The China–NZ free trade agreement: how to get 0% duty
Under the New Zealand–China Free Trade Agreement, goods that qualify as originating in China enter New Zealand at 0% duty. You claim the preference when your goods are cleared, and keep evidence of origin in case Customs asks.
What qualifies as Chinese origin
Goods are treated as originating if they are wholly obtained or produced in China, or produced there from originating materials, or meet the product-specific rules, which are mostly based on a change in tariff classification and for some goods a regional value content. A product merely packed or assembled in China from imported parts may not qualify.
Sources: NZ Customs: New Zealand–China Free Trade Agreement · MFAT: NZ–China Free Trade Agreement overview
What proof do you need?
New Zealand does not require a certificate of origin to accompany imports from China. An importer can claim the preference using a certificate of origin, a declaration of origin, or other evidence that proves the goods meet the origin rules. If Customs asks, you must be able to supply it, and importers must keep origin records for seven years. In practice, ask your supplier for a signed origin declaration or certificate with each order and keep it with your commercial invoice.
Routing matters
Goods lose the preference if they travel through a non-party to the agreement, such as Australia or Hong Kong, and enter trade or commerce there. Hong Kong has its own separate agreement with New Zealand, so plan direct shipping from a mainland port such as Ningbo, Shanghai or Shenzhen.
What it is worth
On a 1200-unit load of clothing worth NZ$10,526, the general duty rate costs about NZ$1,053 (plus GST on that duty), while Chinese-origin goods pay nothing. For most categories the saving is smaller, and for many it is zero because the general rate is already 0%. Confirm the tariff code for your product with a broker.
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Do I need a certificate of origin to import from China?
Not necessarily. Customs accepts a certificate, a declaration of origin, or other evidence, as long as you can prove the goods originate in China if asked.
How long must I keep origin documents?
Importers in New Zealand must keep origin documents for seven years.