Counterfeit Goods → New Zealand

Counterfeit Goods import prohibited

Details

Counterfeit Goods import prohibited. Quantity guidance for New Zealand: Any quantity prohibited under Trade Marks Act 2002; Customs NZ seizes even single personal items. Documentation: No permits available; Customs NZ seizure receipt issued. Enforcement in New Zealand carries fines from NZD 5,000 to NZD 500,000 and imprisonment up to 7 years in aggravated cases under Customs and Excise Act 2018 s.388; Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Because counterfeit goods is prohibited rather than restricted, there is no permit route for an ordinary traveller — attempted import is treated as smuggling regardless of intent. Arrival checks are carried out by New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving New Zealand with counterfeit goods is a separate question: prohibited — Counterfeit goods are unlawful to export from New Zealand — trademark and customs law applies on departure as well as arrival, and carriage risks seizure and fines.

Quantity limit

Any quantity prohibited under Trade Marks Act 2002; Customs NZ seizes even single personal items

Documentation required

• No permits available; Customs NZ seizure receipt issued

Leaving with this item

Counterfeit goods are unlawful to export from New Zealand — trademark and customs law applies on departure as well as arrival, and carriage risks seizure and fines.

Practical advice

Do not carry counterfeit branded goods into New Zealand. NZ Customs seizes counterfeits at all ports of entry under IPR enforcement rules; commercial-quantity carriage attracts criminal-trafficking charges in addition to civil forfeiture.

Customs authority

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