The The Thirty-Third Meeting of the ASEAN Trade Facilitation Joint Consultative Committee (ATF-JCC) was held from 9 to 11 October 2025 in Langkawi, Malaysia, chaired by Dr. Ummi Nasrah Othman, Senior Director, Investment Policy and Trade Facilitation Division, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia. The Meeting was attended by representatives from all ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The Meeting reviewed the progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Trade Facilitation Work Programme and Annual Priorities for 2025, and discussed the proposed Annual Priorities for 2026, including a study on trade-related circular economy (CE) products in ASEAN. 

The Meeting noted the ongoing efforts to resolve the remaining eight cases under the Matrix of Actual Cases (MAC), and encouraged relevant Member States to intensify bilateral discussions to expedite their resolution. The Meeting also highlighted the importance of the voluntary implementation of the NTM Cost-Effectiveness Toolkit to enhance regulatory efficiency and reduce trade compliance costs across the region.

The Meeting also discussed the following agendas:
- Launching of the “Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation in ASEAN 2025” Report, jointly developed by UNESCAP and the ASEAN Secretariat;
- Progress on the ASEAN Trade Facilitation Strategic Action Plan (SAP) 2026–2030, with technical support from the International Trade Centre (ITC);
- The initiative of ADB and ADBI to promote the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in addressing NTM-related issues; and
- Conducting consultations with the Joint Business Councils (JBCs) on key topics, including the Upgraded ATIGA, the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS), the ASEAN Single Window (ASW), and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

The Meeting expressed appreciation for the continued support of ASEAN’s development partners — including the European Union (EU), OECD, ADB, ITC, and UNESCAP — in advancing ASEAN’s trade facilitation agenda and strengthening regional economic integration.

The Meeting extended its appreciation to the Government of Malaysia for the excellent arrangements and to the ASEAN Secretariat for its effective coordination and support. The Committee agreed that the Thirty-Fourth ATF-JCC Meeting will be held in the Philippines in January 2026.

Source: Compiled by the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam