Objectionable material

A publication is objectionable if it describes, depicts, expresses or otherwise deals with matters such as sex, horror, crime, cruelty or violence in such a manner that the availability of the publication is likely to be injurious to the public good.

This could include – but is not limited to – films, videos, computer games, DVDs, CD-ROMs, books, posters, music recordings, magazines, photographs, paintings, t-shirts and computer files.

Any publication or item that might be considered objectionable must be declared on arrival in New Zealand.

Importing or exporting objectionable publications, especially those dealing with the sexual exploitation of children or young people, promoting terrorism or violent themes, or sexual violence, is a very serious offence.  You could be arrested and face up to 14 years imprisonment.

These penalties also apply to using the internet or social media apps to download and upload electronic files that are objectionable.

Bringing or importing other items such as sex toys or dolls that are considered to be indecent or obscene could also result in seizure and prosecution.

Legislation: Sections 95, 96 and 99 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018, Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993.