UK’s Free Trade Agreements with New Zealand
How to Utilise the FTA
- Find practical advice on how to utilise the agreement including guidance on proving rules of origin, accessing simpler customs, and benefiting from zero tariffs.
- View detailed information for your sector with market opportunities and the steps you need to take to utilise the agreement.
- If you are experiencing any issues when trading under the UK-New Zealand FTA, you can get in touch with the Department for Business and Trade by contacting ANZ.FTAfeedback@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
The UK has two Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with New Zealand: the UK-New Zealand FTA which entered in force on 30th May 2023 and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement including 12 countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the UK and Vietnam). CPTPP entered in force between the UK and New Zealand on 15th December 2024.
The UK-New Zealand FTA and CPTPP are in force simultaneously.
Benefits include:
- more flexible rules of origin when exporting goods that are better suited to modern supply chains
- equal treatment and improved business environment for UK businesses operating in New Zealand
- easier travel rules for UK businesspeople wishing to deliver services in New Zealand
Some of the provisions in the FTAs will apply automatically, whilst others may require you to take action first before you can benefit. The action(s) you will need to take also depends on the type of goods or services you are selling.
Top five UK goods exported to New Zealand , in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2024
| Goods | Value (£ million ) |
|---|---|
| Mechanical power generators (intermediate) | |
| Cars | |
| Medicinal & pharmaceutical products | |
| Road vehicles other than cars (capital) | |
| Scientific instruments (capital) |
Source:
ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: February 2025
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for New Zealand.
New Zealand: at a glance
Economic growth
0.6%
Actual figure (IMF, 2023)
The UK is 0.1% (IMF, 2023, projected figure)
GDP per capita
$47,423
Actual figure (IMF, 2023)
The UK is $49,099 (IMF, 2023, projected figure)
Currency
New Zealand dollar
Business language
English
Time zone
GMT +12
GMT +13 applies during NZ daylight saving time
Want to see more on New Zealand? Sign up for additional market data, content specific to your product or sector and to compare New Zealand side by side with other markets.
Opportunities for exporters
There are opportunities for UK companies across a broad range of industries. Our trade advisers have identified particular opportunities for UK businesses in infrastructure, technology, agri-technology and e-commerce.
Check for trade barriers
Trade barriers, such as tariffs or taxes, can raise costs, cause delays, or even stop you from exporting. Check for any issues that may impact your business when exporting.
Check duties and customs
Find information on how to export goods from the UK. View the duties, rules, restrictions, and the documents you need for your products.
Doing business in New Zealand
Preparing to export
VAT
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax on most goods and services in New Zealand. The current GST rate is 15%. Learn more about GST on the New Zealand government website.
Import duties
All goods imported into New Zealand for business or commercial purposes are liable for customs duty, GST and other applicable fees. Indicative rates can be found in the Working Tariff Document of New Zealand. The New Zealand Customs Service website explains how the charges are calculated.
Standards and technical regulations
All products sold in New Zealand must be safe. The 2 key laws that deal with product safety are the:
- Consumer Guarantees Act, which gives minimum standards of quality for goods and services
- Fair Trading Act, which promotes product safety
Importers must ensure products meet the minimum standards for the products to be allowed to enter the country. You can check the required standards at Standards New Zealand.
Labelling requirements
Packaging must meet New Zealand consumer health and environmental legislation. There are specific labelling requirements for:
- chemical products
- cosmetics
- electronic goods
- foodstuffs
- most therapeutic products
All labelling must use the metric system.
You can read guidance on food labelling from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Payment terms
Payment terms and method should be set out in your contract and must be factored into prices. For business-to-business transactions these can range from immediate payments on receipt of goods (often with a negotiated small discount) to a negotiated 60-day payment.
Intellectual property
Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial. Rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.
The Intellectual Property Office’s International IP Service provides practical information to help you protect, manage and enforce your IP abroad. Further support can be accessed through the service’s network of IP attachés. Based in key UK export markets, they provide guidance to British businesses on local IP matters.
Operating in New Zealand
Please refer to UK government's travel advice on New Zealand for more information on working and living in the country.
Business culture
In general, business etiquette is very similar to the UK. Face-to-face meetings can be very important to develop business relationships and prompt replies to enquires are recommended. Visits should be planned in advance – ideally at least 4 weeks.
Punctuality is very important. New Zealanders tend to be informal in their business interactions. First-name terms tend to be the norm in most business situations. Directness and plain speaking are valued.
New Zealanders often take holidays during school holiday periods, especially over the New Zealand summer holiday period, which is January. As a result, visits during these times may not be productive.
Logistical challenges
New Zealand’s distance from the UK means you may face challenges in:
- travelling (at least 24 hours from the UK by plane)
- the time difference (12 to 13 hours ahead of the UK)
Next steps
Get ready to do business abroad
Step-by-step lessons to accelerate your exporting ability.
Read more
Find the answers to your exporting questions
Get instant help from our online services and how-to articles or contact our Export Support Service to access our wider network of support.
Find answers