Malaysia (MY)


The following should be considered prior to updating establishment details:

  • When an establishment notifies the Department of an administrative change (that is, a change of occupier, company name, address, or in some instances product specific changes), the Department will amend the establishment record in the system.
  • The establishment's amended details will appear on applicable export documentation including health certification from the date that the Department amends the establishment record
  • When relevant changes are made to an establishment's details, the Department will advise trading partners that maintain establishment lists of the change of details; however, the Department is unable to guarantee a timeframe as to when trading partners will update the establishment's overseas listing details they maintain. This means that there may be a period in which export certification issued by the Department does not match the trading partner's official published listing, which may result in clearance issues at the port of entry.
  • Establishments should be aware that their ability to export to some countries may be impacted during this transition period and may include issues with goods in transit.
  • Exporters and manufacturers are encouraged to check that their establishment's details are recorded accurately where they appear on trading partners' lists and to contact the Department if errors are found.

1.1 Establishment registration

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) is the Australian government authority responsible for export registration, inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports. 

All premises involved in the production of bovine milk and milk products for export must be registered with the Department. Premises involved in the production of non-bovine products may also need to be registered, however this is only when required by an importing country, please see product information here. For more information or assistance with the export registration process contact the Department's Dairy, Eggs and Fish Program at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au. We also encourage you to work with your importer to clarify any specific import conditions for the products you are exporting.

Exceptions to establishment registration and export certification

  1. (a) ice cream;
  3. (b) cheesecakes, Bavarian desserts and similar desserts;
  5. (c) colostrum;
  7. (d) milk or milk products encased in pastry or a fruit or vegetable product;
  9. (e) milk products where milk or milk products are not the major component;
  11. (f) milk or milk products that are derived from the lacteal secretion obtained from an animal other than a bovine animal;
  13. (g) milk or milk products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
  15. (h) any other milk or milk products that are not covered by subsection (1) of this section;
  17. (i) liquid milk and milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
  19. (j) milk or milk products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (i) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
  21. (k) milk or milk products in the form of a tablet or capsule.
  23. (l) milk or milk products for export to New Zealand.
Note
If Malaysia requires government to government certification and registration for the entry of the above goods, then this can only be provided by the department when the goods have been approved to be prepared in an export registered establishment.
In some circumstances a non-prescribed good certificate can be issued. There is no requirement for export registration in these circumstances, please contact npgexports@aff.gov.au for further information.
Exceptions (ships stores)

Export certification is not issued for ships stores as the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 do not apply. Ships stores are milk and milk products on ships or aircraft for the use of passengers and crew or for the service of the ships or aircraft on a voyage from Australia.

1.2 Overseas listing

Initial listing procedure
Required?
Establishment listing required for Malaysia
Yes*

*Establishments can check their listing with Malaysia at the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) website (click on the ‘Import’ tab and scroll down to ‘11. Pendaftaran Loji Pemprosesan Bagi Pengeksportan Susu dan Produk Susu Ke Malaysia/List of Dairy Establishments Approved for Export to Malaysia’. Listed establishments are categorised according to product category Dairy Products (PDF 1991 KB), Liquid Milk (PDF 480 KB) and Ice Cream (PDF 502 KB).

Exporters should check establishment listing requirements with their importer.

DVS list for new exporters to this market

Processing establishments that intend to manufacture milk and milk products for export to Malaysia are required to complete the form titled 'Application form for export Meat, Poultry, Milk, Egg and Products into Malaysia.' To commence the application process contact the department at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au.

Listing additional products after successful DVS listing

Processing establishments that are successfully listed with DVS and would like to add additional products for export are required to complete the DVS form titled, 'Application Form for Additional Products/Change New Product Name/ Change Formula from Recognised Foreign Abattoirs and Processing Plants.' Exporters who would like to add additional products to their listing should contact the department at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au.

The above-mentioned application forms must be completed in English and signed by the Department. Additional information such as photographs may be provided as attachments.

