Import and Export Policies for Goods in Malaysia

Import Management

Malaysia's Customs Department has, since 1998, prohibited the import of four categories of goods. The first category consists of 14 items absolutely prohibited from import, including traditional Chinese medicines containing borneol and aconite, 45 types of herbal medicines, and 13 types of animal and mineral medicines. The second category requires import licenses and primarily involves health, quarantine, safety, and environmental protection. These include poultry, beef (which must also be halal-certified), eggs, rice, sugar, cement clinker, fireworks, audio and video tapes, explosives, timber, safety helmets, diamonds, rice mills, color copiers, certain telecommunications equipment, weapons, ammunition, and saccharin. The third category is subject to temporary import restrictions, including milk, coffee, cereal flour, certain electrical wires and cables, and certain steel products. The fourth category can be imported only under specific conditions, including animals, animal products, plants, plant products, cigarettes, soil, animal fertilizers, bulletproof vests, electronic equipment, seat belts, and imitation weapons.

To protect sensitive or strategic industries, Malaysia imposes non-automatic import licensing on certain goods, primarily in the construction equipment, agriculture, mining, and motor vehicle sectors.

Export Management

Malaysia allows the free export of most goods to any country or region, except Israel. However, exports of certain goods require government approval, including scarce items, sensitive or strategic or hazardous products, and wildlife species controlled or prohibited under international conventions. Additionally, the Malaysian Customs (Prohibition of Export) Order 1988 stipulates export controls for three categories of goods: the first category is absolutely prohibited for export, including sea turtle eggs and rattan; the export of petroleum, petroleum products, and weapons and related products to Haiti is prohibited; the second category requires an export license; and the third category requires export on a case-by-case basis. Most goods in the second and third categories are primary products, such as livestock and their products, grains, and mineral/hazardous waste; the third category also includes weapons, ammunition, and antiques.

Import and Export Inspection and Quarantine

Established in 2011, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Department, a department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, is responsible for inspection and quarantine at all entry points (including seaports, airports, land border crossings, and mail and express delivery centers), quarantine stations, and designated facilities, as well as issuing import permits for plants, animals, frozen meat, fish, agricultural products, soil, and microorganisms.
To prevent the introduction of animal diseases, parasites, and plant pests, diseases, weeds, and other harmful organisms, the Malaysian government imposes inspection and quarantine on imported plants and animals. Those bringing plants or animals into the country must apply for an import permit from the relevant Malaysian authorities in advance and comply with all inspection and quarantine procedures upon entry.
Malaysia requires that all meat, processed meat products, poultry, eggs, and egg products must come from factories inspected and approved by the Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, and all imported products must obtain an import permit issued by the Veterinary Services Department.
All meat, processed meat products, poultry, eggs, and egg products supplied to Muslims must be halal-certified, and slaughterhouses for cattle, sheep, and poultry, as well as meat and egg processing equipment, must be inspected and approved by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).