Import Permit Application (Malaysia)

An Import Permit Application in Malaysia sets out the particulars an applicant must provide to obtain the approval concerned.

Under Section 31 of the Customs Act 1967, no person shall import prohibited or restricted goods into Malaysia except under and in accordance with a licence or permit. The Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2017 categorises goods into those that are absolutely prohibited from import (such as obscene publications, poisonous chemicals not for medicinal use, and counterfeit currency), and those that are restricted (requiring a permit from JKDM or a specified licensing authority before importation is permitted).

Malaysia's import permit system is administered through the National Single Window (NSW) — myTradeLink.gov.my — which integrates the import permit application process across multiple government agencies, enabling traders to apply for import permits electronically. The single window system was implemented under the Malaysian National Single Window (NSW) framework administered by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in cooperation with JKDM and over 35 participating agencies.

The import duties and sales tax applicable to imported goods in Malaysia are governed by the Customs Duties Order 2017, the Sales Tax Act 2018, and applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) — including the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA), and the Thorough and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) — which may provide preferential tariff rates for qualifying goods from FTA partner countries.

The legal framework governing the Import Permit Application (Malaysia) in Malaysia draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under Malaysian law, the Contracts Act 1950 (Act 136) governs contractual obligations. The Companies Act 2016 (Act 777) regulates corporate entities through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). The Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) and the Department of Labour govern employment matters. The Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709) and the Personal Data Protection Department protect personal data. The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) administers tax obligations. The Industrial Court adjudicates employment disputes under the Industrial Relations Act 1967 (Act 177). Parties executing a Import Permit Application (Malaysia) in Malaysia should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Companies Act 2016 (Act 777) sets the foundational requirements.

An Import Permit Application is required in Malaysia whenever a business or individual wishes to import goods classified as controlled or restricted under Malaysian import regulations.

An import permit application is needed when a Malaysian food importer wishes to import fresh, chilled, or frozen meat, poultry, or animal products. All meat and poultry imports into Malaysia require an import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the Veterinary Surveillance (Animal and Animal Products) Regulations 1975, in addition to certification that the products originate from JAKIM-approved Halal slaughterhouses for consumption by Muslim consumers.

An import permit is required when a pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinic wishes to import pharmaceutical products, controlled substances, or medical devices into Malaysia. Pharmaceutical imports require product registration with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, and an import licence from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) under the Poisons Act 1952 for controlled substances.

An import permit application is needed when a telecommunications equipment distributor or electronics company wishes to import communications devices, transmitters, or radio-frequency equipment into Malaysia. Such equipment requires type approval from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 before import permits will be issued by JKDM.

An import permit is required when a vehicle distributor or assembler wishes to import new or used motor vehicles, motorcycles, or commercial vehicles. The Approved Permit (AP) system for motor vehicles is administered by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and requires allocation of an Approved Permit (AP) before the vehicle can be imported and registered with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) under the Road Transport Act 1987.

An import permit application is needed when a firearms dealer, security company, or government agency wishes to import arms, ammunition, or related equipment into Malaysia, requiring approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) under the Arms Act 1960 and the Explosives Act 1957.

A complete Import Permit Application in Malaysia must include the following essential elements.

Importer Particulars: The full legal name, SSM registration number, Customs Registration Number (CRN) issued by JKDM, business address, and contact details of the importing entity. Importers must be registered with JKDM through the Customs Registration System before submitting import permit applications.

Goods Description and HS Code: A precise description of the goods to be imported, the applicable Harmonized System (HS) tariff code under the Customs Tariff (Classification of Goods) Order 2017, the quantity, unit of measure, and the customs value of the goods. The customs value is determined in accordance with the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement as implemented in Malaysia under the Customs (Valuation) Regulations 1999.

Country of Origin: The country where the goods were produced or manufactured, supported by a Certificate of Origin (CO) issued by the relevant authority in the exporting country. For goods from ASEAN member states claiming preferential tariff treatment under ATIGA, a Form D Certificate of Origin is required. For goods from countries with which Malaysia has bilateral FTAs, the relevant FTA-specific CO form must be submitted.

Supplier and Consignment Details: The full name and address of the foreign supplier, the purchase invoice or commercial invoice value in the currency of the transaction, and the Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB) number. These documents are required by JKDM to verify the transaction value for customs duty assessment purposes.

Sector-Specific Licences: Copies of all import licences, product registrations, type approvals, or Approved Permits issued by the relevant licensing authorities (DVS, NPRA, MCMC, MITI, etc.) as applicable to the specific goods being imported.

Customs Duty and Tax Computation: A declaration of the applicable customs import duty rate under the Customs Duties Order 2017, the computed duty amount in MYR, and the applicable Sales Tax rate under the Sales Tax Act 2018 (where goods are not exempt), together with the total amount of duties and taxes payable to JKDM before the goods can be released from customs control.

Additional compliance elements for a Import Permit Application (Malaysia) used in Malaysia include: Under Malaysian law, the Contracts Act 1950 (Act 136) governs contractual obligations. The Companies Act 2016 (Act 777) regulates corporate entities through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). The Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) and the Department of Labour govern employment matters. The Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709) and the Personal Data Protection Department protect personal data. The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) administers tax obligations. The Industrial Court adjudicates employment disputes under the Industrial Relations Act 1967 (Act 177). Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Malaysia-compliant documentation.