New Zealand – Peptide Import & Customs Guide

1. Regulatory Framework

Under the Medicines Act 1981, many peptide products and SARMs are classified as prescription medicines in New Zealand. It is unlawful to import, supply, possess, or procure prescription medicines unless this is authorised.

While SARMs are classified as prescription medicines (as a group entry), many peptides are not currently scheduled. However, this regulatory gap is under active review. Medsafe has been investigating how group entries may be used to schedule these peptides as prescription medicines.

2. Enforcement Activity

Medsafe's Investigation & Enforcement Team has been recording data on a wide variety of unscheduled peptides intercepted at the border. From 1 April 2025 to 19 May 2025 alone, 56 parcels were intercepted containing peptides or SARMs. In the whole of 2025, 370 packages were intercepted at the border.

When substances not scheduled as prescription medicines are intercepted, the product is released to the individual with a high-risk medicine letter, as Medsafe does not have grounds under the Medicines Act 1981 to seize them. This poses a health risk as the product's quality, efficacy, and interactions are unknown.

3. Commonly Intercepted Peptides

Products commonly advertised online and intercepted include:

4. "For Research Purposes Only" — No Legal Effect

Many overseas sellers label products "for research purposes only". This wording has no legal effect in New Zealand and does not permit sale, supply, or use in humans. Products sold outside the regulated medicines system are illegal regardless of how they are labelled or marketed.

5. Compliance Recommendations