for the purpose of giving effect to the following resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations, adopted under the Charter of the United Nations:

(i)

resolution 1737 (2006), adopted on 23 December 2006:

(ii)

resolution 1747 (2007), adopted on 24 March 2007:

(iii)

resolution 1803 (2008), adopted on 3 March 2008:

(iv)

resolution 1929 (2010), adopted on 9 June 2010:

(v)

resolution 2231 (2015), adopted on 20 July 2015:

(vi)

resolution 2664 (2022), adopted on 9 December 2022.

1	Title
2	Commencement
3	Interpretation
4	Designated person defined
5	Minister may publish details of certain persons, goods, equipment, etc
	Prohibition on importation and exportation of certain goods and arms
6	Importation of nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods prohibited
7	Exportation of certain goods to, or for use in or benefit of, Iran prohibited
8	Application of Customs and Excise Act 2018 to prohibited imports, prohibited exports, and other goods and arms
9	Customs officer may detain goods in contravention of regulation 23
10	Procedure after detention of goods in contravention of regulation 23
11	Disposal of goods or arms condemned under Customs and Excise Act 2018
12	Prohibited exports and other goods not to be loaded onto ships or aircraft
13	Customs officer may withhold clearance of ship or aircraft in certain circumstances
	Dealings in relation to, or procurement of, certain equipment, goods, and arms
14	Prohibited transactions in relation to certain goods destined for Iran
15	Prohibited procurement of certain goods and arms from Iran
	Carriage of certain equipment, goods, or arms
16	Carriage of certain goods prohibited
17	Liability of persons connected with carriage of goods prohibited under regulation 16
	Iranian investment involving uranium mining or nuclear materials and technology
18	Certain financial transactions prohibited
	Provision or transfer of assistance, training, resources, services, etc
19	Certain technical or financial assistance, training, etc, to or from Iran prohibited
20	Transfer of certain technology and technical assistance prohibited
21	Provision of bunkering services to certain vessels prohibited
	Duties of New Zealand persons and entities when doing business with Iran
22	New Zealand persons and entities must exercise vigilance when doing certain business
23	New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must be registered to do certain business
24	New Zealand person or New Zealand entity may apply to be registered to do business with restricted entity
25	Secretary may revoke registration made under regulation 24
26	Obligations of New Zealand person or New Zealand entity registered to do business under regulation 24
	Restrictions on and related to designated persons
27	Prohibition on certain dealings related to designated persons
28	Prohibition on sending funds, etc, to designated persons
29	Exceptions to regulations 27 and 28
30	Designated persons may enter New Zealand only if consistent with determinations of Security Council
	Minister’s consent
31	Criteria for Minister to grant consent in certain cases
	Miscellaneous provisions
32	Offences
33	Attorney-General’s consent and certificate required in certain cases
	Explanatory note
	Administrative Information

Regulations

1 Title

These regulations are the United Nations Sanctions (Iran) Regulations 2025.

2 Commencement

(1)

These regulations come into force on 18 October 2025.

(2)

However, the following regulations come into force on 1 February 2026:

(a)

regulation 8(4):

(b)

regulations 9 and 10:

(c)

regulation 12(b):

(d)

regulation 13(b):

(e)

regulations 23 to 26.

3 Interpretation

(1)

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires,—

arms includes—

(a)

related materiel of all types (for example, weapons, ammunition, military equipment, or paramilitary equipment); and

(b)

spare parts for any arms, or for any goods specified in paragraph (a)

asset includes any financial asset or economic resource

ballistic missile-related technology means goods that are technology related to any activity or activities (including, without limitation, launches) related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons

bunkering service, in relation to a vessel, includes—

(a)

the provision of fuel to the vessel; and

(b)

the provision of supplies to the vessel; and

(c)

other servicing of the vessel

Committee means the Committee established by paragraph 18 of resolution 1737 (2006)

Customs officer has the meaning set out in section 5(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018

designated person has the meaning set out in regulation 4

doing business means being in any way involved (even if not for reward) in any provision or receipt of any goods or services unless,—

(a)

in the case of the provision or receipt of goods, the goods—

(i)

are household or personal effects of, or gifts given or received by, an individual; and

(ii)

are, or are to be, provided or received by or on behalf of that individual; or

(b)

the provision or receipt of goods or services is of a class, description, or kind of provision or receipt of goods or services that is declared under regulation 22(2) to be business that could not contribute to specified violations

financial services includes investment, brokering, and related services

IAEA means the International Atomic Energy Agency

Iranian entity means—

(a)

an entity incorporated or constituted under Iranian law or otherwise subject to Iran’s jurisdiction; or

(b)

an IRGC individual or entity as specified in Annex II, and designated by paragraphs 12 and 22, of resolution 1929 (2010); or

(c)

an entity of the IRISL as specified in Annex III, and designated by paragraphs 19 and 22, of resolution 1929 (2010)

IRGC means the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (also known as the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution)

IRISL means the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines

Minister means the Minister of Foreign Affairs

money includes—

(a)

the banknotes and other currency and money orders of New Zealand or any other country; and

