Basic information
Outline of the system
The Customs Import Prohibition Order 2017 (replaced by the Customs Import Prohibition (Offensive Weapons) Order 2021 on 1 October 2021) prohibits the importation of the offensive weapons listed below, except with the consent of the Commissioner of Police.
Applicants for a consent to import the above offensive weapons may apply to the Operations Manager: permits, visitor and licence Cards, Arms Safety and Control, New Zealand Police; or the Director Firearms Safety: Arms Safety and Control, New Zealand Police.
Product coverage
The permitting regime applies to all of the offensive weapons listed below:
• Knuckledusters, knives incorporating knuckledusters, swordsticks (including, without limitation, any identifiable components of swordsticks), and any weapon disguised to give the appearance of another article.
• Any knife having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife (sometimes known as a flick knife or flick gun).
• Any knife having a blade that is released from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force, and that, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever, or other device (sometimes known as a gravity knife or butterfly knife).
• Any knife, with the exception of a folding pocketknife with a blade less than 10 cm in length, that:
(a) is designed for ease of concealment on the person; or
(b) has a blade with at least 2 edges that is designed or suitable for stabbing or throwing (as opposed to cutting); or
(c) is a knife of any of the kinds sometimes known as a fist knife, gimlet knife, punch dagger, push dagger, push dirk, push knife, T-handled knife, or throwing knife.
• Bayonets.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The purpose is the control of offensive weapons.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Controls on the importation of offensive weapons is not subject as to the quantity or value of the imports. The importation of offensive weapons is constrained by the purpose for which the applicant wishes to possess the weapon, and their suitability to do so.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Customs Import Prohibition Order 2017.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
Yes.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Upon receiving an application in writing police consider the purpose for which the applicant wishes to import the weapon and their suitability to possess that weapon.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The applicant is required to complete a standard form.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Permission to import is required before the offensive weapon is imported into New Zealand. Permission may only be issued on the basis of an application made in writing.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Permission to import is required before the offensive weapon is imported into New Zealand. Permission may only be issued on the basis of an application made in writing.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Yes, New Zealand Police manages the offensive weapons import permit regime.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Conditions may be placed on the permission to import.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is currently no charge.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
The application for permission to import may be refused at the discretion of Police.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
A reason is required to be provided.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
It is subject to judicial review.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The permission to import is required to be presented to the New Zealand Customs Service.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Permission to import offensive weapons is valid for one year from date of issue.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
The permission to import is personal to the person it is issued to.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
No.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
No.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
No.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
No.