Country Guide: Malaysia

Updated: November 23, 2015

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Detailed inventory in English, dated and signed by the shipper
  • Copy of Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
  • Full contact information of shipper in Malaysia
  • Letter of Employment / Copy of Work Permit
  • Copy of Malaysian ID (Malaysians only)
  • List of Electrical Items
  • List of Additional Items (include detailed information for books, VCDs, DVDs, CDs, etc. included in shipment)
  • Customs Declaration
  • Diplomatic Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (obtained by the Embassy – Diplomats)

 

Specific Information

  • ISPM 15 Fumigation is required for all wooden packaging materials at origin country prior to import.
  • All used household goods and personal effects used and owned by shipper for more than 6 months may be imported into Malaysia duty free.
  • Items less than 6 months old are subject to Customs duties and taxes.
  • Some entry ports in Malaysia may require an Electrical Board Permit for all electrical goods.
  • The List of Electrical Items must include the item name, model, make, serial number and year of purchase (Not required for port of entry Port Kelang).
  • The Diplomatic Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes approximately 7-10 business days to obtain; check with agent regarding requirements to be included in the letter.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original Passport (and 1 copy)
  • Original Registration proving ownership (and 1 copy)
  • OBL / AWB
  • Original Insurance Policy in country of origin proving use (and 1 copy)
  • Letter from shipper requesting permission to import a motor vehicle

 

Specific Information

  • The shipper must apply for one Import Permit per vehicle with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Kuala Lumpur prior to import. The shipper can only import a motor vehicle if approved.
  • All Motor Vehicles imported attract high import duties and taxes.
  • Import duties where the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value is less than RM 20,000.00, is approximately 170% – 300% and subject to taxes of approximately 10% – 20%.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Certificate of Vaccination
  • Veterinary Health Certificate

 

Specific Information

  • The Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued 7 days prior to departure and state that the animal has been free from rabies during the preceding 6 months.
  • Cats and dogs are subject to quarantine for 30 days or more, unless imported from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Ireland.
  • Detailed information regarding the transport of animals must be provided to the destination airport prior to departure, including the type and number of pets.
  • Space must be reserved for quarantine in advance of arrival.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Liquor, wine and tobacco (a special Import Permit is required and is difficult to obtain); these items are subject to high import duties and taxes.
  • The following items may qualify for free import if within the indicated limits:
    • Cigarettes (200), tobacco (225 g)
    • Alcohol (1 L)
  • Books, VCD, DVD, CD, etc. (subject to censorship screening on arrival). A screening fee will be charged directly to shipper.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics (the death penalty is given for drug trafficking)
  • Non-branded drugs
  • Firearms, gas pistols, electric shock batons, stun guns (and similar weapons), ammunition and explosives (flares incorporating a barrel, etc.)
  • Indecent or obscene video cassettes, DVDs, films, books, magazines and other articles
  • Flick knives, butterfly knives and certain other offensive weapons, including some martial arts weapons
  • Counterfeit currency
  • Radio transmitters, walkie-talkies, citizen band radios, cordless telephones, etc. (an Import Permit is required)
  • Meat and poultry; many other animal products; check with agent.
  • Plants and plant produce including trees and shrubs, potatoes and certain other vegetables, fruit, bulbs and seeds
  • Animals and birds, whether alive or dead (egg. stuffed), parts and articles derived from protected species, including furs, skins, ivory, reptile leather and goods made from them.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.