MICCI BACKS MITI'S APPOINTMENT AS SOLE ISSUER OF NPCO FOR US-BOUND EXPORTS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) fully supports the government’s decision to appoint the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) as the sole issuer of non-preferential certificates of origin (NPCO) for exports to the United States, effective today.

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 these 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 held to celebrate the chamber’s 188-year legacy in championing the business community and supporting Malaysia’s economic growth. 

Also present at the luncheon were MICCI vice-president Renuka Indrarajah, Southern Region chairman Lee Ting Kiat, and Northern branch chairman Datuk Brian Tan.

Tee went on to state that while NPCOs represent a source of income for the chamber, US-bound exports account for about 15 per cent 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 ministry’s experience issuing certificates for countries such as India and Turkiye, which had import tax constraints.

“Now, with the US imposing import taxes, MITI has once again been called to the task. 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 US 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 even be emailed later, allowing the process to run parallel with shipment preparations. This can help avoid delays. I believe MITI deserves our full support and the necessary time to manage this transition,” she emphasised.

On May 5, MITI issued a statement announcing that it will be the sole issuer of NPCOs for exports to the US starting May 6, 2025.

The ministry also emphasised that any attempt to circumvent tariffs, including making false or misleading declarations of value or origin, will be treated as a serious offence.

MICCI traces its roots back to 1837 with the formation of the Penang Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.

It evolved through amalgamation with other chambers like the Perak Chamber of Commerce and the Selangor Chamber of Commerce in the early 20th century, ultimately restructuring and renaming itself as MICCI in 1974.

-- BERNAMA