Customs arrangement to strengthen New Zealand and India cooperation

Comptroller and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Customs Service, Ms Christine Stevenson, and Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, signed a Customs Cooperative Arrangement (CCA) at a virtual signing ceremony.

Ms Stevenson welcomed the formalisation of the joint Customs commitment.

“India and New Zealand share a longstanding relationship with strong people-to-people links and a shared interest in the prosperity and security of the Indo-Pacific region. The Customs Cooperative Arrangement represents a new milestone in this relationship,” she said.

The Arrangement will assist both agencies to target, prevent and investigate criminal activities at our respective borders through improved information sharing. This will help prevent the ongoing harm caused by transnational organised crime groups, which strive to exploit international supply chains to smuggle illicit drugs and other illegal commodities.

The Arrangement will also enable the exchange of ideas on new customs procedures, technology and best practices, and help to resolve any potential issues with trade between the countries.

“Through the signing, our intent is this will help to remove trade barriers and establish a framework for smoother, easier bilateral trade. As one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world, India offers many opportunities for New Zealand traders,” Ms Stevenson said.

The CCA will enter into effect from the day of signing (6 August 2024).