Basic information
Outline of the system
Importation of selected industrial products is subjected to import licensing administered by MITI.
Product coverage
Automatic Import Licensing - Passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, bodies (including cabs) of motor vehicles, chassis and parts thereof for motor vehicles, prime movers, special purpose motor vehicles other than those principally designed for the transport of persons or goods, ships’ derricks; cranes, including cable cranes; mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane (excluding palfinger fully hydraulic compact, hydraulic loading crane, gantry cranes and crawler cranes), semi-finished products of iron and steel, including slab, bloom and billets, bars and rods, stranded wire, cables, cordage, ropes, plaited bands and the like, of aluminium wire, but excluding insulated electric wires and cables, flat-rolled products of iron or non alloy steel, other tubes and pipes, and flat-rolled products of other alloy steel.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Automatic licensing is intended for data collection and monitoring.
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
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 system applies to import of listed goods originating from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Import licences are issued under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2017, which is made pursuant to the powers conferred by subsection 31(1) of the Customs Act 1967. Goods subjected to import licensing are scheduled in the said Order.
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?
By virtue of subsection 31(1) of the Customs Act 1967, it is possible for the Executive to abolish the system without legislative approval since the said provision clearly confers powers to the Executive to prohibit the importation into Malaysia either absolutely or conditionally.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
Yes.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, firms or institutions are eligible to apply for licences
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Export and Import Control Section, Trade and Industry Support Division, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
Address
Menara MITI, No. 7, Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Telephone
603 – 6208 4701 / 6208 4702
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Information required in the application for import licences are:
- name and address of importer; - name and address of supplier; - description of goods; - value and quantity; - customs tariff code; - country of origin; and - port of entry.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Other supporting documents such as written approval and manufacturing licence are also required.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Applications should be made in advance before the arrival of goods.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Yes, licences can be obtained immediately but only under exceptional circumstances.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
MITI is the single administrative 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?
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
No.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
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?
Application for a licence may be refused if there is a contravention of any requirements from any other local authorities.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Yes, reasons will be given to the applicant.
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?
In the event a licence is being refused the applicant has the right to appeal to the Director of Export and Import Control Section, Ministry of International Trade & Industry.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Licence Permit is required upon arrival, effective 1 August 2019, all types of licence applications can be applied online through ePermit system.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The validity period of an import licence varies between three (3) to six (6) months. Licences can be extended for another three (3) to six (6) months. Applicant can submit their request to the Director of Export and Import Control Section, Ministry of International Trade & Industry.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for non utilisation 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.