Home»Food & Beverages» A One-Stop Guide to Exporting Pre-packaged Food to Malaysia: Halal Certification, Tariffs, and Customs Clearance
When the unforgettable aroma of durian intertwines with the rich taste of white coffee, we get a glimpse into Malaysia, a vibrant multicultural food paradise. For China's food enterprises, this market, with a population of over thirty million, an open food culture, and a strong demand for imported foods, is undoubtedly a blue ocean full of opportunities.
However, the journey of getting your delicious pre-packaged food from your shelves to the hands of consumers in a Kuala Lumpur supermarket is far from just packing and shipping. It's a 'customs clearance challenge' through complex regulations, strict standards, and cultural customs. Is Halal certification mandatory? What are the tariffs? What 'unusual' documents are needed?
Don't worry. As your professional partner in international trade,Zhong Shen International Trade Co., Ltd.our company will clear the fog for you. This ultimate guide will answer all your core questions and show you how we turn these challenges into a solid stepping stone for your successful entry into the Malaysian market.
Core Question 1: What Exactly Are the Tariffs for Exporting to Malaysia?
The answer to this question directly relates to your product cost and market competitiveness. Fortunately, the answer is in our hands.
Best Case Scenario (0% Tariff):
The Key:China-ASEAN Free Trade Area PreferentialOrigin Certificate(FORM E).
Policy Dividends: China and Malaysia are both members of the ASEAN Free Trade Area. This means that as long as your product complies with the rules of origin and we prepare for youa 100% accurate FORM E certificate, the vast majority of pre-packaged foods can enjoy 0% 0% import tariff treatment!
Worst Case Scenario (5% – 20% Tariff):
The Risk: If a FORM E certificate is not provided, or if there are any defects in the certificate (e.g., product name, HS code do not match the bill of lading and invoice), your goods will be taxed at the normal Most-Favored-Nation rate, typically ranging from 5% to 20%. This unexpected cost will severely erode your profits.
Unavoidable Tax: Sales and Service Tax (SST)
Regardless of whether the tariff is zero, Malaysian customs will impose SST on imported goods. This can be understood as a local sales tax, with rates typically at 6% or 10%.
Our Company's Value: Our expertise lies not only in handling the FORM E but also in ensuring this 'tax-saving tool' is foolproof through cross-verification of all documents, firmly securing your 0% Tariff core competitive advantage of 0% tariff.
Core Question 2: Is Halal Certification Mandatory?
This is the question that most concerns all food exporters. The answer is:Legally not mandatory, but 'de facto mandatory' in the market.
Legal Aspect: Malaysian law does not require all imported foods to have Halal certification.
Market Aspect: Malaysia has a Muslim population of over 60%, who are the main consumers of food. For them, theHalal certification logo issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) or its recognized international bodieson the product packaging is the 'trust switch' that determines their purchase.
Consequences of Being Non-Halal: If your product does not apply for Halal certification, you must:
Clearly label it as 'Non-Halal', and sell it in a segregated area as required.
You will automatically give up more than half of the market share, and your marketing channels and consumer base will be severely limited.
Our Company's Recommendation: Unless your product is positioned very specifically for a niche non-Muslim consumer group,obtaining a JAKIM-recognized Halal certification is a strategic necessity for success in the Malaysian market.
Unlocking the Process: Core Procedures and Documents for Exporting to Malaysia
Based on Malaysia'sFood Act 1983 And and Food Regulations 1985, we have laid out a clear compliance path for you.
Step 1: Market Access and Entity Registration
Product Ingredient Review: We will assist you in a preliminary assessment of your product formula to see if it contains any additives prohibited or restricted in Malaysia.
Importer Registration: Your Malaysian importer must be registered and filed on the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FoSIM) under the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Step 2: Label Compliance (Details Determine Success) This is the easiest stage to make mistakes! Your product label must strictly comply with the Food Regulations 1985:
Language requirements: Must useLanguage: Malay or English.
Basic Information: Common name of the product, list of ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight/content, name and address of the manufacturer/packer/importer, and country of origin.
Nutrition Labeling: Must include a nutrition information panel for energy, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Date Marking: Clear production date and expiry date.
Halal Logo: If certified, the JAKIM-recognized logo can be used.
Step 3: Key Document Preparation (Where Our Expertise Lies) In addition to the standard commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, you will also need to prepare:
FORM E Certificate: To enjoy 0% tariff.
Health Certificate: Issued by China Customs (CIQ), certifying the product is fit for human consumption.
Halal Certificate: If applicable, issued by a JAKIM-recognized certification body.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): For specific products, to certify that its composition, pesticide residues, etc., meet standards.
Step 4: Customs Clearance and Inspection After arriving in Malaysia, the goods will be subject to inspection by the Food Safety and Quality Division (FSQD). They will review your complete set of documents and may conduct random sampling tests. The impeccable documentation system we prepare is your guarantee for swift customs clearance.
Cost Structure: Making Every Investment Clear and Transparent
Cost items
description
How Our Company Optimizes Your Costs:
Product Cost (FOB)
Your domestic product value.
–
International Freight & Insurance
Shipping costs from China to Malaysia.
We consolidate cargo volumes to match you with the most cost-effective shipping lines.
Import tariffs
Levied by Malaysian Customs.
We reduce this cost to 0 with a 100% compliant FORM E.
Sales & Service Tax (SST)
A fixed tax of 6% or 10%.
We ensure legal and compliant declaration to avoid fines from under-declaration, etc.
Certification/Testing Fees
Costs for Halal certification, lab testing, etc.
We remind you to prepare in advance to avoid rush fees.
Port & Customs Clearance Miscellaneous Fees
Destination port handling and clearance fees.
Transparent quoting with no hidden fees.
Agent service fee
Our fee for providing one-stop services.
The risks we help you avoid and the tariffs we save you far exceed the service fee itself.
Our Ideal Partners
Chinese food manufacturerslooking to enter the Malaysian market for the first time..
Brand owners with high-quality productsbut unfamiliar with international trade and food regulations..
Trading companies seeking reliable supply chain partnersto focus on marketing..
Conclusion: Choose Professionalism for Stable and Long-Term Success
The food market opportunity in Malaysia is real, but the path to success requires professional navigation. The complexity of regulations, cultural uniqueness, and the stringency of documentation create barriers that are difficult for non-professionals to overcome.
Our company's role is to be your most reliable 'navigator.' We use our professional knowledge to interpret regulations for you, our rigorous processes to mitigate risks for you, and our sense of responsibility to handle every detail for you.
Are you ready to let your culinary story unfold in Malaysia?
Contact our company now to get a free preliminary export compliance assessment for your product. Let us help you take the first successful step!
