Pepper Spray → New Zealand

Pepper Spray import prohibited

Details

Pepper spray is prohibited or heavily restricted in many countries. Canada prohibits it if marketed as a weapon; it is only legal if sold as bear deterrent spray. The UK, Germany, Japan, and much of Asia treat it as a prohibited weapon. Australia and. 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.

Quantity limit

Zero — prohibited weapon under Arms Act 1983

Surrender at customs

NZ Customs accepts voluntary surrender of pepper spray (prohibited weapon under Arms Act 1983). Declare at primary inspection. Customs seizure receipt issued. Proactive surrender avoids prosecution.

Leaving with this item

Pepper spray is a prohibited weapon for civilians in New Zealand, so there is no lawful personal possession or export.

Practical advice

Do not carry pepper spray, OC spray, or tear-gas devices into New Zealand. NZ Customs treats incapacitating sprays as prohibited weapons under the firearms / dangerous-articles regime; seizure plus a fine is the standard response.

Customs authority

New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) · https://www.customs.govt.nz