New Zealand import regulations: Prohibited and restricted items & licenses

2 March 2026 5 Mins Read

If you're a business looking to gain a foothold in the New Zealand market, importing goods into the country is an ideal way to begin. New Zealand imports are projected to reach approximately NZ$7,900 million in 20271, reflecting resilient demand for global products. Vehicles, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical machinery and equipment, plastics and aircraft make up the top imports into New Zealand. Most of these products come from China, Australia, the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

No matter what type of business you are operating, now is an opportune time for companies to take advantage and start importing goods to New Zealand. However, before you dive in, it's essential to be aware that the country has strict controls and regulatory requirements for importing a range of goods. Hence, checking restrictions and licenses before shipping is the best way to avoid costly delays or seizures.

By understanding New Zealand's import regulations, you can avoid common pitfalls that delay shipments. This guide is for businesses importing for resale, e-commerce sellers, and regular importers. We'll cover the critical differences between prohibited and restricted goods, the roles of key regulators, and which permits are required for a smooth import process. We'll also share how an experienced international shipping provider like DHL Express New Zealand can ensure your shipments are fully compliant from day one.

Prohibited vs. restricted: are your goods allowed into New Zealand?

Before booking any shipping solutions, you must first determine whether your items are allowed for import. Prohibited goods are strictly banned from entry under any circumstances, while restricted items are permitted for import if you hold the correct permits or meet specific conditions. These items are governed by various pieces of legislation and agencies, as regulations are designed to address distinct risks, such as protecting local biodiversity, ensuring public health, and preventing the entry of hazardous materials.

You should regularly consult the New Zealand Customs list of prohibited and restricted goods to ensure your inventory remains compliant with the latest border protections.

Prohibited goods in New Zealand (what you cannot import)

Here are examples of prohibited goods that are strictly banned by customs from entering the country:

Objectionable material: Publications, films, or digital content that deal with sex, horror, cruelty, or violence in such a manner that the availability of the publication is likely to be injurious to the public good.
Weapons: Firearms, parts of firearms, knives, explosives, and other restricted weapons in all their many forms are considered potentially offensive weapons and are banned from importation. Certain exceptions may apply, provided you have secured specific permits.
Controlled drugs: Importing controlled drugs such as cannabis, methadone, or pseudoephedrine into New Zealand is illegal and is prohibited unless you have a license to import or you are covered by specific exemptions.
False or misleading goods: Goods with labels or other forms of identification that contain a false or misleading representation as to their quality and country of origin are prohibited.
Endangered species: Live plants and animals, as well as products made from them, are strictly regulated and can only be imported with specific approval.

As import regulations are subject to change. We strongly encourage readers to check the latest updates on the New Zealand Customs Service website to ensure their items haven't recently been added to the prohibited list.

Restricted goods: Items that require approval, permits or special conditions

This is often the most confusing aspect of importing goods into New Zealand, as import regulations vary significantly depending on the product's intended use and composition. To avoid your shipment being seized or delayed, you must identify the import requirements long before your goods reach the border. Here are some of the key categories that demand your attention:

Plants and seeds

New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity import regulations to protect its unique ecosystem. Importing plants and seeds into the country is strictly regulated by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.

You must know your plant's scientific name (genus and species) to search on MPI's Plants Biosecurity Index for specific import regulations, which differ significantly by type. You will also need a permit to import endangered or threatened species listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Medicines and supplements

Customs-restricted items, such as prescription medicines and certain high-potency vitamins, fall under Medsafe's jurisdiction. The importation of such goods into New Zealand is controlled by the Ministry of Health. Businesses will also require specific wholesale licenses by the Ministry of Health unless they are entitled under the Medicines Act 1981 to an exemption or they have been granted consent by the Minister of Health to sell, supply or distribute.

Cosmetics and toiletries

In New Zealand, cosmetics include soap, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving products, deodorant, perfume, hair dye, insect repellent, sunscreen, self-tanning products, lipstick, and makeup such as foundation and eyeshadow. There are strict rules and high safety standards. Before import, you must provide the EPA with your business information using the Hazardous Substances Reporting and Notifications (HSRN) portal. Additionally, your products must comply with the Group Standard for Cosmetic Products, which covers the specific ingredients used, their quantities, labels, packaging, and storage requirements.

Food and beverages

This category includes both processed and unprocessed food products like meat and dairy products, grains and seeds, and wine and beverages. MPI protects New Zealand consumers by setting minimum regulatory requirements. As a business, you must be registered with MPI as a food importer. Each food type must also comply with specific import regulations based on its category, and certain high-risk foods also require food safety clearance (FSC) before release into the local market.

Which New Zealand agency regulates your import?

Navigating import customs requires knowing which authority holds the "key" to your shipment. These are the primary agencies you will interact with during the import shipment process:

Ministry for Primary Industries: Responsible for biosecurity. They regulate food, plants, animal products, and wooden goods to prevent pests and diseases.
Medsafe: The authority for medicines, medical devices, and certain therapeutic supplements.
New Zealand Customs: Focuses on border enforcement, revenue collection for import duties and taxes, and general prohibited and restricted items.

Import licences and permits

Securing the right clearance starts with planning. You must obtain permits in advance; applying after the goods arrive often results in storage fees or return-to-sender charges. If your product falls into these categories, you may need a licence or permit:

Food and Beverage
Animal/Plant Product
Controlled Medicines and Supplements
Alcohol and Tobacco
Hazardous Goods or Chemical Controls

Import documentation for regulated goods

Providing the correct documents for importing is the single biggest factor for speed and success. Regulated goods require much stricter documentation and more granular detail than standard consumer items. Typically, your documentation will require this key information to ensure compliance:

Product Description: This is a clear, plain-language explanation of exactly what the item is. It enables immediate, accurate identification.
Ingredient/Material Composition: This field details the product's composition, including the percentages of each component. This is essential for agencies like MPI and Medsafe to assess biosecurity or health risks.
Value: This refers to the "Customs Value" of the goods, typically the price paid for the goods converted to NZD. It is used as the base for calculating taxes; an accurate value ensures you are not overcharged or penalized for under-declaration.
Harmonized System (HS) Code: This is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. It is vital for accurately calculating import duties and taxes, as the code tells Customs which tariff rate applies to your specific item.
Country of Origin: This identifies where the goods were manufactured or produced, not just where they were shipped from. It is used to determine whether your shipment is eligible for lower tax rates under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or is subject to specific trade restrictions.

Vague descriptions are one of the fastest ways to trigger a border hold. By shipping with DHL Express, you can benefit from our extensive experience in handling complex paperwork and ensuring that your import shipment process remains on the fast track.

Inspections, quarantine and border holds

If MPI or Customs flags your shipment, it may undergo an inspection, specialized treatment (like fumigation), or be placed in quarantine. In extreme cases of non-compliance, items are marked "return-to-sender" or destroyed. However, most of these holds are preventable with early checks and correct documentation.

How to ship regulated goods into New Zealand with confidence

To ensure your imports into New Zealand clear customs smoothly and avoid unexpected costs or seizures, confirm applicable restrictions, identify the lead regulator, check your licensing requirements, and prepare your documents for import ahead of time. Finally, ship with a partner like DHL Express New Zealand that provides a world-class delivery network, customs expertise, and real-time tracking visibility for total peace of mind.

Whether you're importing fabrics and textiles or importing perishable foods into New Zealand, you can trust that any shipment you send using DHL Express will get to its destination securely and on time. Kick off your importing ventures by opening a DHL Express business account to access preferential shipping rates, dedicated customs brokerage support, and powerful digital solutions to streamline your import process.