New Zealand’s parliament on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) passed legislation to implement ​a free trade agreement (FTA) with India, ‌under which tariffs on about ​95% of New Zealand exports ⁠to India would be eliminated or significantly reduced.

The legislation passed by a ‌vote of 93–29, with support from the opposition Labour ‌Party.

More than half ‌of ⁠all products covered would ⁠become duty-free from the day it takes effect.

“For exporters, the benefits are immediate and substantial. From day one, 57% of New Zealand’s exports to India will become duty-free,” New Zealand ‌Trade Minister Todd McClay said in a statement.

“Once fully implemented, tariffs are eliminated or significantly reduced on 95 per cent of our exports. That means real savings and real opportunities. The kiwifruit industry alone expects to save around $125 million in tariffs over five years,” he added.

“Added to this are faster border clearance and preferential access to a fast-growing middle class that is demanding high-quality food, fibre, technology, education, tourism and professional services. The FTA is also future-proofed through most-favoured-nation commitments for wine and key services sectors.

“Negotiations were announced in March 2025, and we expect this high-quality agreement to enter into force this year, delivering on our promise to complete an FTA with India this term,” Mr McClay says.

Under the deal, all Indian goods will receive duty-free access to ‌New Zealand. Wellington has also agreed to invest $20 billion in India over the next 15 years. Both nations originally signed the trade agreement in April.

“Exporters will be able to use this agreement to build new relationships, sell more of our world-class products, and contribute to the goal agreed by Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon [New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon] of doubling two-way trade by 2030.”

Two-way trade totalled NZ$3.99 billion ($2.29 billion) in the ​year to June 2026, with India ranking as ⁠New Zealand’s ninth-largest goods and services export ⁠market.

The trade deal will become effective after both ‌nations complete their respective ratification procedures.

(With inputs from Reuters)

New Zealand has taken a binding commitment under its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to amend its laws within 18 months of the pact’s implementation to facilitate the geographical indication (GI) registration of Indian goods besides wines, and spirits in the island nation.

The current GI law of New Zealand only allows India’s wines and spirits to be registered.

A GI, a type of an intellectual property right, is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.

Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.

Once a product gets a GI tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. Its other benefits include legal protection to that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports.

“Commitment is now in place to taking all steps necessary including amendment of its law to facilitate the registration of India’s wines, spirits and ‘other goods’, a benefit that was accorded to the EU [European Union] by New Zealand. Timelines for this are 18 months from agreement entering into force,” the Commerce Ministry said.

The two countries on Monday (December 22, 2025) announced the conclusion of the FTA negotiations. The pact is likely to be implemented after the signing of the document, and the process may take about 7-8 months from now.

The famous goods which carry this tag include Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Prints, Lucknow Zardozi and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving.

Founder and Chairman of Great Mission Group Society (GMGS) Ganesh Hingmire said that this is a positive move as it would help boost exports of GI products. “Getting a GI tag for non-agri goods will help increase the income of our people also,” he said.