India-New Zealand FTA enters into force: 100% duty-free access for Indian exports
Key facts
- The India-New Zealand FTA came into force on 20 October 2026. It was signed on 27 April 2026.
- New Zealand gives duty-free access on all tariff lines, covering 100% of India's current exports.
- This is the first Indian FTA with full duty-free access across all tariff lines from day one.
- India gives concessions on about 70% of its tariff lines and keeps the rest excluded.
- Two new Temporary Employment Entry visa categories open, capped at 5,000 holders at any time.
Why it matters
[First] No earlier Indian FTA gave full duty-free access from the day it started. Textiles, leather, marine products and pharma exports gain most. India keeps sensitive farm items excluded and uses quotas for apples, kiwifruit and manuka honey. The Commerce Ministry negotiated the deal.