Is Buprenorphine legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- Buprenorphine is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (buprenorphine/naloxone) — a lighter tier than Class B methadone; it is approved and fully funded for opioid-substitution treatment.
- Consequences if caught
- Class C possession up to 3 months and/or a $500 fine; supplying up to 8 years.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed for opioid substitution via specialist services and authorised s24 prescribers (GPs, NPs, pharmacist prescribers); take-home permitted.
- Documentation
- Personal import up to a 1-month supply with a s22A/INCB certificate or prescription; declare it in original packaging.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →