The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on 19 October 2026 that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would enter into force on 20 October 2026. New Zealand has eliminated customs duties on all tariff lines covering Indian exports, including the removal of peak tariffs of up to 10%. The change is expected to support exports of textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, engineering goods, automobiles and components, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and processed foods.
The agreement provides improved access in services and includes cooperation on investment and agricultural productivity. New Zealand has committed to facilitate USD 20 billion of investment into India. India's own market-access commitments are not an across-the-board elimination of duties: sensitive products, including dairy, sugar, edible oils and certain agricultural commodities, remain excluded from concessions.
Businesses seeking preferential tariff treatment should examine product-specific tariff schedules, rules of origin, supporting documentation and customs procedures before making claims. The government has highlighted rules of origin, bilateral safeguards and anti-circumvention provisions intended to ensure that benefits accrue to qualifying trade. The agreement was signed on 27 April 2026, and its commencement date is 20 October 2026.