Moving to Malaysia or for that matter any country can become difficult-unless you make yourself aware of the customs regulation details in that country. After all, you do not want your belongings to be stranded in some port in the country. In some countries especially, customs regulations can be very stringent-and you may suddenly find yourself in a puddle. So, do your homework!
The customs regulations information listed on our website have been collected from several sources including information made-available-by embassies and government websites.
Customs Regulations applicable while shipping to Malaysia
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport (copy of photograph page, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pages and stamped by immigration - date of entry)
- Work Permit
- Visa for Employment and Residence
- Customs Form No. 1 (eight copies) signed by customer
- Letter from employer in Malaysia stating reason for import, job function and approximate duration of stay
- Inventory (original or a copy ) must correspond EXACTLY to contents of shipment
- Separate list of electrical items, appliances and new items. (Not to be omitted from the inventory. Please clearly state the brand, model, country of origin, voltage and price.)
- Letter of Authorization to Destination Agent, signed by customer, to clear shipment
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- CUSTOMER MUST BE IN THE COUNTRY AT TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE TO SIGN DOCUMENTS
- All shipments subject to 100% Customs examination
- Used household goods duty-free if:
- Customer has owned goods for a minimum of three months and will not dispose of them for at least six months
- Customer is a foreigner holding a Work Permit or
- Customer is a Malaysian who has been out of the country for a continuous period over 12 months
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS
- All electrical items require Import Permit
- All items less than six months old are taxed and dutiable (original invoices with value are required)
- Video cassettes and films
- Subject to review by the Film Censorship Board
- Additional charges are for the customer's account
- Precious metal objects
- Plants require Phytosanitary Certificate and approval from the Ministry of Agriculture
- Computers are tax free, limited to no more than three imported per family, cannot be sold within one year of import, and require an Import License
- Alcohol and cigarettes are subject to high import duties
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Firearms, dangerous weapons, fireworks, explosives, ammunition and knives
- Narcotics and drugs (violators subject to Death Penalty)
- Foodstuffs
- Pornographic or politically sensitive material (in the form of books, videos, films, etc.)
- Gold bullion
- Telephone and fax equipment (permit required)
- Short wave radios
- Satellite dish
- Nothing from Israel is allowed into Malaysia
- Any literature on communism is prohibited
MOTOR VEHICLES
- Import highly discouraged
- All motor vehicles (new or used) are subject to Customs duties, are highly taxed and require an Import Permit
- The permit must be granted before the vehicle is shipped
- Motor vehicles over five years old are prohibited
- Documents required:
- Original ownership certificate
- Customs Form No. 1 (eight copies)
- Insurance Policy
- Original and copy of passport of owner
- Letter from owner stating reason to import vehicles
- Invoice, if vehicle is new
PETS
- Dogs/cats/birds are permitted and require an Import Permit (prior to the animal's arrival)
- Health Certificate (issued within seven days of flight, and must state that animal comes from a rabies free area)
- Vaccination Certificate required (must show proof that vaccination was administered between 30 to 180 days prior to the flight)
- Must note breed, age, color, name of pet and owner and flight details
- One month quarantine (minimum one week advance notice required for kennel/quarantine space)
- After two weeks animal may be released to spend the remainder of the quarantine time at home in quarantine
NOTE - Customs regulations of Malaysia are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to Malaysia (this destination )and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, Movers.com cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate before you make your move to Malaysia.