Shipping goods from Malaysia to the United States involves navigating various considerations—from import duties and taxes to shipping times and restrictions. Understanding these factors is crucial for efficient international shipping.
This guide provides insights into import duties, shipping durations, prohibited items, costs, and a step-by-step process for using DHL Express to ship from Malaysia to the US, ensuring a smooth and informed shipping experience
What are the Import Duties and Taxes when shipping from Malaysia to the US?
When sending packages from Malaysia to the United States, you will face 4 types of duties and taxes, which can be grouped into two categories: general charges and specific charges.
General Charges
These apply to most imported goods and consist of customs duties and the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF).
Customs Duties: A duty imposed on imported goods based on their value and type.
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): This fee is for processing goods entering the US and is calculated based on the value of the goods.
Specific Charges
These are applied under certain conditions or for specific types of goods, such as the Harbour Maintenance Fee (HMF) and excise tax.
Excise Tax: A tax levied on specific products, such as alcohol or tobacco, at the time of import.
Harbour Maintenance Fee (HMF): This fee is charged on imports transported by sea and does not apply to goods transported by air.
Learn more about how these duties are applied in our in-depth US Import Duties and Taxes Guide.
How long does it take to ship from Malaysia to the US?
Standard delivery from Malaysia to the US takes approximately a week.
However, DHL Express offers faster options - 1 to 3 business days for typical delivery and Same-Day Express for urgent shipments.
Shipments to major cities such as New York City or Los Angeles arrive in 2 to 3 business days, whereas smaller or remote US areas may take 3 to 5 days.
What cannot be shipped from Malaysia to the US?
Certain items are restricted or prohibited from being shipped from Malaysia to the US.
Prohibited items
These items cannot be shipped under any circumstances. Sending these items can lead to confiscation, fines, and legal consequences by the US Customs and Border Protection.
Bush meat
Dangerous toys
Dog and Cat fur
Products infringing trademark and copyright
Illegal substances (e.g. absinthe and Rohypnol)
Automobiles that don’t meet federal standards
Drug paraphernalia, unless prescribed for original medical conditions
Restricted Items
These items require special licenses or permits for shipment. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the shipment being rejected or delayed.
Soil
Pets
Firearms
Biologicals
Medication
Automobiles
Defence articles
Plants and seeds
Photographic film
Alcoholic beverages
Fruits and vegetables
Raw and prepared food products
Cultural artefacts and cultural property
Refer to the US Customs and Border Protection restrictions or contact us to confirm your item can be shipped before shipping.
How much does it cost to ship from Malaysia to the US?
For an estimation of shipping rate from Malaysia to the US, get an instant quote via MyDHL+ using this guide, or check the shipping base rate on this chart.
For individual shippers, there are 2 service options available - weight-based shipping and box rate shipping:
Weight-Based Shipping
Rates are determined by the weight of your shipment and categorized by zones.
For shipments to the US, check zone 5 on page 4 of this rate card.
If you're ready to ship, book your shipment online via MyDHL+.
As an alternative, if you're a business shipper with frequent shipments to the United States, consider getting a DHL Express business account.
Not only does DHL Express offer a range of shipping services tailored to your business needs, but the discounts your account receives can also be based on shipment volume. Your discount increases with your shipping volume.
How can I ship my item from Malaysia to the US using DHL Express?
To send your shipment to the United States, you can book online, visit any DHL Express outlet near you, or ship using a business account.
Online Booking through MyDHL+
Go to the MyDHL+ website and click 'Create Shipment' to begin.
Step 1: Enter shipment information
Provide details of both the sender and receiver including their names, addresses, emails, and contact numbers.
Step 2: Enter shipment details
Choose the type (‘Documents' or 'Packages') and purpose of your shipment.
Next, fill in the information for each item in your shipment such as description, HS Code, quantity, value, weight, and country of origin.
Select the type of packaging you will use, whether it's your own or one of DHL’s boxes, and input the quantity, weight, and dimensions of the packaging.
Step 3: Arrange delivery
Select your preferred delivery date and the service type. You can add optional services like GoGreen Plus or Direct Signature for added security and sustainability.
Upload your Customs Documents and decide whether you want to schedule a pickup or drop off at a DHL Service Point.
Step 4: Print the shipping label
Choose whether you want to print the shipping label yourself or at the Service Point.
Step 5: Review shipment details and pay
Review all the details and the total cost of your shipment. Select your preferred payment method and confirm the transaction.
DHL Express Service Point
Visit the nearest DHL Express Service Point with your shipment.
In retail, you can either use the regular shipping method with standard rates or choose Express Easy, where you buy a DHL box at a flat rate and load it with all you can fit.
DHL Express Business Account
If you ship regularly to the US, register for a business account to access exclusive services and discount.
It takes three days to set up your account. Once it's ready, you can start shipping as a business immediately.
