Export Update: Qatar Authentication Change & NZ–UAE Free Trade Agreement

⚠️ Important Export Updates: Qatar Documentation & NZ–UAE CEPA

Two recent developments are important for New Zealand exporters. The Qatari Embassy has introduced a new process for authenticating export documentation, and the New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (NZ–UAE CEPA) has now entered into force. Together, these updates highlight both the compliance exporters need to meet and the opportunities available in a growing Middle Eastern market.

❓ Why this matters

UAE:  With the CEPA now active, exporters have unprecedented access to the UAE , New Zealand’s largest Middle East market,  with 98.5% of goods exports now duty-free.

Qatar: Exporters will need to follow a revised process for authenticating Business Canterbury-certified documents. This adds an extra step, so planning ahead is essential.

📢 Key Updates

1. Documentation changes for exports to Qatar

At the request of the Qatari Embassy, and in consultation with DIA, MPI, NZ Customs, and MFAT, all Business Canterbury issued documentation must now be authenticated by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) before being verified by MFAT.

• Complete the BDM460 authentication request form and pay the required fee.

• Processing is up to 15 working days.

• Some Business Canterbury issued certs documents may need to be notarised by a New Zealand notary public.

• Full details: Use your NZ documents overseas | NZ Government

If you have questions, contact:

• DIA Authentication Unit — auth.unit@dia.govt.nz | 0800 872 675

• MFAT Export Helpdesk — exports@mfat.govt.nz | 0800 824 605

2. New Zealand–UAE CEPA enters into force

On 28 August 2025, the NZ–UAE CEPA came into effect, marking New Zealand’s fastest-ever free trade negotiation and opening significant opportunities.

Key benefits for exporters:

• 99% of NZ goods exports now duty-free, including dairy, red meat, horticulture, and industrial products

• Stronger access for services such as professional, education, and digital trade

• Opportunities for cooperation in energy, agriculture, aviation, and maritime sectors

• Provisions supporting Māori economic interests, labour rights, and climate change commitments

Find more information on MFAT’s website:

Press release – Trade and investment agreements signed with UAE

Overview of CEPA chapters and key benefits

🔎 Find out more

Both updates have important implications: plan ahead for documentation destined for Qatar and consider how CEPA can support your export growth in the UAE market.

For help with certification, please get in touch with us at certs@cecc.org.nz.

For CEPA-related questions, contact MFAT at UAECEPA@mfat.govt.nz.

👉  Stay up to date on export opportunities by visiting our What’s On page for upcoming trade events and training.