SD Guthrie’s 1st Tariff-free Palm Oil Shipment Arrived in UK

• 8,000 MT of fully traceable and segregated, *RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil shipped from Kunak Port, Sabah, on 19 February.
• Sourced from SD Guthrie’s supply chain in Sabah that produces the best quality palm oil for customers.

Petaling Jaya, 2 May 2025 – SD Guthrie Berhad (formerly Sime Darby Plantation Berhad) celebrated a landmark moment on 4 April 2025, with the first-ever tariff-free shipment of *RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) into the United Kingdom under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). SD Guthrie International Liverpool Refinery received the 8,000 MT of fully traceable and segregated CSPO. Shipped aboard the Dolphin 19 from Kunak Port, Sabah, on 19 February, the CSPO had also undergone stringent testing to ensure low levels of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH).

The CPTPP is a free-trade pact initially agreed between 11 Pacific Rim countries, including Malaysia in 2018. The agreement eliminates most tariffs whilst promoting economic integration and upholding rigorous labour and environmental protections among its member countries. With the UK’s official membership of CTPP coming into effect on 15 December 2024, tariffs on crude palm oil and its derivatives imported from Malaysia into the UK have been eliminated. Previously, tariff had ranged between 2% and 10%.

Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, SD Guthrie’s Group Managing Director, said the arrival of the shipment was a proud moment for the company which is one of the world’s largest producers of CSPO. “This milestone highlights not only the strength of Malaysia–UK trade relations, but also SD Guthrie’s strong commitment to ensure quality, traceability and security of sustainable palm oil supply to our discerning customers in the UK.”

For over a decade, SD Guthrie’s Liverpool refinery has been the company’s gateway for CSPO to enter the UK market, supplying approximately 50% - 55% of domestic palm oil demand. Its refined products are widely used for deep-frying in fish-and-chip shops across the country, and as key ingredients in the production of many popular brands of biscuits, baked goods and British confectionery favourites.

“While our supply chain in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been and remains the main source of our products for the UK market, this latest shipment originating from our supply chain in Sabah underscores our capability to provide consistent and stable supply of CSPO to the UK, whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and food safety. Depending on market conditions and customer requirements, we can offer customers the security of supply they need to run their businesses, from Malaysia or PNG,” he added.

This cargo’s full traceability means every drop of palm oil can be traced back to its exact estate and mill within SD Guthrie’s supply chain in Sabah, to ensure that it meets rigorous *RSPO environmental and social criteria. Its segregation ensures the consignment remains entirely separate from other conventionally produced palm oil throughout the journey—from plantation to port, tanker to refinery—guaranteeing genuine and untainted 100% sustainable product delivery.

In line with SD Guthrie’s focus on consumer health, the company’s supply chain in Sabah also produces high quality palm oil that meets international food safety standards, giving customers added confidence in the purity and safety of its products.

_{*RSPO –‘Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’}

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