After you import items into New Zealand

What you must do after you import items into New Zealand that require a permit or consent to import.

Before you begin

Items that require a permit or consent to import

Apply for a permit to import

Notify us that you have imported your items

You must notify us within 30 days after the date the items on the permit are imported to New Zealand.

Email your notification to notifyimport@police.govt.nz

Send your details in an email or letter.

Information you must provide

You must provide:

full name of the applicant
address of the applicant
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, prohibited 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, prohibited part, or ammunition was landed in New Zealand
date of importation
where and when the permit was issued.

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.

Find the identification marking

Markings on arms items and parts (pdf 6.19 MB)

Record the imported items in the Firearms Registry

If you are an individual licence holder, you must record information in the Firearms Registry when you import firearms and other arms items.

If you are a visitors licence holder, we will register your items on your behalf when you apply for your visitor's firearms licence and permit to import. If we need more information about the items, we will contact you.

For more information:

Firearms Registry

Bringing arms items when you visit New Zealand

If you do not apply for 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 can detain or seize it on arrival.

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

If your item is seized, contact New Zealand Customs