India–New Zealand trade agreement starts on 20 October

The agreement is set to start on 20 October 2026, affecting exporters and importers trading between India and New Zealand.

What happened

India’s Commerce Ministry said the India–New Zealand free trade agreement will enter into force on 20 October 2026. The agreement was signed on 27 April 2026, and the ministry says both countries completed their internal processes. According to the ministry, all tariff lines covering India’s exports to New Zealand become duty-free when the agreement starts. It says India excluded sensitive products including dairy, most animal meat, sugar and edible oils from tariff concessions. A New Zealand government agency says 57% of New Zealand’s exports to India become duty-free at entry into force and 95% are covered once the agreement is fully implemented. Traders should check the applicable schedules and origin rules.

Key facts

• India’s Commerce Ministry announced the start date on 21 September 2026.
• The agreement is set to enter into force on 20 October 2026.
• The ministry says all tariff lines covering India’s exports to New Zealand become duty-free from that date.
• The ministry says India excluded dairy, most animal meat, sugar and edible oils from tariff concessions.

What it means for traders

• Check the tariff schedule for your product and direction of trade.
• Confirm the origin rules and required documentation before claiming preferential treatment.

What we don't know

• We did not check tariff schedules or origin rules line by line.
• Dates of implementing customs notifications are not stated in the source.

Source

Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Announced: 21 September 2026.

AI-assisted, source-verified. General information, not legal or customs advice.