New Zealand’s medicines regulator, Medsafe, sets clear limits for importing prescription medicine for personal use. Here is what applies if you are ordering from overseas.
Is it legal to import prescription medicine to New Zealand?
Yes, for personal use and within Medsafe’s limits. With a reasonable excuse, an individual may import a personal supply of a prescription medicine, provided it is supported by the right documentation.
How much can you import?
The maximum is generally a 3-month supply of a prescription medicine. There are two notable variations: oral contraceptives may be imported up to a 6-month supply, and medicines that are also controlled drugs are limited to a 1-month supply.
What documents do you need?
You will need an original signed prescription or a letter from a New Zealand doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine. Carry or keep the medicine in its original containers. If you bring in more than a 3-month supply, or medicine not prescribed to you or a family member, it must be declared on arrival.
Check the classification first
A medicine that is over-the-counter elsewhere may be prescription-only in New Zealand. Medsafe publishes a classification database you can use to check your medicine’s status before ordering.
Customs & what to expect
New Zealand Customs and Medsafe may check imported medicines. Staying within the supply limits and holding the right prescription or doctor’s letter keeps your import within the rules.
How OnlineMeds handles orders to New Zealand
However you order, our process is the same: a valid prescription is required and is reviewed by a licensed pharmacist before dispatch, we may ask for basic identity/address documentation, and we follow the local guidelines of your destination before any medicine is sent. Orders ship in discreet, tracked packaging. Full details are on our shipping & delivery page, and there is more general guidance in our guide to prescription regulations for global orders.
Because New Zealand Customs and Medsafe can inspect or hold shipments, keeping a copy of your prescription with the order and staying within personal-supply limits makes clearance smoother. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import prescription medicine to New Zealand for personal use?
Yes, within limits. With a reasonable excuse you may import up to a 3-month supply of a prescription medicine for personal use, supported by an original prescription or a letter from a New Zealand doctor.
How much can I import?
Up to a 3-month supply for most prescription medicines. Oral contraceptives allow up to 6 months, while medicines that are also controlled drugs are limited to a 1-month supply.
What documents do I need?
An original signed prescription or a letter from a New Zealand doctor stating you are being treated with the medicine, and the medicine should be in its original containers.
Could an over-the-counter medicine be restricted?
Yes — a medicine sold over the counter in another country may be a prescription medicine in New Zealand. Check Medsafe's classification database before ordering.
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. Personal-import rules and customs enforcement change and are applied case by case — always confirm the current rules with your national medicines regulator and customs authority before ordering, and use any medicine only as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.