Quick Understanding of Import Procedure in Malaysia

Import Procedure

One of the most crucial steps of Malaysia’s import procedure is the declaration. Whether or not subject to import duties, all inbound shipment into Malaysia must be declared in the Customs Form No. 1. All custom declarations should indicate a complete and accurate account of the total number, description of goods and packages, amount, weight, measurement or quantity, and the country of origin or the final destination. Then, the importer needs to submit the declaration form at the Customs station where the goods are imported. Moreover, the importer has to ensure the settlement of all duties or customs taxes imposed on imported goods before the goods are released (import tax and goods and services tax). 

It is important to note that not all goods require a license to import when doing business in Malaysia. To import goods that require a license, traders first must register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Once registered, a company must then apply for an import license from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Import documents required by Malaysian Customs for cross-border trading include, but not limited to;

1. 1. Customs Form No.1, 
2. 2. International Shipping Documents – Bill of lading/Airway bill; 
3. 3. CIPL – Commercial Invoice or Packing List; 
4. 4. Other Permits, licenses or Certificates.

Additional Information – Specific Import Compliance

The following product categories will require import authorisations: meat, eggs, milk, wine, plants, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, firearms, explosives, medicines and dangerous products. Additionally, meat, processed meat products, poultry, eggs and egg products must have a Halal certificate issued by the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (JAKIM).

Importing Samples

Textile samples must be cut or stamped “commercial sample”, and there must not be more than three of them.

Nominating a Freight Forwarder or Agency to manage the import Customs Clearance in Malaysia can help with a seamless and effective operation.

For more information on import procedure, please visit the website of the Malaysian Customs. You should also check out our latest guide on Malaysia’s import and export procedure.