The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued Public Notice No. 40/2026-27 dated November 13, 2026, notifying amendments to Paragraph 2.88 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023 and Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, to incorporate the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and specify the authorised agencies for issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoO) under the Agreement.
The amendments have been introduced in exercise of powers conferred under Paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time.
India–New Zealand FTA Included in List of Free Trade Agreements
Under the amendment to Paragraph 2.88(a) of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, DGFT has inserted a new entry at Serial No. xvii in the existing list of Free Trade Agreements, namely:
“xvii. India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (India-New Zealand FTA)”
The inclusion formally incorporates the India–New Zealand FTA into the list of agreements specified under Paragraph 2.88 of HBP, 2023, for the purposes of the relevant foreign trade procedures.
Appendix 2B Amended to Notify Authorised Agencies for Preferential Certificates of Origin
Through the same Public Notice No. 40/2026-27, DGFT has also amended Appendix 2B of FTP, 2023, which contains the list of agencies authorised to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin under various trade agreements.
A new entry at Serial No. 22 has been incorporated for the India–New Zealand FTA, identifying the designated agencies authorised to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin for specified product categories.
The notified agencies include:
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and its regional offices – All products.
- Export Inspection Council (EIC) and Export Inspection Agencies – All products.
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) – Agricultural and processed food products.
- Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and its regional offices – Marine products.
- Central Silk Board and regional offices – Silk products.
- Coir Board – Coir and coir products.
- Development Commissioner, Handicraft and regional offices – Handicrafts.
- Spices Board – Spices and cashewnuts.
- Textile Committee and regional offices – Textiles, including technical textiles, apparel and made-ups.
- Tobacco Board – Tobacco and tobacco products.
In addition, DGFT has authorised the following seven Special Economic Zone (SEZ) authorities to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin for products of SEZ units and Export Oriented Units (EOUs) falling within their respective notified jurisdictions:
- Cochin Special Economic Zone
- Falta Special Economic Zone
- Kandla Special Economic Zone (including Surat SEZ within the specified jurisdiction)
- MEPZ Special Economic Zone
- NOIDA Special Economic Zone
- SEEPZ Special Economic Zone
- Vishakhapatnam Special Economic Zone
Facilitation of Preferential Trade and Export Documentation
The notification establishes the designated institutional framework for issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin under the India–New Zealand FTA.
The inclusion of sector-specific export promotion bodies, along with DGFT regional offices, Export Inspection Agencies and SEZ authorities, is expected to facilitate access to authorised certification channels for exporters across various industries.
Preferential Certificates of Origin are essential documents for establishing the originating status of goods seeking preferential tariff treatment under an applicable Free Trade Agreement, subject to the relevant rules of origin and other prescribed conditions.
Implications for Indian Exporters
The amendments provide procedural clarity to Indian exporters intending to seek preferential origin certification under the India–New Zealand FTA.
Exporters dealing in agricultural products, marine products, textiles, spices, silk, handicrafts, coir, tobacco and other goods may approach the respective notified authorities, subject to their product-specific authorisation and applicable procedures.
Similarly, eligible SEZ units and EOUs may obtain Certificates of Origin through the designated SEZ authorities having jurisdiction over their operations.
The notification specifies the authorised certification framework and does not, by itself, announce tariff concessions or the date of commencement of preferential tariff benefits under the India–New Zealand FTA.
Effect of the Public Notice
As expressly provided in Public Notice No. 40/2026-27 dated November 13, 2026:
[a] The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement has been added to the list of FTAs under Paragraph 2.88 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023.
[b] The list of authorised agencies permitted to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement has been incorporated into Appendix 2B.
The Public Notice can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/PN_0001.pdf
