Basic information
Outline of the system
The import licence is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries under the Control of Paddy and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522). The Director General of the Royal Customs Department of Malaysia authorises the Paddy and Rice Industry Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries to issue the Approval Permit (AP).
Product coverage
Products under licensing are as follows:
- rice and paddy;
- product of rice (rice/glutinousflour, ricevermicelli, ketupat and etc.); and
- by-product of padi (temukut, husk, bran and etc.).
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The licensing is intended to monitor and ensure a stable supply of rice in the country.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The Order applies to the importation of goods from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The import licence is a requirement under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
The import licence will be issued to the holder of the Rice Importers Licence, issued by the Paddy and Rice Industry Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The information required in an application is as follows:
(a) Details of consignor and consignee;
(b) Name and address of applicant;
(c) Goods Code numbers;
(d) Description of items/goods;
(e) Quantity of goods and price;
(f) Exporting country;
(g) Port/place of discharge;
(h) Mode of transport; and
(i) Name of declarant/IC number/status/signature.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
There is no specific period.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
The application can be made throughout the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes, a licence can be granted upon request in accordance with the conditions, requirements and procedures stipulated.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
There is no specific period.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The application for a licence is affected by a single organ.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
The applicant has to state the quantity of the goods to be imported.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
RM 200.00 per year per licence (wholesale licence, import licence and export licence).
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes an applicant has the right to appeal.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The application for an appeal can be made through the Paddy and Rice Industry Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
The application can be made throughout the year.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Documents required upon actual importation are:
(a) Approval Permit (AP);
(b) Customs Form (JK 69);
(c) Custom Declaration Form (K1);
(d) Bill of Lading (BL);
(e) Invoice; and
(f) Phytho Certificate.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Under current procedures, all rice and paddy that imported to Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan need to go through inspection and approval by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) at the point of entry. The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 [Act 728] is an Act to provide MAQIS for the purpose of providing integrated services relating to quarantine, inspection and enforcement at the entry points, quarantine stations and quarantine premises and certification for import and export of plants, animals, carcasses, fish, agricultural produce, soils and microorganisms and also includes inspection of and enforcement relating to food and for matters connected to it.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The validity of a licence is up to three (3) years and cannot be extended. It can be renewed upon expiry.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non utilisation of a licence or a portion of a licence.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
No.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.