7. Importation Requirements

5 Mins to read

Share
Dark
Light

7. Importation Requirements

5 Mins to read

Share
Dark
Light

Article summary

Did you find this summary helpful?

Thank you for your feedback

Beers & Whisky
Malaysia

This section provides information on the importation process (shipment, customs, licenses required, and test requirements).

7.1 Shipment Declaration

General Food

Declaration of food importation to be done to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. The importer shall make a full and true declaration of the goods imported, personally or by his agent upon arrival or landing of the goods in Malaysia.

1. The declaration of importation is to use Customs Form No.1 (K1) electronically.

Link: http://www.dagangnet.com/trade-facilitation/edeclare/

2. Submit an import permit when making a customs declaration either electronically or in hard copy.

Link: http://www.dagangnet.com/trade-facilitation/epermit/

The importer or his agent shall submit documents as requested by the authorized officer of customs for the purpose of assessing any declaration made by the importer. The list of supporting documents is as follows:

Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Invoices
Packing List
Country of Origin Certificate (if applicable)
Other relevant documents

Notification of food importations through FoSIM (Food Safety Information System of Malaysia)

The Importer or forwarding agent will use FoSIM and fill in the essential information required for the system to generate an examination level automatically. There are 6 levels:

Level 1: Green Release
Level 2: Examination of Specific Requirements Documents
Level 3: Release with Monitoring
Level 4: Release with Supervision
Level 5: Hold, Test, and Release (3 retention results must be complied with)
Level 6: Prohibition of Importation

Notify the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS), under The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) of the consignment's arrival.

For further details, please refer to the “BRIEF GUIDE FOR IMPORTER” [1] (Note: there is no English version of this document issued by the authority).

Category

Alcoholic drinks

Same as "General Food".

Product

1) Beer

Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.

2) Whisky

Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.

7.2 Customs Procedure

General Food

Step 1: Customs declaration

All imports of goods into Malaysia must be declared by:

Appointed Customs Agent (check can be made at myTRADELINK); or
Self-Declaration (AEO Program - AEO Portal AEO Malaysia (customsgc.gov.my); or
Direct User

Step 2: Classification of goods

Importers need to obtain confirmation on the goods to be imported into Malaysia and whether they are subject to any duties/taxes by obtaining the correct tariff code for the goods.

Step 3: Check whether the goods are controlled goods or imported prohibited goods

Check whether the goods to be imported are controlled goods or subject to import prohibitions or restrictions by the authorities.
Check whether the goods require an Import Permit/Approval from Another Government Agency (OGA) or Permit Issuing Agency (PIA). Permit/approval must be obtained before any importation is made.
Revisions can be made through the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2017.

Link: https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?type=pua&lang=BI&no=P.U.%20(A)%20103/2017 (see pdf provided) [6]

Step 4: Declaration & preparation of documents for customs release

Each importer shall make a full and true declaration of the goods imported, personally or by his agent upon arrival or landing of the goods in Malaysia.

1. The declaration of importation is to use Customs Form No.1 (K1) electronically.

Link: http://www.dagangnet.com/trade-facilitation/edeclare/

2. Submit an import permit when making a customs declaration either electronically or in hard copy.

Link: http://www.dagangnet.com/trade-facilitation/epermit/

Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Invoices
Packing List
Country of Origin Certificate (if applicable)
Other relevant documents (e.g. catalog, product ingredients, etc.)

Step 5: Inspection of goods

The authority (RMCD) reserves the right to inspect consignments to ensure that the importation complies with laws and regulations. Any authorized customs officer may conduct a physical inspection on any goods when required.

Step 6: Payment of duties/taxes

Duties/taxes payable on imported goods shall be paid by the importer at the time of arrival of the goods. Payment of duties/taxes can be made over the counter or through online payment.

Link: http://www.dagangnet.com/trade-facilitation/epayment/

Step 7: Customs approval

Goods to be imported can be approved for release provided that duties/taxes have been paid and a permit (if applicable) has been obtained.

Step 8: Customs release

Customs clearance can be allowed after all actions that have been set by the JKDM have been complied with and fulfilled.

Step 9: Save the document

Importation records shall be kept in Malaysia for a period of seven (7) years, except as approved by the Director General subject to any conditions imposed by him.

Note: Every omission or neglect to comply with, and every act done or attempted to be done contrary to, the provisions of the Customs Act 1967, or any breach of the conditions and restrictions subject thereto, or on the basis thereof, any license or permit issued or any exemption granted under this act, is an offense against this act [2].

Category

Alcoholic drinks

Same as "General Food" above.

Product

1) Beer

Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.

2) Whisky

Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.

7.3 Manufacturing License

General Food

A manufacturing license issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting country is required as part of the import permit application for certain products.

Food groups that are required to obtain an import permit before importing into Malaysia include plant and plant products, animal and animal products, and fish and fish products. [3,4]

Category

Alcoholic drinks

A manufacturing license is not required for the importation of alcoholic drinks.

Product

1) Beer

Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.

2) Whisky

Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.

7.4 Test for Importation

General Food

There is no specific test required mentioned in the regulation for the importation of General Foods to Malaysia. The potential tests that may be conducted depend on the specific product standard, which may outline required tests. The other potential tests that might also be conducted by the authority are as follows:

Microbiological Testing: Tests for the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Pesticide Residue Testing: Ensures imported food falls within acceptable levels of pesticide residues.
GMO Testing: Checking for the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in certain food products.
Chemical Testing: Identifying the presence of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or other contaminants.

Category

Alcoholic drinks

There is no specific test mentioned in the regulation for the importation of alcoholic drinks to Malaysia. However, the authority verbally mentioned that there is a possibility (very low) for the authority to check the alcohol content of the product to ensure compliance with its particular standard.

Product

1) Beer

Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.

2) Whisky

Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.

7.5 Other Notes or Requirements for Importation

General Food

The consignment of animal or animal products such as Meat, Poultry, Milk, and Eggs in Malaysia must obtain a valid import permit from the relevant agency (Department of Veterinary (DVS) or (Department of Malaysian Quarantine Inspection Services (MAQIS)) depending on the type of product.

Product

1) Beer

None.

2) Whisky

None.