(b)

promissory notes and bills of exchange; and

(c)

any credit in an account with any person

New Zealand includes Tokelau

New Zealand craft—

(a)

means a craft registered in New Zealand; and

(b)

includes, whether or not it is actually registered,—

(i)

an aircraft required to be registered in New Zealand under the Civil Aviation Act 2023; and

(ii)

a ship required or entitled to be registered in New Zealand under the Ship Registration Act 1992

New Zealand entity means an entity incorporated or constituted under New Zealand law or otherwise subject to New Zealand’s jurisdiction

New Zealand person means a person who is—

(a)

in New Zealand; or

(b)

a New Zealand citizen, whether they are in New Zealand or elsewhere

nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods means goods that are items, materials, equipment, goods, or technology set out in all or any of the following documents:

(a)

IAEA document INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part 1; and

(b)

IAEA document INFCIRC/254/Rev.7/Part 2; and

(c)

Security Council document S/2010/263

resolution 1737 (2006) means resolution 1737 (2006) of the Security Council, adopted on 23 December 2006

resolution 1747 (2007) means resolution 1747 (2007) of the Security Council, adopted on 24 March 2007

resolution 1803 (2008) means resolution 1803 (2008) of the Security Council, adopted on 3 March 2008

resolution 1929 (2010) means resolution 1929 (2010) of the Security Council, adopted on 9 June 2010

resolution 2664 (2022) means resolution 2664 (2022) of the Security Council, adopted on 9 December 2022

restricted entity means—

(a)

a person in Iran; or

(b)

an Iranian entity; or

(c)

any person or entity acting on behalf, or at the direction, of, or owned or controlled by, an Iranian entity

Secretary means the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade

security—

(a)

includes a share, stock, bond, debenture, debenture stock, mortgage, lien, treasury bill, coupon, or warrant representing dividends or interest, and a life or endowment insurance policy, in whatever currency the security is expressed; and

(b)

includes any document or means by which the right to the ownership or provision of any money or security, or any interest in money or a security, may be exercised; but

(c)

does not include a promissory note or bill of exchange

Security Council means the Security Council of the United Nations

specified military equipment means goods that are—

(a)

all or any of the following items (as those items are defined for the purpose of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms):

(i)

armoured combat vehicles:

(ii)

attack helicopters:

(iii)

battle tanks:

(iv)

combat aircraft:

(v)

large calibre artillery systems:

(vi)

missiles:

(vii)

missile systems:

(viii)

warships; or

(b)

related materiel of all types (for example, spare parts for any goods specified in paragraph (a)); or

(c)

items that are the subject of a determination that—

(i)

is made by the Security Council or the Committee; and

(ii)

is made under paragraph 8 of resolution 1929 (2010); and

(iii)

has not ceased to have effect

specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods means goods that are items, materials, equipment, goods, or technology—

(a)

set out in IAEA document INFCIRC/254/Rev.7/Part 2, and the supply, sale, or transfer of which is not permitted by paragraph 8(a) of resolution 1803 (2008); or

(b)

set out in sections A.1, B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4, B.5, B.6, and B.7 of IAEA document INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part 1, except—

(i)

equipment covered by B.1 when the equipment is for light water reactors:

(ii)

low-enriched uranium covered by A.1.2 when it is incorporated in assembled nuclear fuel elements for light water reactors; or

(c)

set out in Security Council document S/2010/263; or

(d)

that could or would contribute to Iran’s enrichment-related, or reprocessing, or heavy water-related activities, to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, or to the pursuit of activities related to other topics that the IAEA has expressed concerns about or identified as outstanding, and that, in any of those cases, are the subject of a determination that—

(i)

is made by the Security Council, by the Committee, or by New Zealand (acting by and through the Secretary signing and dating a document recording the determination made by New Zealand); and

(ii)

is made under paragraph 3(d), 4(b), or 4(c) of resolution 1737 (2006) or under paragraph 13 of resolution 1929 (2010); and

(iii)

has not ceased to have effect

specified resolutions means resolution 1737 (2006), resolution 1747 (2007), resolution 1803 (2008), and resolution 1929 (2010)

specified violations means—

(a)

Iran’s proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities; or

(b)

the development, by or on behalf of Iran, of nuclear weapon delivery systems; or

(c)

violations of the specified resolutions

United Nations Register of Conventional Arms means the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms established on 1 January 1992 under United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/46/36 L of 9 December 1991.

(2)

A reference in these regulations to the transfer of a security includes a reference to a transfer of the security by way of loan, mortgage, pledge, or bailment, whether in respect of a legal or an equitable interest.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 3

4 Designated person defined

(1)

In these regulations, designated person means an individual or entity designated—

(a)

in all or any of Parts A, B, C, D, and E of the Annex of resolution 1737 (2006); or

(b)

in Annex I of resolution 1747 (2007); or

(c)

in Annex I, II, or III of resolution 1803 (2008); or

(d)

in Annex I or II of resolution 1929 (2010).

