1. How do I become an exporter?
To become an exporter, you must first identify
a product or service that you are knowledgeable
about and capable of producing and marketing. Initially
the product should be sold in the domestic market
in order to test the product or service. After that
the company can venture into the export business
by identifying the potential markets for such products
or services. The company need to conduct market
research to determine which markets to start exporting
to and what are the regulations governing the import
of this product / service into the countries identified.
Companies can use MATRADE Business Library to the
market research and also contact MATRADE overseas
Trade Commissioners for assistance.
2. What can
I export?
Most goods/ services can be freely exported to
any countries expect Israel. These range from
food products to electrical and electronic items,
chemicals, textile and clothing, wood and wood
products, rubber products, plastic products, machinery,
toys and stationery.
3. Do I need
a licence to export?
Although most goods are freely exported, there
are certain goods that can only be exported with
approval from the relevant government agencies. The Malaysian Trade Classification and
Customs Duties Order which contains the list of
products subject to export licensing/approval
is available in the MATRADE Business Library for
reference. You may also visit the Royal Customs
Department homepage at www.customs.gov.my
for more information.
4. Where do I get the approval to export?
You do not need an approval to export except for
items that require an export licence /approval
as listed in The Malaysian Trade Classification
and Customs Duties Order. The Ministry of International
Trade and Industry (MITI) approves export permits
for selected items. For details, visit
the MITI's website at www.miti.gov.my.
5. How do I look for an overseas buyer, distributor
or agent for my product?
There are several ways companies can source
for such contacts :-
- Through M@TRADE.LEADS, a weekly electronic
updates on export opportunities which is circulated
to all companies registered with MATRADE.
- Through participation in international trade
fairs and exhibitions both locally and overseas.
- During trade missions and specialised marketing missions overseas as well as at incoming buying mission organised by MATRADE.
- MATRADE's Business Library has access to the
online Foreign Importers Database. The database
has a listing of importers that have contacted
MATRADE to source for Malaysian products and
services. The Library also has Importers Directories
for various countries. Companies can identify
suitable buyers from these sources and contact
the buyers directly.
- Through MATRADE Overseas Trade Commissioners
for list of foreign importers for any products/services
6. How do I price my products for the export market?
When pricing products for the export market various factors have to be considered. Apart from the cost of production, the other cost that must be taken into consideration are the cost of packaging, labelling, product certification, domestic and overseas transportation, insurance, import duties and other charges. It is also important to determine which segment of the market the product is for and what are the prices of similar products being sold in the market before pricing the product for the export market.
7. What are export standards?
Each country normally impose standards on products that are imported. Companies have to meet these requirements in order to export their products to these countries. Example of export standards are CE-Marking, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and "EUREPGA Fruits and Vegetable".
8. What is HS code?
Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding
System, commonly known as HS codes is used to
classify goods for exporting/ importing purposes.
This classification is done for free by Malaysia
Royal Customs Department and its branch offices.
The application form can be downloaded from www.customs.gov.my
9. Where do I check for import duties of other
countries?
The Customs Tariff Books for selected countries
are available at MATRADE Business Library. This
information can also be sourced from MATRADE's
overseas offices.
10. Are there any incentives for exporters?
There are various tax and non tax incentives
available for exporters. These include the double
tax deduction schemes, tax exemptions, duty exemption,
export credits and bilateral payment arrangements.
For details companies can refer to MATRADE Business
Handbook on "Assistance Programmes for Malaysian
Exporters" available at MATRADE Business
Library.
11. What is a Certificate of Origin?
Certificate of Origin is to certify that the product is produced in Malaysia. This certificate can be obtained from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and local chambers of commerce.
12. How do I obtain a CE Mark?
The CE Mark is a mark of safety to indicate that the product conforms to the European safety standards. Any product that comes under New Approach Directives of the European Union (EU) and is going to be placed on the EU market has to bear the CE-Marking. "CE" stands for European Conformity. It is issued by EU appointed testing and certifying body. In Malaysia, companies can contact TUV NORD (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, at malaysia@tuv-nord.com and SGS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd at sgs.malaysia@sgs.com for certification. Information on CE-Marking is available at www.cemarking.net and "CE-Marking, A Product Passport to Enter the EU" book which is published by MATRADE.
13. Where can I obtain information on overseas
markets?
Information on overseas markets can be obtained from various sources. For a start, companies can check with the MATRADE Business Library for reference materials. MATRADE overseas network of officers can also assist in sourcing for market information. Furthermore, MATRADE members receive market updates through Trade Mart, MATRADE publication for Malaysian exporters which is published bimonthly.
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