NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand companies exporting to China will miss out on preferential tariffs under the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement if they do not have a Certificate of Origin.

To access the preferential tariffs New Zealand companies must be able to demonstrate that their goods qualify under the rules of origin set out in the agreement, which commences 1 October. To do this, goods exported to China require a New Zealand Certificate of Origin with their export documentation.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) market manager for China, Pat English, says the certificate is vital as without it exporters will miss out on the tariff rates set out in the agreement.

There is a rigorous process for demonstrating origin and to qualify for a certificate, exporters need to provide sound evidence to prove that their goods meet the origin criteria. 

Exporters are also advised to apply for a certificate early to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

Questions about the process for obtaining a certificate and the evidence required can be directed to the designated certification bodies.

New Zealand Customs has designated three entities to issue FTA Certificates of Origin:

• Independent Verification Services Ltd
• New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Inc
• Wine Institute of New Zealand Inc

Independent Verification Services and New Zealand Chambers of Commerce can issue certificates of origin for all export goods. The Wine Institute can only issue certificates for New Zealand grape wine classified under the tariff heading 22.04 and made solely from grapes grown in New Zealand.

For more information contact:

Independent Verification Services
Phone 0800 021 169, fax 07 857 0882, certify@ivsltd.co.nz,

New Zealand Chambers of Commerce  
Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago Chambers are issuing certificates on behalf of NZCC. Contact the international division within the relevant branch with enquiries.

Wine Institute of New Zealand
Contact Sue Church, wine export certification system manager, phone 09 306 5552.