The Customs Import Prohibition (Offensive Weapons) Order 2021 (Schedule 2) lists offensive weapons that are prohibited from importation unless a person has consent from the Commissioner of Police (or their delegate).

Some examples include knuckledusters, disguised weapons, switchblades and certain types of knives.

Customs Import Prohibition (Offensive Weapons) Order 2021 – Schedule 2, Offensive weapons prohibited from importation | New Zealand Legislation website

In your application, you must provide:

• your details, including identification information such as your firearms licence number or driver licence number
• details about what you want to import
• the reason why you should be allowed to import them into New Zealand.

Information you provide may be released to the exporting, transit or trans-shipping country or state. 

You must import the items into New Zealand within 12 months of receiving the consent, or within the timeframe specified by the Commissioner. 

If you do not have consent to import the items, New Zealand Customs can detain them on arrival – so it is a good idea to wait until you have consent to import an item before buying it. 

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