Codeine (Medication) 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Codeine (Medication) may require documentation or declaration
Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into New Zealand?
Codeine (Medication) may require documentation or declaration
Up to 3-month personal supply (Class B2 controlled drug)
- Documentation may be required
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Codeine in New Zealand is Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and prescription-only medicine under the Medicines Act 1981. Travelers may carry a 3-month supply for personal use with an original prescription; declare on the New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card. NZ Customs at AKL / WLG / CHC inspects; quantities above 3 months require pre-arrival Medsafe approval.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 400–5000 NZD
- Civil penalty only
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Leaving New Zealand with codeine (medication)
Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975; Customs and Excise Act 2018 framework. Personal-use quantities accompanied by the prescription and pharmacist dispensing label are generally permitted for export. Codeine-combination cough and cold products may be over-the-counter in some jurisdictions but still controlled for cross-border movement above threshold quantities. Personal export above the standard personal-use limit requires an Medsafe personal export authorisation. Destination-country rules on codeine import are more restrictive in many jurisdictions (Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states) and should be verified independently.
Carry documentation. Declare proactively at customs.
Up to 3-month personal supply (Class B2 controlled drug)
- Documentation may be required
This page covers destination customs rules in New Zealand. Whether you can carry codeine (medication) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Codeine (Medication) rules in other countries
Codeine (Medication)
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Controlled narcotic. Must declare and carry a valid prescription and Ministry of Health permit.
Codeine (Medication)
🇯🇵 Japan
Requires a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate for quantities exceeding one month's supply.
Codeine (Medication)
🇸🇬 Singapore
Controlled drug. Requires prior authorisation from HSA for amounts exceeding 3 days' supply.
Codeine (Medication)
🇦🇺 Australia
Prescription required since 2018
Codeine (Medication)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Prescription-only since 2021 reclassification
Codeine (Medication)
🇩🇪 Germany
BtM prescription required