Maldives Customs has announced that exporters can now apply online for Certificates of Origin through its customs portal, allowing Maldivian goods to benefit from preferential duty rates under the China–Maldives Free Trade Agreement.

The new system, introduced this month, enables applications to be processed digitally, with certificates approved, signed, and stamped by Customs before being issued to exporters. Officials said the move will accelerate clearance procedures, strengthen the authenticity of exports, and allow Chinese importers and authorities to confirm immediately that goods are locally produced and eligible for tariff reductions.

The adjustment aligns with Government trade policy and sets the processing fee for Certificates of Origin at 15 per cent, Customs said. The introduction of the service through the portal is expected to speed up declarations and boost exports to China.

The FTA, which came into effect on 1 January 2025, has already eased trade flows between the two countries. More than 70 per cent of Maldivian imports from China now enter duty-free, including construction materials, electronics, machinery, and furniture. Customs clearance times have also been cut from up to a week to just two or three days, making imports faster and cheaper.

For the Maldives, the agreement opens new opportunities in the seafood sector, with over 91 per cent of Maldivian exports eligible for duty-free access to the Chinese market. Officials say fish products not previously sold in China are already being exported, and trade volumes are expected to rise in the coming years.

China remains the Maldives’ largest source of tourists, with more than 241,000 arrivals recorded last year. The strengthening of trade and tourism ties is regarded as one of the most significant phases in bilateral relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1972.