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Essential Guide to the Import Permit in Malaysia

Where to Apply for an Import Permit in Malaysia

You can apply for an import permit in Malaysia through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). There are two ways to use it:

Online:

  1. Go to the MITI website (https://www.miti.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/3796) and click on “Services” > “Import” > “Apply for Import Permit”.
  2. Create an account or sign in to your existing account.
  3. Fill out the application form and provide all required documents.
  4. Apply and pay the applicable fees.

By post:

  1. Download the application form from the MITI website.
  2. Fill out the application form and provide all required documents.
  3. Mail the application form and documents to:

Ministry of International Trade and Industry Permits and Licensing Section Level 1, Blok B, Wisma MITI No. 4, Jalan Wisma Lahat 50480 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Processing time:

The processing time for an import permit application is typically 5 to 10 working days. However, the processing time may be longer for complex applications or if additional information is required.

Fees:

The fees for an import permit vary depending on the imported goods. You can find the latest fee schedule on the MITI website.

Additional requirements:

In addition to the application form and required documents, you may also need to meet specific additional requirements depending on the type of goods being imported. For example, you may need a license or certification from the relevant government agency.

For more information on applying for an import permit in Malaysia, please visit the MITI website or contact the MITI Permits and Licensing Section at +603-8888-3721.

How Do I Import Goods to Malaysia

Importing goods to Malaysia involves a series of steps to ensure compliance with regulations and customs procedures. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to import goods to Malaysia:

1. Check if the goods are prohibited or restricted:

Before proceeding with the importation process, verifying whether the goods you intend to import are banned or restricted in Malaysia is crucial. Refer to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s (JKDM) website for a detailed list of prohibited and restricted goods.

2. Obtain an import permit if required:

Certain goods require an import permit from the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) or the Department of Agriculture (DOA). Check the JKDM website or consult an import consultant to determine if your goods require an import permit.

3. Register with the relevant authorities:

You may need to register with the appropriate government agency if you’re importing specific goods. For instance, importing animal products necessitates registration with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), while importing plant products requires registration with the DOA.

4. Prepare the necessary documentation:

Gather the essential documentation for importing goods to Malaysia. This typically includes:

  • Commercial invoice: A detailed document from the supplier outlining the goods, quantity, value, and payment terms.

  • Packing list: A detailed list of the goods, including their quantity, description, and packing details.

  • Certificate of origin: A document certifying the country of origin of the goods.

  • Insurance certificate: If the goods are insured, provide the insurance certificate.

  • Additional documents: Depending on the goods, you may need specific certifications or permits, such as phytosanitary certificates for plant products or sanitary certificates for animal products.

5. Arrange for customs clearance:

Once the goods arrive in Malaysia, customs clearance is mandatory. This involves submitting the required documentation to JKDM and paying any applicable duties and taxes. You can either handle customs clearance yourself or appoint a customs broker to handle the process.

6. Transport the goods to Malaysia:

Arrange for the transportation of the goods from the origin country to Malaysia. This may involve air, sea, or land transportation, depending on the nature and volume of the goods.

7. Comply with post-importation requirements:

Adhere to any post-importation requirements, such as labelling or testing, as specified by the relevant authorities. These requirements ensure the goods meet Malaysian standards and regulations.

What is the K1 Form for Import

Customs Form No. 1 (K1), the Import Declaration Form, is an official document required to import goods into Malaysia. It declares the goods being imported, providing details about the importer, consignee, goods description, quantity, value, and country of origin.

Purpose of K1 Form:

The K1 Form plays a crucial role in the import process, fulfilling several purposes:

  1. Customs Compliance: It facilitates customs clearance procedures, ensuring that the imported goods comply with Malaysian import regulations and that proper duties and taxes are paid.

  2. Trade Statistics: The information collected through the K1 Form contributes to trade statistics, providing valuable insights into Malaysia’s import activities and patterns.

  3. Import Documentation: The importer must provide evidence of the imported goods and facilitate transactions with the consignee and financial institutions.

Who is responsible for completing the K1 Form:

The importer or their authorized representative is responsible for completing the K1 Form accurately and providing all required information. The importer or their authorized representative must sign the form.

When is the K1 Form required:

The K1 Form is required for all imports of goods into Malaysia, regardless of the mode of transportation (air, sea, or land). It is typically prepared and submitted before the goods are shipped to Malaysia.

How to obtain the K1 Form:

The K1 Form can be obtained from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) website or authorized customs agents. It can be filled out electronically or manually.

Submission Process:

The completed K1 Form and any supporting documents must be submitted to JKDM for verification and processing. The form may be submitted electronically through the JKDM’s Customs Integrated System (CIS) or manually at the designated customs office.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Failure to submit the K1 Form or providing inaccurate information can result in penalties, fines, and potential legal action.

What is the K2 Form in Malaysia

Customs Form No. 2 (K2), the Export Declaration Form, is an official document required to export goods from Malaysia. It declares the goods being shipped, providing details about the exporter, consignee, goods description, quantity, value, and destination country.

Purpose of K2 Form:

The K2 Form plays a crucial role in the export process, fulfilling several purposes:

  1. Customs Compliance: It facilitates customs clearance procedures, ensuring that the exported goods comply with Malaysian export regulations and that proper duties and taxes are paid.

  2. Trade Statistics: The information collected through the K2 Form contributes to trade statistics, providing valuable insights into Malaysia’s export activities and patterns.

  3. Export Documentation: The exporter must provide evidence of the exported goods and facilitate transactions with the consignee and financial institutions.

Who is responsible for completing the K2 Form:

The exporter or their authorized representative is responsible for completing the K2 Form accurately and providing all required information. The exporter or their authorized representative must sign the form.

When is the K2 Form required:

The K2 Form is required for all exports of goods from Malaysia, regardless of the mode of transportation (air, sea, or land). It is typically prepared and submitted before the goods are exported.

How to obtain the K2 Form:

The K2 Form can be obtained from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) website or authorized customs agents. It can be filled out electronically or manually.

Submission Process:

The completed K2 Form and supporting documents must be submitted to JKDM for verification and processing. The form may be submitted electronically through the JKDM’s Customs Integrated System (CIS) or manually at the designated customs office.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Failure to submit the K2 Form or providing inaccurate information can result in penalties, fines, and potential legal action.

What is Import Duty in Malaysia

Import duty in Malaysia is a tax levied on imported goods. It is typically imposed on an ad valorem basis, meaning that the duty is calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods. The average applied tariff for industrial goods in Malaysia is 6.1%. However, the specific duty rate for a particular product will depend on the product’s Harmonized Systems (HS) code.

In addition to import duty, goods imported into Malaysia are subject to the Sales and Service Tax (SST) at a rate of 10%. The SST is a broad-based tax that applies to various goods and services, including imports.

Here are some examples of import duty rates for different types of goods:

  • Food: 5% to 10%
  • Clothing: 5% to 10%
  • Electronics: 5% to 10%
  • Vehicles: 10% to 30%
  • Machinery: 5% to 10%
  • Chemicals: 5% to 10%

It is important to note that these are just examples, and the actual duty rate for a particular product can vary depending on some factors, such as the country of origin of the goods and whether the goods are eligible for any duty exemptions or reductions.

To calculate the total import duty and SST for a particular product, you can use the following formula:

Total duty = (Import duty rate + SST rate) * Value of goods

For example, if the import duty rate for a product is 5% and the SST rate is 10%, and the value of the goods is RM1000, then the total duty would be:

Total duty = (5% + 10%) * RM1000 = RM150

Therefore, the total cost of importing the goods would be RM1000 + RM150 = RM1150.