New Delhi, October 19: The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement comes into force on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, giving Indian goods duty-free access to the New Zealand market, according to a presentation by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported by ANI on October 19.
Sampath Kumar, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), told ANI in Hyderabad that 100% of tariff lines on Indian exports become zero from October 20. Duties of up to 10% on textiles and clothing and on leather and footwear drop to zero, and tariffs of up to 5% on pharmaceuticals, agricultural and marine products, plastics, chemicals and electrical goods are also eliminated. Engineering goods and machinery are among the other sectors gaining improved access.
Under the India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap, both countries target doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to NZD 7 billion by 2030. (Yaani: NZD 7 billion is roughly ₹35,000 crore — about thirty-five thousand crore rupees.) Bilateral trade currently stands at USD 2.4 billion; India's services exports to New Zealand rose 13% to USD 634 million, and goods exports rose 16% over four years to USD 566.5 million in 2025-26.
The deal provides faster customs clearance — cargo within 48 hours, and express and perishable consignments within 24 hours — along with digital and self-certification of rules of origin for status holders.
In agriculture, it gives calibrated market access for New Zealand apples, kiwifruit and honey with safeguards — restricted tariff-rate quotas, minimum import prices and seasonal windows — plus an agriculture productivity partnership.
The package also carries a USD 20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand and cooperation in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and services. India has kept 30% of its tariff lines excluded; of the lines covered for New Zealand, 30% see immediate duty elimination, and the rest get phased reductions over up to 10 years, tariff cuts or tariff-rate quotas.
In force October 20, 2026 • 100% of Indian export tariff lines at zero • Trade target NZD 7 billion by 2030 • USD 20 billion New Zealand investment commitment • Customs clearance in 48 hours, 24 for express and perishables
Sources: ANI; Ministry of Commerce and Industry presentation; DGFT Additional Director General Sampath Kumar (via ANI).