Rules of Origin (ROO): Avoid Common Application Mistakes and Invitation to Join the RCEP Business Advisory Council (RBAC) Malaysia Network

August 3, 2026

To: CEOs / Managing Directors / Export Managers / Marketing Managers

Rules of Origin (ROO): Avoid Common Application Mistakes and 
Invitation to Join the RCEP Business Advisory Council (RBAC) Malaysia Network

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) wishes to share an infographic prepared by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) entitled "Top 10 Common Mistakes in Rules of Origin (ROO) Applications".

Rules of Origin (ROO) are the criteria used to determine the economic nationality of goods and whether they qualify for preferential tariff treatment under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Understanding and complying with ROO requirements is essential for businesses to benefit from preferential tariff treatment and facilitate the smooth processing of Certificate of Origin applications.

The attached infographic highlights:

• the purpose and importance of Rules of Origin (ROO); 
• the principal origin criteria, namely Wholly Obtained (WO), Regional Value Content (RVC), Change in Tariff Classification (CTC) and Product Specific Rules (PSRs); and
• the ten most common mistakes that may result in unsuccessful ROO applications or verification issues. 

Members involved in export activities are encouraged to review the attached infographic and share it with personnel responsible for export documentation and trade compliance.

RCEP Business Advisory Council (RBAC) Malaysia Network

As Malaysian businesses continue to utilise RCEP, companies may encounter implementation issues relating to Rules of Origin (ROO), customs procedures, market access, non-tariff barriers and other operational challenges.

To strengthen Malaysia's participation in RCEP implementation and provide businesses with a structured platform to share these experiences, the East Asia Business Council (EABC) Malaysia has established the RCEP Business Advisory Council (RBAC) Malaysia Network.

FMM serves as the Secretariat of EABC Malaysia. The EABC Malaysia Chapter is chaired by Tan Sri Dato' (Dr) Soh Thian Lai, FMM President Emeritus, who also serves as Chairman of the RBAC Malaysia Network.

The RBAC Malaysia Network serves as Malaysia's domestic platform for businesses, industry associations and relevant government agencies to:

• facilitate industry engagement on RCEP implementation issues;
• share practical experiences and operational challenges; 
• facilitate dialogue between businesses and government agencies; 
• promote greater awareness and utilisation of RCEP; 
• identify operational challenges, policy gaps and non-tariff barriers affecting businesses; and 
• channel industry feedback and recommendations for consideration at the national and regional levels.

Members interested in participating in the RBAC Malaysia Network are invited to review the attached Terms of Reference (ToR) and register their interest by completing the Google Form below.

Google Form: https://forms.gle/gsL2YP23u3VbvwgK9

For further information, please contact FMM Secretariat, Ms Nitasha Vikineswaran or the undersigned at tel: 03-62867200 or e-mail: IBDivision@fmm.org.my

Shamini Sakthinathan
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
shamini@fmm.org.my

SS/nv