The Ultimate Guide to Trading With Malaysia

To import or export to Malaysia, you will need to follow these general steps:

  1. Obtain an import/export license from the Malaysian government.
  2. Find a supplier or customer in Malaysia.
  3. Obtain all necessary permits and certifications for your goods, such as a certificate of origin or a phytosanitary certificate.
  4. Arrange for freight and logistics services to transport your goods to and from Malaysia.
  5. Ensure that all documentation, including the invoice, bill of lading, and customs declaration, is accurate and in order.
  6. Clear your goods through customs and pay any applicable duties and taxes.

You should also be aware of the laws, regulations and tariffs for the specific goods you want to import/export, as well as compliance with other trade agreements that Malaysia is part of. It is advisable to seek professional help from freight forwarders and customs brokers who are experienced in handling international trade with Malaysia.

Obtain an import/export license from the Malaysian government.

To obtain an import/export license from the Malaysian government, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Register your company with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) if you haven’t done so already.
  2. Apply for a Business Identification Number (BIN) from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP)
  3. Register for the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) if your company is involved in import/export activities.
  4. Obtain a Customs account from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD)
  5. Apply for the import/export license from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)

It is important to note that specific industries may have different requirements for obtaining an import/export license in Malaysia. You may need to comply with regulations from other government agencies such as the Ministry of Health for medical products, or the Ministry of Agriculture for agricultural products.

Find a supplier or customer in Malaysia.

To find a supplier or customer in Malaysia, you can take the following steps:

  1. Research potential suppliers or customers online: You can use business directories and search engines to find companies that provide the products or services you’re looking for. Some popular directories include the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME)
  2. Attend trade shows and expos: Malaysia hosts many trade shows and expos throughout the year, which can be a great way to find suppliers or customers. You can find a list of upcoming events on the MATRADE website
  3. Network with other industry professionals: Joining industry associations or attending networking events can help you connect with other professionals who may be able to introduce you to potential suppliers or customers.
  4. Utilize online marketplaces: Utilize online marketplaces such as Alibaba, Amazon, and ebay, to find suppliers and customers in Malaysia.
  5. Consider hiring a sourcing agent: If you’re not familiar with the local market, you may want to consider hiring a sourcing agent to help you find suppliers or customers in Malaysia. Sourcing agents are familiar with the local market and can help you identify potential partners and negotiate deals on your behalf.

It’s important to always do your due diligence and check the legitimacy of the supplier or customer before conducting business with them.

Obtain all necessary permits and certifications for your goods, such as a certificate of origin or a phytosanitary certificate.

To obtain all necessary permits and certifications for your goods when importing or exporting to Malaysia, you will need to:

  1. Determine the specific requirements for your goods: Depending on the type of goods you are importing or exporting, you may need to obtain certain permits and certifications. For example, if you are exporting food products, you will need to obtain a phytosanitary certificate, which verifies that the products have been inspected and found free of plant pests and diseases.
  2. Obtain a certificate of origin: A certificate of origin is a document that confirms the country where the goods were produced. This certificate is required for certain goods that are eligible for preferential tariffs under trade agreements.
  3. Obtain any other required certifications: Depending on the type of goods, you may need to obtain additional certifications such as halal certification for food products, or safety and quality certifications for electronic goods.
  4. Make sure your goods comply with Malaysia’s import and export regulations: Before shipping your goods to Malaysia, you should check that your goods comply with the country’s import and export regulations. This includes ensuring that your goods are not on Malaysia’s prohibited or restricted list, and that they meet the country’s safety and health standards.
  5. Contact the relevant government agencies: you should contact the relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Agriculture, to find out what permits and certifications are required for your goods, and how to obtain them.

It’s important to note that the process of obtaining permits and certifications can be time-consuming, so it’s important to plan accordingly and allow enough time to complete the process before shipping your goods.

Ensure that all documentation, including the invoice, bill of lading, and customs declaration, is accurate and in order.

To ensure that all documentation, including the invoice, bill of lading, and customs declaration, is accurate and in order when importing or exporting to Malaysia, you should:

  1. Prepare the commercial invoice: The commercial invoice is a document that lists the details of the goods being shipped, such as the description, quantity, and value of the goods. It is important that the invoice is accurate and complete, as it is used by customs officials to assess the duties and taxes that are due on the shipment.
  2. Prepare the bill of lading: The bill of lading is a document that acts as a contract between the shipper and the carrier and it serves as a receipt for the goods. Make sure that the bill of lading accurately reflects the details of the shipment, including the number of packages, the weight and dimensions of the goods, and the names and addresses of the shipper and the consignee.
  3. Prepare the customs declaration: The customs declaration is a document that provides information about the goods being imported or exported, including their value, origin, and classification. It is important that the customs declaration is accurate and complete, as it is used by customs officials to clear the shipment through customs.
  4. Check for any additional documents: Depending on the type of goods you are importing or exporting, you may be required to provide additional documents such as a certificate of origin, a phytosanitary certificate, or a halal certificate.
  5. Double check the accuracy of the information before submitting the documents: Carefully review all documents to ensure that the information is accurate and complete before submitting them to the relevant authorities.
  6. Keep copies of all documentation: Make sure to keep copies of all documentation for your records and in case of any future reference.

To clear your goods through customs and pay any applicable duties and taxes when importing or exporting to Malaysia, you should:

  1. Declare your goods to customs: Submit your customs declaration and any other required documents to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) to declare your goods.
  2. Pay any applicable duties and taxes: Based on the information provided in the customs declaration and other documents, customs officials will calculate any applicable duties and taxes that are due on the shipment. You will be required to pay these duties and taxes before the goods can be cleared through customs.
  3. Obtain any necessary permits or licenses: Depending on the type of goods you are importing or exporting, you may be required to obtain certain permits or licenses from other government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Agriculture.
  4. Comply with any additional regulations: Make sure to comply with any additional regulations that may apply to your goods, such as labeling requirements or safety standards.
  5. Keep all the documents: Keep all the original documents, such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and customs declaration, in case of any future reference.

It’s important to remember that customs regulations and procedures can be complex and it’s advisable to work with a freight forwarder or customs broker who is familiar with the regulations and can assist you in the process of clearing your goods through customs and paying any applicable duties and taxes.

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