5. H V ROSS ROBERTSON (Labour—Manukau East) Link to this
to the Minister of Customs
What benefits will New Zealand exporters receive from the agreement on customs procedures that is part of the free-trade agreement with China?
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Customs) Link to this
There will be good news for New Zealand exporters. For a start there will be greater certainty around the time it takes to clear goods through customs—no longer than 48 hours—which is a huge improvement and real time advantage to the current situation. In addition to this, tariff benefits can be gained through more consistent, transparent processes for exporters when dealing with Chinese customs administration. Overall, this historic free-trade agreement leverages a huge first-mover advantage to New Zealand exporters, which in time will deliver significant returns to New Zealand.
H V Ross Robertson Link to this
Can the Minister therefore tell the House what special arrangements there are to help exporters satisfy Chinese authorities that their goods will meet rules of origin requirements?
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA Link to this
New Zealand is setting up a system that will provide exporters with certificates of origin issued by approved organisations here in New Zealand. These certificates will allow exporters to claim duty-free treatment for their goods in China. These arrangements add to the certainty and transparency of customs procedures that our exporters will enjoy under the agreement.