Prohibited and restricted items

Not all items are suitable for sending by post or courier. Please check that your item is safe to send.

Some pose a risk to the safety and security of people and equipment and are therefore prohibited.
Others pose a risk if certain conditions are not met and are therefore restricted.
You must check your item is safe to send.
Not checking may increase your liability exposure.

See prohibited items See restricted items

Prohibited and restricted items

Not all items are suitable for sending by post or courier. Please check that your item is safe to send.

Some pose a risk to the safety and security of people and equipment and are therefore prohibited.
Others pose a risk if certain conditions are not met and are therefore restricted.
You must check your item is safe to send.
Not checking may increase your liability exposure.

See prohibited items See restricted items

Table A: Conditions of carriage for Restricted items

You must comply with the conditions of carriage for each category that applies to your item

Item	Letters, postcards, Economy	Courier and Courier & Signature
Item contents valued at:	Letters (inc postcards) N/A - no compensation is payable Parcels: up to NZ$250 can be sent	up to NZ$2,000 can be sent
Alcohol (less than 5 litres or under 70% alc/vol	Prohibited item	Can be sent only if packaged to withstand transport and handling. Must use the Courier & Signature service only
Any collectable (other than numismatic coins, listed separately in this section)	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)
Any antique or painting, sculpture or other work of art	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)
Bank and gift cards (inactive only)	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)
Electronic/electric appliances, devices and toys containing Non-Lithium-ion batteries	Damaged batteries of any kind are prohibited. Batteries sent by themselves are prohibited. Non-Lithium-ion batteries must be removed from the appliance or device and wrapped separately. If the battery cannot be removed, the device can be sent, but only if it is turned off and does not have a transmit function or any moving parts. Different or additional restrictions apply if the appliance or device contains Lithium-ion batteries – refer to the information below.
Electronic/electric appliances, devices and toys containing Lithium (including Lithium-ion and Lithium-ion polymer) batteries	Lithium-metal batteries are prohibited. Damaged batteries of any kind are prohibited. Batteries sent by themselves are prohibited, including powerbanks. In all other cases, a maximum of two Lithium-ion batteries per parcel is allowed, providing the special packaging requirements detailed below are met. Prohibited when using Bulk Mail, ParcelPost Fast, BoxLink or ParcelPost PO Box Priority services.
Firearms accessories	Prohibited item	Can be sent only if packaged to withstand transport and handling
Fragile items	Can be sent only if packaged to withstand transport and handling	Can be sent only if packaged to withstand transport and handling
Honey	Can be sent if packaged to withstand transport and handling.
Jewellery, watches, precious metals or stones	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)
Negotiable instruments	Prohibited item	Crossed cheques may be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling). Must use a Signature Required service.
Keys	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)
Liquids not otherwise classified as dangerous	Must be packaged in a way to ensure no leakage or breakage of the container.
Live organisms (bees, leeches, silkworms and harmless insects)	Prohibited item	Can be sent subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling, please refer to packaging guidelines below
Medicinal Cannabis	Prohibited item	Can be sent by licensed suppliers to authorised receivers (subject to the rules regarding content value above). Labelling must meet all legal requirements and the packaging must be odour and tamper proof, and able to withstand transport and handling. Must use the Courier Signature Required service. Must be sent via online labelling solution only.
Medicines or Controlled Drugs (where allowable)	Prohibited item	Can be sent to an authorised receiver in prescription quantities only (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling) Must use the Courier & Signature service only
Numismatic coins	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)
Original copies of identity, travel, ownership or legal documents	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above)
Passports and National ID cards (incl. applications/renewals)	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above)
Perishable biological specimens and substances not classified as class 6.2 Dangerous Goods in the IATA Regulations	Prohibited item	Must be sent to a recognised laboratory, medical institution, medical practitioner or vet Must be packaged in accordance with Rules 3.1 (1) & 3.2 (5) (c) of the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/dangerousgoods-2005 Must use the Courier & Signature service only
Poisons not classified as class 6.1 Dangerous Goods in the IATA Regulations	Prohibited item	Must be packaged correctly to withstand transport & handling Must use the Courier& Signature service only
Radioactive substances	Must be in quantities exempted from the Radiation Protection Act 1965 and below the limits specified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (e.g. domestic smoke alarms).
Stamps (unused)	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)
Vaping and e-Cigarette paraphernalia	Prohibited item	Can be sent only if packaged to withstand transport and handling. Must use the Courier & Signature service only.

