The NZ India FTA is now ratified. From 20 October, it becomes business.
INZBC was pleased to be at Parliament today as Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay and India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, H.E. Muanpuii Saiawi, exchanged the formal documents confirming ratification of the New Zealand India Free Trade Agreement, in the presence of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The FTA will enter into force on 20 October 2026. From day one, 57% of New Zealand exports to India will be tariff free, including sheep meat, wool and more than 95% of forestry and wood exports. Apples, kiwifruit and albumin will gain preferential quota access. A second round of tariff reductions follows on 1 January 2027.
This is an important distinction. Signing created the framework. Ratification gives businesses certainty. Entry into force is when exporters can start using it.
The opportunity also extends beyond goods. The agreement provides greater certainty for services exporters, investors and New Zealand companies looking to establish or expand their presence in India.
For INZBC, the focus now moves firmly to implementation. Businesses need to understand the tariff schedules, rules, market opportunities and, importantly, find the right partners on the ground.
After 38 years of strengthening commercial relationships between New Zealand and India, this is a significant moment. But the measure of this FTA will ultimately be the trade, investment and partnerships that businesses create from it.
20 October. The next chapter begins.