(2)

Despite subclause (1), for the purposes of regulation 5, designated person means an individual or entity specified in subclause (1), (3), or (4).

(3)

Despite subclause (1), for the purposes of regulations 27 to 29, designated person means—

(a)

an individual or entity specified in subclause (1); or

(b)

an individual who, or an entity that, is the subject of a designation (because they are engaged in, directly associated with, or providing support for Iran’s proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities or development of nuclear weapon delivery systems) that—

(i)

is made by the Security Council or the Committee; and

(ii)

is made under paragraph 12 of resolution 1737 (2006); and

(iii)

has not ceased to have effect; or

(c)

an individual who, or an entity that, is the subject of a determination (that they have assisted a designated individual or entity in evading the sanctions of, or in violating the provisions of, the specified resolutions) that—

(i)

is made by the Security Council or the Committee; and

(ii)

is made under paragraph 11 of resolution 1929 (2010); and

(iii)

has not ceased to have effect; or

(d)

an entity of IRISL that is specified in Annex III to, and designated by paragraph 19 of, resolution 1929 (2010); or

(e)

an individual who, or an entity that, is the subject of a determination (that they have assisted an entity specified in paragraph (d) in evading the sanctions of, or in violating the provisions of, the specified resolutions) that—

(i)

is made by the Security Council or the Committee; and

(ii)

is made under paragraph 19 of resolution 1929 (2010); and

(iii)

has not ceased to have effect.

(4)

Despite subclause (1), for the purposes of regulation 30, designated person means an individual who is—

(a)

specified in subclause (1); or

(b)

the subject of a designation (because they are engaged in, directly associated with, or providing support for Iran’s proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities or development of nuclear weapon delivery systems) that—

(i)

is made by the Security Council or the Committee; and

(ii)

is made under—

(A)

paragraph 10 of resolution 1737 (2006); or

(B)

paragraph 5 of resolution 1803 (2008); and

(iii)

has not ceased to have effect.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 4

5 Minister may publish details of certain persons, goods, equipment, etc

(1)

The Minister may, at any time, publish 1 or more of the following by notice:

(a)

a list of the names, descriptions, or other identifying details of 1 or more of the following:

(i)

designated persons:

(ii)

persons or entities acting on behalf, or at the direction, of, or owned or controlled by, designated persons:

(iii)

entities owned or controlled by Iran:

(iv)

persons or entities acting on behalf, or at the direction, of Iran or an entity owned or controlled by Iran:

(b)

a list of the names of 1 or more of the following goods (including items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology):

(i)

ballistic missile-related technology:

(ii)

nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods:

(iii)

goods set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of the definition of specified military equipment in regulation 3(1):

(iv)

goods set out in paragraphs (a) to (c) of the definition of specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods in regulation 3(1):

(c)

an addition to, amendment to, or deletion from the lists referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b):

(d)

a determination of the kind referred to in 1 or more of the following:

(i)

regulation 4(3)(c) or (e):

(ii)

paragraph (c) of the definition of specified military equipment in regulation 3(1):

(iii)

paragraph (d) of the definition of specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods in regulation 3(1):

(e)

a designation of the kind referred to in regulation 4(3)(b) or (4)(b):

(f)

a declaration that the Minister made by notice under regulation 22(2).

(2)

A notice under subclause (1) may include details of internet sites that, at the time the notice is made, provide any of the matters set out in subclause (1)(a) to (f).

(3)

A notice under subclause (1) must be published in 1 or more of the following ways:

(a)

in the Gazette:

(b)

on an internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade:

(c)

in any other manner that the Minister thinks fit.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 5

Prohibition on importation and exportation of certain goods and arms

6 Importation of nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods prohibited

(1)

A person must not directly or indirectly import nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods into New Zealand from Iran.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply to particular goods, or to goods of a particular class, if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the importation of those goods in accordance with regulation 31.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 6

7 Exportation of certain goods to, or for use in or benefit of, Iran prohibited

(1)

A person must not directly or indirectly export goods that are specified military equipment, specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods, or ballistic missile-related technology from New Zealand—

(a)

to Iran; or

(b)

for use in Iran; or

(c)

for the benefit of Iran.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply to particular goods, or to goods of a particular class, if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the exportation of those goods in accordance with regulation 31.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 7

8 Application of Customs and Excise Act 2018 to prohibited imports, prohibited exports, and other goods and arms

(1)

All the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 that apply with respect to prohibited imports, except sections 388 to 391, apply to the following goods as if their importation were prohibited under section 96 of that Act:

(a)

goods whose importation is prohibited by regulation 6:

(b)

goods and arms to which subclause (3) or (4) applies.

(2)

All the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 that apply with respect to prohibited exports, except sections 388 to 391, apply to the following goods as if their exportation were prohibited under section 96 or 97 of that Act:

(a)

goods whose exportation is prohibited by regulation 7:

(b)

goods and arms to which subclause (3) or (4) applies.

