NZ Customs Release

A new Approved Exporter Scheme application form is now available on Business Connect, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to apply to become an approved exporter and access benefits under eligible free trade agreements.

The online form enables exporters to apply to self-declare that their goods are of New Zealand origin under the following agreements:

China–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA)
New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (UAE CEPA)

Approved exporters do not need to obtain a Certificate of Origin for every shipment under these agreements. This can save businesses time and money, reduce administration, and help New Zealand goods reach overseas markets more efficiently.

Making the application available through Business Connect provides a simpler and more accessible process, with less manual handling and greater efficiency for exporters and Customs.

Visit the Customs website for more information on the Approved Exporter Scheme, including the link to the form and how to apply via Business Connect.

The ASEAN New Zealand Business Council is hosting a quick-fire panel of the key New Zealand Government agencies that support your export journey.

Exporting isn't for everyone – navigating rules of origin, tariff rates, standards, non-tariff barriers and free trade agreements - it can be hard to know where to get the help you need.

During the webinar, you will hear from several agencies, including New Zealand Customs, as they share the key ways to boost your exports into ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) markets.

This webinar will be hosted virtually via Microsoft Teams on 28 October 2026, 12:30 - 1:30 pm.

Customs is aware of cases where ethyl alcohol and other goods imported for manufacture under duty-free status are being offered for further sale post import – meaning the goods are incorrectly classified and therefore subject to excise-equivalent duty.

Customs is further aware of cases of incorrect or inappropriate activity concerning permit compliance in relation to ethyl alcohol and other goods imported duty-free for manufacture.

As a result, an Important Notice has been issued on compliance rules and obligations and warns that such activity will be subject to enforcement action, including collection of duty.