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16 April 2025

New rules for exporters to Brunei, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand

AANZFTA Second Protocol will enter into force on April 21 2025

ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) Second Protocol is the amendment of AANZFTA First Protocol by member countries. It means there are changes to the Rules of Origin requirements for exporters. Here’s what you need to know and what you need to do.

 

What you need to know

The Second Protocol will enter into force for the below AANZFTA Parties on the 21 April 2025:

  • Brunei
  • Lao PDR
  • Malaysia and Singapore
  • Australia and New Zealand

A new AANZFTA Certificates of Origin template is applicable for these countries to reflect the changes of the Rules of Origin requirements.

What happens to those countries that are not entering the second protocol into force?

The rest of the AANZFTA parties will still operate under the First Protocol until they ratify the Second Protocol.

There will be a transitional period starting from the date the Second Protocol entered into force (21 April 2025) until the date when the Second Protocol enters into force for all AANZFTA parties.

 

How will Certificates of Origin (COO) be issued if there are Parties in two protocols during the transition period?

During this period there will be Parties in the First Protocol and Parties in the Second Protocol. Depending on which Protocol a Party is in will determine which COO form and Product Specific Rules (PSRs) will need to be used.

You will only be able to use Second Protocol rules of origin (including COO template and PSRs) if you are sending goods from a Second Protocol Party to a Second Protocol Party (currently Brunei, Lao PDR, Malaysia, and Singapore, Australia and New Zealand).

In all other scenarios, you must apply First Protocol Rules as there will be a First Protocol party involved.

 

What happens during the transitional period?

During the transitional period, the rules of origin applicable will depend on who the importing and exporting Parties are. Official advice to come in due course, once received from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

What do you need to do?
Our team is here to support you

Contact Business Chamber Queensland’s International Trade Team for assistance on 1300 731 988 or email [email protected].

International Trade Team
Business Chamber Queensland

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