Shipping from New Zealand to India — Complete Guide 2026
Shipping Guide 2026
🇳🇿 NZ-India FTA — Signed
Shipping from New Zealand to India — Complete Guide 2026
NZ-India FTA signed April 2026 — sea freight, air freight, FSSAI approvals, customs duties and how to claim FTA duty savings into India's 1.4 billion consumer market.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
→
🇮🇳 India
At a Glance
20–35
Days — Sea Freight
5–8
Days — Air Freight
FTA
Signed April 2026
0%
BCD on Eligible Goods
☰ In This Guide
Quick Answer: To ship from New Zealand to India, you need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and a NZ Certificate of Origin to claim FTA duty savings. Food exports need FSSAI registration. Fresh produce needs a Phytosanitary Certificate. Sea freight takes 20–35 days via Singapore. Air freight takes 5–8 days.
The NZ-India Free Trade Agreement signed in April 2026 is the most significant trade opening between New Zealand and India in history. For the first time, NZ sheep meat, wool, dairy, seafood, horticulture, and wine can enter India at preferential or zero duty rates — making them price-competitive in the world's fastest-growing consumer market.
This guide explains exactly how to ship from New Zealand to India — the right mode, the right documents, the approvals you need, and how to claim your FTA duty saving at Indian customs.
01 — FTA
NZ-India FTA — What It Means for NZ Exporters
NZ-India FTA Signed April 2026
Covering sheep meat, wool, seafood, dairy, horticulture, wine and manufactured goods. NZ exporters can now claim reduced or zero Basic Customs Duty by submitting a valid NZ Certificate of Origin with every shipment. Without this document, full MFN duty rates apply and all FTA savings are lost.
1.4B
India consumer market
0%
BCD on eligible NZ goods
435M
Indian middle class
↑8%
India food imports growth p.a.
02 — Products
What New Zealand Can Export to India
These are the strongest NZ export categories for the Indian market — all benefiting from FTA preferential duty rates.
Sheep Meat & Lamb
NZ lamb is a key FTA beneficiary. India's halal and premium restaurant market is a strong buyer segment.
Zero BCD under FTAWool & Textile Fibre
Raw and processed wool for India's large textile manufacturing sector in Ludhiana and Surat.
Reduced dutySeafood
Rock lobster, salmon, green-lipped mussels for India's five-star hospitality and upscale retail.
Cold chain requiredDairy Products
Milk powder, cheese, butter, whey protein — NZ dairy is globally trusted. FTA opens this restricted category.
FSSAI requiredHorticulture & Produce
Kiwifruit, apples, cherries, avocados — cold chain export to India's premium supermarkets.
Plant quarantineWine & Beverages
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir for India's growing wine culture in restaurants and online retail.
Excise permit requiredManuka Honey
One of the world's most sought-after superfoods. India's health-conscious urban consumer is a key buyer.
FSSAI requiredMachinery & Equipment
Agricultural machinery and precision engineering components for India's agri-tech and manufacturing sectors.
BIS may applyHealth Supplements
Vitamins, collagen, protein powders — India's wellness market is booming. NZ health brands have strong credibility.
FSSAI required03 — Process
How to Ship from New Zealand to India — Step by Step
1
Confirm Your Indian Buyer Has a Valid IEC
Every legal import into India requires the Indian buyer to hold an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT. Without this, no shipment can clear Indian customs. Your buyer applies at dgft.gov.in — takes 2 to 3 working days. Confirm before booking.
2
Classify Your Goods with the Correct HS Code
India uses HS codes to determine customs duty, GST, and anti-dumping duty. An incorrect code triggers a customs hold in ICEGATE adding 5 to 15 days. Confirm with your customs broker or TTI before shipping.
3
Get Indian Regulatory Approvals in Place
Most NZ food, dairy, and agriculture exports require Indian regulatory approval before entry:
- FSSAI — all food, dairy, beverages, honey, health supplements
- Plant Quarantine (NPPO) — fresh produce, kiwifruit, apples, seeds
- BIS — electronics, electrical goods, certain consumer products
- State Excise Permit — wine and alcoholic beverages
- CDSCO — pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics
- Veterinary Certificate — sheep meat and animal-derived products
⚠ Important: All approvals must be in place before your shipment leaves New Zealand. Arriving at an Indian port without valid approvals results in quarantine and return at your cost.
