On 23 May 2023, the Department of Trade under the Ministry of Commerce ("MOC") issued new guidelines on importer and exporter registration through Notification 35/2023, which replaces the previous Order 42/1954 and Export and Import Bulletin No. 6/2018. Under the new procedure, MOC has divided the importer and exporter registration structures into two categories: (i) for trading purposes and (ii) for non-trading purposes. Both categories require an import export registration certificate ("EIR").
Applicants must apply for the EIR through the TradeNet 2.0 system, and pay the application fee directly through the system. Upon receipt of the application, MOC will carry out an on-site inspection. If MOC is satisfied, it will grant approval after 15 working days.
Renewal applications for an EIR must be submitted six months before its expiry, as opposed to the previous requirement of three months. An EIR will be automatically cancelled if a renewal application is not made within one year after its expiration.
If a director of a company ("Company A") is also a director of another company (Company B) whose EIR has been suspended or cancelled, Company A will not be eligible to apply, renew or amend its EIR during the penalty period. An applicant may appeal the rejection, suspension or cancellation of an EIR to MOC within 30 days from the date of MOC's decision.
