Exporting Chemicals from New Zealand

How do I apply for a chemical export permit ?

To apply for a permit to export a chemical from New Zealand you need to:

• For chemicals listed on the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) lists, complete the Export of Scheduled chemicals application form (Instructions on how to fill out the application form are on page two of the form).
  • Application to Export Chemicals - (MSExcel 52KB)
• For chemicals listed on the New Zealand Strategic Goods List and which are not listed on the CWC Schedules, complete the Export of Strategic Goods application form (Instructions on how to fill out the application form are on page two of the form).
• Complete an End-User certificate (EUC) if required.
• Send the completed and signed application form and EUC to the Export Controls Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade by one of the following:
  • Fax: +64 4 439 8519
  • Email: exportcontrols@mfat.govt.nz
  • Mail:   Export Controls, International and Security and Disarmament Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18-901, Wellington 5045

Note: If the actual quantity exported varies from the quantity on your export permit, or if the export does not take place, please advise the Export Controls Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in writing.

For all other queries: contact the Export Controls Office on +64 4 439 8227 or email us.

How long will it take ?

The Ministry endeavours to process applications within 10 working days. To assist with the timely response to your application please ensure that all the required information is supplied. Applications to export to sensitive destinations may take longer.
Applications to import CWC schedule 1 chemicals must be received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at least 37 days prior to the anticipated shipment date. This advance notification is required because the transfer must be notified to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which implements the CWC internationally, at least 30 days in advance.

Is there a charge for getting a permit ?

No

Transiting chemicals through New Zealand

You will need to apply for an import permit and an export permit. For details on the import application process refer to the import of chemicals section of this website.

Note: An import permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is only required for chemicals listed on the Chemical Weapons Convention Schedules.

Applications will not be approved if there is an unacceptable risk the chemicals may be diverted to a chemical weapons program. Additionally, specific Chemical Weapon Convention requirements prohibit the retransfer of Schedule 1 chemicals. In practice, this means that Schedule 1 chemicals imported into New Zealand may not be retransferred to a third country.

Why do we need to go through this process ?

Controls on the export of industrial chemicals are in place due to their possible use as chemical weapons or as precursors in the manufacture of chemical weapons.

As part of the CWC monitoring process, New Zealand is obliged to report transfers (both imports and exports) of CWC scheduled goods to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). New Zealand is required to make a detailed annual declaration regarding individual transfers of schedule 1 chemicals made during the previous year; and provide an aggregated annual declaration of all Schedule 2 and 3 chemicals transferred during the previous year.