SIRIM Import Permit: Communication Device (Personal Use)

Yes, you will need an import permit known as the Special Approval and Clearance Letter (SACL) when importing communications equipment for personal use. 

The SACL acts as both product certification and import permit, simplifying the process by combining these requirements into one document. You can easily obtain it online with just 4 steps.

This requirement applies to communications equipment, multimedia devices, and hybrid products (non-communication items with wireless features like WiFi and Bluetooth, such as Bluetooth earphones).

The type of permit you need depends on the type of product you are importing, not the value or quantity.

You need a SACL from SIRIM if your product has any wireless communication feature, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, cellular connectivity, or 5G. This applies to smartphones, laptops, tablets, wireless earbuds, smartwatches, drones, smart speakers, routers, dashcams with WiFi, and similar devices.

You need a Letter of Personal Use from Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission) if your product is a purely electrical appliance operating at 50V AC or 120V DC and above, with no wireless features. This includes items such as hair dryers, rice cookers, kettles, blenders, fans, air conditioners, and similar household appliances.

For products with both wireless and electrical components (e.g. a robot vacuum with WiFi or a smart air purifier with Bluetooth), the SACL from SIRIM is typically the required permit, as the communication component takes precedence.

If unsure, confirm with SIRIM eComM or DHL Express (via social channels if you’re shipping with us) before applying.

A quick reference: 

No, you can no longer walk in to apply for the SIRIM import permit, also known as Special Approval and Clearance Letter (SACL).

You must submit your application online through the eComM website in just 4 steps.

Since 5th May 2020, manual submissions, email applications, and walk-ins are no longer accepted.

The application fee for the SIRIM import permit, also known as the Special Approval and Clearance Letter (SACL) is RM20 for certified products and RM40 for non-certified products.

You can pay the fee on the eComM website, which accepts various payment methods such as FPX, credit card, and prepaid options.

You will receive the SIRIM import permit, also known as the Special Approval and Clearance Letter (SACL), within 24 hours after after document submission and payment.

Check out how to apply for SALC approval.

There are 4 steps to apply for the SIRIM import permit for personal use communications equipment:

Step 1: Registration

Submit online as an individual on the SIRIM QAS e-ComM website.

Step 2: Product Clearance Application Submission

Submit a product clearance application with seller/sender and shipment details, along with required documents.

Step 3: Payment

Pay for the SACL application fees.

Step 4: Product Clearance Letter Submission

Submit the Product Clearance Letter (PCL) to Customs or your Forwarding Agent for clearance.

For more detail, read the complete guide.

You should apply for the SIRIM import permit, also known as the Special Approval and Clearance Letter (SACL), as soon as your shipment arrives at Malaysia customs.

The processing time will take up to 24 hours.

No. For personal use imports, you will need to apply for the SACL (Special Approval and Clearance Letter) yourself through the eComM portal, as the application requires your personal identification details.

You will be notified by email from DHL Express if a SACL is required. If using another courier, they will send a similar notice. If unsure, seek help through that email. 

Communications equipment can be divided into two categories: network facilities and customer equipment.

Network facilities include equipment used for network services such as telephony, fibre optics, cellular networks, and broadcasting, as well as devices like Netgear network switches.

Customer premise equipment (CPE) refers to devices used on the customer end of a network, including all types of wireless devices. This category also covers Hybrid Equipment, which are non-communication products with integrated wireless features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, 5G and more.

There are two possible outcomes if your application is not approved:

1. Status: Not Approved. This typically means the submitted documents were incomplete or unclear. You can resubmit the application with corrected documents. Common reasons include missing technical specifications, unclear invoices, or incorrect product details.
2. Status: Prohibited. The product uses a frequency band that is restricted or allocated for other purposes in Malaysia. In this case, the SACL will not be issued, and the product cannot be legally imported. You may need to arrange for the shipment to be returned to the sender.

If you believe the rejection is in error, you can contact SIRIM's eComM support for clarification before resubmitting.

If your shipment has already been detained at Malaysian Customs and you have not yet obtained a SACL, follow these steps:

1. Check your email. DHL Express will notify you if your shipment requires a SIRIM import permit. If you are using another courier, they will send a similar notification.
2. Apply immediately on eComM. Go to ecomm.sirim.my, register as an individual (if you haven't already), and submit your Product Clearance application. Processing typically takes up to 24 hours.
3. Gather your documents in advance. Have your invoice, product specification, identity card, and user manual ready before starting the application to avoid delays.
4. Submit the approved SACL to your courier. Once you receive the approved Product Clearance Letter (PCL) via the eComM portal, forward it to the customs agent who contacted you. For DHL Express shipments, reply to the notification email with the PCL attached.

Do not delay your application. While there is no strict deadline, prolonged storage at customs may result in additional storage charges from the airport warehouse.