Thread: "Importing" a Rifle

Just a heads up that if you take your rifle overseas, you'll need need to a 'permit to import' when you arrive back in NZ. Seems completely weird to me but that's the rule apparently.

tagging along on this, what is the process to export a rifle from the country, say to travel for a hunting trip overseas, USA or elsewhere? Thanks.

Originally Posted by ablakebrown

tagging along on this, what is the process to export a rifle from the country, say to travel for a hunting trip overseas, USA or elsewhere? Thanks.

I'm planning to take my rifle to USA later this year to hunt. Here is the paperwork you need:
Going to USA - Application for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Non-immigrant Aliens (ref 6NIA)
Back to NZ - Application for Permit to Import (ref FRM 67B)

Then just pack properly in hard lockable case (see airline website for specifics), tell the airlines before you fly and when arriving to the USA pass through the special check desk.

Not surprised at all. As South Africa and NZ is using the same gun laws. Im used to completing a temporary export/import permit/licence even if I just went to neighbouring Namibia, when living in South Africa.

Also something fairly new is that Air New Zealand wont allow checking in of a firearm on Air New Zealand "codeshare" flights.

You used to be able to get an Export Certificate from NZ Customs for a firearm you were taking out of NZ on a trip so when you brought it back, you had proof it was not acquired while you were overseas and could be imported without duty etc. This also helped with the Police import side. There is probably a current version of this.