Table A: Conditions of carriage for Restricted items

You must comply with the conditions of carriage for each category that applies to your item

Item	Economy	Courier	Express
Item contents valued at:	Letters (incl. postcards and aerogrammes) All: No compensation is payable for letters as defined in the Postal Service Act 1998 Economy Registered: No compensation is payable for letters as defined in the Postal Service Act 1998 Economy: up to NZ$250 can be sent Economy Tracked: Consumer: up to NZ$250 can be sent Business with NZ Post Account: up to NZ$250 can be sent, if over NZ$250 but less than NZ$500, it may be sent at your risk. Additional Compensation Cover may be purchased. Business without NZ Post Account (or with one but not using a business consignment note): up to NZ$250 can be sent. Economy Plus: Consumer: up to NZ$2,000 can be sent Business with NZ Post Account: up to NZ$250 may be sent. If Over NZ$250 but less than NZ$2000, it may be sent at your risk. Additional compensation cover may be purchased. Business without New Zealand Post Account (or with one but not using a business consignment note): up to NZ$250 may be sent	Consumer: up to NZ$5,000 can be sent Business with NZ Post Account: up to NZ$2,000 can be sent. If over NZ$2,000 but less than NZ$5000, it may be sent at your risk. Additional Compensation Cover may be purchased. Business without New Zealand Post Account (or with one but not using a business consignment note): up to NZ$2,000 can be sent	Consumer: up to NZ$10,000 can be sent Business with NZ Post Account: up to NZ$2,000 can be sent. If over NZ$2,000 but less than NZ$50,000, it may be sent at your risk. Additional Compensation Cover may be purchased. Business without New Zealand Post Account (or with one but not using a business consignment note): up to NZ$2,000 can be sent
Alcohol (less than 5 litres or under 70% alc/vol)	Can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)
Any collectable (other than numismatic coins, listed separately in this section)	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling) Commemorative medals & coins are prohibited
Any antique or painting, sculpture or other work of art	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Prohibited item
Bank and gift cards (inactive only)	Prohibited item	Prohibited item	Prohibited item
Electronic/electric appliances, devices and toys containing Non-Lithium-ion batteries	Damaged batteries of any kind are prohibited. Batteries sent by themselves are prohibited. Non-Lithium-ion batteries must be removed from the appliance or device and wrapped separately. If the battery cannot be removed, the device can be sent, but only if it is turned off and does not have a transmit function or any moving parts. Different or additional restrictions apply if the appliance or device contains Lithium-ion batteries – refer to the information below.
Electronic/electric appliances, devices and toys containing Lithium (including Lithium-ion and Lithium-ion polymer) batteries	Prohibited item	Prohibited item	Lithium-metal batteries are prohibited. Damaged batteries of any kind are prohibited. Batteries sent by themselves are prohibited, including powerbanks. In all other cases, a maximum of two Lithium-ion batteries per parcel is allowed, providing the special packaging requirements detailed below are met A Lithium-ion Battery Document - International (ADV550) (PDF - 146KB) must be completed and included with your consignment note
Fragile items	Can be sent only if packaged to withstand transport and handling	Can be sent only if packaged to withstand transport and handling	Can be sent only if packaged to withstand transport and handling
Firearm Accessories	Can be sent (subject to rules of New Zealand and overseas destinations regarding export, import, and carriage and if packaged to withstand transport and handling).
