MAFTA entered into force on 1 January 2013, delivering substantial economic benefits to Australia and Malaysia while establishing a foundation for deeper bilateral economic integration and access into the fast-growing Indo-Pacific region.
Under MAFTA, 99 per cent of Australian goods exported to Malaysia enter tariff-free and Malaysian goods exported to Australia also enter tariff-free as Australia eliminated all remaining tariffs on goods.
The Agreement also provides access to priority service sectors in the Malaysian market such as education and financial services.
MAFTA is one of four FTAs Australian businesses can use to trade with Malaysia including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Key outcomes and benefits of MAFTA
- Rules of Origin: Business-friendly provisions allow exporters to submit a simpler declaration of origin rather than a certificate of origin.
- Tariffs: Elimination of tariffs on key goods including iron, steel, rice, processed foods, chemicals and a range of manufactured goods; and a guarantee for Australian exporters of wine of the best tariff treatment given to any country.
- Services: Malaysia has made market access commitments in a range of sectors such as education, finance, accounting, telecommunications, tourism and mining.
- Mobility: Enhanced certainty on entry and length of stay for business persons, service providers and skilled professionals.
- Professional Services: Improved mechanisms for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, registration and licensing for professional services suppliers with the establishment of a framework on mutual recognition arrangements.
- Copy right: stronger protection of Australian trademarks and copyright.
Helpful Links
- FTA Portal – Access the latest information about Australia’s in-force Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). This user-friendly site helps you compare agreements including tariffs, Harmonised System Codes (HS Codes), rules of origin requirements, and find the best fit for your business needs.
- Australian Border Force – Find details on customs, import requirements, advance rulings and customs duties.
- Austrade – Explore export opportunities and support for Australian exporters.
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – For market access issues for agricultural products including biosecurity and implementing policies for agricultural traceability.
Contact Us
For more information, please email: fta@dfat.gov.au.