Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Utilization: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how exporters and importers can access reduced or zero tariff rates through Free Trade Agreements.
This scheme allows businesses to take advantage of trade deals that lower the cost of moving goods across international borders.
Who it's for
This is designed for exporters and importers who are trading goods with countries that have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in place.
What you get
By using these agreements, you can access reduced or even zero tariff rates. This means you may pay significantly less in taxes when sending or receiving goods through a partner country.
What it costs you
To access these lower rates, you must provide proof of origin documentation. This is paperwork that proves your goods were actually made in a country covered by the agreement.
The catch to know
The most common issue is failing to have a valid Certificate of Origin. If your documentation does not meet the specific "Rules of Origin"—which are the requirements used to determine where a product is from—you will not qualify for the lower rates.
How to apply
- Identify if your trading partner has an active agreement with New Zealand.
- Check the specific rules to see if your product qualifies.
- Prepare the necessary proof of origin documentation.
- Submit your documentation to the relevant authorities.
Find more details at https://www.mfat.govt.nz