KK Fashion Exports

India–New Zealand FTA: reported DGFT origin certificate changes and what garment importers need now

Dès 15 Novembre 2026, New Zealand charges 0% duty on women’s robes, kaftans, skirts and scarves from India that come with proof of Indian origin under the New Zealand–ALE Inde, en vigueur depuis 20 Octobre 2026; without that proof the normal 10% s’applique. The DGFT changes reported on 2026-11-14 do not alter that rate. They concern how Indian exporters obtain the preferential certificate of origin that your claim depends on.

What was reported on 2026-11-14

A2Z Taxcorp LLP reported that India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended its Foreign Trade Policy procedures to include the India–New Zealand FTA and has notified the authorised agencies that may issue preferential certificates of origin for it. On the same day TaxCorp AI reported DGFT Trade Notice No. 34/2026-2027, under which an electronic certificate of origin is now available for India–New Zealand FTA exports through the Trade Connect ePlatform.

Both items are press reports. We have not reviewed the DGFT notices themselves, so treat the detail as reported and check with your customs broker before relying on it. The underlying agreement is not in doubt: Ministère des Affaires étrangères et du Commerce de la Nouvelle-Zélande (MFAT) states that it was signed on 27 Avril 2026, ratified by both sides and entered into force on 20 Octobre 2026. ANI News reported on 2026-11-13 that the pact opens zero-duty access.

What it means for your shipments now

Nothing further has to happen before the rate changes, because it has already changed. Depuis 20 Octobre 2026 New Zealand has charged no duty on goods from India that meet the agreement’s rules of origin; MFAT states that tariffs are removed on Indian goods from the day the agreement enters into force. The importer claims the agreement rate on the import entry, supported by proof of Indian origin.

The reported DGFT steps matter on the Indian side of that paperwork:

  • Who issues the certificate. The authorised agencies were reportedly notified on 2026-11-14. Ask your supplier which agency will issue the certificate for your goods.
  • Electronic issue. If the certificate is issued electronically through Trade Connect, as reported, confirm with your broker that New Zealand Customs will accept it in that form for your entry.
  • Self-declaration. MFAT says the rules of origin let approved exporters self-declare origin from entry into force. Whether a certificate or a declaration suits a given consignment is a question to settle with your broker before shipping.

A garment qualifies only if it meets the agreement’s rules of origin. Ask your broker how those rules apply to your fabric and making-up before you plan on the 0% taux. MFAT also notes that the agreement gives access to advance rulings on origin, classification and valuation, which can give you certainty in advance.

Duty on Indian garments in New Zealand

For every garment and fibre in our data, the picture is the same: 10% without proof of origin and 0% with it.

Vêtement Fibres covered Sans preuve d’origine Avec une preuve d’origine indienne
Robes Coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester, soie, lin (tissé); coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester (tricoté) 10% 0%
Kaftans, y compris les coupes amples pour peignoir/cache-maillot Coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester, soie, lin (tissé); coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester (tricoté) 10% 0%
Jupes Coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester, soie, lin (tissé); coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester (tricoté) 10% 0%
Écharpes et étoles Coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester, soie, la laine, lin (tissé); coton, la laine (tricoté) 10% 0%
Hauts et des chemisiers Coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester, soie, lin (tissé); coton, viscose / rayonne, polyester (tricoté) 10% 0%

Ces taux ont été vérifiés le 2026-10-07. Whether your garment is woven or knitted, and its main fibre, still decide how it is described on the entry, so keep accurate fabric details with each shipment.

GST still applies

A successful FTA claim removes the duty, not the GST. New Zealand charges import GST of 15% on the price paid plus international freight, postage and insurance plus any import duty. La douane perçoit les droits, prélèvements et TPS uniquement lorsque l'envoi dépasse 1 000 NZD. Une entreprise inscrite à la TPS réclame la TPS à l'importation comme taxe en amont dans sa déclaration, appuyé par la déclaration ou la déclaration d'importation en douane, and approved importers may defer import GST.

What could change later

No change to the 0% rate is announced in the sources we hold. MFAT notes a commitment to review the agreement one year after it enters into force, and the agreement lets either party apply a Bilateral Safeguard Mechanism if a rise in imports caused by its tariff cuts causes or threatens serious injury. Anti-dumping, countervailing and global safeguard measures remain governed by WTO rules. If you plan long-term ranges around the 0% taux, check with your customs broker for any later notice.

On clearance, MFAT says that, provided all regulatory requirements are met, goods will be released by customs within 48 hours of arrival, with an aim of 24 hours for express consignments.

Vérifiez votre propre vêtement

Nous fabriquons des robes pour femmes, kaftans, skirts and scarves in India and can prepare the origin paperwork your New Zealand entry needs. Parlez-nous concernant votre prochaine collection.

Sources

Informations indicatives provenant de sources officielles, écrit 15 Novembre 2026. Tarifs vérifiés sur contre les tarifs officiels. Ce n'est pas une décision douanière; confirmez auprès de votre courtier en douane avant de vous y fier.

Développer une gamme de prêt-à-porter féminin? Découvrez comment nous travaillons en tant que fabricant de vêtements pour femmes en Inde.

Consultez les lookbooks B2B → un aperçu de nos dernières collections. Demandez la gamme complète: plus de modèles sur demande.

Nos fondations: Sadh Samaj Charitable Trust · Help and Support Foundation

WhatsApp