(3)

This subclause applies to goods or arms that—

(a)

are any of the following being exported to, or imported from, Iran, and are in New Zealand:

(i)

arms:

(ii)

ballistic missile-related technology:

(iii)

specified military equipment:

(iv)

specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods; and

(b)

a Customs officer believes on reasonable grounds on the basis of information available to the officer are being sold, transferred, carried, delivered, or otherwise dealt with, or exported, contrary to regulation 14(1), 15(1), or 16(2), or otherwise contrary to any of the following paragraphs of the following resolutions of the Security Council:

(i)

paragraphs 3, 4, and 7 of resolution 1737 (2006):

(ii)

paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007):

(iii)

paragraph 8 of resolution 1803 (2008):

(iv)

paragraphs 8 and 9 of resolution 1929 (2010).

(4)

This subclause applies to goods or arms that—

(a)

are being exported to, or imported from, Iran, and are in New Zealand; and

(b)

a Customs officer believes on reasonable grounds on the basis of information available to the officer are being provided or received in contravention of regulation 23 (which prohibits a New Zealand person or New Zealand entity from doing business with a restricted entity unless registered to do that business).

(5)

This regulation is subject to regulations 10 and 11.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 8

9 Customs officer may detain goods in contravention of regulation 23

(1)

A Customs officer may detain goods that they suspect on reasonable grounds to be goods to which regulation 8(4) applies.

(2)

The Customs officer may, in detaining the goods, use any reasonably necessary force.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 10

10 Procedure after detention of goods in contravention of regulation 23

(1)

This regulation applies if a Customs officer detains goods (the detained goods) under regulation 9.

Customs officer must notify detention of goods

(2)

As soon as is reasonably practicable after the goods are detained, a Customs officer must notify—

(a)

any person who the Customs officer knows or believes has an interest in the goods; or

(b)

if any such person is overseas, their agent in New Zealand.

(3)

A notice under subclause (2) must be in writing and contain the reasons for the detention of the goods.

(4)

A detention of goods under regulation 9 is not invalidated or illegal by reason of a failure to provide a notice under subclause (2) if the Customs officer took reasonable steps to give the notice.

Certain persons may apply to be registered in respect of provision or receipt of goods

(5)

A New Zealand person or New Zealand entity involved in the provision or receipt of the goods may apply to be registered under regulation 24 in respect of their involvement in the provision or receipt of those goods.

(6)

An application under subclause (5) must be made within 20 working days after the date on which the notice under subclause (2) was given.

Application of certain provisions of Customs and Excise Act 2018

(7)

A Customs officer must not seize the detained goods under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 unless—

(a)

a New Zealand person or New Zealand entity was not registered under regulation 24 in respect of the provision or receipt of the detained goods; and

(b)

either—

(i)

an application under subclause (5) was not made within the time specified in subclause (6); or

(ii)

an application under subclause (5) was made within the time specified in subclause (6), but—

(A)

the application was fully determined; and

(B)

the Secretary declined to register the person or entity to which the application relates in respect of their involvement in the provision or receipt of the detained goods under regulation 24.

(8)

Section 179 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 applies to the detained goods as if they were goods seized under section 178 of that Act.

(9)

To the extent that this regulation is inconsistent with regulation 8(1) or (2),—

(a)

this regulation prevails; but

(b)

a New Zealand person or New Zealand entity may be prosecuted in accordance with regulations 32 and 33 in respect of a contravention of, or failure to comply with, all or any of regulations 23 to 26.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 10A

11 Disposal of goods or arms condemned under Customs and Excise Act 2018

(1)

This regulation applies to goods or arms—

(a)

whose importation is prohibited by regulation 6, whose exportation is prohibited by regulation 7, or to which regulation 8(3) applies; and

(b)

that are condemned to the Crown under the Customs and Excise Act 2018.

(2)

Goods or arms—

(a)

must not be disposed of in accordance with section 189(2) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018; and

(b)

must instead be disposed of in accordance with paragraph 16 of resolution 1929 (2010).

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 9

12 Prohibited exports and other goods not to be loaded onto ships or aircraft

The person in charge of a ship or aircraft must not cause or allow either or both of the following to be loaded or stored on the ship or aircraft:

(a)

goods the exportation of which is prohibited by regulation 7 and that the person in charge knows are intended to be exported in contravention of that regulation:

(b)

goods the exportation of which contravenes regulation 23 (which prohibits a New Zealand person or New Zealand entity from doing business with a restricted entity unless registered to do that business) and that the person in charge knows are intended to be exported in contravention of that regulation.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 11

13 Customs officer may withhold clearance of ship or aircraft in certain circumstances

A Customs officer may withhold the grant of a certificate of clearance under section 37 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 in respect of any ship or aircraft if goods are on the ship or aircraft and the Customs officer knows that—

(a)

exportation of those goods is prohibited under regulation 7; or

(b)

regulation 8(4) applies to those goods.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 12

Dealings in relation to, or procurement of, certain equipment, goods, and arms

14 Prohibited transactions in relation to certain goods destined for Iran

(1)

