Weapons: not for the stocking

Weapons: not for the stocking

The New Zealand Customs Service is warning travellers and online shoppers who think flick knives, knuckle dusters, daggers, stun guns, or pepper sprays make good presents, to be aware they are purchasing prohibited or restricted items that will not make it to the Christmas stocking.

“Some of these goods can be easily bought in shops and markets overseas or on international websites, but people need to be aware that they are prohibited or restricted in New Zealand and we seize them at the border,” says Customs Group Manager Investigations Bill Perry.

Customs has intercepted around 1300 offensive weapons including flick knives, knuckle dusters and daggers, and close to 200 restricted weapons such as stun guns and pepper sprays this year.

“It is a common myth that knives are allowed into the country as long as they are not in carry on luggage. This is not true. Butterfly knives or flick knives that have blades which open automatically are illegal to import into New Zealand without a Consent to Import issued by NZ Police. This also applies to any knife that is designed to be easily concealed or has a double-edged blade designed or suitable for stabbing or throwing.”

“In many cases, people buy impulsively without thinking about consequences. But there are also offenders out there who import these items with a criminal or commercial intent. We actively investigate and prosecute such individuals.”

“We advise online shoppers or travellers tempted to consider buying any of these goods not to, and save themselves the cost of the purchase, Customs questioning and possible fine or prosecution.” Mr Perry said.

Knuckle dusters, sword sticks, certain types of knives, or any weapon disguised to look like another article are prohibited from importation under the Customs Import Prohibition Order 2011 except with a Consent to Import issued by NZ Police.
Firearms, parts of firearms and restricted weapons such mace, pepper sprays, stun guns, mines, grenades, and certain airguns are also subject to border controls under the Arms Act 1983. Customs administers this at the border on behalf of NZ Police who are responsible for issuing permits to import firearms, and parts of firearms where required.

A full list of prohibited import and export items can be found on the Customs website http://www.customs.govt.nz/features/prohibited/

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