India–New Zealand free trade agreement takes effect on 20 October

New Zealand importers get duty free access to every Indian product from 20 October 2026, when the India–New Zealand free trade agreement enters into force.

The timeline

• Negotiations first began in 2010, were relaunched in March 2025 and concluded in December 2025.
• Trade ministers Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay signed the agreement in New Delhi on 27 April 2026.
• New Zealand's Parliament passed the enabling legislation in September, and on 21 September both ministers announced 20 October 2026 as the start date.

What New Zealand gives India

From entry into force, New Zealand removes its tariffs on all tariff lines, covering 100% of India's exports. New Zealand's tariffs are already low, but peak rates of up to 10% applied to products such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, and some processed foods. These now go to zero.

What India gives New Zealand

India opens about 70% of its tariff lines, covering around 95% of New Zealand's exports by value. Dairy and several sensitive farm products are excluded. The agreement also includes a safeguard mechanism if imports surge.

What this means for NZ buyers

• Rugs, home textiles, hotel linen, apparel, footwear, spices and packaged foods from India all become duty free, provided the goods meet the agreement's rules of origin.
• To claim the preference you need valid proof of origin from your supplier. India has issued new Customs Tariff (Country of Origin) Rules for the agreement, so check your supplier understands them before your first shipment after 20 October.
• For goods already on the water, ask your customs broker whether the preference applies at the date of import.

Our Sydney office manages client accounts for Australia and New Zealand. Talk to our team about moving your sourcing to the new terms.

Sources

• New Zealand Government, Historic NZ–India FTA signed in New Delhi
• The Tribune, India–New Zealand FTA to take effect October 20
• Zee Business, New customs rules from October 20
• Al Jazeera, India and New Zealand conclude free trade agreement

This article is general information, not legal, tax or customs advice. Trade rules change often, so confirm the position for your product with your customs broker before you ship.