Moving To Malaysia

Offering Shipping Solutions for Your Move to Malaysia

Dedicated Team of Professionals From Beginning to End

Customs Regulations for Malaysia

Passport
Work permit
Employment and resident visa
Eight (8) copies of Customs Form No. 1, signed by customer
Letter from Malaysian employer detailing reason for import, job function and expected duration of stay
Inventory corresponding with contents of shipment (original or copy)
Separate list of new items, electrical items and appliances (should be included in inventory-specify brand, model, country of origin, voltage and price)
Letter of Authorization to destination agent to clear shipment, signed by customer

According to Malaysian shipping regulations, you must be present in the country at the time of Customs clearance so you can sign appropriate documents.

All shipments subject to full Customs examination
Used household goods are duty-free if:
- Customer has been in possession of items for at least three months and will not dispose of items for at least six months
- Customer is a foreigner with a work permit OR
- Customer is a Malaysian who has been out of the country for at least twelve consecutive months

All items less than six months old are taxed and dutiable (original invoices stating value required)
All electrical items require import permit
Precious metal items
Films and video cassettes
- Subject to review by Film Censorship Board
- Additional charges for customer’s account
Plants
- Require approval from Ministry of Agriculture
- Require Phytosanitary Certificate
Computers are tax-free
- Limited to three imported per family
- Cannot be sold within one year of import
- Require import license
Alcohol and cigarettes subject to high import duties

Firearms, knives, and other dangerous weapons (as well as ammunition)
Fireworks and other explosives
Drugs and narcotics (violators subject to death penalty)
Foodstuffs
Pornographic or politically sensitive materials (including books, videos, films, etc.)
Gold bullion
Telephone and fax equipment (permit required)
Satellite dish
Short wave radios
Any items from Israel
Literature about communism

Import highly discouraged
All motor vehicles (new and used) subject to Customs duties and high tax rates
Import permit required-permit must be granted before vehicle is shipped
Vehicle older than five years are prohibited
Documents required:
- Original ownership certificate
- Eight (8) copies of Customs Form No. 1
- Insurance policy
- Original and copy of owner’s passport
- Letter from owner stating reason for import
- Invoice (for new vehicles)

Dogs, cats, and birds are permitted with import permit (prior to animal’s arrival)
Health certificate required (must be issued within seven days of flight, must state that animal comes from rabies-free area)
Vaccination certificate required (must prove that vaccinations are up-to-date, administered between 30 and 180 days prior to flight)
- Must also note breed, age, color, name of pet and owner, and flight details
One-month quarantine (minimum one-week advance notice required for kennel space)
- Animal may be released after two weeks to spend remainder of month in home

The duty rate on imports ranges from 0-300% in Malaysia. While that maximum number may seem high, the average duty sits at about 8.1%.As for value-added taxes (VAT), the goods and services tax rate ranges from 5-10%.

Of course, the rates depend on how you declare the items in your documents. For example, personal effects may not be subject to duties if you can prove you’ve owned them for at least three months.

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping 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.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Malaysia

First, one of our trained moving specialists will provide a personal consultation, thoroughly outlining your moving options based on specific criteria, such as:

Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in Malaysia?
Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying?
Your family/household size. Will you be moving alone or with your family? For business or personal reasons?
Cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

What Will Moving to Malaysia Cost?

For an accurate estimate of your shipment size, you should schedule a home survey as early as possible for your move to Malaysia. Our moving specialists will assess your belongings to give you the best potential estimate to expedite your relocation.

The cost of moving to Malaysia will vary considerably based on the cubic footage of your belongings and your proposed destination arrival time.

Don’t forget to ask about our overseas packing and custom crating services, too!

About Malaysia

Malaysia is a multi-cultural country, divided up into thirteen states and three federal territories. Its land consists of two masses separated by the South China Sea. The country shares a land and sea border with Thailand, as well as maritime borders with Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Malaysia’s capital city is Kuala Lumpur, which also happens to be its most populous.

In Kuala Lumpur, you can find the tallest twin buildings in the world: the Petronas Twin Towers. These architectural feats are perfect examples of Malaysia’s continuing development, as well as its focus on modernization and its commitment to innovation. In other parts of Malaysia, you can find beautiful rainforests with diverse wildlife, proving the country features the best of both worlds.

Can’t wait to get started with your international move to Malaysia? Find out what you’ll need to clear Customs!