NZ Customs Release

As of 5 June 2026, importers must obtain approval from the Director-General of Health to import nitrous oxide into New Zealand. The permit regime supports legitimate medical, catering, and industrial uses while reducing the risk of recreational diversion.

Additionally, nitrous oxide canisters over 10 grams marketed as cream chargers will be classified as psychoactive substances under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013. This classification does not apply to canisters intended for legitimate medical or industrial applications.

Importers and their agents are advised the permit from the Ministry of Health must be uploaded to Trade Single Window with other import documentation. The permit number must be entered into the permit field on Trade Single Window, using permit authority code MOH plus the number. 

The permit system enables verification of lawful imports and strengthens Customs' ability to identify and intercept high-risk consignments.

For more information, head to: health.govt.nz/nitrous-oxide.

Customs has introduced a new form for all requests to sell small craft under temporary importation.

Owners of small craft, including superyachts, must complete this form when seeking permission to sell while the craft is temporarily imported. 

Permission to sell must be obtained prior to marketing the small craft for sale. Small craft cannot be sold or offered for sale to New Zealand buyers on the domestic market while on a Temporary Import Entry.

View the form: NZCS 275 form

Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please refer to Travel to and from New Zealand by small craft on our website. If you have any questions, please submit a Service Request Form at service.customs.govt.nz.

India is a significant market for New Zealand's high-quality food and fibre products. 

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Exporter Help team has developed an Exporting food and fibre to India guide to help businesses navigate key exporting requirements. 

This guide is not exhaustive, and businesses are encouraged to work with trusted importers to ensure their exports are successful.

Exporting to India involves navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. However, careful engagement with the market and a long-term approach to partnerships can offer meaningful opportunities. 

If you have any questions, you can email exporterhelp@mpi.govt.nz.

Customs seized an estimated 39 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth up to NZ$13 million in retail value, at Wellington International Airport over the long weekend. Two drug couriers were arrested and appeared in the Wellington District Court on Tuesday 2 June 2026, charged with the importation of a Class A controlled drug. 

The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has confirmed that, following a review of anti-dumping duties on certain canned peaches from South Africa, duties will continue.

The review was conducted under the Trade (Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duties) Act 2988.

Anti-dumping duty applies to Langeberg and Ashton Foods canned peaches (halves, slices and pieces) packed in various concentrations of sugar syrup and in can sizes ranging from 110 grams up to but not including A10 cans (2.95 kilogram / 3.06 kilogram).

The Ministry for Primary Industries' Exporter Help team delivers personalised advice, and develops educational resources to help food and fibre businesses understand the rules and become more confident in sending their products overseas.

The free Exporter Help service is available to businesses of all sizes, no matter where they are in their exporting journey.

Exporter Help works to provide accurate and up-to-date information, enabling businesses to work efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.

If you are working with food and fibre businesses that may benefit from the support of Exporter Help, please encourage them to get in touch by emailing exporterhelp@mpi.govt.nz, calling 0800 674 490.