Household effects are everyday items used for comfort and maintenance in your home, such as furniture, appliances, electronics, kitchen tools, and dinnerware. If you are a returning Malaysian who has lived, studied, or worked overseas, or an expatriate working in Malaysia, you may be eligible to import used household goods without paying duties.
Whether you are relocating or simply looking to bring your belongings into Malaysia, our comprehensive FAQ is here to help ensure a smooth import process:
Documentation
To import used household effects into Malaysia as a foreigner with a work permit, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of your passport with a photograph.
- A copy of your work permit and/or letter of employment confirming employment in Malaysia.
- A copy of the air waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (OBL)
- A copy of the packing list
- Proof of purchase such as receipts or invoice (if the product looks new)
To import used household effects into Malaysia as a returning Malaysian, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of your passport with a photograph.
- A copy of your work permit and/or a letter of employment confirming your employment in Malaysia.
- A copy of the front and back of your Identity Card (IC).
- A copy of the work permit or a letter of employment from your country of origin.
- A copy of the air waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (OBL).
- A copy of the packing list.
- Proof of purchase, such as receipts or invoices (only if the product looks new).
Not all household goods require an import permit.
- Motor vehicles: An Approved Permit (AP) from Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
- Pets: A veterinarian certificate from either the State Veterinary departments or the Department of Veterinary Services.
- Plants: An import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
To import cars or motorcycles into Malaysia as part of your household goods, you will need the following documents:
A copy of your passport
Original vehicle registration card/certificates
Original insurance certificate
Original invoice (for new vehicles)
Original Bill of Lading (B/L)
Approved Permit (AP) issued by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) - check out the AP application guidelines for returning Malaysians working overseas, studying overseas, and expatriates with a valid working permit.
Duties and Taxes
The following 4 conditions must be met to import used household effects duty-free into Malaysia: 1. Change of residence: The importer must be changing their place of residence from overseas to a place within Malaysia. 2. Ownership: The importer is the owner of the used household effects. 3. Usage duration: The household effects have been in their possession and used for at least 3 months before departure.
4. Disposal commitment: The importer must not dispose of the household effects within 3 months from the date of import. In cases where the Customs Officer questions the usage duration and there are no receipts available to verify the purchase date, then relevant import duties may be imposed. |
Yes, motor vehicles and plants are examples of items that typically attract import duties and taxes.
Check duties and taxes via DHL MYGTS, duties and taxes tool.
Customs Inspection and Procedures
All used household effects are subject to a thorough Customs inspection when they arrive in Malaysia. The owner of the goods must be present during the inspection process.
If Customs identifies any items in your shipment as new and less than 6 months old, you will need to provide them proof of purchase and evidence of usage exceeding 6 months to avoid duty charges.
Failure to provide this proof may result in customs duty and tax charges.
Customs clearance duration varies based on inspection, approvals and paperwork required, ranging from 24 to 72 hours or up to 5 working days.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Yes, you can import one unit of each used electrical item for domestic use when moving to Malaysia.
You must submit 3 copies of Form A which can be obtained at any Customs Office at the Import Station or entry points.
The following items are not allowed to be imported into Malaysia as part of household goods:
Animal products:
Meat, bones, hide, skin, hoofs, horns, offal, or any part of animals.
Endangered species:
Ivory, rhinoceros horns, tiger parts, turtle eggs, and live animals without permits.
Weapons and explosives:
Guns, ammunition, explosives, stun guns, knives, swords, and weapon replicas.
Hazardous materials:
Flammable liquids, pressurized containers, radioactive materials, toxic chemicals, and fireworks.
Counterfeit goods:
Fake currency, designer clothing, handbags, watches, and electronics.
Illegal drugs:
Heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD, and prescription drugs without proper documentation.
Hate speech and violent content:
Materials promoting racial or religious hatred, violence, or government overthrow like books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, and websites.
Restricted items:
Unregistered walkie-talkies, laser pointers, gambling devices, chewing gum, pornography, and tobacco products exceeding duty-free allowances.
Yes, there are restrictions on certain items such as books, magazines, videos, DVDs, CDs, photographs, paintings, and statues. These items will undergo censorship screening upon arrival. A screening fee will be charged directly to the owner of the goods
