The decision of the European Commission (EC) to recognise the certificates comes into force today, upon the publication of the official journal of the EU.

In a statement on the EU website, EC president Ursula Von Der Leyen noted that in order for the recognition to be operational, Malaysia would be connected to the EU Digital Covid Certificate trust framework established by Regulation (EU) 2021/953.

“The Covid-19 vaccination and test certificates issued by Malaysia are in accordance with the Union’s Vaccine Management System and are considered as equivalent to those issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/953,” the statement read.

However, the statement added that in order to protect the Union’s interests, in particular in the area of public health, the EC may suspend the decision or repeal it, if the conditions of Article 8(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/953 are no longer met.

Malaysia had on Nov 18, 2021 provided the EC with detailed information on the issuance of interoperable Covid-19 vaccination and test certificates under the Vaccine Management System.

“Malaysia informed the EC that it considered that its Covid-19 certificates are being issued in accordance with a standard and technological system, that are interoperable with the trust framework established by Regulation (EU) 2021/953 and that allow for the verification of the authenticity, validity and integrity of the certificates,” the statement read.

On March 10, the EC carried out technical tests that demonstrated that Malaysia’s Covid-19 vaccination and test certificates were in accordance with the Vaccine Management System.

Meanwhile, EU ambassador to Malaysia, Michalis Rokas tweeted the latest development.

“Some great news: The EU has accepted Malaysia @officialmosti’s request to establish the equivalence between EU’s Digital Covid Certificate and Malaysia’s MySejahtera. A booster for business and tourism!” he said.