Importing cigarettes and tobacco
Requirements and prohibitions for importing cigarettes and tobacco into New Zealand.
Prohibited items if sent via international mail
You cannot import the following tobacco products via international mail:
- cigarettes
- leaf tobacco
- rolling tobacco
- refuse tobacco
- water pipe tobacco.
Permits for these products are not applicable. These items will be seized and destroyed if sent via the postal system.
Approved import methods
To legally import tobacco products that are prohibited via international mail, you must instead use one of the following:
- a freight forwarder
- a fast-freight courier service
- bulk sea or air cargo.
New Zealand Post services for importing
- You can use New Zealand Post's International Freight Services (IFS).
- You cannot use New Zealand Post's Express Mail Service (EMS). This is considered international mail.
Exempt tobacco products - allowed via international mail
You can import the following items through international mail without a permit:
- cigars
- cigarillos
- chewing tobacco
- snuff
- snus.
These products are exempt from the restrictions that apply to cigarettes and other tobacco types.