Export Controls

Exporting Chemicals from New Zealand

What do I need to export chemicals out of New Zealand?

An export permit is required from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for any export of chemicals which could be used as chemical weapons or chemical weapons precursors.

The Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1996 and the Customs and Excise Act 1996 prohibit the export of chemical weapons precursor chemicals and toxic chemicals, unless permission has been granted in writing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Which chemicals need an export 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

 

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

 

Additional chemicals listed on the New Zealand Strategic Goods List

For additional chemicals (other than those listed on the CWC Schedules above) and controlled thresholds for these chemicals, refer to the full New Zealand Strategic Goods List (PDF 1.36MB)

top of page

 

Are there any other chemicals which may be controlled ?

Yes. Chemicals which may be intended for use relating to:

• the development, production or deployment of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons or their means of delivery
• a military end-use in a country subject to a United Nations Security Council arms embargo.

These are known as end-use or catch all controls.

Exporters have a statutory obligation to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade if they are aware that an export is intended for or may have any of the above end-uses. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will advise you whether the export is subject to end-use controls.

If you are advised that the chemical is controlled and you wish to proceed with the export you will need to apply for an export permit.

 

What is a CAS number ?

“CAS” - represents the identification number given to chemicals by the Chemical Abstracts Service in relation to a chemical compound. It is the registry number assigned to that compound by the Chemical Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America, and is published by that service in the journal “Chemical Abstracts”.