Moving to Malaysia

Moving to Malaysia

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICED GOODS
It is prohibited to import narcotics (death penalty for drug trafficking), non-branded drugs, pornographic publications, weapons, firearms & ammunition and gold bullion, short wave radios, telephones.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
USEFUL INFORMATION
1. Port and Airport storage charges will be charged to the origin agent at cost if OBL and relevant clearance documents are not received our Agent prior to arrival of goods.
2. Liquor & wine attract very high Malaysian Custom Duties. We advise against importation to avoid complication in clearance.
3. All personal effects consignments are subject to 100% customs examination.

Personal Effects
Definition - Personal Effects is defined as own household and personal items proven and identifiable as being purchased at least 3 months or having being used six months prior to date of import. Any items in the shipment which look new must be accompanied with purchase receipts as proof for customs upon arrival. Any personal effects identified as new (less than 6 months old) will attract import duties. The shipper must be in country prior to arrival of shipment to sign necessary documents such as approved permits for cars, National Electricity Board Permit for electrical appliances & other clearance documents required.

Used Personal & Household Effects brought into Malaysia, exempted from duties exempted by (a) foreigners who have valid Malaysian work permit / employment letter by Malaysian employer (b) Returning Malaysians who have been out of country for a continuous period in excess of 3 months.

Import Declaration Requirements
- The shipper must be in the country to sign the letter of Authorisation and to provide Approved Permits for cars, a copy of passport with entry stamp into Malaysia before arrival of goods.
- Goods packed must tally with the packing list.
- Any personal effects identified as new (less than 3 months old) will attract import duties.
- Documents required are: Ocean Bill of Lading, Malaysian Customs Form 1 (signed by shipper), Letter of Authorisation, Packing List, list of items requiring permits / licenses and copy of Insurance Policy (if any)

- Consignee must arrive in Malaysia before shipment arrives at port of entry as a copy of passport and entry stamp into Malaysia are required before clearance can take place.
- Returning Malaysians, having stayed abroad for more than 12 months continuously, may ship one of each used (for at least six months) household and personal item duty free. Items which look new require purchase receipts as proof to Customs upon clearance.
- Foreign personnel may import shipments duty free as long as their items are owned and used for at least six months prior to arrival. Any items which looks new require receipts as proof to customs upon arrival. Copy of work permit or letter of employment from the local company, passport and latest entry stamp are required before clearance can take place.
- A list of electrical items must be made together with brand, model, serial number, year purchased, and origin, to be submitted to us before shipment arrives at port of entry as an electrical permit is required before clearance.
- Video tapes and CD’s require censorship approval at a charge of US$3.00/tape. If material is deemed not suitable for viewing in Malaysia, Customs are entitled to destroy such items.
- Liquor and cigarettes are subject to heavy import duty.
- For automobiles and motorcycles, shipper must obtain "approval permit" from the Ministry of Trade before shipping from origin.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Customs clearance is always completed at the port of entry and subject to 100% customs examination.
- OBL, packing lists and owner contact in Malaysia at least five days before vessel arrival at port of entry in order to expedite normal customs clearance. Clearance will take about seven working days for full container loads or ten working days for NVOCC or LCL shipments.
- Consolidation is not recommended; please contact us for instructions before container loading at origin.
- Packing lists must have proper description of all contents and must be written in English.

Importation of car
- Documents required for clearance are: Malaysian Approved Permit (AP) from the Ministry of Trade & Industry, Bill of Lading, letter of Authorisation, Malaysian Custom Form 1, Registration Card, Purchase Invoice.