Firearms 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Firearms import prohibited
Can I bring Firearms into New Zealand?
Firearms import prohibited
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Firearms and ammunition are among the most strictly controlled items at international borders. Nearly every country requires advance import/export licenses for firearms. Many countries, including Japan, Australia, and the UK, effectively prohibit civ. Enforcement in New Zealand carries fines from NZD 5,000 to NZD 500,000 and imprisonment up to 7 years in aggravated cases under Customs and Excise Act 2018 s.388; Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 5000–500000 NZD
- Imprisonment up to 84 months
- Criminal penalty
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Leaving New Zealand with firearms
Export of firearms from New Zealand requires advance authorisation issued before departure under Arms Act 1983; Customs and Excise Act 2018. Unlicensed firearms export is a serious criminal offence carrying substantial fines and imprisonment. Even properly licensed domestic owners require the separate export authorisation for cross-border movement, and ammunition and firearm parts (barrels, receivers) fall under the same framework. Airlines additionally require advance notice and locked-case carriage in checked baggage.
Do not bring firearms to this country. Penalties may be severe. If unsure, declare on arrival — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods found in screening are seized and fined.
This page covers destination customs rules in New Zealand. Whether you can carry firearms through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Firearms rules in other countries
Firearms
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Strict prohibition on most firearms
Firearms
🇦🇺 Australia
Prohibited without import permit
Firearms
🇯🇵 Japan
Complete civilian ban
Firearms
🇲🇽 Mexico
Illegal to bring firearms without SEDENA permit
Firearms
🇺🇸 United States
Second Amendment; state laws vary widely
Firearms
🇨🇦 Canada
PAL required; restricted and prohibited classifications