4
Prepare Your Shipping Documents
✓ Commercial Invoice
✓ Packing List
✓ Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
✓ NZ Certificate of Origin (FTA)
✓ Insurance Certificate
✓ Phytosanitary Certificate (produce)
✓ FSSAI Registration (food)
✓ Bill of Entry (filed in India)
5
Claim Your FTA Duty Reduction at Indian Customs
Submit your valid NZ Certificate of Origin — issued by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce or NZTE — with your Bill of Entry. This activates your preferential duty rate under the NZ-India FTA. Without it, full MFN duty rates apply.
TTI Shipping checks your Certificate of Origin, HS code, and duty calculation before your shipment departs — saving you from paying excess duty on arrival. No extra charge.
First time shipping from New Zealand to India? WhatsApp TTI Shipping — we will guide you through every step and confirm your FTA duty saving before you book.
04 — Transit & Costs
Transit Times and Shipping Costs — New Zealand to India
| Mode | Route | Transit Time | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL 20ft | Auckland → Singapore → Mumbai | 22–30 days | USD 2,200–3,200 | Bulk — wool, dairy, beverages |
| Sea FCL 40ft | Auckland → Singapore → Mumbai | 22–30 days | USD 3,500–5,000 | Large volume shipments |
| Sea LCL | Auckland → Singapore → Mumbai | 28–38 days | USD 90–160 / CBM | Under 15 CBM — smaller exporters |
| Air Freight | Auckland → Singapore / Dubai → Delhi | 5–8 days | USD 5.50–9.00 / kg | Fresh produce, high value, urgent |
| Reefer FCL | Auckland → Mumbai / Chennai | 24–34 days | USD 3,800–5,500 | Chilled dairy, seafood, meat |
All rates are indicative. Contact TTI for a current all-in door-to-door quote specific to your cargo.
05 — Approvals
Indian Regulatory Approvals for NZ Exports
FSSAI
Food Safety and Standards AuthorityMandatory for all food, dairy, beverages, honey, and nutraceuticals. Indian importer must hold valid licence. Product labelling must comply including English and Hindi requirements.
Plant Quarantine
National Plant Protection OrganisationRequired for all fresh produce — kiwifruit, apples, cherries, seeds. Phytosanitary Certificate from NZ Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is required. Inspections at Indian ports on arrival.
BIS Certification
Bureau of Indian StandardsRequired for electronics, electrical goods, toys, and certain consumer products. Without BIS certification goods are held at customs regardless of FTA status.
State Excise Permit
Varies by Indian StateWine and alcoholic beverages require a state-level excise import permit. Each Indian state has different rules. Confirm with your Indian buyer before shipping.
CDSCO
Central Drugs Standard Control Org.Required for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics. CDSCO registration must be completed before the first shipment departs.
Veterinary Certificate
For Meat & Animal ProductsSheep meat and animal-derived products require a veterinary health certificate from an authorised NZ government veterinarian. Inspected on arrival at designated Indian ports.
06 — Ports
Key Ports and Airports — New Zealand and India
🇳🇿 New Zealand — Origin Ports
- Port of Auckland — main container hub, North Island
- Port of Tauranga — largest container port by volume
- Lyttelton Port — South Island gateway
- Port Nelson — seafood and horticulture hub
- Auckland Airport (AKL) — primary air cargo origin
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) — South Island air freight
🇮🇳 India — Destination Ports
- JNPT / Nhava Sheva — Mumbai, largest sea gateway
- Mundra Port — Gujarat, fastest growing port
- Chennai Port — South India hub
- Delhi IGI Airport — primary air cargo destination
- Mumbai BOM Airport — West India air hub
- Tughlakabad ICD — Delhi / NCR inland clearance
Main sea route: New Zealand ports → Singapore transhipment hub → JNPT Mumbai or Mundra. Transit time Auckland to Mumbai is typically 22 to 30 days.
