Malaysia
RestrictedSoutheast Asia · As of 2026-02-20
Malaysia requires three-layer authorization: DVS facility registration, JAKIM-recognized halal certification, and MAQIS import permits. CRITICAL: JAKIM withdrew recognition of China Islamic Association (CIA) in February 2025 — only 5 Chinese halal CBs remain recognized.
Market Access Overview
Malaysia represents a significant opportunity for Chinese egg product exporters, but with three mandatory authorization layers:
- DVS facility registration — Chinese processing plant must be registered and approved by Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services
- JAKIM-recognized halal certification — Products must carry halal certification from a JAKIM-recognized body
- MAQIS import permit — Per-consignment permit required
CRITICAL UPDATE (February 2025): JAKIM withdrew recognition of the China Islamic Association (CIA) — previously the largest Chinese halal CB. Grace period expired 19 August 2025. Products certified only by CIA will be rejected at the Malaysian border. See details below.
Key Facts
- Muslim population: ~63% of 33 million — halal compliance is essential for mainstream market access
- Primary gatekeeper: DVS (Department of Veterinary Services) — not MOH — is the primary authority for egg product imports
- Regulatory framework: Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 govern food safety standards
- Halal authority: JAKIM is the sole authority for halal recognition in Malaysia
- Quarantine authority: MAQIS controls border inspection and import permits
Layer 1: DVS Facility Registration (Pre-Market Access)
DVS is the primary gatekeeper for egg product imports. The Chinese processing facility must be registered and approved by DVS before any shipments can occur.
DVS Requirements Document
The official requirements are published in:
- DVS R5 (revised 29 July 2024): “Requirements for the Importation of Egg Powder into Malaysia”
- General Procedure: Import of Meat, Poultry, Milk and Egg Products (March 2023)
Registration Process
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete application form | DVS/BRV/APP/1a (Rev. 5, January 2025) — Renewal Form (Rev. 5) |
| 2 | GACC endorsement | Form requires signature/endorsement from China’s veterinary authority (GACC) |
| 3 | DVS risk assessment | SPS-based assessment by DVS Malaysia |
| 4 | On-site inspection | DVS may conduct on-site inspection of the Chinese facility |
| 5 | Facility listing | Upon approval, facility is listed in the e-Dagang system |
Timeline: DVS facility registration can take months including risk assessment and potential on-site inspection. Plan well in advance.
Veterinary Health Certificate (Per Consignment)
Each consignment must be accompanied by an official Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) in English from GACC, dated within 7 days of shipment, certifying:
- Country/state of origin has been continuously free from Avian Influenza, Newcastle Disease, and Fowl Cholera for the past 12 months; no outbreaks in the 28 days prior to and until export date
- Eggs derived from farms accredited free from Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella enteritidis; no infectious/contagious poultry disease on farm in preceding 6 months
- Egg products were processed in an approved processing plant under government veterinary supervision
- Products were processed to ensure destruction of Avian Influenza virus and Newcastle Disease virus per WOAH recommendations
- Products were processed, packed and stored under sanitary conditions without preservatives, colouring, residues, or harmful materials
Layer 2: JAKIM Halal Certification
CIA Recognition Withdrawn — February 2025
Effective 19 February 2025, JAKIM withdrew recognition of the China Islamic Association (CIA):
- JAKIM Official Announcement
- Grace period expired: 19 August 2025 (already expired)
- Products bearing only CIA halal certification will be rejected at the Malaysian border
Currently Recognized Chinese Halal CBs (as of February 2025)
| No. | Certification Body | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shandong Halal Certification Service (SHC) | Jinan, Shandong |
| 2 | ARA Halal Certification Services Centre Inc. (ARA) | Zhengzhou, Henan |
| 3 | Linxia Halal Food Certification Centre | Linxia City, Gansu |
| 4 | Shaanxi Shang Pin Yuan Halal Food & Restaurant Management (SSPY) | Shaanxi |
| 5 | Halal Certification Services Chongqing (HCS) | Chongqing |
Verify the latest list: JAKIM FHCB List
- PDF (25 Feb 2025): CBLIST-25FEBRUARY2025.pdf
- PDF (29 Aug 2025): FHCB29082025.pdf
Halal Certification Process
- Identify a recognized CB from the list above
- Facility audit — halal CB audits production facilities, ingredient sourcing, cross-contamination controls, staff training, storage/logistics
- Ingredient verification — ALL inputs must be halal-compliant (enzymes, emulsifiers, packaging adhesives/inks, cleaning chemicals)
- Certificate issuance — Valid for 1–2 years depending on the CB
- Ongoing compliance — Annual surveillance audits; certificate renewal
Timeline: Initial certification 6–12 months from application to certificate.
