NZ Customs Release

Issue

820

20 February 2026

Requirements on importing/exporting with Iran

Importers, exporters and their agents should familiarise themselves with the new registration requirements regarding any trade with people and businesses in Iran. The registration provides a unique permit number to the importer/exporter, which must be used on import and export entries.

From 1 February 2026, New Zealand persons and entities intending to do business with Iran are required to first register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The compulsory registration scheme is designed to ensure that legitimate trade with Iran can continue, and that those engaging in such trade exercise the necessary degree of vigilance.

You can submit your application at any time. No fees apply to registration.

More information and the registration form are available on MFAT's website.

Join the EPA's hazardous substance annual report requirement webinar

Importers and manufacturers of certain hazardous substances are required to file an annual report for the 2025 calendar year by 31 May 2026.

To assist you, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is holding a one-hour webinar on 25 February 2026 at 10.00am to discuss annual reporting requirements and how to use the Hazardous Substances Reporting and Notifications (HSRN) portal to submit them.

There will also be the opportunity to ask questions about the new requirements and the online portal during the webinar.
 

Not everyone needs to submit an annual report, just those importing or manufacturing certain substances. For more information about the new requirements, including which types of substances require annual reports please visit: Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Notice 2015 | EPA 
 

If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact EPA at info@epa.govt.nz.

Eight men jailed over global crime syndicate's failed plot to traffic AU$1.7 billion worth of meth into Australia

Eight men have been jailed in Australia following an international investigation into methamphetamine smuggling.

The men have been sentenced to a combined 95 years and seven months imprisonment for their roles in the illegal venture which was uncovered by a joint investigation between Australian, Canadian and New Zealand law enforcement agencies.

MFAT Market Intelligence Reports

The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published.