Malaysia Tightens Controls Over Certificates of Origin to Curb Illegal Transshipment to US
Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry will be the only entity capable of issuing non-preferential certificates of origin for Malaysian shipments destined to the U.S., the agency said this week, adding that the change will help address traders that use its ports to illegally transship foreign goods to the U.S. and evade certain American import duties.
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Business councils, chambers and associations previously able to issue the certificates of origin no longer will be able to do so starting May 6, the ministry said. Malaysia also said it plans to “enhance audits” of certificate of origin applicants while taking “necessary action” to “curb any transshipment offences to the US.”
The country’s government is “unequivocally committed to upholding the integrity of international trade practices,” it said. “As such, the Government views any attempt to circumvent tariff through wrong or false declaration, whether related to the value or origin of goods, as a serious offence.”