Australia Shipping - Import Regulations

Import Regulations – Malaysia

In terms of two-way goods and services trade, Malaysia is Australia's third-largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2007-2008 total trade was $14 billion. In 2008, total merchandise trade between Australia and Malaysia was $12,9 billion with Australian exports of $4 billion and imports of $8,9 billion. Total two-way services trade in 2007-2008 was $2,5 billion with Australian exports of $1,5 billion and imports of $1 billion. Major merchandise exports from Australia to Malaysia include copper, crude petroleum, aluminum, coal, dairy products, wheat, ferrous waste, scrap and medicaments. Malaysia and Australia have signed an Avoidance of Double Taxation agreement. In Malaysia import permits are required for a number of products including meat, milk, wine, eggs, plants, cosmetics, explosives, firearms, dangerous drugs, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Product certification, labeling and packaging
Whisky or brandy requires a certificate of age stating that it has been stored in wood for at least three years. Inedible tallow requires a sterilization certificate, issued by the approved authority in Australia. Halal and health certificates are required for all meatbased products.

Packaging and labeling requirements vary depending on the products.

Documentary requirements
Pro-forma is not compulsory but may be requested in certain cases.
2 copies of commercial invoice are required. The invoice has to be signed by the exporter or shipper. It must indicate the following information:
• country of origin;
• number and descriptions of packages;
• detailed description of the goods;
• marks and numbers of individual packages;
• place of shipment and destination of the goods;
• gross and net weights or quantity;
• FOB and CIF values.

The certificate of origin is compulsory for goods on which preference is claimed. The document must include:
• a description of the goods;
• total invoice value of the goods;
• a signature by the proprietor, a partner or principal official of the manufacturing or supplying firm.

Minimum of 2 bill of lading copies are required. Packing list must be furnished if contents of shipment not itemised in invoice. Besides, it facilitates customs clearance.

Prior permits from the Malaysian Department of Agriculture are required for plants, their parts for propagation, including seeds, soil for research purposes. All imported foodstuffs and drugs are subject to inspection. Machinery must meet with safety requirements and be approved by the Chief Inspector of Machinery. Electric motors must be approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector.