India–New Zealand FTA enters into force on 20 October 2026; zero duty on all Indian exports from day one

The date

The Commerce Ministers of India and New Zealand announced on 21 September 2026 that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on 20 October 2026, after completion of internal processes in both countries. New Zealand’s Parliament passed the legislation on 16 September 2026.

For Indian exporters

• From entry into force, every tariff line covering 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand carries zero duty.
• Sectors named as gaining at once: textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and processed foods.
• Pharma and medical devices: New Zealand begins accepting inspection approvals from the US FDA, EMA, UK MHRA and Health Canada.

For Indian importers and farmers

• Inputs such as wooden logs, coking coal and metal scrap get tariff-exempt access.
• Dairy, animal meat (except sheep), key agricultural commodities, sugar and edible oils are excluded from tariff concessions.
• Apples, kiwifruit and Manuka honey are allowed through Tariff Rate Quotas with Minimum Import Price and seasonal import windows, with safeguards.

Services and mobility

Commitments span roughly 118 services sectors. There is a quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas for skilled Indians and 1,000 Working Holiday visas each year, and post-study work rights of up to three years for STEM graduates and four years for doctoral scholars. New Zealand has also committed to facilitate USD 20 billion of investment into India.

Bilateral merchandise trade was around USD 1.1 billion in 2025-26.