India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement - Process, Fees & Benefits

All documents must be submitted in the English language. Listed below are the documents required for obtaining a Certificate of Origin under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

• Import Export Code (IEC)
• RCMC Certificate
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Manufacturer's Declaration
• GST Invoice / Purchase Bills for Raw Materials
• GSTIN Details
• HS Code Classification
• AD Code Registration Certificate

The India-New Zealand FTA is a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) that provides a predictable, transparent, and facilitative trading and investment environment. This is specifically emphasized as the enhancing and simplifying of trade barriers is the core objective of this FTA.

Primary goals of FTA are:

Based on the most recent updates from the government on negotiations:

• New Zealand has committed to provide immediate zero-duty access for 100% of Indian exports, subject to applicable Product-Specific Rules of Origin
• India has indicated that it will offer market access on approximately 70% of tariff lines, covering a significant portion of bilateral trade value, while keeping 30% of the lines excluded to safeguard sensitive sectors.
• The tariff concessions offered by India include:
  • No tariffs on 30% of the tariff lines.
  • Phased tariff elimination on selected products over periods of 3, 5, 7, or 10 years.
  • Limited tariffs and tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on certain specified agricultural products.
• The FTA includes a formal dispute settlement mechanism allowing India and New Zealand to resolve trade disagreements through a structured, transparent process providing greater legal certainty for Indian exporters and investors operating in the New Zealand market
• The expected timelines for customs clearance are 48 hours for general cargo and 24 hours for express shipments and perishables.
• The FTA extends Geographical Indication protection to Indian products beyond wines and spirits — benefiting Indian GI-tagged products such as Darjeeling tea, Basmati rice, Mysore silk, and Kolhapuri chappals in the New Zealand market
• The India–New Zealand FTA introduces disciplines on digital trade covering electronic commerce, digital authentication, data flows, and cross-border digital services

New Zealand's Strategic and Commercial Interest in Partnering with India are:

For India

• Access to the high- and stable-income market increased
• Increased export possibilities in manufacturing and service sectors
• Increased involvement in supply chains in Oceania and the Pacific region
• Predictable regulatory environment for exporters and investors
• New Zealand has committed to facilitate up to US$20 billion in investment into India over 15 years under the FTA.

For New Zealand

• Engagement with one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies
• Services, investment, and skills collaboration for long-term prospects
• Improved collaboration in supply chain and productivity-oriented business segments

Key Benefits of the India–New Zealand FTA for Indian Exporters, Manufacturers and Service Providers are listed below:

Benefits for India

Benefits for New Zealand

New Zealand has committed to provide immediate zero-duty access for 100% of Indian exports, the following Indian export-oriented industries will benefit:

• Textiles and Apparel: Enhancing price competitiveness via removal of previous tariffs
• Leather, Footwear, and Handicrafts: Labor-intensive sectors in exports
• Engineering Goods and Auto Components: Improved market access and clearance processes
• Chemicals, Plastics, and Industrial Products: Greater competitiveness in manufactured inputs and products
• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: Simplified regulatory processes for rapid entry into the market
• Marine products: Marine products (fish, processed seafood, frozen shrimp) are a key Indian export where NZ applies significant duties currently. Zero-duty access under the FTA is particularly valuable for coastal state exporters

Note: The actual benefits are subject to the classification of HS code, Rules of Origin, and procedural requirements being fulfilled.

Professional Utilities supports exporters, manufacturers, and service providers in:

Get your free consultation to assess your FTA readiness and export opportunities.

The FTA focuses heavily on services trade and people-to-people mobility, consistent with respective national laws and finally agreed specific commitments:

Student Mobility

Skilled Employment Pathways

Working Holiday Visas

Services Trade

Note : Once the FTA enters into force, these mobility provisions will be administered under New Zealand's immigration regulations. Indian applicants should verify current New Zealand visa requirements at Immigration New Zealand. 

Successful FTA implementation is dependent on having a strong trade facilitation and compliance system:

Exporters need procedural correctness in order to prevent the delay or forgoing of preferential treatment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Availing Preferential Tariff Benefits Under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement are as follows

• Confirm eligibility of goods or services
• Comply with Rules of Origin
• Obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from relevant, designated bodies
• Maintain accurate HS classification and customs documentation
• Track TRQs, phase-in schedules, and sector-specific conditions
• Monitor official notifications during implementation

In fact, professional guidance proves to be particularly necessary in the case of MSMEs and first-time exporters.

Check out other Free Trade Agreements India participates in to enhance trade opportunities and reduce customs duties.

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, or FTA, is a highly significant enhancement in the trade diplomacy efforts of India, which is likely to provide broad-based benefits in areas such as trade, investment, and mobility. The major expected pluses of this agreement for the Indian economy are that its present exports will enjoy zero customs duties in New Zealand, and its domestic sectors will be protected. For companies, exporters, and professionals, the agreement presents new avenues for growth, and for businesses and professionals, this is made possible provided there is adherence to the necessary procedural measures. Professional Utilities plays an integral part of helping companies unlock policy frameworks and convert them into effective outcomes. Being experts in FTA advisory, trade compliance, and document services, we help our clients unlock benefits of international trade agreements effectively. Get in touch with us to become entirely ready to make the most of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, and you can also explore India Australia Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement to expand your global trade opportunities with complete expert support.