Thread: scopes into NZ

Hi Guys, any restrictions on bring scopes into NZ in your luggage these days, haven't done it since all Aunties changes

Cheers
Wazza

From my limited knowledge on importing i believe anything they can construe as a "part" of a firearm now has to have an import permit. this includes scopes. A mate had one refused by youshop a few months ago because of this.

New rules are ridiculous, it even pertains to rifle slings. Personally, I would risk bringing my "bird watching scope" back in a suitcase.

No restriction at all. Both the above two posters are wrong.
Slings and scopes do not meet the definition of part.

If you don't believe me feel free to check with the police: Permitfirearms@police.govt.nz
I have..


part, in relation to any firearm or restricted weapon,—
(a)means—
(i)any component that, of itself, is essential to the discharge of any shot, bullet, missile, or other projectile from the firearm or restricted weapon; and
(ii)any component that is exclusively designed to be, or is intended to be, an integral part of the firearm or restricted weapon (for example, a butt, stock, magazine, or other component that feeds or contributes to feeding ammunition to the firearm or restricted weapon); and
(b)includes the following components or accessories that can be fitted to, or adapted to fit, a firearm or restricted weapon:
(i)grips:
(ii)frames:
(iii)chassis systems:
(iv)magazine adapters:
(v)magazine couplers:
(vi)magazine loaders:
(vii)flash suppressors:
(viii)silencers:
(ix)folding or telescoping stocks; but
(c)does not include the following:
(i)pistol carbine conversion kits:
(ii)air pistol carbine conversion kits

https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/.../DLM72627.html

Suppose scope mounts are OK?

Originally Posted by Makros

No restriction at all. Both the above to posters are wrong.
Slings and scopes do not meet the definition of part.

Pleased to be wrong!

Originally Posted by wanakahunter

From my limited knowledge on importing i believe anything they can construe as a "part" of a firearm now has to have an import permit. this includes scopes. A mate had one refused by youshop a few months ago because of this.

Those are just youshop rules.
I dont believe there are any issues.
Ive had a friend who got caught up on youshop, but know others who have bought sheap chinese ones off aliexpress.
Some people even use them as spotter scopes on their telescopes for looking at the stars, so they technically are not a firearm.

I suppose a sling is now classed as a "part" going by that reasoning?

Not sure if this helps the original question but I ordered a Scope and Rings from Optics planet in US. Ordered 0n 07/06/2022 Arrived in 10 days, cleared customs in 5 days (had to pay GST) No Permit required and saved $1500 on the same items sold in NZ.

i knew someone ho got one through by attaching it to a tripod and calling it a telescope hahaha

We ship our Vortex gear over to the warehouse or direct to buyers and have had no issues.

Originally Posted by wazza56

Hi Guys, any restrictions on bring scopes into NZ in your luggage these days, haven't done it since all Aunties changes

Cheers
Wazza

Originally Posted by Makros

No restriction at all. Both the above two posters are wrong.
Slings and scopes do not meet the definition of part.

yep glad to be wrong also! youshop must have their own rules for "parts of firearms"

Originally Posted by wanakahunter

yep glad to be wrong also! youshop must have their own rules for "parts of firearms"

I think it was YouShop. "Firearms accessories" are not allowed in addition to firearms and firearms parts. Bizarrely, the actual list of prohibited items is behind a firewall. Can anyone access it?