MICCI backs Miti as issuer of certs for US exports
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) supports the government's decision to appoint the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) as the sole issuer of non-preferential certificates of origin (NPCO) for exports to the United States.
Previously, business councils, chambers, or associations appointed by Miti were responsible for issuing NPCOs to the US market.
MICCI president Christina Tee said the chamber is prepared to forgo some of its revenue from the issuance of the certificates in the interest of national economic priorities.
'As MICCI, we are willing to let go of that revenue and support Miti in issuing the NPCOs so that the nation can come out strong during this time,' she said during a media luncheon to celebrate the chamber's 188-year legacy in championing the business community and supporting Malaysia's economic growth.
While NPCOs represented a source of income for the chamber, US-bound exports accounted for about 15% of its certifications.
'We cannot have it both ways. If we want the nation to succeed, we must make sacrifices,' she said.
Tee also highlighted MICCI's stringent NPCO issuance policy, saying the chamber only issues them to members subject to annual reviews.
'If the members are not genuinely manufacturing here, we will not issue the certificate. MICCI has always maintained transparency and strict adherence to guidelines,' she said.
Tee expressed confidence in Miti's experience, pointing to the certificates for countries such as India and Turkiye, which had import tax constraints.
'The concern now is whether the system can handle the significantly high workload,' she said.
Previously, certificates to Turkiye or India could be processed within two weeks.
With the United States now in the picture, the workload has grown, but Tee noted that Miti's team is hardworking and dedicated.
'For sea shipments, there is usually a two-week window between loading and arrival, which gives sufficient time for the certificate of origin to be processed and sent.
'The certificate can be emailed later, allowing the process to run parallel with shipment preparations. This can help avoid delays,' she added. — Bernama
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