The challenge

'Made in NZ' doesn't mean FTA-qualified

Just because your product is “Made in New Zealand” doesn’t automatically mean it qualifies for preferential duty rates. You must prove origin under each specific agreement’s rules.

You must prove

Transformation — substantial manufacturing in NZ, OR
Value Content — minimum percentage of value originated in NZ (Regional Value Content)

Getting it wrong

Importer pays full import duties instead of preferential rates
Certificate of Origin may be rejected at customs
You lose competitive advantage against local suppliers

The complexity

Each FTA has unique rules

Market rules

Different Rules Per Market

Each FTA has unique Product Specific Rules (PSR). What qualifies under China-NZ FTA may not qualify under CPTPP or RCEP.

Example:

China-NZ: 40% RVC

CPTPP: Change in Tariff Classification

RCEP: Cumulation across 15 states

RVC

RVC Calculations

RVC rules require calculating what percentage of your product’s value comes from NZ materials and labour.

Common mistakes:

Misunderstanding “originating” materials

Incorrect valuation of imports

Counting simple assembly as transformation

PSR

Product Specific Rules

Some products have additional requirements beyond RVC:

Change in Tariff Classification (wool → fabric, not just dyed yarn)
Specific manufacturing processes (cheese from milk, not just packaged)

Our service

Comprehensive FTA qualification

BOM analysis

Bill of Materials Analysis

We examine your complete production inputs — raw material sourcing (NZ vs. imported), manufacturing processes, labour and overhead costs, and final product assembly.

RVC calculation

Regional Value Content

We calculate the exact percentage of NZ content using the correct FTA formula — Build-Down (FOB - VNM) / FOB × 100 or Build-Up VOM / FOB × 100.

PSR check

Product Specific Rules Check

We verify if your product meets any additional transformation requirements under the relevant FTA chapter.

Report

FTA Strategy Report

You receive: Qualification status (Yes/No/Borderline), RVC percentage to 2dp, compliance recommendations, and COO requirements.

FTA coverage

Key NZ Free Trade Agreements

China-NZ FTA

Most products require 40% RVC or meet a Change in Tariff Classification rule.

DairyMeatWoodWine

CPTPP

Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam + more

Duty elimination on 99% of tariff lines
Cumulation rules (Australian materials count as “originating”)

RCEP

China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, ASEAN nations

Expanded cumulation across 15 countries
Simplified Rules of Origin for some products

UK & EU FTAs

UK-NZ FTA (2023) — near-total duty elimination
EU-NZ FTA (2024) — significant reductions on dairy, meat, wine

Real examples

Common scenarios we help with

Manufactured Goods

Client: Electronics manufacturer

Issue: Components from China and Taiwan

Result: NZ labour + assembly = 52% RVC — qualified under CPTPP

Processed Foods

Client: Food processor

Issue: Imported packaging materials

Result: Packaging excluded from RVC — qualified under China-NZ FTA

Dairy Products

Client: Specialty cheese producer

Issue: NZ milk but imported cheese culture

Result: Culture is a “minimal operation” — product qualified

Blended Products

Client: Wine blender

Issue: Some grapes from Australia

Result: CPTPP cumulation rules — Australian grapes count as “originating” — qualified

Transparent pricing

Simple, transparent pricing

Single$200

Per product assessment

BOM analysis
RVC calculation for 1 FTA
Written qualification report

Get Started

Popular$150

Per product (3+ products)

BOM analysis for all products
RVC calculation for 2 FTAs
Comparative qualification report

Get Started

EnterpriseCustom

For large catalogues

Unlimited products
All FTA markets
Ongoing compliance support

Additional FTA: +$50 | Rush (48hr): +$100 | Quarterly reviews: Custom

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an FTA assessment for every shipment?

No. Once verified, the assessment is valid as long as your sourcing and manufacturing remain the same. If you change suppliers or add components, get a reassessment.

What if my product doesn’t qualify?

We’ll provide recommendations on how to adjust your sourcing or manufacturing. Sometimes, small changes (like switching one component to a NZ supplier) can push you over the RVC threshold.

Can I self-certify for FTAs?

Under CPTPP and RCEP, yes. You can self-certify using an “Origin Declaration” instead of a Chamber-stamped COO. However, you’re still legally liable for accuracy — which is why an FTA assessment is crucial.

Do I need a different COO for each FTA?

Sometimes. China-NZ FTA requires a specific “Form E” Certificate. CPTPP and RCEP allow either a Chamber COO or self-certification. We guide you on which form to use after assessment.

What documents do I need to provide?

We’ll need: Bill of Materials (BOM) with supplier origins, manufacturing cost breakdown, commercial invoice or pro forma invoice, and HS Code (if known).

How long does an FTA assessment take?

Standard: 3–5 business days. Rush: 48 hours (additional fee applies).

Certificate of Origin

Official COO certification after FTA qualification is confirmed.

HS Code Classification

Correct tariff classification — required before FTA analysis can begin.

Customs Compliance Check

Pre-shipment audit of all documentation for compliance issues.

Reduce Import Duties with FTA Strategy