Customs is a complicated process that has its own set of rules. If you are planning to import a controlled product, you will have to deal with customs. These rules apply to all products including drugs, food, alcohol and tobacco. The government requires all imports to be classified into categories under Harmonized System (HS) code which is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers for classifying goods in international trade.
If you have a product that doesn’t fit into one of the categories, you will need to apply to the customs to classify it. All products must go through a series of checks and inspections. Therefore, the paperwork is so complex for most people who are not familiar with the customs clearance and handling Malaysia.
A controlled or restricted product in Malaysia means that it is restricted from being imported freely into the country. Approved Permits (APs) are licenses that are required for importing these goods into Malaysia. APs are issued by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and are used to regulate the import of goods that are considered strategic, sensitive, or controlled.
The specific types of goods that require APs may vary, but they may include items such as:
- Arms and ammunition: This category include a range of products such as firearms, explosives, and related equipment.
- Strategic goods: This category includes a range of products that are considered strategically significant, such as certain motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, military equipment, telecommunications equipment, and cryptographic equipment.
- Hazardous chemicals: This category includes a range of chemicals that are considered hazardous, such as toxic or flammable substances.
- Protected species: This category includes a range of species that are protected by international conventions, such as endangered animals and plants.
In order to obtain an AP, the importer must apply to MITI along with any required documents. The application will be reviewed by MITI, and if approved, an AP will be issued. The importer must then present the AP to the customs authorities in order to import the goods into Malaysia.
It is important for importers to be aware of the types of goods that require APs in order to ensure that they have the necessary permits in place before attempting to import the goods into Malaysia. Importers should also be aware that failure to obtain the required APs may result in heavy penalties or fines.
Other than that control of Aps for restricted goods or products, customs handling and clearance procedures in Malaysia are similar to many other countries, which involve a series of steps that must be followed to ensure that imported goods are properly declared and all applicable duties and taxes are paid. Here is an overview of the customs handling and clearance process in Malaysia:
- Obtain import permits: Depending on the type of goods being imported, certain import permits may be required. These permits can be obtained from the relevant government agencies.
- Submit a cargo clearance permit (CCP) application: This application must be submitted to the Malaysia International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) or the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in order to obtain a CCP.
- Submit a bill of lading: This document, which is issued by the carrier, must be submitted to the customs authorities in order to clear the goods for import.
- Pay any applicable duties and taxes: The importer must pay any applicable import duties, taxes, and fees to the customs authorities.
- Complete customs clearance: Once all the required documents and payments have been submitted, the customs authorities will review and approve the importation of the goods.
- Collect the imported goods: The importer can collect the imported goods from the designated customs area once the goods have been cleared for importation.
It is important for importers to be familiar with the customs handling and clearance procedures in Malaysia in order to ensure that their imports are processed smoothly and efficiently. It is also recommended to work with a customs broker or freight forwarder who can assist with the customs clearance process.
VSHUB together with Borderclick have been importing goods for thousands of customers over the past ten years for many products categories for ranging from consumer products, industrial goods, food and beverages and machineries. Our customers include end consumers, small and medium enterprises and large companies.
VSHUB is a specialist in handling door-to-door shipping to Malaysia which include customs handling and clearance as a special customs agent or broker or as an importer of record. Together with Borderclick, we have handled over 30,000 deliveries including customs handling and clearance for more than 5,000 satisfied customers.