New Customs arrangement to boost business with key export market
12.00pm 10 September 2025
An arrangement to improve trade between New Zealand and Malaysia was signed today (10 September 2025), in a move to promote exports and make doing business between the two countries easier.
The Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) was signed by Chief Executive and Comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service, Ms Christine Stevenson, and Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Datuk Wira Anis Rizana binti Mohd Zainudin, at a ceremony in Auckland.
Malaysia is New Zealand’s tenth-largest trading partner and a major market destination for dairy products, sheep and beef. The new MRA means that both countries will recognise each other's authorised economic operator programmes, giving exporters who meet globally accredited security criteria the benefit of simplified customs procedures.
Chief Executive and Comptroller of New Zealand Customs Christine Stevenson said this is another step forward in New Zealand’s trade relationship with a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
“This arrangement builds on the comprehensive trade agreements already in place with Malaysia and will help boost business between both of our nations. It will help contribute to the smooth flow of goods between both borders without compromising our high security standards.
“Authorised traders will gain streamlined and speedier customs procedures, a reduction of red tape and costs, and the peace of mind that their goods will get to market quickly and safely,” says Ms Stevenson.
Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Datuk Wira Anis Rizana binti Mohd Zainudin said “The Royal Malaysian Customs Department is proud to mark this milestone with the New Zealand Customs Service, our first and key partner in the Oceania region under this arrangement. Initiated in 2021 and successfully concluded this year, it reflects the mutual trust and confidence in our respective systems, paving the way for stronger connectivity and cooperation across the Asia Pacific region. This achievement underscores our shared commitment in facilitating secure and efficient trade while enhancing the resilience of regional supply chains.”
New Zealand already has a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia, which removed tariffs on 99.5 percent of Kiwi exports to Malaysia. In 2024, two-way trade in goods between Malaysia and New Zealand was NZ$3.96 billion.
During the week-long visit to New Zealand (8-11 September 2025), Datuk Wira Anis was accompanied by senior officials from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
The delegation visited Customs sites in Auckland, including Auckland International Airport, the Integrated Targeting and Operations Centre, and the newly opened Auckland Processing Centre for international mail.