Check what you need to know before you apply.

Arms items that require a permit to import

There is no fee for a permit to import.

Permits expire 12 months after the date on which that permit was issued.

If you have not used the permit within that 12-month period, you will need to apply for a new one. Permits do not get renewed.

Your permit to import may be revoked at any time by the commissioned officer of Police.

If your permit is revoked, you will be notified in writing and you will no longer be able to use it.

You may need to apply for more than one permit if you are importing multiple items – it depends on when they enter New Zealand.

One permit covers items that will enter New Zealand either:  

at the same time, in a single consignment, or  

in more than one consignment, but within a 30-day period between the arrival of the first and last consignments.

The permit to import ends for further arms items 30 days after the first item enters New Zealand.

Step 1: Complete the form

You can either:  

• save the PDF to your computer (you must have a PDF reader installed), or  
• print the PDF and complete it by hand.

Step 2: Submit your application

• By email: PermitFirearms@police.govt.nz  
• By post: Permit Team, Te Tari Pūreke, PO Box 722, Paraparaumu, Kapiti 5032
• In person to a Police station: Find Police stations | New Zealand Police website

If your application is approved, your permit will be sent to you.

If your application is refused, you’ll be notified in writing, including the reasons your application was refused.

If you’re not satisfied with the decision, you have the right to appeal to the District Court.

You must appeal within 20 working days of the refusal decision (unless the court gives special leave to extend that time).

After you receive your imported items, you must do 3 things.

1. Notify New Zealand Police

You must notify New Zealand Police in writing within 30 days of the item being imported into New Zealand.

Email your notification to armsofficerpnhq@police.govt.nz

Information you must include in the email:

• full name of the applicant
• address and occupation 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.

2. Add identification marking – if needed

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

3. Record the imported items in the Firearms Registry

If you are not a licensed dealer, you must record information in the Firearms Registry when you import an arms item.

Providing information for the first time

Updating the Registry

What information to provide when registering

• Arms Act 1983, section 18 – Issue of permit to import firearms, etc Section 18 Arms Act | New Zealand Legislation website
• Arms Act 1983, section 18AAC – Revocation and validity of permit to import | New Zealand Legislation website
• Arms Act 1983, section 62B – Right of appeal to District Court | New Zealand Legislation website
• Arms Regulations 1992, section 12 – Identification markings | New Zealand Legislation website
• Arms Regulations 1992, section 13 – Notification of importation | New Zealand Legislation website
• District Court Rules 2014, section 18.4 – Time for appeal if there is right of appeal | New Zealand Legislation website