Malaysia has an EU-ASEAN Bilateral Trade Relations. In 2003, 15% of ASEAN exports were destined for the EU and this made EU the 2nd largest export market after the US. WTO is another body in which Malaysia is a member. It deals with the rules of trade between nations on a global or near-global level.
Fresh plant products for consumption and medicinal purposes as well as processed plant products from the Ninth Schedule countries namely Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sudan, Turkey, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, Morocco and Sri Lanka need to obtain Phytosanitary Certificate in order to satisfy the Plant Quarantine Regulations 1981. Treatment of these plant materials must conform to the requirements of the importing countries. Other requirements for the importation of these materials are as follows:
- Export license under the Customs Order 1988
- Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species Certificate (CITES) and
- Export Permit under the Forestry Department
Concessional tariff rates are provided for by the Malaysian Royal Customs and Excise Department on a wide range of goods in line with Malaysia’s commitment arising from the bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations with other ASEAN members. However, importers are required to submit claim for a preferential rate of duty on Form D issued by a proper authority of the exporting country at the time of lodging an import entry certificate of origin.