A New Zealand person must not enter into, or be concerned in, a sale, transfer, carriage, or delivery of, or other dealing with, any specified military equipment or specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods if the person knows that those goods—

(a)

are intended to be imported by a person in Iran; or

(b)

are to be supplied or delivered to, or to the order of, a person in Iran; or

(c)

are for use in, or for the benefit of, Iran.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply to particular goods, or to goods of a particular class, if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the sale, transfer, carriage, or delivery of, or other dealing with, those goods, in accordance with regulation 31.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 13

15 Prohibited procurement of certain goods and arms from Iran

(1)

A New Zealand person must not enter into, or be concerned in, a sale, transfer, carriage, or delivery of, or dealing with, any nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods, or any arms, knowing that the goods or arms (as the case may be) are to be supplied or delivered from Iran, whether or not the goods or arms originated in Iran.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply to particular goods or arms, or to goods or arms of a particular class, if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the sale, transfer, carriage, or delivery of, or other dealing with, those goods or arms, in accordance with regulation 31.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 14

Carriage of certain equipment, goods, or arms

16 Carriage of certain goods prohibited

(1)

This regulation applies to the following ships and aircraft:

(a)

any New Zealand craft:

(b)

any ship or aircraft that is, for the time being, chartered to—

(i)

a New Zealand citizen; or

(ii)

a body incorporated or constituted under the law of New Zealand.

(2)

A ship or aircraft must not be used for—

(a)

the carriage of any specified military equipment, specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods, arms, or ballistic missile-related technology if the carriage is, or forms part of, the carriage of those goods or arms from any place to Iran; or

(b)

the carriage of any nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods, or arms, if the carriage is, or forms part of, the carriage of those goods or arms (whether or not they originated in Iran) to any place from Iran.

(3)

Subclause (2) does not apply if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the carriage of the goods or arms under regulation 6(2), 7(2), 14(2), or 15(2).

(4)

Subclause (2) does not limit regulations 6, 7, 14, and 15.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 15

17 Liability of persons connected with carriage of goods prohibited under regulation 16

(1)

If a ship or aircraft is used in contravention of regulation 16, each of the following persons is guilty of an offence under these regulations:

(a)

in the case of a New Zealand craft, the owner and the person in charge of the craft:

(b)

in the case of any other ship or aircraft, the charterer of the ship or aircraft and, if the person in charge of the ship or aircraft is a New Zealand citizen, the person in charge.

(2)

However, it is a defence to any offence of that kind if the person concerned proves that they did not know and had no reason to suppose—

(a)

that the goods or arms carried on the ship or aircraft were, or included, goods or arms to which regulation 16(2)(a) or (b) applies; or

(b)

that the carriage of the goods or arms was, or formed part of, the carriage of goods or arms—

(i)

from any place to Iran; or

(ii)

to any place from Iran.

(3)

In this regulation,—

charterer, in relation to a ship, includes any person acting as the agent of the charterer

owner, in relation to a ship, includes any person acting as the agent of the owner.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 16

Iranian investment involving uranium mining or nuclear materials and technology

18 Certain financial transactions prohibited

(1)

A New Zealand person must not conduct a specified financial transaction with or for a restricted actor.

(2)

For the purposes of subclause (1), a person conducts a specified financial transaction if they—

(a)

are a party to the transaction; or

(b)

procure the transaction; or

(c)

supply or provide any financial services or related services that facilitate the transaction.

(3)

Subclause (1) does not apply if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the person’s conduct of the specified financial transaction in accordance with regulation 31.

(4)

In this regulation,—

restricted actor means—

(a)

Iran; or

(b)

a national of Iran, whether in Iran or elsewhere; or

(c)

an entity incorporated in Iran or subject to its jurisdiction; or

(d)

an entity owned or controlled by Iran; or

(e)

a person or an entity acting on behalf, or at the direction, of Iran or an entity owned or controlled by Iran

specified financial transaction means a financial transaction that has the purpose or effect, in whole or in part, of enabling a restricted actor to acquire an interest, or to in any other way invest, in any commercial activity outside Iran involving either or both of the following:

(a)

uranium mining:

(b)

production or use of nuclear materials and technology as set out in IAEA document INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part 1 (for example, production or use by way of uranium enrichment or reprocessing activities, heavy-water activities, or ballistic missile-related technology).

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 17

Provision or transfer of assistance, training, resources, services, etc

19 Certain technical or financial assistance, training, etc, to or from Iran prohibited

(1)

A New Zealand person must not engage in conduct that assists, or results in, the provision or transfer of specified technical or financial assistance to—

(a)

Iran; or

(b)

a recipient in Iran; or

(c)

an entity owned or controlled by Iran; or

(d)

a person or an entity acting on behalf, or at the direction, of Iran or an entity owned or controlled by Iran.

(2)

A New Zealand person must not receive, or be concerned in, the provision or transfer of specified technical or financial assistance provided or transferred by, or at the request of,—

(a)

any person in Iran; or

(b)

a national of Iran who is outside Iran.

