Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s)

Biosecurity New Zealand also contributes to trade facilitation while maintaining our biosecurity status through developing and implementing bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) and Closer Economic partnerships (CEPs).

BNZ provides specialist technical expertise in the negotiation of the SPS chapters of free trade agreements.

Once an FTA/CEP is in force, BNZ as one of the agencies responsible for implementing SPS measures in New Zealand, is responsible for putting the chapter’s provisions into practice.

Implementing the SPS chapters of FTA involves the following types of activities:

  • Participating in the FTA SPS Management Committee;
  • Market Access – developing Import Health Standards (IHSs) to facilitate market access, and negotiating implementing arrangements which bind any agreements made under the chapters; and
  • Cooperation – including any agreed capacity building and technical assistance projects between the Parties to the FTA.

For more information on free trade agreements in New Zealand, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website (offsite link to www.mfat.govt.nz).

Page last updated: 18 August 2008