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On 21 April 2025, the Upgrade to the AANZFTA entered into force. The upgrade will modernise the agreement in line with more recent trade policy thinking and reflects the changes in trade trends in our region. It will further reduce barriers impacting exports, and boost trade.
The Upgrade (2nd Protocol) will only apply between the ratified Parties. The original text (1st Protocol) will apply for all other Parties until they ratify. The list below shows Parties that have ratified the 2nd Protocol. This list will be updated as more Parties ratify.
List of ratified Parties to the AANZFTA Upgrade:
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Lao PDR
- Malaysia
- Singapore
Why did we upgrade AANZFTA?
AANZFTA has now been in force for over a decade. The upgrade modernises the agreement in line with more recent trade policy thinking and reflects the changes in trade trends in our region. This will be important to ensuring that the free trade agreement remains relevant and is effectively facilitating trade in the region. We also want to ensure that AANZFTA will contribute towards achieving the government’s export growth target.
Key outcomes of the upgrade:
- Addressing barriers to trade: the upgrade addresses issues businesses have told us they encounter when trading with the ASEAN region. This includes provisions supporting modern approaches to managing supply chains like direct consignment and third-party invoicing, and introducing commitments to address and reduce non-tariff barriers that add red tape to businesses.
- Improving trade facilitation: the upgrade will make trade easier and more efficient, through outcomes such as expedited customs procedures – including measures like clearing perishable goods within six hours of their arrival, new options for proof of origin of goods, and standardising rules for service providers and investors.
- Delivering on inclusive and sustainable trade: the upgrade introduces a new framework for cooperation on sustainable trade issues like the environment, labour standards and women’s economic empowerment.
- Learning lessons from COVID-19: parties have committed to measures that will make the trade of essential goods easier and more efficient during times of humanitarian crises, which will help New Zealand deliver an effective response.