MALAYSIA 

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

It is prohibited to import narcotics (death penalty for drug trafficking), non-branded drugs, pornographic publications, weapons, firearms & ammunition and gold bullion, short wave radios, telephones. 

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS 

USEFUL INFORMATION

1. Port and Airport storage charges will be charged to the origin agent at cost if OBL and relevant clearance documents are not received by T.I.M.N. Agent prior to arrival of goods.
2.  Liquor & wine attract very high Malaysian Custom Duties.  We advise against importation to avoid complication in clearance.
3. All personal effects consignments are subject to 100% customs examination.

Personal Effects

Definition - Personal Effects is defined as own household and personal items proven and identifiable as being purchased at least 3 months or having being used six months prior to date of import.  Any items in the shipment which look new must be accompanied with purchase receipts as proof for customs upon arrival.  Any personal effects identified as new (less than 6 months old) will attract import duties.  The shipper must be in country prior to arrival of shipment to sign necessary documents such as approved permits for cars, National Electricity Board Permit for electrical appliances & other clearance documents required.
Used Personal & Household Effects brought into Malaysia, exempted from duties exempted by (a) foreigners who have valid Malaysian work permit / employment letter by Malaysian employer  (b) Returning Malaysians who have been out of country for a continuous period in excess of 3 months.

Import Declaration Requirements

�         The shipper must be in the country to sign the letter of Authorisation and to provide Approved Permits for cars, a copy of passport with entry stamp into Malaysia before arrival of goods.

�         Goods packed must tally with the packing list.

�         Any personal effects identified as new (less than 3 months old) will attract import duties.

�         Documents required are:  Ocean Bill of Lading, Malaysian Customs Form 1 (signed by shipper), Letter of Authorisation, Packing List, list of items requiring permits / licenses and copy of Insurance Policy (if any)

�         Consignee must arrive in Malaysia before shipment arrives at port of entry as a copy of passport and entry stamp into Malaysia are required before clearance can take place.

�         Returning Malaysians, having stayed abroad for more than 12 months continuously, may ship one of each used (for at least six months) household and personal item duty free. Items which look new require purchase receipts as proof to Customs upon clearance.

�         Foreign personnel may import shipments duty free as long as their items are owned and used for at least six months prior to arrival. Any items which looks new require receipts as proof to customs upon arrival. Copy of work permit or letter of employment from the local company, passport and latest entry stamp are required before clearance can take place.

�         A list of electrical items must be made together with brand, model, serial number, year purchased, and origin, to be submitted to us before shipment arrives at port of entry as an electrical permit is required before clearance.

�         Video tapes and CD�s require censorship approval at a charge of US$3.00/tape. If material is deemed not suitable for viewing in Malaysia, Customs are entitled to destroy such items.

�         Liquor and cigarettes are subject to heavy import duty.

�         For automobiles and motorcycles, shipper must obtain "approval permit" from the Ministry of Trade before shipping from origin.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

�         Customs clearance is always completed at the port of entry and subject to 100% customs examination.

�         OBL, packing lists and owner contact in Malaysia at least five days before vessel arrival at port of entry in order to expedite normal customs clearance. Clearance will take about seven working days for full container loads or ten working days for NVOCC or LCL shipments.

�         Consolidation is not recommended; please contact us for instructions before container loading at origin.

�         Packing lists must have proper description of all contents and must be written in English.

Importation of car

�         Documents required for clearance are: Malaysian Approved Permit (AP) from the Ministry of Trade & Industry, Bill of Lading, letter of Authorisation, Malaysian Custom Form 1, Registration Card, Purchase Invoice.

�         Import duties are based on CIF value and/or second hand value as determined by Customs examination and valuation.

�         Partial exemption duties are subject to Treasury approval for Malaysian diplomats and government officers.  Full exemption may be offered for certified foreign diplomats, subject to application for exemption by respective Embassy.

�         General indication of import duties - where CIF value is less than RM 20,000 the Import Duty is 170% - 200% and sales vehicle is subject to tax 10%.  For more specific value please fax T.I.M.N. Agent the make, model, year of manufacture and CIF value.  Assessment on the vehicle is subject to the discretion of Customs & Excise Department Officer at the time of clearance.

�         Under the new 2001 Budget, returning Malaysians will be exempted from duties and sales tax provided vehicle must be registered in the country of origin for at least 6 months in the name of either husband or wife.

�         Car in excess of 5 years old please fax details of vehicle for verification and approval by Ministry of International Trade & Industry.

Pets

The Vaccination / Health Certificate and Malaysian Import Permit is required.  Details of the pet (flight details, name, age, sex, colour & breed) and copy of vaccination and Health Certificate must be provided to us to apply for Malaysian Import Permit before pet can be imported into Malaysia.  No quarantine required for birds.  1 weeks advance notice is required before arrival to book kennel / quarantine accommodation.  The application of permit will be taken care of by T.I.M.N. Agent and will fax the same to client.  Once consignment is booked, shipper will be assisted in clearing the pet at airport and for quarantine.
Quarantine period at 7 days (max) will be required before release to consignee.

The following breeds are prohibited to enter/import into the country:

Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier and American Pit Bull.

The following breeds can enter/import into Malaysia under special permit approve from government veterinary prior to arrival in KLIA.  German Shepherd, Doberman, Rottweiller, Belgian Shepherd, East European Shepherd, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier and Canary Dog.

*Documents required for application for this special permit is as follows:

• Must not be less than six month at the time of importing.
• Require micro chipped proof
• Owner local address (The residence here must be available for veterinary inspection)
• Letter from the owner confirming the following:
  • Dog is family Pet
  • Dog is not for breeding or for sale
  • Dog will be kept in compound at all times
  • Dog will be muzzled and leashed when not in the compound
  • Two copies of the latest picture of pet

Please allow at least three to four working days for the government veterinary doctor to process the approval of the permit.

Plants

Clearance documents required are: Phytosanitory Certificate issued by origin country, Letter of Authorisation, Invoice, Malaysian Custom Form 1 & Import Permit.
Mandatory quarantine period of 3 days

Films & Video Tapes

Censorship required (time taken 1 month) & screening fee of RM 15 per tape.

Antiques

Clearance documents required are: Malaysian Customs Form 1, Letter of Authorisation, Origin Invoice, Certificate of Antiquity from Origin Country to indicate if antique is over 100 years and to be approved by Museum Authority prior to importation.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance and all T.I.M.N. members are entitled to reproduce this information and any contributions are welcomed.  T.I.M.N. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use.  As such it is advisable to contact the nearest customs office for Malaysia for full and current information prior to importation.