Nestled between the South China and Andaman Seas, Malaysia is a historic trading center and strategic operating location – bordering Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore (via bridge), and Thailand by land and the Philippines and Vietnam by sea.

In 2015, Malaysia exported US$254 billion and imported US$175 billion worth of goods and services. Malaysia continues to liberalize its import and export regulations; but, complex goods-specific rules still exist. In this article, we explain best practices for importing into and exporting out of Malaysia.

Import and Export Licensing

Not all goods, whether imported or exported, require a license.

However, having a robust understanding of Malaysia’s licensing schemes for imported and exported goods will save traders from being rejected by customs officials.

To import or export goods which 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). Malaysia uses a privatized single digital window for all import and export regulations called Dagang Net.

The main goods include:

  • Agricultural products;
  • Animals (living or dead);
  • Foodstuff;
  • Iron and related products;
  • Heavy equipment;
  • Vehicles (including motorcycles); and
  • Plants.

All incoming processed meat and livestock products must be certified halal and must originate from slaughterhouses inspected and approved by the Malaysian veterinary and religious authorities.

Documents required for importing and exporting

When bringing goods into or out of Malaysia, traders must provide the following documents to customs officials.

  • Customs Export or Import Declaration;
  • Commercial Invoice;
  • Bill of Lading;
  • Packing List; and
  • Certificate of Origin

Further permits required for certain exported goods

Certain goods require additional approvals from affected ministries under the Customs (Prohibition of Export) Order, 1998). These goods include:

  • Wastes and toxics (Director General of Environmental Quality);
  • Animals – dead or alive (Permit from Wildlife Department & Department of Veterinary Services);
  • Antiques (License from Museum Department);
  • Coral used in jewelry (Export permit from Director General of Fisheries);
  • Wheat or Meslin Flour (Permit issued from Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs);
  • Pesticides (Ministry of Agriculture);
  • Chemicals (Ministry of Health); and
  • Radio Active Materials (Director General of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board)

Tariffs and Taxes

Malaysia follows the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) for imported and exported goods not originating from members states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). For imported and exported goods arriving from ASEAN member states, Malaysia follows the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN).

Import Tariffs and Taxes

Malaysia levies a tariff rate which ranges from 0 to 50 percent, following ad valorem rates. However, the average duty paid on industrial goods imported into Malaysia is 6.1 percent. Malaysian customs apply higher tariff rates to goods in which considerable production already exists domestically as well as so-called ‘sinful’ goods such as pork and alcohol.

Malaysian customs apply either a reduced tariff or else a tariff exemption on raw materials imported into Malaysia for use in the manufacture of exported goods – particularly when such raw material is difficult to source domestically.

Malaysian customs imposes a standard goods and service tax (GST) on imported goods at 6 percent.

Export tariffs and taxes

Malaysia customs apply a tariff on exported goods between 0 to 10 percent, following ad valorem rates. Under Malaysia’s Customs Act, 1976, tariffs paid on exported goods which were originally sourced from imports are eligible for a 90 percent refund. 

Free Industrial Zones and Free Commercial Zones

Malaysia currently possesses 13 Free Industrial Zones (FIZs) and 12 Free Commercial Zones (FCZs). Companies operating out of FIZs and FCZs may import raw material, products, and equipment without paying tariffs.

Free Trade Agreements

Malaysia is a partner to seven bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) and six regional FTAs.

Malaysia has signed bilateral FTAs with:

  • Australia;
  • Chile;
  • India;
  • Japan;
  • New Zealand;
  • Pakistan; and
  • Turkey.

Malaysia is a partner to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and a member of five regional FTAs through the ASEAN with:

  • Australia;
  • China;
  • India;
  • Japan; and
  • Korea.

In order to benefit from these FTAs, traders must provide a Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO) along with their goods. To apply for a PCO, traders must go through Malaysia’s single window clearance, Dagang Net. Furthermore, the Malaysian government has created a “Free Trade Agreement Calculator” to help traders determine if their goods are eligible for reduced tariffs.

Conclusion

Malaysia continues to liberalize its customs regulations and improve the ease of importing and exporting out of the country.