Applying for a permit is free. You can ask the Export controls team for advice at any point in your export journey - you don't need to wait until you have submitted an application.
Approval in principle
If you are not ready to apply for a permit but need an 'approval in principle', read more here.
Before you apply
- Check your destination is not subject to export sanctions. Check the list of United Nations sanctions, and be aware of New Zealand's Russia sanctions.
- Check your export is controlled. Follow the guidance on how to perform a self-assessment, and contact the export controls team if you need help.
- Perform due-diligence checks on your importers and end users. Refer to the guidance on due diligence and awareness.
- Determine what type of permit you need. Read guidance on the types of permits available. Contact the export controls team if you would like advice.
To make an application
- Download the correct permit application form. You can do this here. Make sure you have got the correct form and template for the permit type you are interested in.
- Determine what supporting documents are needed and work with your importers to prepare these. Read the guidance on required supporting documents. If needed, download a template for an end user certificate.
- Complete the permit application form. Open the form in Adobe Reader and click 'Enable all features'. The application form is an interactive PDF, and may not work correctly if you try and open it applications other than Adobe Reader. Get the latest version of Adobe Reader(external link).
- Fill in and send the application form. When you click the 'Check this form is complete' button, if all required fields are filled out a new email message with the form attached should open on your device. Attach your supporting documents to the email and send it to exportcontrols@mfat.govt.nz. If email is not an option for you we do accept applications received through the post. Please note that hand-written applications are not ideal as they may lead to errors and delay.
What happens next?
- We will check you have provided all the information we need for an assessment. You can help us provide a fast response to your application by ensuring that all the required information is supplied and that it’s accurate.
- We will assess your application. Each application is assessed on a case by case basis. Read about how your application is assessed.
- We aim to process routine applications for standard permits and general consents within 10 working days. Non- routine applications (applications where the export is potentially problematic) take longer. Contacting the Export Controls team early is advised.