Importing Medicines
Bringing medicines into New Zealand on your person or in your luggage
If you are arriving into New Zealand and carrying prescription medicines either on your person or in your luggage you must ensure:
- You declare the possession of those medicines on your incoming passenger arrival card which is lawfully required, and inspected, by the New Zealand Customs Service; and
- You have a copy of the prescription from your doctor or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine(s), and
- You carry the medicine(s) in their original containers, and
- You have sufficient quantity not exceeding three months supply for prescription medicines (with the exception of oral contraceptives which can be supplied in six month quantities)
All other medicines including herbal medicines, dietary supplements and over-the-counter medicines may be imported without the above documentation. Over the counter medicines can be imported only if they are for individual use or for a member of your immediate family. Please note that anything in your possession that might be considered as a prescription medicine or controlled drug must be declared on your incoming passenger arrival card. If in doubt, declare it.