US DDGS and CGM exempt from new Malaysian import rules

The decision makes permanent a temporary exemption, granted in May, for the period from July 31 to Dec. 31, 2014.

Earlier in the year, Malaysia announced new SPS and inspection regulations on imports of a number of agricultural commodities. These potentially costly regulations applied to all countries of origin, including the United States. This one-size-fits-all approach threatened to disrupt trade and impose significant and needless costs on Malaysian buyers and consumers.

Working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Malaysia, Adel Yusupov, USGC regional director for Southeast Asia immediately launched a dialogue with Malaysian officials.

“Without this decision, US DDGS and CGM would have faced requirements for fumigation at the port of origin and strict phytosanitary certification, effective Jan. 1, 2015,” Yusupov said. “The exemption is a big win for trade, and for Malaysian consumers.”

[Source: US Grains Council]