Malaysia Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Malaysia customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of household goods into Malaysia. Malaysia enforces customs regulations through the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, with controls on used household goods, alcohol, media, electronics and food imports.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Malaysia, including export packing, ocean and air freight coordination, customs documentation and local handling in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru and other regions.

1. Moving to Malaysia – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Import of Used Household Goods

Malaysia permits duty-free import of used household goods for individuals relocating to Malaysia if:

You hold a valid employment pass, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa, or residence permit
Goods are used and owned before shipment
Items are for personal use, not resale
All documentation is presented to customs upon arrival

Important: New or high-value items may attract import duty and sales tax, even with relocation status.

1.2 Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

Malaysia’s MM2H residency program offers duty concessions on certain imports and may simplify proof-of-residency. Program participants must provide visa documents when seeking customs relief.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Residence permit, employment pass, or MM2H visa
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed packing list / inventory
Proof of overseas residence prior to move
Letter of employment (if applicable)

2.2 Inventory Requirements

List goods by category or room for clarity
Provide model, brand and serial number for electronics
Avoid vague descriptions like “miscellaneous household goods”
Separate new, sealed and valuable items for tax review

H-H Relocations Tip: Malaysia carefully inspects electronics and brand-name items. Keep receipts and product details handy.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Malaysia

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicles can be imported into Malaysia but are heavily regulated and subject to import duty, excise duty and sales tax unless exemptions apply under MM2H or specific permits.

Importation requires an Approved Permit (AP)
Only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted
Vehicle must comply with Malaysian road and emissions regulations

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration and ownership documents
Bill of lading / airway bill
Proof of residence in Malaysia
Import permit (AP) and valuation documents
Insurance and customs declaration forms

Important: Importing cars into Malaysia can be expensive. Many expatriates choose to buy locally once settled.

4. Bringing Pets to Malaysia

Malaysia allows the importation of pets subject to vaccination, quarantine and health requirements. Some species are restricted.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Microchip identification
Valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian
Rabies vaccination and supporting records
Import permit from the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services
Possible quarantine upon arrival

Pet Travel Tip: Check Malaysia’s latest animal quarantine rules before departure, as requirements may change.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Malaysia strictly controls the importation of alcohol. Duty and taxes can be high, especially on spirits and wine. Alcohol brought in personal effects shipments must be declared and may be subject to customs inspection.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products are dutiable and must be declared. Large quantities may be treated as commercial imports and may require additional permits or attract higher duties.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Food imports into Malaysia must comply with health, safety and halal regulations:

Meat and poultry must come from approved sources and often require halal certification
Dairy and processed foods may require health documentation
Non-compliant food may be refused entry, destroyed or returned at the owner’s expense

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require a doctor’s letter and may need prior authorization
Chemicals, lab equipment and hazardous materials are regulated and may require permits
Firearms, ammunition and certain types of knives are restricted or prohibited

Important: Always declare controlled items. Malaysia imposes strict penalties for undeclared or improperly documented restricted goods.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Malaysia

Malaysia prohibits the import of certain goods, including:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Counterfeit currency and pirated or counterfeit branded items
Certain weapons, explosives and ammunition without authorization
Obscene publications or media
Items that violate public morality or national security regulations
Protected wildlife products without proper CITES documentation

Attempting to import prohibited items may lead to seizure, fines and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Malaysia

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Malaysia, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Begin collecting employment, visa and residency documents early
Prepare a clear inventory, highlighting electronics and new items
Keep original passports, visas and key documents with you
Confirm apartment or house availability before finalizing shipment dates

7.2 Why choose a Malaysia relocation specialist

Malaysia’s customs process is manageable with the right guidance. Working with an experienced international moving company provides:

Accurate customs documentation and declarations
Advice on duties, tax exposure and possible concessions
Door-to-door coordination, including local delivery and unloading
Support with vehicles, pets and any special cargo requirements

Relocation Tip: For high-value shipments, consider marine transit insurance. It protects your goods during ocean or air transport and while in customs-controlled storage.

8. Useful Official Links – Malaysia

Use these official portals for the latest customs and import regulations:

This guide provides general reference for planning a move to Malaysia. Final decisions regarding importation rest with Malaysian customs and regulatory authorities.