07 — Customs
Indian Customs and Duties for NZ Imports
| Duty Type | What It Is | Typical Rate | FTA Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | Primary import tariff based on HS code | 5%–100% | Reduced / Zero under FTA |
| Social Welfare Surcharge | 10% charged on top of BCD | 10% of BCD | Reduced proportionally |
| IGST (Integrated GST) | Applied on CIF value + BCD | 5%–18% | Not affected by FTA |
| Agricultural Cess | On select agricultural products | Varies | Check per HS code |
| Anti-Dumping Duty | On specific products from specific countries | Varies | Not covered by FTA |
⚠ FTA Certificate of Origin: Must be issued by an authorised NZ body — NZ Chamber of Commerce or NZTE — and submitted with your Bill of Entry at Indian customs. Without this, full MFN duty applies and all FTA savings are lost.
08 — Route Maps
New Zealand to India — Sea & Air Freight Route Maps
All ports, airports, and transit times from New Zealand to India — visual route guide
Sea Freight Routes
NZ Ports → Indian Ports
20–38 Days
All Sea Routes & Transit Times
Auckland & Tauranga → Mumbai
22–30 Days
Lyttelton → Mumbai (JNPT)
26–34 Days
Auckland → Mundra Gujarat
24–32 Days
Auckland → Chennai Port
26–34 Days
Auckland → Kochi Port
28–36 Days
Auckland → Kolkata Port
30–38 Days
All sea routes transit via Singapore · Reefer containers available for dairy, meat & seafood
🔍 View Full Sea Freight Map ↗
Air Freight Routes
NZ Airports → Indian Airports
5–8 Days
All Air Routes & Transit Times
Auckland → Delhi IGI
5–7 Days
Christchurch → Delhi IGI
6–8 Days
Auckland → Mumbai BOM
5–7 Days
Auckland → Bangalore BLR
6–8 Days
Auckland → Chennai MAA
6–8 Days
Auckland → Hyderabad HYD
6–8 Days
Air routes via Singapore or Dubai hub · Temperature-controlled air freight available
🔍 View Full Air Freight Map ↗
Not sure which mode is right for your cargo? TTI Shipping advises on the best route, mode and cost — sea freight for bulk wool and dairy, air freight for fresh kiwifruit and seafood.
📱 Get a Route Quote09 — Mistakes
Common Mistakes NZ Exporters Make When Shipping to India
✕
Shipping food without FSSAI approval in place
FSSAI registration must be obtained by the Indian importer before your cargo arrives. Food arriving without it is quarantined and returned including refrigerated cargo — a very costly mistake for NZ food exporters.
✕
Not submitting the Certificate of Origin for FTA benefit
Without the NZ Certificate of Origin, Indian customs charges full MFN duty — wiping out the price advantage the FTA was designed to create. Always prepare this in New Zealand before shipping.
✕
Shipping fresh produce without a Phytosanitary Certificate
India's plant quarantine authority requires a Phytosanitary Certificate from NZ MPI for all fresh fruit and plant material. Without it, produce is quarantined on arrival and spoils before it can be released.
✕
Undervaluing goods on the commercial invoice
Indian customs cross-checks declared values against international benchmarks. Undervaluation triggers re-assessment, penalties, and shipment holds. Always declare the true transaction value.
✕
Choosing the wrong mode for perishables
Sending fresh kiwifruit or chilled seafood by standard LCL instead of reefer container or air freight results in spoilage. Match the shipping mode to your cargo's temperature requirements.
Why Ship from New Zealand to India with TTI Shipping?
Delhi-based freight specialists with pan-India reach — NZ to India is our lane
NZ-India FTA Advisory
We help you prepare your Certificate of Origin, confirm your HS code, and calculate your FTA duty saving before cargo is loaded.
Cold Chain Capable
Reefer containers and temperature-controlled air freight for NZ meat, dairy, seafood, and fresh produce into India.
FSSAI & Regulatory Support
We confirm FSSAI, plant quarantine, and BIS approvals are in place with your Indian buyer before your shipment departs Auckland.
Pan-India Delivery
From JNPT Mumbai or IGI Delhi, we handle customs clearance and last-mile delivery anywhere in India.
Ready to Ship from New Zealand to India?
Share your cargo details — product type, weight, volume, and NZ origin city — and we will send a complete all-in quote within 1 hour. FTA duty calculation and FSSAI advisory included at no extra charge.
📱 WhatsApp Us for a Free QuoteNo commitment required · Response within 1 hour · ttishippinglogistics@gmail.com
