Within the framework of the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting (AEM) and related meetings, taking place from August 17-22, in Semarang, Indonesia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Commerce and the Australian Government launched the ASEAN Tax Lookup Portal.

The ASEAN Tariff Lookup Portal is an online platform designed to support traders from signed or upgraded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), ASEAN+1 FTA, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and bilateral FTAs signed by ASEAN member states.

The ASEAN Tax Lookup Portal provides detailed information on most favored nation (MFN) rates, import quotas and preferential tax rates for all types of goods originating from ASEAN member countries, as well as additional taxes levied on imports.

In addition, the ASEAN Tax Lookup Portal provides up-to-date information on other taxes such as value-added tax (VAT), excise duty, as well as other taxes and fees imposed on goods before being put into circulation. The ASEAN Tariff Finder is now ready to assist users who want to explore the markets of more than 160 countries.

At the launch, ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasized that this is a tool to help enterprises, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) get accurate and continuously updated information on customs and trade regulations, regulations on origin and market access, etc help save time and costs for these businesses. Worth mentioning, this tool is completely free for all traders in the region.

"With this search engine, traders will save time and resources as all the trade-related information they need is now available on the website. For the ASEAN tariff search engine, simply enter the country of origin, destination, and product of interest. Immediately, the business has the commodity code and detailed information on tariffs, rules of origin, customs and trade regulations for destination countries," Indonesian Trade Minister Dr. Zulkifli Hasan added.

Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arsjad Rasjid said the ASEAN tariff lookup tool is a leap forward in facilitating seamless business in the region. "This is a valuable resource for businesses and underscores ASEAN's commitment to empowering SMEs, promoting economic cooperation and embracing regional digitalization," said Arsjad Rasjid.

In 2022, intra-ASEAN trade recorded US$857 billion. The ASEAN Tariff Search Tool, introduced in time at this time, is expected to further boost trade growth for ASEAN member states and strengthen regional supply chain resilience.