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Arms Bill

Endorsements and permits - Permits to import

193: Issue of permit to import firearms, etc

You could also call this:

"Getting a permit to bring firearms and ammo into New Zealand"

Illustration for Arms Bill

If you want to import firearms or other items, you need to apply to the chief executive. You must fill out a form and pay a fee. The chief executive will look at your application and may ask for more information. The chief executive can give you a permit to import certain items if you meet the requirements. These items include standard firearms, exempt standard firearms, and ammunition. You must be allowed to have these items and follow the rules. For some items, like restricted firearms, the chief executive may give you a permit if there is a special reason. You must have a licence to possess these items and follow the rules. The chief executive can also impose conditions on the permit to make sure you use the items correctly. If you want to import a permanently deactivated firearm, you must show proof that it has been deactivated. The chief executive will check your application and make a decision. You must follow the rules and regulations when importing firearms or other items.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1533841.

This page was last updated on — View changes

Topics:
Crime and justice > Police and safety
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Part 4Endorsements and permits
Permits to import

193Issue of permit to import firearms, etc

  1. An application for the issue of a permit to import must be made to the chief executive in the prescribed manner and must—

  2. be in a form approved by the chief executive; and
    1. include the prescribed details (if any); and
      1. be supported by any information and documents that are prescribed; and
        1. be accompanied by the prescribed application fee (if any).

          1. After receiving an application, the chief executive may require the applicant to produce to the chief executive, for examination and testing, samples of any item of the kind referred to in the application that the chief executive considers necessary.

          2. The chief executive, if satisfied of the matters in subsection (4), must grant an application for the issue of a permit to import any of the following items:

          3. a standard firearm:
            1. an exempt standard firearm:
              1. a permanently deactivated firearm that was formerly a standard firearm:
                1. a standard magazine:
                  1. any part of a standard firearm:
                    1. ammunition.

                      1. The matters referred to in subsection (3) are that—

                      2. the applicant is lawfully able to possess the item; and
                        1. one of the following applies:
                          1. the applicant has complied with any previous requirement to provide a sample of the item for examination and testing and the sample was approved:
                            1. a sample of the item is not required to be produced for examination and testing:
                              1. if the application is made for the issue of a permit to import a sample of an item, the applicant will—
                                1. import no more than 1 sample; and
                                  1. comply with the requirements in section 197; and
                                2. if the application is in respect of a standard firearm that is a permanently deactivated firearm, the applicant has produced sufficient evidence of the firearm having been permanently deactivated.

                                  1. The chief executive, if satisfied of the matters in subsection (6), may grant an application for the issue of a permit to import any of the following items:

                                  2. a restricted firearm:
                                    1. a permanently deactivated firearm that was formerly a pistol or restricted firearm:
                                      1. a restricted magazine:
                                        1. a large-capacity pistol magazine:
                                          1. a restricted part:
                                            1. a pistol:
                                              1. a restricted airgun:
                                                1. a blank-firing gun:
                                                  1. an exempt blank-firing gun:
                                                    1. a restricted weapon:
                                                      1. any part of a pistol:
                                                        1. any part of a restricted weapon:
                                                          1. any part of a blank-firing gun:
                                                            1. any restricted ammunition that is authorised or permitted expressly by or under this Act to be possessed.

                                                              1. The chief executive may issue a permit to import under subsection (5) in respect of an item only if—

                                                              2. the chief executive is satisfied that there is a special reason why the item should be allowed in New Zealand; and
                                                                1. in the case of an application for the issue of a permit to import an item described in subsection (5)(a), (b), (c), (d), or (f), the application is made by a person who is the holder of a licence that bears an endorsement permitting the licence holder to possess the item; and
                                                                  1. in the case of an application for the issue of a permit to import an item described in subsection (5)(e), the application is made by a person who may possess a restricted part (see section 36); and
                                                                    1. in the case of an application for the issue of a permit in respect of an item described in subsection (5)(n), the applicant—
                                                                      1. is a person permitted by regulations to possess restricted ammunition; and
                                                                        1. is the holder of a licence; and
                                                                        2. if the application is in respect of a permanently deactivated firearm, the applicant has produced sufficient evidence of the firearm having been permanently deactivated.

                                                                          1. If an application for the issue of a permit to import is made in respect of an item described in subsection (5)(e) in relation to a restricted part that may be used by a licence holder on or with a standard firearm, the chief executive—

                                                                          2. must be satisfied that the part will only be used by the licence holder with or on a standard firearm; and
                                                                            1. may impose conditions on the permit that enable the chief executive to verify the use of the part.