Malaysia Food Packaging Regulation

1. Competent Authority and Responsibilities

2. Regulatory Framework

Food packaging should comply with the following law, regulation and guideline governed by the MOH, especially pertaining to its safety, standard and labeling:

• Food Act 1983

• Food Regulations 1985

• Guideline on Importation of Baby Feeding Bottle

• Guideline on Importation of Ceramic Ware

Additionally, stakeholders must adhere to regulations issued by other competent authorities. For instance, according to the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2017, the importation of plastic feeding bottles under the tariff code 3924.10.90 10 requires approval from the Food Safety and Quality Program, MOH, before such consignments are released.

3. Market Access Approval

3.1 Overall import procedure

Before exporting products to Malaysia, overseas enterprises must ensure that the products comply with the provisions specified in the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985. Read more at “3.2 Product Compliance.”

Moreover, before the exportation, importing and shipping agents (customs brokers) of overseas enterprises are required to register with the Malaysian Food Safety Information System (FoSIM). The system is linked to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department's system known as the Customs Information System (CIS), allowing importers, shipping agents, and Authorized Officers to manage importation activities electronically using a risk-based approach.

The overall importation procedure is summarized below.

3.2 Product compliance

Part VI of Food Regulations 1985 outlines the requirements for food packaging. Regulations 27, 31, 34, 35, and 36 provide general requirements concerning:

1. the prohibition of harmful packaging, packaging for non-food products, and damaged packaging;

2. presumptions regarding the use of any packaging;

3. restrictions on the use of articles like toys and coins.

In addition to the general requirements, Malaysia has specific regulatory requirements for different food packaging types. For example, Regulation 27A states that feeding bottles must not contain Bisphenol A (BPA). Regulation 28 addresses the classification of ceramic ware, the Malaysian Standard to follow, the maximum permitted proportion of lead and cadmium released from the ceramic ware, specification for ceramic ware, etc.

Lastly, stakeholders shall also refer to the regulations for specific product. For example, “Regulation 361 General standard for alcoholic beverage” stipulated that alcoholic beverage shall be packed in glass bottles, aluminum cans, plastic bottles or porcelain bottles.

Please note that the authority has provided the following guidelines for the importation of feeding bottle, and ceramic ware.

• Guideline on Importation of Baby Feeding Bottle

• Guideline on Importation of Ceramic Ware

3.3  Additional mandatory requirements for specific package: approval & certificate

Please note that the following requirements apply only to the package types mentioned below and do not apply to other general food packaging.

1. Certificate of Analysis (COA) is required for importation of ceramic ware intended to be used in the preparation, packaging, storage, delivery or exposure of food for human consumption. The COA shall be on a per consignment basis which indicates the level of lead and cadmium release as prescribed under Regulation 28(4) of the Food Regulations and issued by a laboratory which is accredited and recognised by the Competent Authority (CA) of the exporting country. The COA shall be made available to the Authorized Officer at each entry point for every consignment imported. Validity of the COA shall not exceed one (1) year from the date it was issued.

2. Importation of feeding bottles of plastic under the tariff code of 3924.10.90 10 shall require the approval from the Food Safety and Quality Program, MOH before such consignment are released.

4. Label

Labeling requirements can be found in corresponding regulations of Food Regulations 1985, as well as the guidelines for feeding bottle and ceramic ware. For example, it is stipulated that each of the ceramic ware should be clearly and permanently labelled with the following information:

1. Name, trademark or any other means of identifying the manufacturer or supplier;

2. Name of the country of origin of the product;

3. Any of the following classification: (i) Bone china; (ii) Porcelain; (iii) Vitrified china; (iv) Earthenware; (v) Stoneware; or (vi) Any other classification of ceramic ware including terracotta; and

4. The words ‘FOR FOOD CONTACT’, or the symbol as specified in Table III of the Thirteenth Schedule.

5. Voluntary registration and certification

5.1 Ceramic tableware registration

The MOH offers a voluntary registration service of ceramic tableware to assist the industry in meeting the compliance requirements of lead and cadmium content in ceramic products sold. Registered ceramic goods are eligible to use the logo below. Please refer to Guidelines for Registration of Ceramic Goods for details.

5.2 Food-grade certification

Food-grade certification is voluntary for stakeholders. The term "food grade" refers to any equipment, hardware, packaging, detergent or foodstuff that is safe to use when it comes into contact with food or is added to food. 

Manufacturers, importers, or any individual who engages in the sale of food-grade products can apply for the certification as per this guideline, which outlines the procedure for applying for Food Grade Certification. For example, plastic package must meet the overall migration requirements as given in the Guideline to obtain the certification.

* Global Food Compliance Service

We provide various market entry services to help stakeholders better understand exporting requirements, establish business and secure a competitive place to facilitate trade development.

Covered Countries  

China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand etc.

Our Services

• Food Ingredient Review

• Label Review

• Product Registration

• Regulatory Consultation

• Monitoring, Training and Customized Report

Please feel free to contact us via [email protected] if you need any help.