KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) has expressed its full support for 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 6 May 2025.
Previously, NPCOs for the US were issued by business councils, chambers, or associations appointed by MITI.
MICCI Supports National Economic Priorities
MICCI President Christina Tee said the chamber is willing to forgo part of its revenue from issuing NPCOs to support the country’s broader economic goals.
“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 celebrating MICCI’s 188-year legacy.
The luncheon also saw the attendance of:
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Renuka Indrarajah, MICCI Vice-President
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Lee Ting Kiat, Southern Region Chairman
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Datuk Brian Tan, Northern Branch Chairman
Tee noted that while NPCOs represent a source of income for MICCI, only about 15% of the chamber’s certifications are for US-bound exports.
“We cannot have it both ways. If we want the nation to succeed, we must make sacrifices,” she added.
Tee highlighted MICCI’s stringent issuance policy, explaining that certificates are only issued 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 ability to manage the transition, noting the ministry’s past experience in issuing certificates for countries like India and Türkiye, which imposed 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.
She explained that for sea shipments, there’s typically a two-week buffer between loading and arrival, allowing time for the certificate to be issued and emailed, helping to avoid delays.
“MITI deserves our full support and the necessary time to manage this transition,” she emphasised.
On May 5, MITI released a statement announcing its new role as the sole issuer of NPCOs for US-bound exports, effective May 6, 2025.
The ministry also warned that any attempt to circumvent tariffs—including submitting 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 later merged with other chambers such as the Perak Chamber of Commerce and the Selangor Chamber of Commerce, officially becoming MICCI in 1974.