Honey or bee products	Can be sent from an authorised sender to a private receiver in limited quantity with required documentation (subject to overseas rules regarding quarantine and inspection and if packaged to withstand transport and handling).
Jewellery, watches, precious metals or stones	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling) Loose precious stones are prohibited in this service.
Negotiable instruments	Crossed cheques can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Crossed cheques can be sent (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Prohibited item.
Keys	Prohibited item	Prohibited item	Prohibited item
Liquids not otherwise classified as dangerous	Must be packaged in a way to ensure no leakage or breakage of the container.
Live organisms (bees, leeches, silkworms and harmless insects)	Prohibited item	Prohibited item	Prohibited item
Medicinal Cannabis	Prohibited item	Can be sent by licensed suppliers to authorised receivers (subject to overseas destination rules, and the rules regarding content value above). Labelling must meet all legal requirements and the packaging must be odour and tamper proof, and able to withstand transport and handling. Must be sent via online labelling solution only.	Can be sent by licensed suppliers to authorised receivers (subject to overseas destination rules, and the rules regarding content value above). Labelling must meet all legal requirements and the packaging must be odour and tamper proof, and able to withstand transport and handling. Must be sent via online labelling solution only.
Medicines or Controlled Drugs (where allowable)	Prohibited item	Medicines not containing controlled drugs can be sent to an authorised receiver in prescription quantities only (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling). Must also include required prescription documents. Controlled drugs may only be sent if also accompanied by appropriate Ministry of Health licence to export.	Medicines not containing controlled drugs can be sent to an authorised receiver in prescription quantities only (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling). Must also include required prescription documents. Controlled drugs may only be sent if also accompanied by appropriate Ministry of Health licence to export.
Numismatic coins	Prohibited item	Prohibited item	Prohibited item
Original copies of identity, travel, ownership or legal documents	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above)	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above)
Passports and National ID cards (incl. applications/renewals)	Prohibited item	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above)
Phone cards (may be activated but value of $20 or less)	Prohibited item	Prohibited item	Prohibited item
Perishable biological specimens and substances not classified as class 6.2 Dangerous Goods in the IATA Regulations	Prohibited item	Must be sent to a recognised laboratory, medical institution, medical practitioner or vet Must be packaged in accordance with Rules 3.1 (1) & 3.2 (5) (c) of the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/dangerousgoods-2005	Prohibited item
Poisons not classified as class 6.1 Dangerous Goods in the IATA Regulations	Prohibited item	Must be packaged correctly to withstand transport & handling	Must be packaged correctly to withstand transport & handling
Radioactive substances	Must be in quantities exempted from the Radiation Protection Act 1965 and below the limits specified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (e.g. domestic smoke alarms).		Prohibited item
Stamps (unused)	Prohibited item	Can be sent (subject to the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling)	Prohibited item
Vaping and e-Cigarette paraphernalia	Can be sent (subject to import and carriage rules of overseas destinations and if packaged to stand transportation and handling). For items to Australia, refer to instructions details in Sending Vaping and e-cigarette products to Australia

