New Zealand–India free trade agreement enters into force on 20 October 2026

From 20 October 2026 New Zealand removes its import tariffs on goods of Indian origin, while India opens its market to New Zealand goods step by step. GST and other charges stay the same.

Both countries have now ratified their free trade agreement, and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) confirms that it enters into force on 20 October 2026.

What changes for imports into New Zealand

• New Zealand removes its tariffs on goods originating in India from the first day the agreement applies.
• The biggest effect is on products where New Zealand still charges duty: clothing, textiles and footwear (usually 10%) and many other consumer goods (usually 5%).
• New Zealand's 15% GST and the Customs/MPI levies are not part of the deal and still apply.
• Goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin. Approved exporters can declare origin themselves from day one.

What changes for imports into India

India's opening is gradual. According to MFAT, 57% of New Zealand's current exports to India become duty-free immediately, rising to 82% over time, with deep cuts on a further 13%. Sheep meat, wool and coal are freed at once; forestry and seafood tariffs are phased out over about seven years; wine and mānuka honey only get partial cuts. Most dairy stays outside the deal.

Who is affected

New Zealand businesses buying Indian textiles, carpets, leather goods, jewellery or machinery pay less duty. New Zealand exporters of wool, meat and timber gain in India.

Example

A New Zealand shop imports cotton T-shirts made in India worth NZD 5,000 (FOB). Before 20 October it paid 10% duty, NZD 500. With valid proof of Indian origin the duty is zero, and because GST is charged on a base that includes duty, GST also falls by NZD 75 — a total saving of about NZD 575.

In the DutyLens calculator, tick the trade-agreement box for India → New Zealand to see the zero-duty result. For New Zealand → India we keep the normal rates, because India's cuts differ by product and are phased in.