The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged Indian exporters, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to move quickly to use opportunities created by the India-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA). The industry body advised businesses to engage directly with buyers in New Zealand, verify product-specific rules of origin and use government support schemes, including the Export Promotion Mission.

Sanjay Budhia, chairman of the CII National Committee on Exports and managing director of Patton International, said New Zealand could provide Indian businesses with access to wider markets across Oceania and the Pacific Islands. His advice follows implementation of the bilateral pact on 20 October, which is intended to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Under the agreement, Indian exporters receive duty-free access across all tariff lines in New Zealand. Duties of up to 10 per cent on engineering goods, textiles, leather and footwear have been reduced to zero, improving the price competitiveness of shipments from these sectors and supporting new orders.

The agreement covers a broad range of industries, including engineering goods, chemicals, plastics, electronics, pharmaceuticals and processed foods. It also offers opportunities in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather, which have a significant role in employment and export activity. Exporters will need to align documentation and production with the requirements attached to preferential access.

CII said streamlined sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT) procedures are intended to lower compliance costs for companies. Electronic certification, along with acceptance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) inspection reports, will simplify market entry and reduce duplication in approvals. The industry body’s guidance places early engagement, regulatory preparation and effective use of available schemes at the centre of efforts to convert the agreement’s tariff benefits into higher trade.