India, New Zealand Sign Data-Sharing Pact to Boost Trade Under New FTA

India and New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to facilitate the electronic exchange of trade-related origin data, strengthening customs cooperation and helping businesses access tariff benefits under their newly implemented Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, the arrangement will enable customs authorities in both countries to exchange information digitally to verify the origin of traded goods. This will help determine whether products meet the prescribed rules of origin and qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the FTA.

The development comes a day after the India-New Zealand FTA came into force on October 20, 2026, opening new opportunities for exporters and businesses in both countries.

Under the agreement, Indian goods will receive duty-free access to the New Zealand market, creating fresh opportunities for sectors such as textiles, garments, leather, engineering goods and other manufactured products.

The electronic exchange of origin information is particularly important under free trade agreements, as tariff concessions are available only to goods that satisfy specific origin requirements. The new mechanism is expected to simplify verification procedures, reduce information gaps and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade.

The Ministry of Finance said the MoC reflects the shared commitment of India and New Zealand to use digitalisation and enhanced information exchange to make international trade more efficient, secure and predictable.

The arrangement is also expected to align customs cooperation between the two countries with evolving international practices in digitalisation and information sharing.

By enabling the advance electronic exchange of origin data, the initiative will support the effective implementation of trade facilitation measures and provide greater certainty to businesses involved in bilateral commerce.

The Ministry added that the initiative would help ensure that the benefits negotiated under the FTA reach eligible businesses in both countries more efficiently, strengthening trade relations and supporting new commercial opportunities.