TRADE POLICY OF THE CUSTOMS MALAYSIA IMPOSED ON WOOD - BASED PRODUCTS

Abstract

International trade involves the movement of goods and services across the world called an import-export transaction. Every country has limitations which is legislations are required to protect the safety and well-being of the country. Thus, international trade policy is needed to control the entry and exit of goods or services in an orderly and controlled manner through regulations. Malaysia has various trade policies, including tariff and non-tariff barriers that are administered by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD). These trade policies are enforced on timber-based products that are imported and exported. The finite amount of raw material of this natural resource requires a mechanism to control its production. This descriptive study based on secondary data aims to identify the trade policy imposed on timber products as well as the implications of the trade policy for this industry and various other parties. It reveals that almost all wood-based goods are subject to an import duty between 0%, 20%, and 35% at the ad valorem rate upon arrival of this commodity at the Malaysian entry point. While the export duty is at a 0% rate on this commodity. At the same time non-tariff barriers which are import and export permits required for this commodity trade. The agencies empowered to approve and issue import/export permits are MTIB for Peninsular Malaysia, SFD for Sabah, and STIDC for Sarawak. Import duty as national income, protecting domestic industry with a balanced market price. Import/export permits are required to control the production of these limited natural resources. Malaysia has to review and analyze the trade policies to ensure comprehensive and competitive trade liberalization and justice globally.