KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Malaysia and New Zealand have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) that will enable both countries to recognise each other’s authorised economic operator programmes, giving exporters who meet globally accredited security criteria the benefit of simplified customs procedures.
The MRA was signed in Auckland by New Zealand Customs Service chief executive and comptroller Christine Stevenson and Royal Malaysian Customs Department director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin.
Stevenson said the signing was 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,” she said in a press release on the New Zealand Customs Service website today.
Meanwhile, Anis described the signing as a milestone for Malaysia, noting that it is the country’s first MRA in the Oceania region.
“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 to facilitating secure and efficient trade while enhancing the resilience of regional supply chains,” she said.
New Zealand already has a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia, which has removed tariffs on 99.5 per cent of New Zealand's exports to Malaysia and in 2024, two-way trade in goods between the two countries was NZ$3.96 billion (RM9.91 billion).
Malaysia is New Zealand’s tenth-largest trading partner and a major market destination for dairy products, sheep, and beef.
During her visit to New Zealand from September 8 to September 11, Anis, accompanied by senior Customs officials, also 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.