Layer 3: MAQIS Import Procedures
Importer Registration
Before applying for permits, the Malaysian importer must register:
| System | URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SPEED | imaqis.maqis.gov.my/SPEED | Importer/exporter/agent registration |
| FOSIM | fsis2.moh.gov.my/fosimv2 | MOH Food Safety Information System |
- Registration info: MAQIS Importer Registration
- Importing agricultural products without registration is prohibited.
Per-Consignment Import Permit
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application system | e-Permit: newepermit2.dagangnet.com.my |
| Processing time | Typically 24 hours via online e-Permit system |
| Timing | Apply before goods depart from the exporting country |
| Fee schedule | MAQIS Fees |
Documents Required Per Shipment
| Document | Issued By |
|---|---|
| Valid MAQIS Import Permit | MAQIS (via e-Permit) |
| Veterinary Health Certificate (English) | GACC/local customs |
| JAKIM-recognized Halal Certificate | Recognized Chinese CB |
| Certificate of Analysis | Recognized laboratory |
| Certificate of Origin | Chinese chamber of commerce / customs |
| Commercial Invoice | Exporter |
| Packing List | Exporter |
| Bill of Lading / Airway Bill | Carrier |
Border Inspection
MAQIS officers at the port of entry conduct:
- Document verification — VHC, import permit, halal certificate checked
- e-Dagang verification — confirms consignment from DVS-registered facility
- Physical inspection — packaging integrity, labeling, temperature checks
- Sampling — possible laboratory testing
- Release or detention — compliant goods released; non-compliant detained, re-exported, or destroyed
Food Safety Standards (Food Regulations 1985)
Egg Product Standards
Food Regulations 1985 Part VIII contains specific standards for egg products:
| Regulation | Product |
|---|---|
| Reg 171 | Egg (general definition) |
| Reg 172 | Liquid egg |
| Reg 173 | Liquid egg yolk |
| Reg 174 | Liquid egg white |
| Reg 175 | Dried egg, dried egg yolk, dried egg white |
| Reg 176–178 | Additional egg product standards |
Full text: Food Regulations 1985 (updated October 2024)
Microbiological Standards
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Salmonella | Not detected in 25g |
| E. coli | Per Food Regulations limits |
| Aerobic plate count | Per product category |
| Staphylococcus aureus | For processed egg products |
Chemical Contaminant Limits
| Contaminant | Reference |
|---|---|
| Lead, cadmium, mercury | Food Regulations 1985, Fourteenth Schedule |
| Veterinary drug residues | Aligned with Codex Alimentarius |
| Pesticide residues | Sixteenth Schedule |
| Aflatoxins | Food Regulations (strict enforcement) |
Labeling Requirements (Food Regulations 1985)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Language | Bahasa Malaysia or English (mandatory); additional languages permitted alongside |
| Product name | Appropriate designation of the food |
| Ingredients list | Descending order by weight |
| Net weight/volume | Metric units |
| Date marking | ”Best before” or “Use by” |
| Manufacturer/packer | Name and business address |
| Importer | Name and business address in Malaysia |
| Country of origin | Mandatory for all imported food |
| Halal mark | If certified — must follow prescribed JAKIM logo format |
| Nutrition panel | Energy, protein, carbohydrate, total sugar, fat, sodium |
| Allergen declaration | Eggs are a mandatory allergen |
| Font size | Minimum 10-point font; conspicuous and prominent |
Governing Legislation & Authorities
| Legislation | Authority | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Food Act 1983 (Act 281) | MOH | Primary food safety legislation |
| Food Regulations 1985 (P.U.(A) 437/85) | MOH / FSQD | Detailed standards, labeling, contaminants |
| Trade Descriptions Act 2011 | MDTCC | Halal trade description enforcement |
| Animals Act 1953 | DVS | Animal product import controls |
| Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 | MAQIS | Border quarantine and inspection |
| Authority | Role | Website |
|---|---|---|
| DVS | Facility registration, veterinary health requirements, e-Dagang | www.dvs.gov.my |
