International restrictions & prohibitions

Q: How much does it cost to send a casket?

Your funeral director can provide you with an exact quote for their services.

Q: What are the packaging and documentation requirements?

Your funeral director will work with you to make sure your shipment meets the packaging and documentation requirements.

Q: Where does the casket go on the plane?

We carefully load the casket into the cargo hold located in the lower deck of the aircraft.

Q: Can I collect the casket upon arrival?

Yes, if you've been nominated as the consignee for the consignment note at the time of delivery. You must bring and present your personal ID. The casket will only be handed over to the person or organisation named on the consignment note.

On this page

Prohibited Items

Restricted Items

Prohibited items

Any items listed as 'Forbidden' in the current IATA list of Dangerous Goods Regulations and applicable addenda.

New Zealand Customs

Any goods to New Zealand that are prohibited by New Zealand Customs

United Nations Security Council

Any prohibitions imposed by the United Nations Security Council

Lithium ion/metal batteries

Any lithium ion/metal batteries designated as UN3480/UN3090

Small recreational vehicles

Small recreational vehicles powered by lithium batteries that are also known as hoverboards, rideables, airwheel, solowheel, mini Segway, or balance wheel, etc.

Somalia, Yemen, Egypt, Syria or Bangladesh

Goods that have originated/transited/transferred in or through Somalia, Yemen, Egypt, Syria or Bangladesh.

Russia

All Cargo or Mail originating and destined for Russia.

Wild animals & plants

Any species of wild animal or plants as listed in appendices I, II, or III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) without the applicable permits.

Shark or dolphin products

Shark or dolphin products or by-products (other than shark meat for human consumption caught under the New Zealand commercial fisheries quota management system) is prohibited from carriage on Air New Zealand national or international services even if the shipper is holding a Cites certificate.

Whale

Whale meat, derivatives and products, and whale hunting equipment and/or supplies.

Hunting trophies

Lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo hunting trophies.

Firearms, military goods and technologies

The export from New Zealand of strategic goods (firearms, military goods and technologies, and goods and technologies that can be used in the production, development or delivery of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons) is prohibited under the Customs and Excise Act 1996, unless a permit has been obtained from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Restricted Items

Live animals

The following breeds of canines (including semen and embryos):

American Pit Bull Terrier
Dogo Argentino
Japanese Tosa
Brazilian Fila

There are also some restrictions for Brachycephalic breeds. Please refer to international pet services.

Greyhounds used for racing or breeding purposes are prohibited on Air New Zealand services. Consideration may be given for a domesticated family pet or for a rehoming program. Contact Air New Zealand Cargo for more information.

Munitions of war

All firearms and associated parts require the following

1. Verification of Country of Origin (If country of origin is USA, a U.S. State Department License is required)

2. Commercial Invoice

3. Import permit.

Shippers need to provide these documents to their local customer service team prior to booking in order to obtain approval from AKL HQ prior to carriage. Once authorized, the firearm can then be booked for transport.

Also note the authorization process could take up to 10 days.

Human ashes

We can accept human ashes as international cargo if the packaging and documentation requirements are met.

It's a requirement that the container, such as an urn, is sealed (airtight) with the lid securely fitted. The container may be security screened.

To send human ashes internationally, you'll need to contact a funeral director or freight forwarder directly.

If you're flying with Air New Zealand, you can bring your loved one's ashes on board your flight.

Human remains (caskets)

We can only accept human remains, including miscarried, stillborn or very young infants, from funeral directors. Please contact a funeral director directly if you plan to repatriate your loved one.