China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement

Last updated: 23 May 2024

The China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement was signed on April 7, 2008 and came into effect on October 1 of the same year. On April 7, 2022, the Protocol on Upgrading the Free Trade Agreement officially came into effect, to further open the market for both sides. Goods such as anthracite, petroleum oil, and liquefied natural gas are tariff-free between the two countries. 

From the New Zealand's side, for products from China,

  • Tariff for Motor cars and other motor vehicles, principally designed for the transport of persons, decreased gradually from 17.5% in 2008 to 0% in 2013. 
  • Tariff for Heat pumps other than air conditioning machines of heading 84.1 dereased from 7% in 2008 to 0% in 2012. 
  • Tariff for Nickel oxides and hydroxides remains free. 

From the Chinese side, for products from New Zealand,

  • Tariff for Motor cars and other motor vehicles, principally designed for the transport of persons, decreased gradually from 25% in 2008 to 0% in 2013. 
  • Tariff for Heat pumps of compression type units dereased from 10% in 2008 to 0% in 2013. 


Rules of origin apply. Goods are counted as originating from each country if

  • wholly produced or obtained in the country
  • having a regional value content (RVC) over a specific requirement (for instance, 45% for motor vehicles)
  • meeting specific standards as defined in the Agreement which mainly cover changes in HS codes


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