Origin declarations require approved exporters or status holders to identify the parties, shipment, goods, invoices, and applicable origin criteria. Each good must be described with its six-digit HS code, packaging details, quantity or weight, and invoice particulars, while all relevant origin grounds must be marked. Third-party invoices require disclosure where known, and retrospective issuance requires an explanatory remark. The declarant must certify the accuracy of the information, compliance with issuance conditions, and the country of origin of the goods.

Certificate of Origin requirements require identification of the parties, shipment details, invoice information, goods particulars, and applicable origin criteria. Each entry must include the six-digit HS code, detailed goods description, package details, measurement, and invoice particulars. The exporter must declare the accuracy of the information, compliance with issuance conditions, and country of origin. The issuing authority certifies the declaration after control. Retrospectively issued certificates require an explanatory endorsement, while replacement certificates for theft, loss, or destruction must be marked as certified true copies.

Product-specific origin criteria under the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement determine whether goods qualify as originating for preferential tariff treatment. A change in tariff classification requirement applies only to non-originating materials, and excluded classifications cannot be used as non-originating materials to meet that requirement. Alternative requirements are satisfied by meeting any one stated alternative, whereas multiple conditions must all be fulfilled. Wholly obtained status, tariff changes at chapter, heading or sub-heading level, qualifying value content, and melt-and-pour production requirements apply according to the relevant HS classification.

Electronic exchange of origin data is required between India and New Zealand. An electronic system for exchanging Certificate of Origin information must be established when the Agreement enters into force. Within 12 months, the Parties must establish a system for other Proofs of Origin. Additional forms, including Origin Declarations, may be introduced only where the system can verify the authenticity of self-declarations.

The Technical Committee on Rules of Origin consists of government representatives responsible for rules-of-origin matters. At the request of either Party, it consults in person or virtually to secure effective, uniform, and consistent administration, enable cooperation, and resolve issues. It also considers amendments or modifications to origin requirements and Annexures to accommodate changes to the Harmonized System, technology, production processes, or related matters.

Information obtained by the competent authority or customs administration of the importing Party may be used for determining a good's origin and in related legal proceedings, subject to each Party's law. Each Party must protect that information from unauthorised disclosure in accordance with its respective law.

Proof of Origin cannot be rejected for minor errors or discrepancies, including slight inconsistencies between documents, minor omissions, spelling, typing or formatting errors, or entries extending beyond a designated field, where the defects do not create doubt about the originating status of the goods.

Preferential tariff treatment, subject to rule 25, applies to originating goods being transported from the exporting Party to the importing Party when the Agreement enters into force. It also applies to originating goods not released from customs control, including goods stored in a bonded warehouse regulated by the importing Party's customs administration.

Civil, administrative and, where appropriate, criminal sanctions apply to violations of customs laws and regulations concerning rules of origin and entitlement to preferential tariff treatment. Importers, exporters, producers, approved exporters and status holders may be penalised under applicable law for incorrectly representing material information relevant to determining a good's origin.

Temporary suspension of preferential tariff treatment may follow persistent or deliberate misrepresentation of goods' origin status established through verification, after consultations and where corrective measures are insufficient. Wider suspension for all imports of a good may be considered where multiple parties misrepresent origin for the same six-digit HS classified good and the affected goods exceed half of preferential imports by value. Suspension is time-limited, may be renewed if conditions persist, and preferential treatment may be restored retrospectively or prospectively after appropriate remedial measures.

Preferential tariff treatment may be denied where goods fail to qualify as originating, origin requirements are unmet, or verification produces insufficient information. Insufficient information may result from failures to respond to requests, comply with relevant requirements, provide timely documents, or cooperate with verification visits. The importer must receive written notice and reasons for denial. Established non-compliance with rules of origin results in duties under the importing Party's law.

Verification may begin at importation or after release using risk assessment, random selection, or reasonable doubt about origin. The importing Party normally uses sequential information requests, authority assistance, and, if earlier information is unsatisfactory, a consent-based verification visit. Goods may be released pending verification upon payment of duties or provision of security. Written determinations must give their basis; a determination that goods are not originating permits comments or additional information, whereas a determination that goods are originating requires restoration of preferential benefits and refund of excess duties or release of guarantees under domestic legislation.

Post-importation claims for preferential tariff treatment permit an importer to seek preferential treatment and refund of excess duties where no claim was made at importation, provided the goods qualified when imported. The importing Party may require a timely claim, proof of origin where applicable, and other import documentation. Incorrect information affecting proof of origin must be corrected, with payment of duties and penalties where applicable. Voluntary pre-discovery notification may mitigate penalties if the importer corrects the error and repays duties owed.

Waiver of proof of origin applies where the importing Party has waived the requirement or, under its domestic law, does not require an importer to present such proof. In either circumstance, the importing Party must not require a Proof of Origin for goods whose origin is determined under the agreement.

Parties must require exporters, producers, approved exporters, status holders and issuing bodies to retain origin-supporting records for at least five years from issuance or completion of Proof of Origin; importers must retain corresponding records from importation. Original Proof of Origin must remain in hard copy, while supporting records may be digital, electronic or written if promptly retrievable. Relevant persons must make records available for inspection when requested for origin verification.

Preferential tariff treatment for originating goods is based on a valid Proof of Origin. An importer must declare that goods qualify as originating goods, hold valid proof when making the declaration, provide it when requested, and, where required, demonstrate compliance with applicable origin requirements. Supporting documents and information may be required. Without producing the Proof of Origin, customs may deny the preference, require a guarantee, or protect fiscal interests before completion of importation operations.

Approved exporter status enables eligible exporters established in New Zealand to self-certify Origin Declarations while accepting full responsibility for origin declarations. The competent authority grants a unique authorisation number after due process, monitors proper use of the authorisation, and may withdraw it for non-compliance or improper use. It must notify the competent authority in India of approved exporters, their authorisation numbers, and modifications to the approved-exporter list.

Taxpayers holding only a Provisional Identification Number after incomplete migration through FORM GST REG-26 may apply for GST registration in FORM GST REG-01. Following approval, they receive a new GSTIN, Application Reference Number, and access token, which must be provided to GSTN along with the old GSTIN or PID for mapping. The Registration Certificate is generated through first-time login using the old GSTIN, and registration is deemed effective from 1 July 2017.

Status holder certification permits eligible exporters established in India to self-certify Origin Declarations while accepting full responsibility for declarations of origin. Certificates are granted after due process under applicable laws and regulations. Proper use is subject to monitoring, and certification may be withdrawn for failure to meet requirements or improper use. Information on status holders, certificate numbers, and changes to the list must be notified to the competent authority in New Zealand.

Certificates of Origin must be issued by the appropriate issuing body or authority. Each Party must identify its designated issuer and authorised contacts to the other Party's customs administration within 30 days of entry into force, exchange specimen seals and signatures of authorised signatories, and promptly communicate changes to the issuing body, authorised persons, signatures or seals.