Malaysia
Malaysia Customs Contacts:
Website: http://www.customs.gov.my/front.html
Email: ccc@customs.gov.my
Telephone: +60388822200
Address: Preventive Unit, Level 3 North, No.3 Persiaran Perdana, Ministry of Finance Complex Precinct 2, Federal Government Administration Complex, 62592 Putrajaya
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying the Malaysian Peninsula and part of the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. The sprawling capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers including the iconic, 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers.
Malaysia is member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group and the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers among the member countries over a 15-year period. Malaysia has signed and implemented bilateral FTAs with Japan and Pakistan and recently concluded FTA negotiation with New Zealand. The country is also a party to five regional FTAs, namely ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Korea, ASEAN-Japan, ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand and ASEAN-India.
In 2010, Malaysia agreed to enter into multilateral trade discussions with the U.S. and other members of the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership (TPP). Negotiations on the TPP are still ongoing. The U.S. and Malaysia signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in May 2004. The TIFA established a Trade and Investment Council (TIC) that meets several times a year to discuss ways to improve the bilateral trading relationship.
While Malaysia is progressively liberalising its tariff regime, some product and service categories are still protected by high tariffs and import licensing provisions. Under the Custom Prohibition Act 1967, selected category of goods are regulated to safeguard local manufacturers' interest, health and plant life and the national security of the country. The measures are also taken in view of the Malaysia's foreign policies and to ensure that there should be adequate supply of essential goods.
The following are broad categories of goods covered by the Act:
- food & agricultural products
- motor vehicles
- audio video recording machines
- steel products
Agricultural and food products
The Food Act 1983 and the Food Regulation 1985 Malaysia regulate the various aspects of food standards in Malaysia. All food, beverage and edible agricultural products imported or manufactured locally are required to comply with the guidelines. Details of the Act and Guideline are available on the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade & Industry website: Food Act 1983 and Food Regulation 1985 respectively.
Tariffs
Malaysia adopts the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System of classification of goods. Malaysia is progressively liberalising its tariff regime, but some products that are in competition with locally-manufactured products are still highly protected.
Certificates
All regulations pertaining to food products can be found in the Food Act 1983 (incorporating all amendments up to December 2011). Specific labelling regulations can be found in the Labelling and Food Declaration Guide issued by the Ministry of Health.
Halal and health certificates are required for all meat-based products and are issued by JAKIM, the Malaysian Government body responsible for Halal certification. Halal Development Corporation sets the policies pertaining to the halal qualifications and JAKIM enforces these policies.
Paying
Quotes preferably in Ringgit Malaysia (RM), CIF (cost, insurance and freight). Payment usually byletter of credit. Established agencies may request documents against acceptance (D/A) terms of 60–90 days.
Documents
Pro-forma invoice
Not compulsory but may be requested in certain cases.
Commercial invoice
Two copies are required. The invoice, signed by the exporter or shipper, must indicate the following details:
- number and descriptions of packages
- marks and numbers of individual packages
- detailed description of the goods
- gross and net weights or quantity
- FOB and CIF values
- country of origin
- place of shipment and destination of the goods
The certificate of origin must be completed for goods on which preference is claimed. The certificate's details must include:
- a description of the goods
- their total invoice value
- a signature by the proprietor, a partner or principal official of the manufacturing or supplying firm (name of person signing and position in firm must be stated)
The following certification must be provided:
- that the person signing has the means of knowing the statement in the certificate to be correct
- that the person signing is duly authorised to issue the certificate on behalf of the manufacturer, producer or grower and, if appropriate, the supplier
- that the goods are the produce or manufacture of the Commonwealth country named
- if grown or produced, that the goods were grown or produced in and consigned from the named Commonwealth country or countries
Bill of lading
Minimum of two copies required. To Order bills are acceptable.
Packing list
Must be furnished if contents of shipment not itemised in invoice. Packing list also facilitates clearance through customs.
Public health requirements
- Prior permits from the Malaysian Department of Agriculture are required for a range of items:
- plants and parts for propagation, including seeds
- soil for research purposes and growing media
- Special requirements govern the importation of drugs, pharmaceuticals and chemical additives used in food.
- All imported foodstuffs and drugs are subject to inspection.
- Electric motors must be approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector.
- Machinery must meet with safety requirements and be approved by the Chief Inspector of Machinery.
Sources:
https://malaysia.visahq.com/customs/
http://www.export.gov/malaysia/doingbusinessinmalaysia/eg_my_072633.asp
