The most awaited ASEAN – 6 from 1st January 2010 comes into act. It means that Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand can import and export almost all goods across their boundaries at no excise duty. 2010 ASEAN-6 brings 7,881 tariff lines down to zero tariffs by getting the whole tariff lines traded under the Common Effective Preferential Tariffs for ASEAN Free Trade Area (CEPT-AFTA) to 54,457 or 99.11%. The average tariff rate for these ASEAN countries will further decrease from 0.79% in 2009 to just 0.05% in 2010.

The consumer products that come under this tariff line are air conditioners, chilli, fish and soya sauces, motorcycle components, motor car cylinders, iron and steel, plastics, machinery and mechanical appliances, chemicals, prepared foodstuff, paper, cement, ceramic and glass sectors. This makes clear that the price of motor vehicles will come down in 2010.

The new plan will be a catalyst for the development of the single market and production base projected by the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint. The savings of the consumers will depend on the market dynamics of the respective ASEAN-6 countries. Liberalization of tariff is the main idea of 2010 ASEAN-6. ASEAN also aims at formulating streamlined and simplified customs procedures for clearance of goods, eliminating non-tariff measures, developing the ASEAN Single Window and the ASEAN Trade Repository, improving investment protection, providing for dispute settlement and better Intellectual Property Rights regime and removing the obstacles hindering the movement of skilled workers and professionals.

The effect of ASEAN 6 will make a tremendous change in economical, political, social and cultural life in 2010. Other nations will have a lot to learn from the benefits of the Asean members (Association of South East Asian Nations) – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.