MALAYSIA - EIGHTGOLD CO., LTD. New & Used Japanese Car Dealer

Japan Used Car Import Guide – Malaysia

Import Permission (AP – Approved Permit)

Import Permission (AP – Approved Permit)

All used vehicles imported into Malaysia require an “Approved Permit (AP)” issued by MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry).
The application uses Form JK69, and it must be submitted and approved before shipment.
The AP is usually valid for about 3 months, and the vehicle must be imported within that time.
The applicant should usually be the registered owner of the vehicle and may need to show ownership of at least 3 years (especially for personal imports).
Commercial imports for resale require separate APs and dealership registration.

Vehicle Age and Type Restrictions

Most reconditioned or used vehicles must be less than 5 years old at the time of import.
Right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are allowed (Malaysia drives on the left).
Left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are not permitted except under special exemptions (e.g., diplomatic use).
Classic or vintage cars (over 35 years old) can be imported under special approval.
The vehicle must comply with Malaysian emission, safety, and specification standards.

Required Documents

For the AP application and customs clearance, the following documents are commonly required:

• Copy of passport and visa/residence permit
• Vehicle registration certificate (showing ownership and specifications)
• Purchase invoice / bill of sale
• Insurance certificate
• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• JK69 form (import permit form)
• Inspection report from PUSPAKOM (Malaysia’s vehicle inspection agency) after arrival
• Customs declaration documents and any proof of ownership

Customs Duties and Taxes

Malaysia applies several layers of import taxation. The total cost is often 2–3× the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value. Typical rates:

Import Duty

Around 30% for passenger vehicles (depending on engine size and trade agreements).

Excise Duty

Ranges from 65% to 105% based on engine capacity and vehicle type.

Sales Tax (SST)

About 10%, applied after import and excise duties.

Other Fees

Inspection, registration, and processing fees apply.

Tax rates may change annually under Malaysia’s budget or trade policy revisions — always confirm with MITI or Malaysian Customs before shipping.

Inspection and Registration After Arrival

Upon arrival, the vehicle must pass a PUSPAKOM inspection, verifying its chassis number, engine number, emissions, and safety compliance.
After clearance, register the car with JPJ (Road Transport Department) to obtain Malaysian plates and road tax.
The following are required for registration: AP approval, inspection report, proof of insurance, identification, and customs release documents.

Special Programs / Exemptions

Returning Malaysians:

Citizens returning home after working abroad may be eligible for tax exemptions if they import their own car under specific MITI guidelines.

MM2H Program (Malaysia My Second Home):

Foreign residents under this program can apply for special approval to import a personal vehicle.

Vintage Vehicles:

Classic cars (usually 35 years or older) can be imported under heritage or collector exemptions with proper documentation.

Key Agencies and Links

MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry)

Issues the Approved Permit (AP).

JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan)

Vehicle registration and licensing.

PUSPAKOM

Vehicle inspection and roadworthiness certification.

Royal Malaysian Customs Department

Customs clearance and tax collection.

Summary

Importing a used car into Malaysia is allowed but tightly controlled.
You must obtain an AP (Approved Permit) before shipping, and the car must pass inspection and registration.
Expect high import and excise taxes — often doubling or tripling the landed cost.
Always verify the latest rules directly with MITI, JPJ, and Customs before proceeding, as policies and tax rates are frequently updated.