Benefit from the Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia – MAFTA

Are you importing from Malaysia and currently paying duties on arrival in Australia? Did you know that Malaysia and Australia have a free trade agreement in place so you can avoid duty charges?

Working with International Cargo Express, a specialist on the Malaysian/Australia trade lane, we can help you avoid unnecessary costs associated with your shipping.

When importing or exporting around the world, a Certificate of Origin can be of substantial benefit. If the country of import or export has a free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia, duty charges may be avoided.

What is a Certificate of Origin?

A Certificate of Origin is a declaration that details the country in which your goods are made. The document contains a confirmation from a government authority that the goods being shipped are manufactured in a specific country.

And Free Trade Agreements?

We’ve dedicated a whole article about the FTAs Australia has in place, but in summary, Free Trade Agreements are treaties between two or more countries that reduce and even eliminate certain barriers to international trade and investment. These agreements are entered into in a bid to benefit Australian importers, exporters, producers and investors.

What is a MAFTA?

MAFTA stands for Malaysia and Australia Free Trade Agreement. By completing a certificate of origin for goods manufactured in Malaysia, you can take advantage of the MAFTA in place. This essentially means you can avoid paying duty on your products.

Below is an example of the Certificate of Origin which you can send to your supplier.

Download MAFTA Certificate of Origin Sample

Certificate of Origin Update

Since 13 April 2020, Malaysia has implemented electronic endorsement of the Preferential Certificate of Origin by affixing electronic signature and official seal through their ePCO system. The Australian Border Force will accept electronic Certificates of Origin.

For further details, you can visit the MITI website here.

Wish you knew this sooner?

Good News! If you have paid duty when importing from Malaysia, you may be able to claim a rebate using a Certificate of Origin.

Contact our customs brokers to check what is the most suitable solution for your case.

Keep in mind

If you are preparing to import or export, consider whether a Certificate of Origin may make the process more cost-effective.

It is always a good idea to have your customs consultant review all relevant shipping documentation prior to any cargo departure. They can provide invaluable advice and ensure you don’t get caught out with hidden charges or paperwork issues.

Should you have any questions regarding this please contact your ICE team member on 1300 CARGO1.

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