Export Helpdesk
Have questions about exporting to offshore markets?
Our Export Helpdesk has a dedicated team to assist with any export issues.
Have your questions answered by filling out a simple form(external link), emailing exports@mfat.govt.nz, or phone 0800 824 605.
Market Intelligence Reports
Want a New Zealand perspective on offshore markets?
Our Market Intelligence Reports keep exporters and importers up to date with global economic statistics and insight.
Services Export Tool
Want to know which parts of the CPTPP impact you?
Our Services Exporter Tool helps you quickly locate relevant information within the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Find out how the CPTPP affects you.
Tariff Finder
Need to see tariff rates?
Our Tariff Finder helps exporters and importers reap the benefits of New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreements.
Compare tariffs easily.
Export Controls
If you are planning to export military related goods and controlled chemicals, considering exporting research with military utility, or brokering the transfer of military goods between countries outside of NZ, MFAT's Export Controls team are here to help.
No matter the stage in your export journey, you can contact us.
Barriers to trade
Trade barriers come in two forms:
Tariff barriers — these are the duties paid when goods cross a border.
Non-tariff barriers — rules that make it costly or difficult to export to a particular market. Governments refer to them as non-tariff barriers but businesses often describe them as red tape, bureaucratic rules, or hassles.
The barriers can arise with any type of export, from food to digital goods and services.
Examples include:
- administrative procedures
- quantity restrictions (such as quotas)
- licensing requirements
- data storage requirements
- privacy requirements
- requirements about company directors
- procurement rules
- price controls
- subsidies
- product labelling requirements
- phytosanitary or technical regulations and standards.
Finding the right people to help
If you are facing a barrier in your exports, there is no wrong door in asking any of the government agencies who deal with resolving barriers.
Visit www.tradebarriers.govt.nz(external link) to get connected to Customs New Zealand, Education New Zealand, MFAT, MPI, NZTE, the New Zealand Export Credit Office and MBIE.
Other services
Selling to governments
If you come across provisions in tender documents released by foreign governments that you feel unfairly disadvantage you compared to local suppliers (e.g. a requirement to have membership of a specific industry association), contact the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
- Email | procurement@mbie.govt.nz
Guide to free trade agreements
Free trade agreements can make your business more competitive. Find out about the processes you need to follow to get the benefits of free trade agreements.
Guide to using free trade agreements
Real-life examples
Exporters can sometimes experience hurdles in getting goods and services into international markets. Learn from these case studies how others have worked through issues to become successful and grow their business.