Sending bees within New Zealand

Must be sent using our Courier service for next working day delivery.
Any parcels sent on Friday should be upgraded for Saturday
Delivery subject to Saturday delivery availability to the receiving address.
Please ensure that you check if the receiving address is Rural, as these addresses may take longer to deliver to.

Sending Honey and Bee products overseas

Honey or Bee products can be sent overseas if they meet the following criteria outlined here:

The sender of the Honey or Bee products MUST be a registered exporter, or the product must have come from a registered exporter.
The parcel must be labelled the parcel with the exporter ID, exporter address, and either product ID and batch number, or transfer document number.
Honey or Bee product must be addressed to a private individual (not a company).
The maximum weight limit of any shipment including honey or bee products is 2kg (this is inclusive of the packaging and any other items in the package).

Note: Consumers are unable to send honey as a gift overseas unless they are a registered exporter. For more information please refer to MPI’s General Export Requirements for Bee Products.

Packaging guidelines

Live bees should be enclosed in suitable packaging to remove all risk of injury to anyone in contact with the item.
Ventilation should be robust and ensure all contents are contained within the parcel, but provide adequate circulation.
Where food supply is necessary, it should be of “hard candy” type substitute, such that it will not leak from the parcel.
Each item must be clearly marked “Live bees” (or similar) so that it can be easily identified; and please ensure the Post Shop staff or Courier are aware of the contents when the parcel is lodged or collected.
It is acceptable to send bees domestically using the NZ Post packaging range (including upgraded Postage Included Bags, upgraded to Courier service) provided the bees are contained within the appropriate ‘cages’ (or other similar strong protective containers) with small holes punched in the bag for ventilation.

A maximum of 2 batteries, or 4 cells (single cell batteries), maybe contained in equipment per parcel.
Each cell or battery must be under a certain power capacity rating:
- Each Lithium-ion cell - maximum 20 Watt-hours.
- Each Lithium-ion battery - maximum 100 Watt-hours.
  (Batteries for most consumer devices are likely to be under this limit eg. mobile phones, laptops, tablet computers, cameras etc. The Wh rating will be printed on the battery or may be stated in the device manual).
The device must be switched off and packaged so that it can not move around or be accidentally activated during transport.
The device with battery must be in strong external packaging to withstand a 1.2m drop.

If sending within New Zealand, additional requirements are:

If the device/equipment is being returned for repair, the battery must be removed and wrapped separately within the parcel if possible.
If the device/equipment is brand new and in the original packaging, send it as it was packed by the manufacturer.
If the device/equipment is used, leave the battery inside the device/equipment and ensure that it cannot be switched on.
There are no additional documentation or labelling requirements.

If sending overseas, additional requirements are:

Only available to be sent overseas using International Express Courier.
Lithium-ion batteries must be contained (installed) in equipment/device.
The Lithium-ion Battery Document – International for International Express Courier (ADV550) (PDF - 146KB) must be completed by the sender and included in the clear pouch with the consignment note. ADV550 – Lithium-ion Battery Document (PDF - 146KB) is available at PostShops and New Zealand Post retail outlets, and online to download.

The NZ Government has put restrictions on the importation of Rapid Antigen tests. These restrictions mean that only those types of tests that have been approved by the New Zealand Ministry of Health can be imported or used in New Zealand.

A full list of the approved Rapid Antigen tests can be found here
Please refer to the latest guidance from NZ Customs

Please note, the above restrictions are in line with updated New Zealand Government legislation. As the situation changes and evolves, please continue to refer to the New Zealand Ministry of Health and New Zealand Customs websites for the most up to date information

We thank you for your understanding.

The Team at NZ Post

How do I package my item?

The general handling and transport processes are the same for all items. As such, we cannot provide any special treatment for items that are:
- fragile;
- affected by changes in temperature (for example, certain types of chocolate);
- simply inadequately packaged.
It is your responsibility to ensure that any item is well packaged and can withstand a 1.2 metre drop.
Use common sense, and wrap your items well. Account for the fact that they may be dropped, including on an angle, have items dropped on them, be nudged, placed sideways and/or upside down. Pay particular attention to cushion the corners and consider whether your items would be best protected by the use of an inside and outside container.
It is not sufficient to affix labels such as ‘fragile’ or ‘handle with care’ to your item.
By accepting your item, we do not acknowledge that your packaging is sufficient to ensure the item is delivered undamaged.

	Maximum weight	Maximum Volume	Maximum Length
Domestic Services:
Economy	3kg	Size based (For postage included bags & own packaging options please refer here)
Courier, Courier & Signature	25kg	0.125 m3	1.5m

Prohibited and restricted items

Prohibited and restricted items

Your obligations

Our rights and your liability

What is Prohibited?

Ammunition Weapons & Weapon Parts (incl. replica or imitation)¹

Bleaches & Poisons

Batteries & Corrosives

Combustion Engines

Compressed Gas

Dangerous items

Explosives & Fireworks

Flammable Gas

Flammable Liquids

Flammable Solids

Fragile items

IATA listed items

Illegal items

Matches and Lighters

Other Prohibited Items

Perishable items

Valuables

Additional information:

What is Restricted?

How do I package my item?