Products that can and cannot be imported into New Zealand
If you are planning to import ozone-depleting substances – either as a bulk consignment of gas or within goods (like refrigerants) – you can only do so under limited circumstances.
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If you are planning to import ozone-depleting substances – either as a bulk consignment of gas or within goods (like refrigerants) – you can only do so under limited circumstances.
Importing certain ozone-depleting substances is strictly controlled in New Zealand. You must apply to us before you can import these substances, and the procedure to follow depends on whether you wish to import methyl bromide, or another substance.
For information about the process for importing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a chemical used in some refrigeration systems instead of ozone-depleting gases, see our guidance:
Importing bulk methyl bromide is prohibited except under certain conditions:
We may ask for further information and for a statutory declaration to verify any statement made.
Importing these ozone-depleting substances in bulk is prohibited except under these conditions:
We may ask for further information or a statutory declaration to verify any other statement made.
Some ozone-depleting substances may be imported in limited circumstances, where it is necessary for human health or safety, and for uses where the Montreal protocol defines it as an essential and critical use.
For more about which substances can be imported and the circumstances, see section 29 of the Ozone Layer Protection Regulations 1996
You can import packaging containing the controlled ozone-depleting substances listed above, as long as they do not contain CFCs. You can import certain personal effects containing these substances, as long as you can demonstrate that they are not intended for another person as a gift, or for sale or exchange.
Manufactured goods may not be imported into New Zealand if they contain, or are designed to contain, any of the controlled ozone-depleting substances listed above. This includes:
See schedules 2 and 3 of the Ozone Layer Protection Regulations 1996 for complete lists
If you bring a New Zealand-registered plane into New Zealand and it is carrying a halon fire extinguisher that:
you must apply for an import exemption if the equipment will be in New Zealand for more than 28 working days.
If you send a fire extinguisher out of the country for maintenance and no additional ozone-depleting substances are added, you will not need to apply for an import exemption, but you must ask the hydrostatic tester for a letter verifying this for NZ Customs.
Foreign aircraft coming into New Zealand for a short period (less than 28 days) and leaving with the same fire extinguisher on board, do not need an import exemption.
If the aircraft is foreign and will be brought in to the country permanently (meaning its fire extinguisher will be located permanently in New Zealand) – or if the extinguisher will be brought in to have work carried out and will be in the country for an extended period of time – you may need to apply for an import exemption. Please contact us to discuss this.
If the fire extinguishers are imported into New Zealand and then fitted to an aircraft for maintenance, and the aircraft will be leaving New Zealand with the extinguisher in the same condition, check the table below to see what you need to do:
If the aircraft is New Zealand-registered |
Apply for an import exemption |
If the aircraft is not New Zealand-registered, and the fire extinguisher will be in the country for 20 working days or longer |
Apply for an import exemption and an export permit |
If the aircraft is not New Zealand-registered, and the fire extinguisher will be in the country for less than 20 working days |
Please contact us to discuss your plans. It is likely that you will need to apply for an exemption. |
If you haven’t applied in advance for permission to bring your halon extinguishers into New Zealand, you could face a fine of up to $200,000 if stopped at the border.
Get in touch with the EPA's Hazardous Substances team.