Shipping to Malaysia
Require shipping to Malaysia? Enjoy competitive rates on a full suite of freight forwarding services when you engage Express Freight Management!
Our dedicated team of subject matter experts will work closely with you to devise a customized solution that satisfies both your needs and budget constraints. Discover the variety of freight forwarding services we offer below:
Free Quotation For Your Shipment
Items Prohibited or Restricted for Export in the United States
Useful resources:
Items Prohibited Or Restricted For Import Into Malaysia
Shipping Process from the United States to Malaysia
Understanding the shipping process is crucial for a smooth and efficient transfer of goods. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in transporting your cargo from the United States to Malaysia, ensuring timely and secure delivery.
Upon engagement and acceptance of our quotation, Express Freight Management will provide you with necessary materials including packing supplies, boxes, international customs clearance forms, and shipping labels. These will facilitate the shipping process and ensure compliance with regulations.
After packing your items, a designated truck will pick up the boxes and transport them to a consolidation warehouse.
At the warehouse, your goods will be consolidated and packed into a container, ready for loading onto the ship bound for Malaysia.
A few days before reaching, the ship’s captain will submit a report to the Malaysia Customs detailing the vessel, crew, and cargo.
Upon arrival, the container will be unloaded using large cranes.
Customs officials will inspect selected containers to ensure the contents match the information on the submitted documents.
Once cleared by customs, the container will be transported to an import distribution center, where the cargo will be deconsolidated by shipment.
The sorted cargo will be delivered to the final destination via local trucking services.

WHY CHOOSE EXPRESS FREIGHT MANAGEMENT?
Express Freight Management
Express Freight Management is your one-stop shipping solutions provider. With a global reach and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we ensure smooth and efficient shipping from start to finish.
FAQs About Shipping To Malaysia
How Much Does It Cost To Ship To Malaysia?
The cost to ship to Malaysia can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
- Origin Country: Rates differ significantly based on the sender’s location due to varying distances, customs regulations, and delivery complexities.
- Package Details:
- Weight: Heavier packages cost more.
- Dimensions: Larger packages, even if light, can increase costs due to volume.
- Type of Goods: Certain items (e.g., electronics, hazardous materials) might incur additional fees or require special handling.
- Shipping Method:
- Air Freight: Generally faster but more expensive.
- Sea Freight: Slower but often more economical for heavy or bulk shipments.
- Additional Services:
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Express or Expedited Shipping
- Customs Clearance (in some cases, this might be an extra cost)
Remember, the most accurate shipping quote will depend on the specifics of your shipment. Always check with the shipping providers for the most current and detailed pricing.
How Long Does Shipping Take From US To Malaysia?
Shipping times from the United States to Malaysia depend on the service you choose, the nature of your cargo, and a few external factors. As your trusted freight forwarder, we’re here to break it down for you:
- Express Shipping (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL): Need it fast? Our express options deliver in 2-5 business days. Perfect for time-sensitive shipments, with major hubs like Kuala Lumpur often seeing arrival in as little as 2-3 days. Remote areas might take closer to 5 days.
- Standard Air Freight (e.g., Priority Mail or Air Consolidation): Looking for a balance of speed and cost? This option typically takes 6-10 business days. It’s reliable for small to medium shipments, with air transit ensuring your goods reach Malaysia efficiently.
- Ocean Freight (Economy Shipping): For larger loads or budget-friendly moves, sea freight takes 4-6 weeks (28-42 days). Transit times vary based on routes (e.g., Los Angeles to Port Klang) and whether you opt for FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load), which may add a few days for consolidation.
- Customs Clearance: Once your shipment arrives, Malaysian customs processing can add anywhere from a few hours to several days. Delays are rare but can occur if documentation isn’t spot-on or if your goods require special permits. Our team ensures your paperwork is flawless to keep things moving.
For example, a small parcel sent via express air from California might land in Kuala Lumpur in 2-3 days, while a standard air shipment could take 6-8 days. Ocean freight for bulk cargo? Expect 35-40 days port-to-port, plus a little extra for inland delivery.
Seasonal peaks, weather, and carrier schedules can nudge these timelines, but with our real-time tracking and expertise, you’ll always know where your shipment stands. Ready to ship? Contact us for a tailored quote and let’s get your goods from the US to Malaysia on time, every time.
How To Import Product To Malaysia?
