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• Mutual Recognition Arrangement

• TTMRA

• Background
• Text of the Trans-Tasman MRA
• Users' Guide
• Exemption Guidelines
• 2003 Review

The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA), which came into effect on 1 May 1998, is a non-treaty arrangement between the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia and the Government of New Zealand. It is a cornerstone of a single economic market and a powerful driver of regulatory coordination and integration. Further, the Arrangement is a key instrument in developing an integrated trans-Tasman economy and a seamless market place as envisioned by the Australia and New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) signed in 1983.

The TTMRA is implemented in New Zealand through the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (the Act), which is overarching legislation. This means that all laws are subject to it unless specifically excluded or exempted. In particular, the TTMRA has implications for the sale of goods and the registration of occupations.

TTMRA Contact Point

The Ministry of Economic Development administers the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.

For TTMRA related queries please contact:

Competition, Trade and Investment Branch
Ministry of Economic Development
PO Box 1473
Wellington
Ph: +64-4-472 0030
Fax: +64-4-499 8508
Email: ttmra@med.govt.nz

• Background
  Background to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
• Text of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement
  Full text of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
• Users' Guide to the Mutual Recognition Agreement and Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement
  The Guide is designed to assist exporters, people in registered occupations, policy makers and regulators in both Australia and New Zealand to better understand the arrangements and to ensure that the benefits of mutual recognition are fully realised.
• Mutual Recognition Temporary Exemption Guidelines
  The TTMRA contain various types of exemptions for goods and laws for which mutual recognition is not appropriate but which would otherwise be affected by the TTMRA.
• The 2003 Review of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement
  The Arrangement requires parties to conduct five yearly reviews of the scheme's operation. The Arrangement's first general review began in 2003 and was carried out in two stages.