MALAYSIA - IMPORT REGULATIONS

At the time of compiling this information sheet the following documentation is required to import household effects in the Malaysia:

• Copy of Passport (identity pages)
• Copy of work permit or letter of employer
• Original Bill of Lading
• Original packing list

Household effects can be imported into Malaysia as long as they have been in use by the shipper for a minimum of 6 months.  The customer must be present when the goods arrive and all shipments are subject to a 100% customs examination.

Diplomats

• Malaysian customs form No1 (8 copies)
• Letter of authority
• Original Bill of Lading
• Original packing list

Duty free entry is available for diplomats, however documents must be endorsed by the Embassy and then approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the goods can be cleared.  This can take up to 2-3 weeks.

 

New Furniture

• Malaysian customs form No1
• Original invoice with value stated

New furniture is subject to customs duty.  The destination agent should be informed if any items are new to avoid possible delays.

 

Motor Vehicles

• ·        Original registration card/certificate
• ·        Original insurance certificate
• ·        Original invoice (for new vehicles)
• ·        Original import permit
• ·        Original Bill of Lading

 

The owner must obtain an import an import permit prior to importation. This can be obtained from the Malaysian Ministry if International Trade.  All motor vehicles are subject to import duties and taxes ranging from 150% to 300% depending on the cc. 

 

Electrical Appliances and equipment

• ·        Original invoice with value stated
• ·        Malaysian customs form No1
• ·        Letter of authority
• ·        Original Bill of Lading

 

Malaysia used 220-240 volt electricity; an import permit may be required, please check with the Embassy.

 

Telecommunications equipment

An import permit is required for all telephones; fax machines, cellular phones, modems, answering machines etc.  To apply for a permit the client will need to contact our destination agent with the following details; type/model, serial number, country of origin and their reasons for importing it into Malaysia.

 

Alcohol

Alcohol is subject to very high import duties ranging between US$30 and US$35 per litre depending on the contents. It is recommended that importers do not ship more than one litre per adult. Packages containing alcohol should be loaded near the door of the container.

 

Firearms / Weapons / Explosives

Importation is prohibited unless special authorisation is obtained.  Swords require a special import permit applied for by the owner. 

There is a mandatory death sentence if convicted for illegal possession of firearms.

 

Videos / Tapes / CD’s

All videotapes and CD’s are censored through the government’s film censor board. The shipper must provide a list showing the title, the storyline, the duration and a list of the actors in each film. Each tape is viewed which may take approx two to three weeks without any guarantee of return - a fee of US$3.00 per tape will be charges for this service

Pets

• ·        Original import permit
• ·        Original health certificate

 

An import permit is required and must be obtained before arrangements can be made to forward the pets.  The details needed to obtain a permit are: Pets name, breed, sex, colour, age and a health certificate.  Also needed are the name and contact details of the owner, the arrival date of the pet and details of how the pet will be traveling. 

Quarantine in Malaysia will take place upon arrival and will last for at least 30 days.  It is required that this is booked well in advance to reserve a kennel/quarantine space.

 

The following breeds are prohibited from entry: Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro, Japanese Tosas and Pit Bull Terriers.

Allowed under a special permit are: German shepherds, Belgian shepherds, East European shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweillers, Bull Mastiffs, Bull Terriers and Canary dogs. 

 

Prohibited items

 

These items are prohibited from importation

• ·        All narcotics e.g. heroin, morphine, cocaine and marijuana.  The punishment for possession of any drug is death (Malaysian law does not differentiate soft and hard drugs)
• ·        Any goods originating from South Africa or Israel
• ·        Obscene or pornographic material
• ·        Daggers and flick-knives