At Declarators, we understand that exporting and importing within ASEAN can be complex. A crucial document for preferential trade under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) is the Form D Declaration. For businesses dealing with multi-country shipments, Back-to-Back Form D Declarations are also essential.
What is a Form D Declaration?
A Form D Declaration certifies that goods exported from one ASEAN country meet the rules of origin required for preferential tariffs. Its main purposes include:
- Claiming reduced or zero tariffs under AFTA
- Certifying the origin of goods
- Supporting customs clearance and regulatory compliance
Accurate Form D submission ensures smoother cross-border trade and avoids penalties or delays.
ASEAN Countries That Require Form D
Form D is used in all 10 ASEAN member states:
- Singapore – Electronic or paper Form D accepted.
- Malaysia – Detailed exporter and product information required.
- Thailand – Form D issued by chambers of commerce.
- Indonesia – Proof of origin documentation is mandatory.
- Philippines – Exporter and consignee details needed.
- Vietnam – Verification often done by chambers of commerce.
- Brunei – Prefers electronic submission.
- Cambodia – Chamber verification required.
- Laos – Additional supporting documents necessary.
- Myanmar – Local customs rules must be strictly followed.
While each country may have slight variations, the goal is consistent: confirm the origin of goods for preferential tariffs.
Back-to-Back Form D Declarations
A Back-to-Back Form D Declaration is used when goods from one ASEAN country pass through another country before reaching the final importer.
- Example: Goods are exported from Malaysia to Singapore, processed or re-exported in Singapore, and then shipped to Thailand.
- The original Form D from Malaysia can be used as the basis for a Back-to-Back Form D issued in Singapore.
- This process ensures the goods still qualify for AFTA preferential tariffs in the final destination country.
Back-to-Back Form D is particularly useful for trading companies, distributors, and manufacturers that consolidate or repackage goods in intermediary ASEAN countries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect exporter or consignee information
- Wrong HS codes or product classification
- Missing signatures, stamps, or chamber verification
- Submitting outdated forms
- Supporting documents that don’t match the Form D
How Declarators Helps
At Declarators, we make both regular and Back-to-Back Form D Declarations seamless:
- Accurate Documentation: Reduce errors and avoid delays
- Back-to-Back Support: Handle intermediary country documentation and verification
- Time Efficiency: Expedite customs clearance and trade processes
Why Choose Declarators
With Declarators, your Form D submissions—whether standard or back-to-back—are:
- Compliant with ASEAN rules and AFTA requirements
- Accurate, verifiable, and accepted by customs authorities
- Managed end-to-end for maximum efficiency
Contact Declarators
Ensure your Form D Declarations and Back-to-Back Form D processes are handled correctly and efficiently:
🌐 www.declarators.com.sg
📧 group@declarators.com.sg
📞 +65 6385 2155
Declarators your trusted partner for seamless ASEAN trade compliance.
