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.

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.

Your obligations

  • You must use our services wisely and exercise common sense.
  • You must not post or courier a prohibited item, or restricted item, where you have not met our specified conditions of carriage, unless, through an authorised NZ Post representative, we have specifically agreed in writing to provide this variation in service to you.
  • It is your responsibility to check whether an item is Prohibited or Restricted. What may appear harmless to you at first glance, may still be Prohibited or Restricted, for example, as a result of the law in New Zealand or the country of destination Importantly, acceptance of the item by us for sending does not free you of this responsibility.
  • The New Zealand Government prohibits or restricts the export of various types of items (such as prescription medication and antiquities). You must ensure that your item is not prohibited from export or that you meet any export restrictions on the item you are planning to send. For further information, contact the New Zealand Customs Service or the appropriate government authority.
  • If you are unsure, please contact our National Contact Centre on 0800 501 501. They are always happy to help but, due to the complex nature of some products, it remains your responsibility to ensure your item is safe to send. If sending dangerous goods, ensure you check the IATA website at www.iata.orgOpens in a new window. for more information.

 

Our rights and your liability

  • We may open and inspect any item we suspect may be, or may contain, a Prohibited item.
  • If we find a Prohibited item it will not be delivered and ;we will not refund postage costs. We are not obliged to return the item to you but may, at our discretion and at your cost:
    • make the item safe; or
    • return the item to you by a licensed dangerous goods carrier or security firm; or
    • destroy the item; or
    • dispose of the item; or
    • deliver the item to the appropriate authorities.
  • If you send a Prohibited item, or Restricted item (where you have not met our specified conditions of carriage):
    • we may hold you liable for any costs or damages incurred by us;
    • we may not cover you for any loss of, or damage to, the item;
    • you may be subject to penalties under the Postal Services Act 1998, the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and other legislation.

 

What is Prohibited?

The items listed are examples of the general category. Please check carefully every time you send an item.

Ammunition and weapons

Ammunition and Weapons

Air guns
Ammunition
Bullets
Firearms
Firearms parts¹ 
Firearms accessories*
Grenades (inc. imitation ones)
Weapons, including bows, crossbows and arrows, harpoons, spear guns, sling shots, catapults, swordsticks
Stun guns, tasers and stun baton

Bleaches & poisons

Bleaches and Poisons

Alkaline
Ammonia-based products
Asbestos
Bleach (including hair bleaches)
Chemicals (inc. chlorine for swimming pools)
Dyes (including hair and textile dyes)
Insecticides
Noxious substances
Poisons (e.g. cyanide, lead, arsenic)
Sodium
Weed killers
Zinc powder

Batteries & Corrosives

Acid (of any type)
Batteries (car or wet cell)
Electronic/electric appliances, devices & toys containing Non-Lithium-ion batteries*
Electronic/electric appliances, devices & toys containing Lithium-metal or Lithium-ion (inc. Lithium-ion polymer) batteries*
Powerbanks

Combustion Engines

Generators (fuel powered)
Purged engines

Compressed gas

Compressed Gas

Compressed air
Fire extinguishers
Gas cylinders (e.g. camping – full or empty)
Oxygen cylinders including compressed air
Paint guns
Shock absorbers (gas or compressed air)

Parcel with warning sign

Dangerous items

Any item that is capable, as packaged, of causing injury to people or damage to property

Explosives and fireworks

Explosives & Fireworks

Christmas crackers
Fireworks (e.g. skyrockets, sparklers, crackers)
Party poppers

 Flammable gas

Flammable Gas

Aerosol cans (e.g. hairspray, deodorant)
Air bag (car)
Alarm devices (gas or battery powered)
Gas (e.g. propane, butane, hydrogen, helium)

Flammable liquids

Flammable Liquids

Adhesive products (e.g. quick drying glue)
Alcohol (more than 5 litres or 70% alc/vol)
Anti-freeze
Barometers
Battery or Brake Fluid
Cleaning materials (inc. disinfectants)
Dry ice (or Liquid Nitrogen)
Essential oils (e.g. eucalyptus, tea tree)
Fertilisers
Fibre glass repair kits
Kerosene
Lighter fluid
Mercury (incl. thermometers and barometers containing mercury)
Motor fuels and petrol
Oven cleaners (containing caustic soda)
Paint (oil based)
Perfume (inc. aftershave, cologne)
Peroxides
Polish (inc. nail polish and nail polish remover)
Polyester resin kits
Solvents (any)
Turpentine
Varnish (inc. removers, thinners)

