Export to Malaysia: your complete guide

If you're seeking new markets to expand your shipping operations, consider adding Malaysia to your list. It is recognized as one of the top countries globally for the growth of e-commerce sales¹. With the right local insights, customs knowledge, and – of course – an international shipping partner, your business can cash in on this exciting opportunity. Discover how to export to Malaysia with our exclusive guide. 

DOING BUSINESS IN MALAYSIA: MARKET OVERVIEW

Where does Malaysia import from the most?

Malaysia’s leading import sources⁵ (by market share, 2023)

Where do consumers in Malaysia shop online?

Online marketplaces can be a helpful gateway for cross-border businesses wishing to export to Malaysia for the first time.

Most visited marketplace websites in Malaysia⁶ (May 2024)

1: shopee.com.my

2: lazada.com.my

3: amazon.com 

4: temu.com 

5: taobao.com 

What are they buying?

Leading e-commerce categories in Malaysia⁷

(By market share, 2022)

How do Malaysian consumers like to pay for their online purchases?

After all, e-commerce shoppers are more likely to abandon their carts if they cannot pay using their preferred payment method.

Leading e-commerce payment methods in Malaysia⁸

(By share of transactions, 2022)

What matters to Malaysian online shoppers?

These consumer insights will empower your Malaysia market entry strategy.   

Leading shopping holidays in Malaysia

Be sure to add these dates to your marketing and sales calendar so your business can cash in!

Lunar New Year, January/February

In Malaysia, the start of the Chinese New Year is marked with a two-day public holiday. People spend time with their families, exchange gifts, and join in cultural celebrations.

Ramadan, February-March (2025)

As a Muslim country, Malaysia observes the holy month of Ramadan. This is followed by Eid-al Fitr, the “breaking of the fast” festival. During this period, many online retailers see a surge in traffic as people buy gifts for loved ones.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, November  

Malaysia joins many other countries in partaking in this global sales bonanza. Competition is fierce, so you’ll need to offer some big deals to entice Malaysian consumers through your online doors.

Singles’ Day, November 11

Originating in China, this is now the largest shopping sales event in the world (beating even Black Friday!) Prepare to offer significant discounts to help your business stand out.

EXPORT TO MALAYSIA: CUSTOMS GUIDANCE  

Required documentation

To export to Malaysia, there are several pieces of documentation commonly required to clear your goods through customs smoothly, and help authorities determine what import taxes and duties are due:

• Commercial Invoice
  
• Bill of Lading
  
• Air Waybill
  
• Certificate of Origin
  
• Export and Import Licenses
  
• Export Packing List
  
• Insurance Certificate
  

This dedicated guide goes into detail on each document, including what information you’ll need to complete it.                                        

Prohibited and restricted commodities

Several commodities are not permitted for shipment by DHL under any circumstances, following full consideration by the operational, legal and risk management teams. They include animals, hazardous or combustible materials, and illegal narcotics. Further information can be found here.

Doing business in Malaysia: useful resources 

• Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation: https://www.matrade.gov.my/en/
  
• Royal Malaysian Customs Department: https://www.customs.gov.my/en 
  

Cost of doing business in Malaysia 

Unless granted an exemption, customs duties and taxes are applicable to all commercial goods imported, and their assessment is based on the tariff classification provided by the Harmonized System (HS) Code. In most cases, the responsibility of paying these import duties and taxes lies with the Importer of Record, which can be either your business or the logistics carrier you have designated.

You can find the correct HS code for your shipment easily via DHL’s MyGTS (My Global Trade Services) – a free, user-friendly platform that will help you navigate all aspects of international shipping. This includes calculation of Landed Cost for goods in any country – i.e. your product cost, duties & taxes, and freight charges – enabling you to enhance your pricing strategy and give your customers transparency over shipping fees.

Export to Malaysia: DHL’s expert tips

• Malaysia’s customs regulations can be complex, but this dedicated guide is packed full of information on Import Duty, Sales Tax, and Free Trade Zones.
• Consider shipping your goods with DHL’s DTP (Duties & Taxes Paid) service. Whilst the payment of duties and taxes on international shipments is typically the responsibility of the receiver – i.e., your customer – DTP will invoice your business to cover the costs. This means your customer will not receive additional fees when their package arrives – which may damage their opinion of your brand.
  
• Translate your e-commerce website (and marketing materials) into the local language and display prices in Malaysian ringgit to build trust with customers. Obtaining and displaying Halal Certification on food, cosmetics and personal care products is important, too.