Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Body Armour → New Zealand
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25
Body Armour import prohibited
Details
Body armour is a controlled item at international borders in many countries despite being entirely defensive in function. Canada restricts sales to authorized purchasers in several provinces. Australia requires state-level import and possession permi
Leaving with this item
Body armour is a dual-use controlled good; export from New Zealand above civilian protection levels requires authorisation.
Practical advice
Do not carry civilian body armour, ballistic vests, or stab vests into New Zealand. NZ Customs requires an end-user permit issued only to law-enforcement / military / accredited security professionals; tourist carriage is treated as a weapons-import offence.
Customs authority
New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) · https://www.customs.govt.nz