(3)

Subclauses (1) and (2) do not apply if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the provision or transfer of specified technical or financial assistance in accordance with regulation 31.

(4)

In this regulation, specified technical or financial assistance means technical assistance, technical training, financial assistance, financial resources, or financial services that are related to either or both of the following:

(a)

the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture, or use of specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods:

(b)

the supply, sale, transfer, provision, manufacture, maintenance, or use of specified military equipment.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 18

20 Transfer of certain technology and technical assistance prohibited

(1)

A New Zealand person must not engage in conduct that assists, or results in, the transfer of ballistic missile-related technology, or of technical assistance related to activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, to—

(a)

Iran; or

(b)

a recipient in Iran; or

(c)

an entity owned or controlled by Iran; or

(d)

a person or an entity acting on behalf, or at the direction, of Iran or an entity owned or controlled by Iran.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the transfer of that technology or technical assistance in accordance with regulation 31.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 19

21 Provision of bunkering services to certain vessels prohibited

(1)

A New Zealand person must not engage in conduct that assists or results in the provision of bunkering services to an Iranian-owned, -contracted, or -chartered vessel if that person believes on reasonable grounds that the vessel is carrying 1 or more of the following:

(a)

arms:

(b)

ballistic missile-related technology:

(c)

specified military equipment:

(d)

specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply if—

(a)

the provision of bunkering services is necessary for humanitarian purposes; or

(b)

the provision of bunkering services is necessary to facilitate the inspection, or for any necessary seizure or disposal, of the vessel’s cargo; or

(c)

the Minister has consented, in writing, to the provision of bunkering services in accordance with regulation 31.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 20

Duties of New Zealand persons and entities when doing business with Iran

22 New Zealand persons and entities must exercise vigilance when doing certain business

(1)

A New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must exercise vigilance when that person or entity—

(a)

is doing business with a restricted entity; and

(b)

believes on reasonable grounds, on the basis of information available to that person or entity, that doing that business could contribute to specified violations.

(2)

The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, at any time declare specified classes, descriptions, or kinds of provision or receipt of goods or services to be business that could not contribute to specified violations.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 21

23 New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must be registered to do certain business

(1)

A New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must not do business with a restricted entity unless—

(a)

the New Zealand person or New Zealand entity is registered under regulation 24 in respect of that business; or

(b)

in the case of the provision or receipt of goods, the goods are part of a consignment that has a total Customs value of $1,000 or less; or

(c)

the business is for the purpose of facilitating the normal performance of the functions of—

(i)

a diplomatic mission (within the meaning of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations signed in 1961); or

(ii)

a consular post (within the meaning of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations signed in 1963).

(2)

In this regulation, Customs value has the meaning given in section 5(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018.

Compare: SR 2010/264 rr 21A, 21B(1)

24 New Zealand person or New Zealand entity may apply to be registered to do business with restricted entity

(1)

A New Zealand person or New Zealand entity that is, or is to be, doing business with a restricted entity may apply to be registered in respect of that business.

(2)

An application by a New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must—

(a)

be in a form approved by the Secretary; and

(b)

demonstrate the following matters clearly and accurately in respect of the business to be done:

(i)

the identity of each restricted entity with whom or with which that business is to be done:

(ii)

the steps taken by or on behalf of the New Zealand person or New Zealand entity to ascertain the identity of each restricted entity with whom or with which that business is to be done:

(iii)

the general nature of that business (but not necessarily every transaction that forms part of, or the precise volumes and values of, that business); and

(c)

include a declaration by or on behalf of the person or entity that the person or entity believes on reasonable grounds that the business to be done could not contribute to specified violations.

(3)

If a New Zealand person or New Zealand entity makes an application in accordance with subclause (2), the Secretary may register that person or entity in respect of that business.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 21B(2)

25 Secretary may revoke registration made under regulation 24

The Secretary may revoke a registration made under regulation 24(3) if they are satisfied on reasonable grounds that—

(a)

the application on which the registration was based is false or misleading in any material respect; or

(b)

the registered person or entity has failed or refused to comply with regulation 26; or

(c)

the business in respect of which the person or entity was registered could contribute to a specified violation; or

(d)

new information unavailable at the time of the decision to register the person or entity in respect of the business means that it is no longer appropriate for the person or entity to be registered in respect of that business.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 21B(3)

26 Obligations of New Zealand person or New Zealand entity registered to do business under regulation 24

(1)

This regulation applies to a New Zealand person or New Zealand entity that is registered under regulation 24 in respect of doing business with a restricted entity (the concerned business).

(2)

If there is any change to a matter set out in regulation 24(2)(b)(i) or (iii) in respect of the concerned business after the person or entity is registered in respect of that business under regulation 24 or last reported under this regulation (whichever is later), the New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must report the change to the Secretary.

(3)

As soon as practicable after each instance of the concerned business is concluded, the New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must create electronic or physical records that clearly and accurately demonstrate the matters set out in regulation 24(2)(b)(i) to (iii).

(4)

The New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must keep the records created under subclause (3) for at least 7 years.

