Changes are being made to controlled drug regulations, improving efficiency while maintaining safeguards to protect patient and public safety.
The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2026 will come into effect on 1 October 2026. These modernise some requirements around controlled drugs set out in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977.
Controlled drugs are substances that are more tightly controlled than other prescription medicines. This is to prevent harm and abuse of the medicines.
Four amendments are being made to the regulations:
- removing a requirement to carry out stocktakes of controlled drugs on set dates (30 June and 31 December) annually. Pharmacists, other health professionals and controlled drug licence holders will now be able to choose their own dates for stocktakes, as long as they happen at least every six months.
- removing the requirement for controlled drugs registers to be kept in a bound paper format. They will be able to be maintained electronically, if the electronic system meets specific requirements set out in the regulations.
- extending the expiry date for prescriptions issued by persons authorised under section 24A Gazette notices (opioid substitution treatment prescriptions) from 7 days to 28 days after a prescription is made. Opioid substitution treatment is an important therapy for people who are dependent on opioids. If there is a gap in their treatment, they can experience serious or life-threatening harm. This change supports continuity of treatment for these patients.
- providing legal certainty to the New Zealand Defence Force that personnel can carry and administer controlled drugs for use in medical emergencies while on active service. Rules around possession, use and record-keeping will be subject to Defence Force orders.
These amendments are part of ongoing work to modernise medicines regulation so that it is fit for purpose for health professionals and patients.
Read the full regulations on the New Zealand Legislation website: Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2026.
