Market access and regulations

We want to help New Zealand exporters to succeed in international markets. If you’re experiencing issues with exporting, find out below which government agency can help you.

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When you sell goods and services offshore, you may be subject to customs tariffs and be required to meet local rules and regulations. New Zealand government agencies can provide information and advice on what you need to do to get your products to market.

Free trade agreements

Free trade agreements increase market access for New Zealand goods, services and investment. They can reduce or eliminate tariffs, address visa access for business people, and foster closer cooperation between countries.

New Zealand has free trade agreements with 16 economies.

Find the lowest tariff rate

Before you start exporting, use the tariff finder to work out the lowest tariff rates for your product in different markets, as well as rules of origin and documentation requirements.

Share your views on FTAs

If you want to share your views on new trade negotiations, particularly on tariffs or other barriers affecting your business, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Regulatory advice

When doing business overseas, New Zealand exporters need to understand the rules and regulations of the country they are trading with.

Customs and duty issues

If you need advice on customs and duty matters, including export agreements and procedures, the New Zealand Customs Service can help.

Customs also manages the Secure Exports Scheme (SES), which is a voluntary partnership between New Zealand exporters and Customs. It provides accredited exporters greater certainty at borders, and also helps them clear customs here and in a number of other countries.

Intellectual property

If you need advice about registering your intellectual property in foreign countries, contact the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Market advice

If you need general advice on the rules and regulations that allow exporters to enter and operate in international markets, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise can help.

Primary sector exporting

If you are in the primary sector and need advice on meeting requirements for exporting, particularly around food safety, biosecurity and animal welfare, contact the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Regulations for exporting

If you need advice on export regulations but aren't sure where to go, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Standards

If you want to find out more about domestic standards, Standards New Zealand provides an online library.

Double taxation agreements

Double taxation agreements are tax agreements between two countries that may mean you do not need to pay tax on the same income twice.

Tax advice

If you need advice about interpreting and applying double tax agreements, you should first ask a tax practitioner.

The Inland Revenue looks after double tax agreements between New Zealand and other countries.

Tax treaty issues

If you're a taxpayer and you consider that a tax treaty has been applied incorrectly, there is a process you can take to resolve any issues.

Food safety and biosecurity

Exporters of food and primary products need to understand the rules and regulations that apply in their export markets.

Market access

If you are having problems with market access, contact the Ministry for Primary Industries. MPI's market access team leads international market access activities for New Zealand's primary products and food sectors.

Market rules

If you have issues with market rules for food safety and biosecurity, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

MFAT works closely with MPI to negotiate the rules with other countries and then ensure that they are implemented as agreed.

International standards

When exporting, your goods or services need to meet local standards. Countries can develop their own standards or use international standards. They can also set their own methods for inspecting products.

Standards

If you want to find out more about standards, Standards New Zealand provides an online library of some international standards, as well as domestic standards.

Primary industries

If you are in the primary sector and need advice on meeting New Zealand's standards for food safety, biosecurity and animal welfare, contact the Ministry for Primary Industries.

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