Essential Guide to Customs Clearance in Malaysia

How Long Does It Take for Customs Clearance in Malaysia

The customs clearance process in Malaysia typically takes 2 to 5 working days, depending on the complexity of the shipment and whether any additional permits or licenses are required.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated processing times for customs clearance in Malaysia:

Here is a breakdown of the customs clearance process in Malaysia:

1. Pre-arrival processing (PAP): Importers can submit an import declaration to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) before the arrival of the goods. This can help to expedite the clearance process.

2. Arrival of goods: The goods arrive in Malaysia and are presented to the RMCD for inspection.

3. Customs declaration: The importer or their agent submits a customs declaration form to the RMCD. The declaration must include information about the goods, such as the country of origin, value, and quantity.

4. Assessment of duties and taxes: The RMCD assesses the duties and taxes payable on the goods. The duties and taxes payable depend on the type of goods and their value.

5. Payment of duties and taxes: The importer or their agent pays the duties and taxes to the RMCD.

6. Release of goods: Once the duties and taxes have been paid, the RMCD releases the goods to the importer or their agent.

If there are any issues with the shipment, such as missing documentation or incorrect valuation, the RMCD may delay the clearance process. In some cases, the RMCD may also require a physical inspection of the goods.

However, several factors can affect the clearance time, such as:

• The type of imported goods: Certain goods, such as controlled or restricted items, may require additional processing and documentation, which can extend the clearance time.
• The value of the goods: Shipments with a higher value may be subject to more scrutiny, which can also lengthen the clearance process.
• The accuracy of the customs declaration: Incomplete or inaccurate information on the customs declaration can lead to delays in clearance.
• The workload of the customs department: Customs clearance times may be longer during peak periods or when there are backlogs.

To minimize the risk of delays, it is vital to ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate and to submit the customs declaration as early as possible. Importers should also know the specific requirements for the goods they are importing and obtain any necessary permits or licenses in advance.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated clearance times for different types of shipments:

• Air freight: 2 to 3 working days
• Sea freight: 3 to 5 working days
• Courier: 1 to 2 working days

Please note that these are estimates, and the clearance time may vary. For more accurate information, please get in touch with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.

How Much is The Customs Clearance Fee in Malaysia

The customs clearance fee in Malaysia is MYR 33 (equivalent to USD 10) per Customs Declaration presented to customs authorities. This fee applies to goods valued at MYR 500 (equivalent to USD 150) or more. There is no customs clearance fee for goods with a value of less than MYR 500.

In addition to the customs declaration fee, there may also be import duties and taxes applicable to the goods being imported. The import duty rate is typically between 5% and 10%, while the sales tax rate is 6%. However, these rates have several exemptions, so it is essential to check with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) to determine the exact rates that will apply to your goods.

Here is a table summarising the customs clearance fees and taxes in Malaysia:

Please note that these are just estimates, and the fees and taxes may vary depending on the imported goods. It is always best to consult the RMCD for the most accurate information.

What Documents Are Needed for Customs Clearance in Malaysia

The documents required for customs clearance in Malaysia may vary depending on the type of imported goods, the value of the goods, and the country of origin. However, in general, the following documents are required for customs clearance in Malaysia:

1. Import Declaration (Form K1)

The Import Declaration is the primary document to declare the goods imported into Malaysia. It must be completed and submitted electronically through the Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) system.

2. Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill

The Bill of Lading or Air Waybill is a document that serves as a receipt for the goods being shipped and a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.

3. Invoice

The invoice is a commercial document that details the goods being imported, the quantity of goods, the unit price, and the total value.

4. Packing List

The packing list is a document that provides a detailed description of the goods being imported, including the quantity of goods, the weight of goods, and the dimensions of goods.

5. Import License (if applicable)

An import license is required for certain goods, such as firearms, explosives, and hazardous materials.

6. Certificates of Origin

Certificates of origin are documents that certify the country of origin of the imported goods. They may be required for specific goods or goods eligible for preferential tariff treatment.

Additional Documents (May be Required):

1. Import License: An import license may be required from the relevant government agency for certain types of goods.

2. Certificates of Origin: These documents certify the country where the goods were manufactured or produced.

3. Permits or Licenses: Depending on the type of goods, additional permits or licenses may be required, such as phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products or sanitary certificates for food products.

4. Valuation Report: A valuation report prepared by a qualified appraiser may be required to determine the correct customs value for high-value goods.

5. Insurance Documents: If the goods are insured, the insurance policy or certificate of insurance may be required.

For more information on the documents required for customs clearance in Malaysia, you can visit the Royal Malaysian Customs Department website or consult a customs broker.