The WCO conducted a workshop on rules of origin for the Customs Administration of Malaysia at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL), Melaka, Malaysia from 12 to 16 January 2015. This workshop was financed by the Japanese Customs Cooperation Fund and hosted by Malaysian Customs within the framework of the WCO Action Plan on Preferential Origin and the Revenue Package Action Plan.

The objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of the Customs officers to effectively and efficiently manage all issues related to rules of origin and to train prospective trainers within the Royal Malaysian Customs Department in the area of rules of origin. A total of 22 Customs officers participated in the workshop from several departments around the country.

The WCO delivered presentations on the relevant WCO tools and instruments, such as the WCO Guidelines on Preferential Origin Certification and Verification and the Comparative Study on Preferential Rules of Origin. Furthermore, the WCO outlined the technical knowledge necessary to ensure proper and streamlined origin determination. Experts from Japan expanded on the technical element and shared practical case studies. The experts also presented their national practices in dealing with origin matters, including advance rulings and origin-dedicated units in their Customs Administration.

The host country commended the organizers, presenters and participants stating that the workshop was beneficial, relevant and timely.