Classification of Goods in Malaysia

• Dutiable goods means all goods subject to the payment of customs duty and on which duty has not yet been paid. These are broadly: intoxicating liquors, tobacco products, and motor vehicles.

• Controlled imports are goods which require a permit, licence or approval to be imported, and includes, kain sarong batik, certain type of food such as sausages, meat, vegetables, film or tapes for magnetic recording, machine for making of master compact disc and parts, medicine making machine.

• Controlled exports are goods which require a permit, licence or approval to be exported, for example rubber budwood, rubber seeds, military clothing

• Prohibited goods are goods the import or export of which is absolutely prohibited by law in Malaysia.

• Goods which are absolutely prohibited to be imported into Malaysia include: Cloth bearing the imprint or reproduction of any verses of the Quran; daggers and flick knives; broadcast receivers capable of receiving radio communication within the ranges (68-87) MHz and (108-174) MHz except those designed to receive meteorological broadcasts at spot frequencies; obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software, etc.

• Goods which are absolutely prohibited to be exported out of Malaysia include: Turtle eggs; certain poisonous chemicals and rattans from Peninsular Malaysia only with exceptions.

As a general rule, members who purchase items on eBay valued at under $400 shouldn't have any trouble importing them by air, unless they are Controlled goods. No Malaysian permit is required for non-controlled goods being imported, exported or transhipped by parcel post.

Malaysian Government Web sites:

eBay strongly recommends that members carefully review the Malaysian Customs Web site and other sources of information concerning importation of goods into Malaysia, and (if necessary) consult with an expert in this field before completing any transactions. The information and links provided below are a starting point so that members can quickly familiarise themselves with some of the regulations in this area.

• Malaysian Customs

• Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 1998 and Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 1998

Items must comply with export laws:

Sellers should make sure that the item they're selling can be lawfully posted outside of the country where they live. The export of certain items may require special licences, or may be banned altogether.

Items must comply with import laws:
Sellers should make sure that they can lawfully import the item into the high bidder's country before sending the item. Each country has different laws that limit the types of goods that can be imported into their country. For example, the high bidder's country might have restrictions on foods, plants, clothing, luggage or even books that might result in the seizure and destruction of the imported item. eBay strongly recommends that sellers discuss possible import problems with potential buyers, and that all members do research to avoid a problem.

• Visit the World Customs Organisation for more information about particular customs regulations around the world.

• High value and volume transactions: : If sellers plan to do substantial business with customers in other countries, or if sellers are dealing in higher dollar or highly regulated items, they should do careful research, and hire an expert if necessary to make sure that all transactions comply with all applicable laws. There is often paperwork that must be filled out in completing these transactions.

eBay urges its sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations, both in Malaysia and abroad. Since the import and export of items are highly regulated by the Malaysian government or may cause harm to eBay or its members, members should educate themselves on the laws governing the import and export of items prior to listing those items on eBay.