Importing goods and customs clearance in Malaysia

If you want to ship your goods to Malaysia then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into Malaysia. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Importing goods

Malaysia’s customs process is governed by Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMC), which enforces the Customs Act 1967 and manages duties, taxes, and regulations for goods entering the country. The process is straightforward, but compliance with Malaysia’s import laws is essential to avoid delays. For detailed guidance, visit the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.

General Import Process

Customs Declaration
- Goods must be declared to the customs authority using the Customs Information System (SMK).
- Key documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and other certificates depending on the nature of the goods, such as certificates of origin or health certifications.
Import Duties and Sales Tax (SST)
- Customs Duties: Duty rates vary by product, ranging from 0% to 30%. For specific rates, consult the Malaysian Customs Tariff.
- Sales and Service Tax (SST):
  - Sales Tax is applied at 10% for most goods, but certain items (e.g., basic foodstuffs, medical devices) are exempt or subject to a lower rate.
  - Sales Tax is calculated on the value of the goods, including shipping and insurance.
Non-Financial Requirements
- Certain products may require additional certifications or approvals, such as compliance with Standards Malaysia for electrical goods, or Ministry of Health approvals for food, pharmaceuticals, and medical products.
- You can check product-specific requirements via the Malaysian Trade Facilitation Portal.
Inspection and Clearance
- Goods may undergo inspections upon arrival. If documents are complete and compliant, clearance can take 1-3 business days.
Release of Goods
- Once cleared, goods can be transported within Malaysia or stored in a customs-bonded warehouse.

Service Providers for Assistance

DHL Malaysia – dhl.com
Kuehne+Nagel Malaysia – kuehne-nagel.com
Yusen Logistics Malaysia – yusen-logistics.com
Toll Group Malaysia – tollgroup.com
Schenker Malaysia – dbschenker.com

Importing Small Parcels

For small parcels, Malaysia is served by major couriers such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, and Pos Malaysia. Typical costs for a 2kg parcel:

From the USA: MYR 100–200 for economy services.
From China: MYR 70–150 for economy services.

Express services (2-5 days) are available at higher costs. Rates depend on the courier and urgency of delivery.

Customs looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into Malaysia in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.