part 2, section 17 | New Zealand Legislation website
Licence to possess blank-firing gun | Arms Act 2026, Schedule 1, Part 1, section 5 | New Zealand Legislation website
Requirement for importing firearms | Arms Act 2026, Part 2, section 56 | New Zealand Legislation website
Exporting firearms and other arms items
For information about applying for an export permit, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
Manufacturing arms items by business licence holder
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.
Manufacturing arms items by firearms licence holder
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.
To apply, go to Permit to Possess
Manufactured items must be sold through a licensed business
Under the Arms Act 2026, if a licensed firearms owner manufactures a firearm or firearm part for personal use, it can only be sold through a business licence holder.
This change helps improve public safety by preventing unsafe items from entering circulation. It closes a loophole that allowed items originally manufactured for personal use to be sold later without regulatory oversight or quality assurance.
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