Khat → New Zealand

Khat import prohibited

Details

Khat import prohibited. 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 khat 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 khat is a separate question: prohibited — Khat is a controlled substance in New Zealand — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Leaving with this item

Khat is a controlled substance in New Zealand — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Practical advice

Do not carry khat (Catha edulis), fresh or dried, into New Zealand. NZ Customs treats it as a controlled drug; carriage triggers seizure plus possible criminal charge under the local misuse-of-drugs statute. There is no permit pathway for personal use.

Customs authority

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