Bringing alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, drugs, and medicines to NZ | NZ Government

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Choose from this list:
Alcohol
CBD oil (cannabidiol)
Cigarettes and tobacco
Medication and drugs
Veterinary medicines and supplements accompanying imported animals

Alcohol

Examples:	Spirits, bourbon, vodka, gin, whiskey, egg liqueur, advocaat, avocet, advoket, wine, beer, honey mead
Allowed if:	It does not contain bugs, reptiles, seeds, soil, disease or other plant or animal material. Note: If it contains chicken egg yolk it must also be commercially manufactured and packaged, in its original unopened packaging, at least 14% alcohol, and must not require refrigeration. If it contains bee products it must also be commercially manufactured and packaged, be honey mead or labelled at least 20% alcohol, and the total quantity of the consignment must be 3 bottles or fewer.
Extra tips:	Check duty-free limits – NZ Customs Service Check allowances and charges – NZ Customs Service Some alcohol items are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), like alcohol containing snake. They may require CITES documentation to be imported or may be prohibited. Find out about CITES – Department of Conservation
Declare the item?	Yes
Inspection required?	Yes
Clearance guaranteed?	No Check our legal disclaimer to find out why we can't guarantee clearance

CBD oil (cannabidiol)

Examples:	Cannabis oil, medicinal cannabis
Allowed if:	It is commercially manufactured and packaged and in its original packaging. You have a prescription or letter from your doctor. Travelling to NZ with medicines – NZ Customs Service CBD products – Ministry of Health
Extra tip:	See 'medication and drugs'
Limits:	3 months' supply for prescription medicine 1 month's supply for controlled drugs
Declare the item?	Yes
Inspection required?	Yes
Clearance guaranteed?	No Check our legal disclaimer to find out why we can't guarantee clearance

Cigarettes and tobacco

Examples:	Cigarettes, tobacco packets, e-cigarettes
Allowed if:	It does not contain bugs, seeds, soil, disease or other plant or animal material.
Extra tip:	Check duty-free limits – NZ Customs Service Check allowances and charges – NZ Customs Service
Declare the item?	Yes
Inspection required?	Yes
Clearance guaranteed?	No Check our legal disclaimer to find out why we can't guarantee clearance

Medication and drugs

Examples:	Vitamins, supplements, capsules, fish oil tablets
Allowed if:	It is commercially manufactured and packaged, in its original packaging, and contains less than 2% honey, pollen, or royal jelly. It must be accompanied by a manufacturer's declaration if it contains honey. You have a prescription or letter from your doctor. Travelling to NZ with medicines – NZ Customs Service
Extra tips:	Check with The Ministry of Health about bringing medicines into NZ Some medication and drugs are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), like products containing American Ginseng, Costus root, or Dendrobium. They may require CITES documentation to be imported or may be prohibited. Find out about CITES – Department of Conservation Avoid bringing dried plant Chinese medicines as these items can contain pests and diseases.
Limits:	3 months' supply for prescription medicine. 1 month's supply for controlled drugs. No limits for other products.
Declare the item?	Yes
Inspection required?	Yes
Clearance guaranteed?	No Check our legal disclaimer to find out why we can't guarantee clearance

Veterinary medicines and supplements accompanying imported animals

Allowed if:	It is accompanying the animal/owner/agent travelling with the animal. You have a copy of the overseas veterinarian's prescription. You have a ACVM21 declaration [DOCX, 296 KB]
Extra tips:	Some traditional medicine items are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They may require CITES documentation to be imported or may be prohibited. Find out about CITES – Department of Conservation More details about veterinary medication, vitamins, and supplements items for animals are on steps to importing veterinary medicines
Limits:	3 months' supply
Declare the item?	Yes
Inspection required?	Yes
Clearance guaranteed?	No Check our legal disclaimer to find out why we can't guarantee clearance

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