Malaysia’s Minister for Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Johari Bin Abdul Ghani, has issued a statement responding to the ruling of the WTO Panel in case Ds600 brought by Malaysia against the European Union, for discriminatory regulation targeted at palm oil biofuels.

The statement is also available online here.

MALAYSIA SUCCEEDS IN WTO CASE AGAINST EU’S DELEGATED ACT THAT IS DEEMED DISCRIMINATORY TOWARDS MALAYSIAN PALM OIL BIOFUELS

  1. On 5th March 2024 the WTO Panel issued its Final Report and concluded that the EU’s Delegated Act that restricted palm oil biofuels, is indeed discriminatory.
  2. This ruling from WTO demonstrates that Malaysia’s claims of discrimination are indeed justified. This vindicates Malaysia’s pursuit of justice for our biodiesel traders, companies and employees.
  3. The WTO Final Report clearly finds fault with the EU’s use of indirect land use change (ILUC) to ban palm oil biofuels. It also finds fault with the EU’s approach to notifying and consulting with other economies when introducing new trade measures.
  4. The EU has agreed to comply with the WTO ruling before it can impose restrictions in accepting Malaysia’s palm oil biofuels. The Malaysian Government will closely monitor the EU’s changes to its regulations to bring it in line with the WTO’s findings, and pursue compliance proceedings if necessary.
  5. Malaysian Government remains fully committed to defending the interests of palm oil biofuels industry players against trade barriers and discrimination.

YB DATUK SERI JOHARI BIN ABDUL GHANI

Minister of Plantation and Commodities

Putrajaya, 6 March 2024