| JAKIM | Halal certification recognition | myehalal.halal.gov.my |
| MAQIS | Import permits, border inspection | www.maqis.gov.my |
| FSQD (MOH) | Food safety standards, FOSIM | fsq.moh.gov.my |
| GACC | Chinese export registration, VHC issuance | www.customs.gov.cn |
Risk Notes
- CIA withdrawal is the most critical change — products with only CIA halal certification will be rejected. Switch to one of the 5 remaining recognized CBs immediately
- DVS facility registration takes months — begin the process well before planning shipments
- JAKIM recognition list changes periodically — verify current status before investing in certification from any body
- VHC must certify HPAI/ND freedom — outbreaks in China can trigger immediate import suspensions
- e-Dagang verification — MAQIS checks facility registration status electronically at border; unregistered facilities’ products will be rejected
- Religious sensitivity — any perception of halal non-compliance causes severe, lasting market damage in Malaysia
- Labeling compliance — labels must be in Bahasa Malaysia or English with all mandatory fields including nutrition panel
Action Checklist
- Confirm GACC registration is current (Decree 249)
- Verify CIA halal certificate is no longer valid — if your facility used CIA, obtain new certification from a recognized CB
- Identify a JAKIM-recognized halal CB from the 5 remaining in China (SHC, ARA, Linxia, SSPY, or HCS)
- Complete halal facility audit and obtain certificate (budget 6–12 months)
- Submit DVS facility registration application (Form DVS/BRV/APP/1a) with GACC endorsement
- Await DVS risk assessment and possible on-site inspection
- Ensure Malaysian importer registers with MAQIS (SPEED) and MOH (FOSIM)
- Importer applies for MAQIS import permit (e-Permit) before each shipment
- Obtain Veterinary Health Certificate from GACC with all 5 required certifications
- Prepare Bahasa Malaysia or English labels meeting Food Regulations 1985 (Reg 171–178)
- Include nutrition panel (energy, protein, carb, sugar, fat, sodium) and allergen declaration
- Monitor HPAI situation and DVS announcements for trade disruptions
- Check current import duty rates with JKDM HS Explorer — consider ACFTA Form E for preferential rates
Sources
DVS (Facility Registration)
- DVS R5 — Requirements for Importation of Egg Products (Revised July 2024): PDF
- DVS General Procedure — Import of Meat, Poultry, Milk, Egg Products (March 2023): PDF
- DVS Application Form — Renewal (Rev. 5, January 2025): PDF
- DVS Import/Export Portal: https://www.dvs.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/1941
- DVS Registered Establishments — Egg Products (June 2021): PDF
- myTRADELINK — DVS: https://www.mytradelink.gov.my/dvs
JAKIM (Halal Certification)
- JAKIM Halal Portal: https://myehalal.halal.gov.my/portal-halal/v1/
- JAKIM FHCB List (current): FHCB List Page
- JAKIM CIA Withdrawal Announcement: Announcement
MAQIS (Import Permits & Inspection)
- MAQIS Portal: https://www.maqis.gov.my
- MAQIS Permit Application Page: https://www.maqis.gov.my/index.php/permohonan-permit/
- MAQIS e-Permit System: https://newepermit2.dagangnet.com.my/epermit/html/login
- MAQIS SPEED Registration: https://imaqis.maqis.gov.my/SPEED
- MAQIS Fee Schedule: https://www.maqis.gov.my/index.php/fi-dan-caj/
MOH (Food Standards)
- Food Regulations 1985 (updated October 2024): MOH PDF
- FOSIM System: http://fsis2.moh.gov.my/fosimv2/
Tariffs & Trade
- JKDM HS Explorer (Royal Malaysian Customs tariff lookup): https://ezhs.customs.gov.my/
- MySST Portal (Sales and Service Tax): https://mysst.customs.gov.my/
- MATRADE Getting Started (includes Tariff Code info): https://www.matrade.gov.my/en/getting-started
- WTO Malaysia Tariff Profile: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tariffs_e/tariff_profiles_e/mys_e.pdf
Other
- Ministry of Agriculture — Import Programs: https://www.kpkm.gov.my/en/programs-and-initiatives/myagro-trade/import
- GACC — Decree No. 249: https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2021/content_5621202.htm
- FSQD — Food Regulations Portal: https://hq.moh.gov.my/fsq/peraturanperaturan-makanan-1985