(5)

On a request by or on behalf of the Secretary, the New Zealand person or New Zealand entity must make available for inspection and copying at all reasonable times all records that the person or entity has created and kept in compliance or purported compliance with this regulation.

Compare: SR 2010/264 rr 21C, 21D

Restrictions on and related to designated persons

27 Prohibition on certain dealings related to designated persons

(1)

A person must not knowingly transfer, pay for, sell, assign, dispose of, or otherwise deal with any asset, money, or security that is—

(a)

owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a designated person or any person or entity acting on behalf, or at the direction, of, or owned or controlled by, a designated person; and

(b)

located in New Zealand.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the transfer, sale, assignment, or disposal of, payment for, or other dealing with, the asset, money, or security, in accordance with regulation 31.

(3)

It is a defence to a prosecution under this regulation in respect of any asset, money, or security derived or generated from any asset, money, or security of the kind specified in subclause (1)(a) (a restricted item) if the defendant proves that—

(a)

the defendant received the asset, money, or security that was derived or generated in good faith; and

(b)

at the time the defendant received the asset, money, or security that was derived or generated, the defendant did not know that the asset, money, or security was a restricted item or derived or generated from a restricted item.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 22

28 Prohibition on sending funds, etc, to designated persons

(1)

A New Zealand person must not knowingly send, transfer, or deliver, or knowingly cause to be sent, transferred, or delivered, whether directly or indirectly, any asset, money, or security—

(a)

to a designated person or any person or entity acting on behalf, or at the direction, of, or owned or controlled by, a designated person; or

(b)

for the benefit of a designated person or any person or entity acting on behalf, or at the direction, of a designated person.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply if the Minister has consented, in writing, to the sending, transfer, or delivery of the asset, money, or security, in accordance with regulation 31.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 23

29 Exceptions to regulations 27 and 28

(1)

The Minister may consent, in writing, to any dealing with an asset, money, or security if—

(a)

the Minister has given the Committee prior notice of the Minister’s intention to consent; and

(b)

the Minister is satisfied that the dealing is necessary—

(i)

for basic expenses (and the Committee has not objected to the consent within 5 working days after the prior notice under paragraph (a) is given); or

(ii)

for extraordinary expenses (and the Committee has approved the dealing); or

(iii)

to satisfy a judicial, administrative, or arbitral lien or judgment—

(A)

that took effect before 23 December 2006; and

(B)

that is not for the benefit of a designated person (or a person designated by the Security Council or the Committee under paragraph 10 of resolution 1737 (2006)); or

(iv)

for activities directly related to the items specified in paragraph 3(b)(i) or (ii) of resolution 1737 (2006) (which relates to nuclear material and equipment exclusively for use in light water reactors).

(2)

The Minister may consent, in writing, to the following being added to an account to which the prohibitions in regulations 27 or 28 apply:

(a)

interest or other earnings due on the account:

(b)

payments due under any contract, agreement, or obligation of a designated person that arose before that person became a designated person.

(3)

However, interest and other earnings and payments added to an account under subclause (2) are subject to regulations 27(1) and 28(1).

(4)

The Minister may consent, in writing, to a payment being made by a designated person under a contract entered into before the person became a designated person if—

(a)

the Minister is satisfied that—

(i)

the contract is not directly or indirectly related to any of the prohibited items, materials, goods, technologies, assistance, training, financial assistance, investment, brokering, or services referred to in all or any of paragraphs 3, 4, and 6 of resolution 1737 (2006); and

(ii)

the payment will not directly or indirectly be received by any designated person; and

(b)

the Minister has given the Committee at least 10 working days’ notice of the Minister’s intention to consent.

(5)

The prohibitions in regulations 27 and 28 do not apply to an act in relation to an asset, money, or security that is—

(a)

authorised by a consent under subclause (1), (2), or (4); or

(b)

necessary to ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance, or to support other activities that support basic human needs, carried out by the entities set out in paragraph 1 of resolution 2664 (2022); or

(c)

for the purpose of facilitating the normal performance of the functions of—

(i)

a diplomatic mission (within the meaning of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations signed in 1961); or

(ii)

a consular post (within the meaning of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations signed in 1963).

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 24

30 Designated persons may enter New Zealand only if consistent with determinations of Security Council

(1)

A designated person must not enter, or transit through, New Zealand if that entry or transit would be contrary to a determination of the Security Council made under Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations.

(2)

However, subclause (1) does not apply if—

(a)

the designated person is a New Zealand citizen; or

(b)

the travel is for activities directly related to the items specified in paragraph 3(b)(i) or (ii) of resolution 1737 (2006) (which relates to nuclear material and equipment exclusively for use in light water reactors); or

(c)

the Committee has determined that the entry or transit is justified on the grounds of humanitarian need, including religious obligations; or

(d)

the Committee has concluded that the travel would otherwise further the objectives of resolution 1929 (2010) (for example, if Article XV of the IAEA Statute is engaged).

(3)

A visa may be granted under the Immigration Act 2009 to a designated person only on the advice of the Secretary that the visa is consistent with subclauses (1) and (2).

