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New Zealand law explained for everyone

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Arms Bill

Endorsements and permits - Permits to import

203: Seizure of illegally imported items

You could also call this:

"What happens to items brought into New Zealand without a permit"

Illustration for Arms Bill

If you think someone has brought an item into New Zealand without a permit, a police officer or Customs officer can take action. They can seize the item if they suspect it was brought in without a permit or is going to be brought in without one. They can use reasonable force to take the item. If the item is seized, certain rules will apply to it, like those in sections 337 and 338. The police officer or Customs officer will follow these rules. The item will be treated according to the rules, and the officer will make sure it is handled properly. They will use the rules to guide their decisions about the item. This will help keep everyone safe.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1533852.

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Topics:
Crime and justice > Police and safetyEnvironment and resources > ConservationTransport and travel > Border control
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202: Notification of importation, or

"Telling the government about bringing arms or ammo into New Zealand"

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204: Permits to possess, or

"Getting a permit to have a certain firearm"

Part 4Endorsements and permits
Permits to import

203Seizure of illegally imported items

  1. Subsection (2) applies if a member of the Police or a Customs officer suspects on reasonable grounds that an item referred to in section 55(1) or 56—

  2. has been brought into New Zealand without a permit to import; or
    1. has been brought into the harbours or other territorial waters of New Zealand and is intended to be brought into New Zealand without a permit to import.

      1. If this subsection applies, the member of the Police or the Customs officer may—

      2. seize and detain the item; and
        1. use any reasonable necessary force to seize the item.

          1. If an item is seized and detained under subsection (2), sections 337 and 338 apply, with all necessary modifications, in respect of that item.