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Personal importation of medicines
Detailed information about importing medicines into New Zealand for personal use is on the Ministry of Health’s Medsafe website.
Personal importation of medicines
Importing medicines frequently-asked questions
Entering New Zealand with controlled drugs on you or in your luggage
Controlled drugs include medicines as defined in the schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
To check if a drug is controlled, search the Medsafe database of medicine classifications
If you enter New Zealand carrying controlled drugs on you or in your luggage, you may bring them in, provided you declare the controlled drugs on your passenger arrival card to present to New Zealand Customs. You must also demonstrate to NZ Customs that the controlled drug:
- is required for treating a medical condition for you or for someone under your care and control who is travelling with you
- has been lawfully supplied to you in the country of origin
- is no more than one month’s supply.
To demonstrate that a controlled drug has been lawfully supplied for the treatment of you or someone under your care, you should carry:
- a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the controlled drug, and the name and strength of the drug
- all medicines, including controlled drugs, in the original labelled containers.
Medicinal cannabis products supplied in the United States
Medicinal cannabis products (other than CBD products) supplied in the United States of America cannot be carried with you when entering or leaving New Zealand.
A number of US states permit the medical use of medicinal cannabis products. However, under Federal law, medicinal cannabis products for medical use are not considered lawfully supplied, unless the product has US Food and Drug Administration approval.
To date, no drug product containing or derived from botanical cannabis (the cannabis plant) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, except Epidiolex®. Epiodiolex is an FDA approved, pharmaceutical grade CBD product. In the United States it is classified as a Schedule 5 controlled drug and requires a US issued licence to export.
Commercial imports and exports of controlled drugs
Licences are required to import and export controlled drugs. The exception to this is if you are carrying them when entering or leaving New Zealand and you meet the requirements listed under ‘Entering New Zealand carrying controlled drugs’.
Medicines Control is responsible for issuing import and export licences for commercial consignments of controlled drugs, in relation to section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and regulations 3 and 7 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977.
Contact us
Contact the Medicines Control branch at the Ministry of Health.
Email: [email protected]