Flammable solids

Flammable Solids

Camphor
Carbon paper
Caustic soda
Charcoal
Cleaning materials (inc. laundry detergents)
Phosphorus
Toner (e.g. photocopier ink cartridges)

Broken bottle

Fragile items

Regardless of how it is packaged*

Human toxicity

IATA listed items

Any item that is listed in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations inc. explosives, gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidising substances and organic peroxides, toxic (poisonous) and infectious substances, radioactive materials (except in quantities exempted from the Radiation Protection Act 1965)*, corrosives, and highly magnetic and polymerisable substances

Document with globe on it

Illegal items

Any item that is illegal or prohibited by law or any authority whether in New Zealand or the destination country; any item that is prohibited by a United Nations sanction - for further details refer to United Nations Security Council Sanctions.

Matches and lighters

Matches and Lighters

Blasting caps (including caps for starting or toy guns)
Fire and flint lighters
Flares (inc. theatrical, distress and smoke signals)
Igniters
Matches and cigarette lighters

Other Prohibited Items

Other Prohibited Items

Animals except correctly packaged live organisms (bees, leeches, silkworms and harmless insects)*
Medicines or Controlled Drugs³ *
First aid kits
Furs and skins (untreated)
Human or animal remains (inc. ashes, body parts and placentas)
Indecent goods
Magnets or magnetic material (inc. fridge magnets and compasses)
Vaping and e-Cigarette paraphernalia#

Eutrophication

Perishable items

Any item that may spoil or decay, or has an expiry date of less than 6 months from the date of sending

Valuables

Valuables

Bank (eg debit, EFTPOS or credit) and gift cards*
Bullion, coins*, currency, traveller’s cheques, bonds and shares
Collectables, antiques, paintings, sculpture or other works of art*
Jewellery², precious metals or stones, watches*
Keys*
Negotiable instruments (inc. bearer securities, bills of exchange or  cheques)
Numismatic items*
Passports and National ID cards*
Original copies of other identity, travel, ownership or legal documents*
Stamps (unused)*
Vouchers, activated cards (loaded with monetary value)*, tickets for games of chance, event tickets

Additional prohibited items

  • Any item that is not sufficiently packaged to withstand a 1.2m drop
  • Any item that is classified as Restricted under our terms and conditions where you have not complied with the conditions of carriage for that item


*Depending on where you want to send these items, their value, or what service you use, you may be able to send them – see the Restricted Items section.

¹Firearm parts are any piece of a firearm that is designed or intended to be an integral part of a firearm, regardless of whether it is in working condition. Firearm parts include, but are not limited to, the breech/chamber, stock/butt, magazine, silencer, barrel, bolt and trigger assembly.

²Jewellery is any object that is typically worn for personal adornment (such as bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, cuff links, etc) which is made of precious stones or metals

³Additional restrictions apply for international services-for details refer to the conditions of carriage of Restricted items below.

⁴Magnets are only permitted when using the Bulk Mail product, Go Flexible. Magnets cannot be sent under any other Bulk mail product or Standard Post. Please refer to the Prohibited Items section of the Postal Users’ Guide for more information.

#Depending on where you want to send these items, their value, or what service you use, you may be able to send them – see the Restricted Items section

What is Restricted?

The terms High Risk items and Restricted items are both used currently in New Zealand Post collateral and on items such as postage included bags. For the purposes of these terms and conditions, they both have the same meaning. Restricted items are items that can only be sent if you have complied with the conditions of carriage we specify in Table A below.

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
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

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
Medicines or Controlled Drugs (where allowable) Prohibited item

Can be sent to an authorised receiver in prescription quantities only (subject to overseas destination rules, the rules regarding content value above and if packaged to withstand transport and handling).

Must also include required prescription documents

Prohibited item
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.

All nicotine vaping products are prescription only medicines in Australia, and must be accompanied by a copy of the receiver’s Australian doctor’s prescription (this can be displayed in a pouch on the outside of the parcel). Customs documentation must accurately describe the contents. By sending such products via our services, the sender confirms they have the required consent of the receiver to use any personal data in the prescription or other documentation to facilitate delivery by us, including NZ Post disclosing or transferring that information to our delivery suppliers and/or Australian governmental authorities.
 

  • 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:

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