Export Controls

Importing chemicals into New Zealand

What do I need to import chemicals into New Zealand?

An import permit is required from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for any import of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) scheduled chemicals.

The CWC is implemented in New Zealand through the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1996.

The Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act 1996 prohibits the import of all CWC scheduled chemicals, unless permission is granted in writing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Which chemicals need an import permit?

CWC Schedule 1 chemicals

The most toxic and tightly controlled chemicals, primarily consisting of military chemical warfare nerve, blister, choking, or blood agents, including sarin and its near relations.

List of schedule 1 chemicals

CWC Schedule 2A toxic chemicals and 2B precursor chemicals

Dual-use chemicals, more commonly used and traded for routine commercial purposes in New Zealand. All Schedule 2A chemicals are controlled. A Schedule 2B chemical is controlled if:

it constitutes more than 10% (by weight) of a mixture OR
if the mix contains more than one Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 chemical.

List of schedule 2 chemicals

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CWC Schedule 3A toxic chemicals and 3B precursor chemicals

Dual-use chemicals, more commonly used and traded for routine commercial purposes in New Zealand. A Schedule 3A or 3B chemical is controlled if:

it constitutes more than 10% (by weight) of a mixture OR
if the mix contains more than one Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 chemical.

List of schedule 3 chemicals

What can't I do?

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) prohibits the transfer of Schedule 1 and 2 chemicals to countries/territories which are not party to the CWC.

Full list of countries / territories [external link]

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Page last updated: Tuesday, 13 July 2010 16:01 NZST

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