KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) has advised Malaysian exporters to adhere to the recent import regulation imposed by Kenya Bureau of Standard (KEBS), known as Import Standardisation Mark Stick (ISM).
In a statement yesterday, Matrade said the measure was aimed at safeguarding Kenyans from unscrupulous dealers who had been faking KEBS Mark of Diamond quality once their goods had been inspected.
“The new mark of quality will also provide an online platform for consumers to directly authenticate the certification of goods before purchase,” it said.
Matrade said ISM, which took effect on Aug 1 this year, was a sign or mark of quality affixed to all finished imported products to demonstrate their conformity to Kenya’s approved standard.
“There is a rollover period of five months and permission to continue using the existing mark after this period, shall be granted on case-by-case basis, depending on situation,” it said.
However, Matrade said, it was expected that all parties should comply fully to the ISM by June 30, 2016, after which no more case will be considered.
Matrade’s Trade Commissioner in South Africa, Mohamed Hafiz Md Shariff, said Malaysian exporters should accustomed themselves with the new regulation, especially with regard to the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), normally issued by inspection agency in the country of origin.
“This is a basic requirement for application of ISM, which would facilitate a faster and smoother operation of clearance for goods and avoid demurrage cost,” he said.
To apply for ISM, Matrade said, importers and clearing agents were required to submit copies of CoC, import forms and Customs entry forms to the bureau.
From January-July this year, Malaysia’s exports to Kenya were valued at RM1.1 billion, mainly in petroleum products, crude and refined palm oil products. — Bernama