(4)

This regulation operates in addition to the requirements of the Immigration Act 2009 and any regulations made under that Act.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 25

Minister’s consent

31 Criteria for Minister to grant consent in certain cases

(1)

The Minister may consent to an activity if the Minister is satisfied that the activity is not inconsistent with the measures set out in the following:

(a)

paragraphs 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 12 of resolution 1737 (2006):

(b)

paragraphs 4 and 5 of resolution 1747 (2007):

(c)

paragraphs 5, 7, and 8 of resolution 1803 (2008):

(d)

paragraphs 7, 8, 9, and 18 of resolution 1929 (2010).

(2)

This regulation does not apply to the giving of a consent under regulation 29.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 26

Miscellaneous provisions

32 Offences

For the purposes of section 3 of the United Nations Act 1946, a person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of these regulations commits an offence against these regulations.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 27

33 Attorney-General’s consent and certificate required in certain cases

If an offence against these regulations is alleged to have been committed outside New Zealand, a prosecution for the offence must not be commenced without—

(a)

the Attorney-General’s consent; and

(b)

the Attorney-General’s certificate that it is expedient that the proceedings be commenced.

Compare: SR 2010/264 r 28

Rachel Hayward,
Clerk of the Executive Council.

Explanatory note

This note is not part of the regulations but is intended to indicate their general effect.

These regulations replace the United Nations (Iran—Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) Regulations 2016. They come into force on 18 October 2025 except regulations 23 to 26 and related regulations, which come into force on 1 February 2026.

These regulations primarily give effect to the following resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations (the Security Council), adopted under the Charter of the United Nations (the reimposed resolutions):

resolution 1737 (2006), adopted on 23 December 2006:
resolution 1747 (2007), adopted on 24 March 2007:
resolution 1803 (2008), adopted on 3 March 2008:
resolution 1929 (2010), adopted on 9 June 2010.

These regulations give effect to the prohibitions and restrictions established and amended by the reimposed resolutions, which are reinstated in accordance with paragraph 12 of resolution 2231 (2015) of the Security Council.

Regulations 6 to 13 deal with prohibited imports and exports and do the following:

prohibit the importation of nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods into New Zealand from Iran (regulation 6):
prohibit the exportation of specified military equipment, specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods, or ballistic missile-related technology from New Zealand to, for use in, or for the benefit of, Iran (regulation 7):
set out how the Customs and Excise Act 2018 applies to the importation or exportation of goods and arms prohibited or restricted by these regulations (regulations 8 to 11):
prohibit the loading and storage of goods on ships or aircraft if those goods are prohibited from exportation from New Zealand under certain regulations (regulation 12):
enable Customs officers to withhold certificates of clearance for ships or aircraft that carry goods whose exportation from New Zealand is prohibited under certain regulations (regulation 13).

Regulation 14 prohibits certain transactions in relation to specified military equipment and specified nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods intended for a person in, for use in, or for the benefit of, Iran.

Regulation 15 prohibits certain procurement activities in relation to nuclear weapon, missile, or enrichment-related goods or arms supplied or delivered from Iran.

Regulations 16 and 17 prohibit the carriage of certain prohibited goods and arms by New Zealand craft (including craft chartered to a New Zealand person or entity) to Iran from any other place or from Iran to any other place.

Regulation 18 prohibits New Zealand persons from conducting certain financial transactions that relate to uranium mining or to the production or use of nuclear materials and technology with certain Iranian actors.

Regulations 19 to 21 prohibit the provision of certain types of technical and financial assistance or services to certain Iranian actors in relation to certain goods and arms prohibited by these regulations. In particular,—

New Zealand persons are prohibited from conduct that assists or results in the provision or transfer to certain Iranian actors of specified technical or financial assistance (regulations 19 and 20):
New Zealand persons are prohibited from conduct that assists or results in the provision of bunkering services to Iranian vessels if the New Zealand person believes that the vessel is carrying certain goods prohibited under these regulations (regulation 21).

Regulations 22 to 26 restrict New Zealand persons and entities in relation to doing business with certain Iranian actors, unless an exception applies under regulation 23(1). One of those exceptions is if the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the Secretary) registers the New Zealand person or entity in respect of the concerned business upon an application by that person or entity. The business registration provisions in the regulations provide—

what a New Zealand person or entity must provide to the Secretary in an application for registration (regulation 24); and
the grounds on which the Secretary may revoke a registration (regulation 25); and
the obligations of a New Zealand person or entity that is registered, including obligations relating to notification and record-keeping (regulation 26).

Regulations 27 to 30 deal with the prohibitions on, and in relation to, designated persons (as defined in regulation 4), including the following:

a prohibition on certain dealings in relation to certain assets, money, and securities of, or for the benefit of, designated persons (regulations 27 to 29):
a prohibition on designated persons entering into, or transiting through, New Zealand, in certain cases (regulation 30).

Issued under the authority of the Legislation Act 2019.

Date of notification in Gazette: 16 October 2025.

These regulations are administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.