Before you begin
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.
Find the identification marking
Markings on arms items and parts (pdf 6.19 MB)
Complete a Notification of Import
If you're importing on your dealer licence
You must notify us within 30 days of the first items being released by New Zealand Customs. To complete your dealer notification of import requirements:
- Download and complete the Notification of Import template
- Email this to importpermits@police.govt.nz
If you cannot use this template, you must send us the following information via email:
- dealer 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, 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.
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@police.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@police.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:
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:
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 can detain or seize your items on arrival.
If your item is detained, contact: permitfirearms@police.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.
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.
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.
Relevant legislation
- 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
Need help? | |
Phone 0800 844 431 (04 499 2870) 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday |