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.
Possessing restricted ammunition
Very few people are eligible to possess restricted ammunition.
On this page
Before you begin
To possess restricted ammunition, you must have a firearms licence and be:
- a director or curator of a bona fide museum
- a bona fide collector of ammunition
- a researcher researching the chemical makeup of certain types of restricted ammunition who is employed or contracted by:
- the New Zealand Defence Force or
- the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited.
If you are a director or curator of a bona fide museum
A director or curator of a bona fide museum may only possess restricted ammunition that is manufactured for small arms.
Small arms means:
- a rifle of a calibre up to 20 millimetres
- a pistol of a calibre up to 20 millimetres.
You must complete and submit the following form as soon as is reasonably practicable each time you take possession of or dispose of the ammunition.
Email your completed form to ProhibitedFirearmEndorsement@firearmssafety.govt.nz
If approved, you’ll receive a letter of recognition that identifies you as a person who has been approved to possess restricted ammunition. The letter is not an ‘endorsement’.
The letter is valid until:
- your firearms licence expires, is surrendered or is revoked, or
- you stop collecting, exhibiting or displaying restricted ammunition.
If you are a bona fide collector of restricted ammunition
A bona fide collector of ammunition may only possess restricted ammunition that is manufactured for small arms.
Small arms means:
- a rifle of a calibre up to 20 millimetres
- a pistol of a calibre up to 20 millimetres.
You must complete and submit the following form as soon as is reasonably practicable each time you take possession of or dispose of the ammunition.
Email your completed form to ProhibitedFirearmEndorsement@firearmssafety.govt.nz
If approved, you’ll receive a letter of recognition that identifies you as a person who has been approved to possess restricted ammunition. The letter is not an ‘endorsement’.
The letter is valid until:
- your firearms licence expires, is surrendered or is revoked, or
- you stop collecting restricted ammunition.
If you are a researcher of restricted ammunition
A researcher may possess restricted ammunition if the researcher is:
- employed or contracted by:
- the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF); or
- the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR); and
- researching the chemical makeup of certain types of restricted ammunition.
If you are employed or contracted by NZDF or ESR as a researcher of restricted ammunition, speak to your employer about licensing provisions.
You must complete and submit the following form as soon as is reasonably practicable each time you take possession of or dispose of the ammunition.
Email your completed form to ProhibitedFirearmEndorsement@firearmssafety.govt.nz
If approved, you’ll receive a letter of recognition that identifies you as a person who has been approved to possess restricted ammunition. The letter is not an ‘endorsement’.
The letter is valid until:
- your research ceases, or
- your employment ceases.
Disposal of restricted ammunition
You must notify Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand when you dispose of restricted ammunition.
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