Effective May 6, Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) will become the sole authority issuing certificates of origin for exports to the US. This decision is to prevent illicit transshipment through Malaysia, particularly of Chinese goods evading US tariffs. Consequently, business councils and other previously authorized bodies will no longer issue such certificates.

MITI Minister emphasized that the change is necessary in the context of investigations into suspicious transshipment practices, especially in the solar energy sector. MITI will also intensify audits and collaborate with customs to combat origin washing and uphold international trade integrity.