Human remains/ashes and placenta
If you are travelling to New Zealand and bringing human ashes/remains or placenta with you, you do not need a Customs clearance.
Bringing in ashes via air travel
You do not need to present any documents to Customs for ashes accompanying you through the arrivals process at airports.
However, you should make enquiries with the airline that you are travelling on and airport security at the point of departure or transit.
Bringing in remains/ashes by post/freight service
If you are considering bringing or sending remains (corpse or ashes) into the country by post/freight service, the service may complete a Customs clearance on your behalf.
However, you can instead send scanned copies of your documentation to service.delivery@customs.govt.nz. Note "Urgent - Human remains" in the subject line.
Required documents:
- Freight documents (air waybill/ arrival notice)
- Copy of photo ID of importer
- Death certificate
If you need urgent after-hours assistance or clearance, email your request to ITOCTradeTargeting@customs.govt.nz.
Exporting remains/ashes
When human remains (for interment) are to be sent from New Zealand, the freight forwarder or airline will usually complete the required Customs formalities. An export entry is not required.
Placenta
You can bring placenta into New Zealand with you, but you must declare it. We also recommend that you advise the airline carrier in advance.