MALAYSIA will on Thursday (Dec 12) export its first 200 metric tons of sustainably certified rubber to the European Union, its commodities minister said, as it seeks to increase compliance ahead of the rollout of new anti-deforestation rules.
Malaysia has been under pressure to meet conditions of new EU legislation that bans the importation of commodities with supply chains linked to deforestation. The rules were originally set to come into effect this month but were delayed for a year.
Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said two Malaysia-based firms would each export 100 metric tons of sustainably certified rubber, one to Slovakia and the other to the Netherlands.
“Both of these companies have sourced 100 per cent of their raw material from local estates and smallholders who adhere to the Malaysia Sustainable Natural Rubber certification standards,” he said, according to a speech text shared with media.
Johari added that the move demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to international sustainability practices even though the EU policy has yet to be enforced.
Malaysia and neighbouring Indonesia, the world’s biggest exporters of palm oil, have been staunch critics of the implementation rules of the EU policy, calling them discriminatory.
Palm oil associations in both countries have welcomed the implementation delay, to enable more time for their supply chains to comply.
Source: Business Times
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<p>Time: 2024 By: Ministry of Industry and Trade</p>
