After you import items into New Zealand

Before you begin

Items that require a permit or consent to import

Once your items arrive you must

Add identification marking (serial number)

If an item does not already have an identification marking (for example, a manufacturer’s serial number), an identification marking must be added to the item within 30 days of the item being imported into New Zealand.

Guide to identifying a firearm

Markings on arms items and parts (pdf 6.19 MB)

Complete a Notification of Import

If you're importing on your business licence

You must notify us within 30 days of the first items being released by New Zealand Customs. To complete your business notification of import requirements:

Download and complete the Notification of Import template
Email this to importpermits@firearmssafety.govt.nz

If you cannot use this template, you must send us the following information via email:

business firearms licence number
permit number
quantity imported
the description and country of origin of the item imported, including the identification marking of the item
the name of the manufacturer of the firearm, pistol, pistol carbine conversion kit, air pistol carbine conversion kit, restricted airgun, blank-firing gun, restricted weapon, magazine, restricted part, or ammunition
the place at which the firearm, pistol, pistol carbine conversion kit, air pistol carbine conversion kit, restricted airgun, blank-firing gun, restricted weapon, magazine, restricted part, or ammunition was landed in New Zealand
date of importation
where and when the permit was issued.

If you're importing on your firearms licence

You must register all your imported firearms and major firearms parts before completing your Notification of Import within 30 days of the first items being released by New Zealand Customs.

To complete your notification of import requirements, email importpermits@firearmssafety.govt.nz the following details:

your firearms licence number
permit to import number, and
case number from your registration confirmation email (or the code number available from MyFirearms, under Submitted Forms).

If you have imported ammunition or firearm parts that are not major firearm parts, email importpermits@firearmssafety.govt.nz the following details to complete your notification of import requirements:

your firearms licence number
the permit number
part type and quantity
ammunition type, calibre and quantity (total amount of rounds).

You must check to ensure all other arms items in your possession are recorded in the Registry and your licence holder details are complete and up to date within 30 days of imported items being released by New Zealand Customs.

For more information:

Firearms Registry

Travelling overseas with firearms

Importing as a visitor to New Zealand

If you are bringing arms items or ammunition with you, you must tell us what you are bringing when you complete your application for a visitor's licence.

We will register your arms items on your behalf once your visitor's firearms licence and permit to import has been issued. We will also need confirmation of what arms items you export when you leave.

If we need more information about the items, we will contact you.

For more information:

Bringing arms items when you visit New Zealand

If you do not have a permit before the items arrive in New Zealand

It’s an offence to import items without an approved permit or consent to import. If you do not have a permit to import, New Zealand Customs or New Zealand Police will detain or seize your items on arrival. 

If your item is detained, contact: permitfirearms@firearmssafety.govt.nz

If your item is seized, contact New Zealand Customs

If you have a permit with a sample condition

A permit to import with a sample condition is approved under the condition that it is examined by Police Armourers. Before you deliver your sample to your local arms office, you will need to:

Complete and submit your notification of import. If the sample was imported on your standard firearms licence, you will need to call the Registry team to register the sample.
Follow the providing a sample for examination guide to ensure that your packaging meets requirements before your item is delivered to district.
Arrange an appointment with your local arms office to drop off your sample.

Providing a sample for examination guide

If an item does not already have an identification marking (for example, a manufacturer’s serial number), an identification marking must be added to the item within 30 days of the item being imported into New Zealand.

Guide to identifying a firearm

Markings on arms items and parts

After testing

You will be advised whether the item has been approved or refused for import by you.

If approved, you can make an appointment to collect the items from your local firearms office.
If refused, you must confirm whether you will:
- Export the item (pickup allowed only immediately before export), or
- Surrender it for destruction without compensation.

Important

Once we have notified you of the approval or refusal, you have 12 months to respond. If we do not hear from you within this time, the item will be destroyed without compensation.

Need help?

Contact your local firearms office for more information.

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