Codeine (Medication) → New Zealand

Codeine (Medication) may require documentation or declaration

Details

Codeine in New Zealand is Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and prescription-only medicine under the Medicines Act 1981. Travelers may carry a 3-month supply for personal use with an original prescription; declare on the New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card. NZ Customs at AKL / WLG / CHC inspects; quantities above 3 months require pre-arrival Medsafe approval. Enforcement in New Zealand carries fines from NZD 400 to NZD 5,000 under Biosecurity Act 1993 s.157, s.155; Customs and Excise Act 2018 (ordinary personal cases are handled as civil infringements). Leaving New Zealand with codeine (medication) is a separate question — restricted: Codeine (opioid analgesic) is a controlled substance subject to personal-export limits when leaving New Zealand.

Quantity limit

Up to 3-month personal supply (Class B2 controlled drug)

Documentation required

• Documentation may be required

Leaving with this item

Codeine (opioid analgesic) is a controlled substance subject to personal-export limits when leaving New Zealand.

Practical advice

Carry documentation. Declare proactively at customs.

Customs authority

New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) · https://www.customs.govt.nz