Importing products to Malaysia involves several steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and a smooth customs process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Register Your Business:
Before importing, you need to register your company with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). This is a one-time requirement for traders intending to import goods. - Determine Product Requirements:
Identify the product you want to import and check if it requires an import license or permit. Certain goods (e.g., electronics, food, pharmaceuticals, or livestock) may need additional approvals from relevant authorities like the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS), or the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). For example, processed meat must be halal-certified and sourced from approved slaughterhouses. - Obtain an Import License (if required):
If your product falls under restricted categories, apply for an import license through MITI. You can use Malaysia’s single digital window, Dagang Net, for this process. Some items, like raw materials for manufacturing exports, may qualify for reduced tariffs or exemptions. - Prepare Required Documentation:
Gather the necessary paperwork for customs clearance, including:- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Customs Form No. 1 (declaration form)
- Certificate of Origin (if claiming preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements)
- Additional permits or certificates (e.g., health or halal certificates, if applicable)
- Understand Duties and Taxes:
Malaysia applies import duties ranging from 0% to 50%, with an average of about 6% for industrial goods. Higher tariffs may apply to locally produced or sensitive items (e.g., pork or alcohol). A Sales and Services Tax (SST) may also apply, replacing the former 6% GST. Check if your goods qualify for tariff reductions under Malaysia’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by using the FTA Calculator on Dagang Net. - Arrange Shipping and Logistics:
Choose a reliable freight forwarder or shipping agent to transport your goods to Malaysia. Major ports include Port Klang, Penang, and Johor, while Kuala Lumpur International Airport handles air cargo. Ensure proper packaging and labeling comply with Malaysian standards. - Submit Declaration and Clear Customs:
Upon arrival, submit your documents to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) via the Customs Information System (SMK) or through your agent. Declare the goods using Customs Form No. 1, detailing the description, quantity, weight, and origin. Pay any applicable duties and taxes to release your shipment. Customs may inspect the goods randomly or if additional verification is needed. - Comply with Specific Regulations:
- For tech products, obtain SIRIM certification if required.
- For food, register with the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FoSIM) and meet Food Act 1983 standards.
- Prohibited items (e.g., illicit drugs, counterfeit goods) cannot be imported.
- Distribute Your Goods:
Once cleared, arrange for transportation to your final destination in Malaysia. If operating in Free Industrial Zones (FIZs) or Free Commercial Zones (FCZs), you may benefit from tariff exemptions.
Tips for Success:
- Conduct thorough market research to ensure demand and profitability.
- Verify suppliers for reliability and quality.
- Use a local forwarding agent to streamline the process and avoid delays.
- Stay updated on regulations, as they may change.
By following these steps and ensuring compliance, you can successfully import products into Malaysia. If you need specific guidance for your product, feel free to provide more details!
What Does Malaysia Import From The US?
Malaysia imports a variety of goods from the United States, with the trade relationship focusing heavily on advanced technology, machinery, and raw materials. In 2023, Malaysia imported approximately $19.53 billion worth of goods from the U.S., according to available trade data. The top categories of imports include:
- Integrated Circuits – These are a major import, valued at billions annually (e.g., $4.67 billion in 2022), reflecting Malaysia’s role as a global hub for electronics manufacturing, where U.S.-made circuits are used in assembly and production processes.
- Aircraft Parts and Equipment – This includes parts for planes, helicopters, and spacecraft, with significant values such as $1.56 billion in 2022, supporting Malaysia’s aerospace industry and maintenance needs.
- Machinery and Equipment – General machinery, including items with individual functions, accounted for hundreds of millions (e.g., $705 million in 2022), used across various industrial sectors.
- Semiconductor Devices – These are critical for Malaysia’s electronics sector, with imports growing steadily, complementing the integrated circuits.
- Scrap Aluminum and Metals – Materials like aluminum powder and scrap are imported for manufacturing and industrial use, with notable increases in recent years.
Other notable imports include chemicals, ethylene polymers, and agricultural products, though these are smaller in volume compared to tech-related goods. In October 2024 alone, Malaysia imported $2.45 billion worth of goods from the U.S., with integrated circuits ($369 million) and aircraft parts ($91.3 million) leading the list. This reflects a consistent demand for high-tech and industrial inputs to fuel Malaysia’s export-driven economy, particularly in electronics and aerospace.