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Export to Malaysia: your complete guide

Yasir Chowdhrey
Yasir Chowdhrey
5 min read
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Export to Malaysia: your complete guide
Malaysia’s growing e-commerce market
Insights to help cross-border businesses create a Malaysia market entry strategy
Customs advice for businesses looking to export to Malaysia

Looking for new markets to ship to? Then add Malaysia to your list – one of the world’s leading countries for e-commerce sales growth1. 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

E-commerce is booming

E-commerce is booming

Thanks to Malaysia’s high internet penetration rate, revenue in its e-commerce market is projected to reach US$7.88bn in 2024 – rising to US$13.43bn by 2029(2).

A global growth leader

A global growth leader

In 2023, Malaysia’s retail e-commerce sales grew an impressive 18% – placing the country third in the global ranking for e-commerce market growth(3).

Cross-border shopping is big business

Cross-border shopping is big business

There’s good news for overseas sellers – in 2022, cross-border e-commerce sales made up over 57% of the country’s total e-commerce sales(4).

 

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.   

Fast shipping

Fast shipping

Over 40% of Malaysian consumers cited “delayed or slow delivery” as a deterrent to shopping online(9). But with DHL Express, you can guarantee speedy shipping to your customers – wherever in the world they may be!

Mobile-first

Mobile-first

Malaysia has a high smartphone penetration rate(10), so ensure you optimize your e-commerce website for the small screen to give customers a user-friendly experience. This includes Guest Checkout, address autofill, and accepting payment via digital wallet.

Social commerce

Social commerce

Social media is very popular in Malaysia(11), so your brand’s channels will play a big part in influencing consumers to buy from you. Many local businesses also use WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to interact with customers(12) – just remember to use a translation tool!

 

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 

 

Cost of doing business in Malaysia 

Unless exempt, all imported commercial goods are subject to customs duties and taxes based on their Harmonized System (HS) Code tariff classification. Generally speaking, it is the Importer of Record (i.e. either your business or your chosen logistics carrier) who will pay the import duties and taxes. 

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.

Looking to export to Malaysia?

You’re in the right place! We know that the above guidelines may seem a little overwhelming, but that’s where partnering with DHL Express will pay off. As international shipping experts, we’ll support you through all customs procedures so that your shipment avoids delays. Sell to the world with DHL!

Start your journey here