Shipping laptops into and out of Malaysia requires compliance with specific regulations. These include obtaining certification and import permits from SIRIM due to the inclusion of lithium batteries, which are classified as Dangerous Goods.
We've compiled a comprehensive FAQ to assist you with importing laptops, managing international shipments, and navigating customs procedures, whether for personal or business use:
Documentation and Certifications
When importing laptops into Malaysia, you will need the following shipping documents as per Malaysian customs regulations:
Air Waybill (AWB)
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If the laptops are used or designated for office use only, please state this clearly on the invoice.
Make sure to declare the correct value.
Certificate of Origin (required for new laptops)
Customs declaration (K1 Form)
Proof of purchase such as receipts or invoice (for a new laptop)
SIRIM import permit
For company use or local sales, you will need a Certificate of Approval (COA).
For personal use laptops, you will need the import permit known as a Special Approval and Clearance Letter (SACL).
Yes, you will need an import license issued by SIRIM for importing laptops into Malaysia.
For Personal Use Laptops:
You need an import permit known as a Special Approval and Clearance Letter (SACL) to import a laptop for personal use.
Learn more about how to apply for SACL approval.
For Company Use Laptops:
You must apply for an import permit known as a 'Certificate of Approval (COA)' for laptops used for business purposes.
Find out how to apply for the import permit.
Yes, laptops imported into Malaysia for local sales and in bulk require SIRIM certification for customs clearance.
However, there are exceptions for Special Approval applications, which are granted for equipment exclusively used by the applicant in the following categories:
- Personal use
- Company use
- Trials, market surveys, or equipment demonstrations with network connections
- For exhibition purposes without a network connection
- Research and development
- Training
The process for importing a laptop into Malaysia involves the following 5 steps:
Step 1: Submit certification
Apply for the appropriate certification based on your purpose:
- For local sales: Type Approval
- For company internal use or other purposes: Special Approval.
The certification process can take up to 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 2: Prepare shipping documents
Gather the following shipping documents:
- Air Waybill (AWB)
- Commercial invoice
- Certificate of Origin (required for new laptops)
- Customs declaration (K1 Form)
- Proof of purchase such as receipts or invoice (for a new laptop)
Step 3: Book your shipment through MyDHL+
Step 4: Obtain the import permit
Apply for the appropriate permit once your shipment arrives based on your purpose:
- For local sales and company use: Certificate of Approval (COA)
- For personal use: Special Approval and Clearance Letter (SACL)
Step 5: Clear customs
Pay the required duties and taxes to clear your shipment through Customs efficiently.
Duties and Taxes
Laptops entering Malaysia are subject to import duties and taxes of 5% Sales and Services Tax (SST) with no import or excise duty.
No, there are no tax exemptions for personal laptops, whether new or used. All laptops will be subject to a 5% Sales and Service Tax (SST).
Malaysian Customs uses the declared value on the commercial invoice to assess taxes on imported laptops.
If the declared amount seems questionable, they will consider the laptop's actual market value instead.
To validate the value of new laptops, it is recommended to include the overseas purchase receipt as evidence along with the commercial invoice.
To calculate the overall cost of importing a laptop, you can use MyDHL+.
Check out how to get your estimated shipping cost.
Import Regulations and Restrictions
You can import up to 4 laptops per air waybill when shipping with DHL Express. Each box or package can contain a maximum of 2 laptops.
Laptops with both built-in batteries and removable batteries are accepted.
However, if your laptop has a removable battery, the battery must be taken out before shipping. Only the laptop device itself will be accepted for shipping.
No, the regulations for importing used or refurbished laptops with DHL Express are the same as those for new laptops.
Currently, there are no restrictions on importing laptops with pre-installed software or operating systems. The software and operating system are not required during the evaluation process by SIRIM.
Yes, there are no restrictions on re-exporting imported laptops from Malaysia to nearby countries.
To import laptops in bulk for commercial purposes, you must first obtain Type Approval certification before applying for an import permit.
Shipping with DHL Express
Yes, DHL Express can ship laptops internationally.
Laptops with built-in batteries can be shipped as they are while laptops with removable batteries must have the battery removed before shipping. Only the laptop itself can be shipped without the battery.
Yes, you can ship a laptop with a lithium battery with DHL Express.
We only accept if the battery is built-in and if the battery is removable, it must be taken out before shipping.
The process for preparing your laptop for shipping with DHL Express involves the following 5 steps:
Step 1: Use the original box
If you have the original box for your laptop, use it for the best protection.
If you don't have the original box, you can use a DHL box for shipping.
Step 2: Pack the parcel
Wrap your laptop in bubble wrap to cushion and protect it. Fill the box with materials like foam peanuts or air bags to prevent the laptop from moving around inside.
Step 3: Label
Attach the Air Waybill (AWB) and invoice to the box. Add handling labels, such as fragile stickers, for extra care during transit.
Step 4: Arrange shipping
Book a shipping service online via MyDHL+ and schedule a pick-up for your parcel or you can also drop off the package at the nearest DHL Express Service Point.
Step 5: Seal securely
Tape all the box seams securely after our staff has inspected your shipment during pick-up or at the Service Point.
Yes, you can ship a laptop in its original box.
Customs Penalties and Damage Claims
If you fail to declare laptops or violate import regulations at Malaysian Customs, you may face high penalty charges, have your shipment seized, or have the laptops returned or disposed of by Customs.
If your laptop is damaged or lost during shipment to Malaysia, DHL Express will conduct a warehouse search and review the shipment's movements using CCTV footage.
Additionally, we will collaborate with our security manager to investigate the issue and provide final results.
If your laptop shipment to Malaysia is lost or damaged, contact our Customer Service to file a complaint. All claims in writing must be submitted within thirty (30) days from the date your shipment was accepted.
Our team will investigate and search the warehouse, with our security manager overseeing the process for a resolution.
