William Perry, Acting-Comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service, gives notice under section 51 of the Legislation Act 2012 (“Act”) that, under section 49 of the Act, the following material is proposed for incorporation by reference in the Customs and Excise Regulations 1996 (“Regulations”):

Chapter 3 (Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures); and

Annex 3.1 (ANZSCEP Product Specific Rules of Origin) of the Protocol to Amend the Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on a Closer Economic Partnership (“Protocol”).

The Protocol replaces and updates the Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on a Closer Economic Partnership done at Singapore on 14 November 2000. Chapter 3 sets out the rules of origin and origin procedures for goods originating in New Zealand and Singapore. Annex 3.1 to the Protocol sets out a table of product specific rules of origin in accordance with the World Customs Organisation Harmonised System. If the Protocol enters into force for New Zealand, traders from New Zealand and Singapore may choose to rely upon the rules of origin specified in the agreement if they are seeking to utilise these preferential tariff rates. Note that Singapore and New Zealand are parties to other free trade agreements which confer preferential tariff rates which may also be relied upon.

The following address, New Zealand Customs Service, Trade Policy, 1 Hinemoa Street, Wellington 6011, is:

1. where comments on this proposal to incorporate by reference are to be sent;
2. where the material to be incorporated can be viewed free of charge in person, during working hours; and
3. where the material to be incorporated can be purchased.

Comments can also be sent directly to: voc@customs.govt.nz. Attention: Singapore Upgrade.

The material to be incorporated can also be viewed free of charge on the New Zealand Customs Service website at https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/tariffs/preferential-tariffs/.

A full copy of the Protocol is available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/free-trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements-in-force/nz-singapore-closer-economic-partnership/cep-overview/.

Any written comment must be received by the New Zealand Customs Service no later than 10 working days after the date of notification in the New Zealand Gazette.

Dated at Wellington this 1st day of November 2019.

WILLIAM PERRY, Acting-Comptroller, New Zealand Customs Service.