Throughout the application, raw materials are the raw milk component, not other ingredients such as a flavouring.

Completed forms and attachments will be provided to DVS by the Department.

Establishments should be aware that delays in processing may result from submission of incomplete or inadequate information.

1.3 Prohibited products

There are no known products that are prohibited for export to this market.

1.4 General information

2.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products of bovine origin are defined as prescribed goods under the Export Control Act. Production of these products for export is regulated under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Milk and milk products manufactured from non-bovine species, for example buffalo, goat and sheep, may also need to be regulated through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, though this is only required when export registration and health certification from the Department is required by an importing country.

We are aware that Malaysia has a requirement for export certification for milk and milk products of non-bovine species and ice cream (refer to section 5.1.2).

2.2 Compositional requirements

2.3 Further information

3.1 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

Unless technical products and pharmaceutical material are prepared at an establishment that produces milk and milk products for export as food, these products are non prescribed goods. They are not regulated by the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

3.2 Animal feed

Unless animal food is prepared at an establishment that produces milk and milk products for export as food, these products are non prescribed goods.

In accordance with the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, animal food must be clearly identified as animal food and not for human consumption. It must also be segregated from and not contaminate milk and milk products that are for human consumption.

3.3 Manufacturing grade products

Malaysia has no known additional requirements for Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products that differ from the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Manufacturing Grade products are defined in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

3.4 Processing

3.5 Further information

4.1 Microbial and residue sampling

Malaysia has no known additional requirements for microbial sampling of milk and milk products, other than soft cheese, that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Malaysia residue standards

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in Malaysia or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between Malaysia and Australia.

Food business operators should note that:

  • These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the Malaysia standards and the Australian standards.
  • Any detection of a residue above the Malaysia MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.
Note
Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.
Maximum acceptable limits

All cheese with a moisture content greater than 39% and with a pH of more than 5, is required to meet the Listeria monocytogenes standard (PDF 300 KB) of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Most DC codes in FCH and SCH, and some DC codes in SHC, need to meet the Listeria monocytogenes standard of FSANZ.

For cheese that is required to meet the Listeria monocytogenes standard, analytical certificates from a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratories should be presented to Malaysian importing authorities, with the relevant Health Certificate, showing absence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Note
NATA certificates are not required to be presented to the Department.

The maximum level of sorbic acid in cheese, as per Malaysian Food Regulations 1985, is 1000 mg/kg.

4.2 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation

Malaysia has no known additional requirements for general operations that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

4.3 Hygiene

Malaysia has no known additional hygiene requirements that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

5.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products that are prescribed under Australia's export rules
  1. are milk or milk products derived from a bovine animal
  2. are intended to be exported as food
Milk and milk products that are not prescribed under Australia's export rules

Milk and milk products which do not meet the criteria under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 are classified by Australia as non-prescribed goods. It is the responsibility of the exporter to confirm with Malaysia if there are any specific requirements for the import of these products.

Examples of non-prescribed goods are:

  1. ice cream
  2. cheesecakes, Bavarian desserts and similar desserts
  3. colostrum
  4. milk or milk products encased in pastry or a fruit or vegetable product
  5. milk products where milk or milk products are not the major component
  6. milk or milk products obtained from a non-bovine animal
  7. milk or milk products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material
  8. liquid milk and milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres
  9. milk or milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms
  10. milk or milk products in the form of a tablet or capsule

Further information on exporting non-prescribed goods from Australia is available on the Department's website.

In some cases, an importing country requires specific health certification and government oversight for what would typically be non-prescribed milk and milk products. When required, these products become prescribed under export legislation and must meet all export and importing country requirements. This includes the products being manufactured and stored at an export registered establishment and must have a valid export permit and health certificate for each consignment. Guidance on export registration can be found at Dairy export registered establishments.

5.1.1 Health certification for milk and milk products

For milk and milk products produced for human consumption (including milk and milk products classified as a prescribed good by an importing Country), use health certificate template ZD035 with endorsement 455 and optional endorsement 408.

The ZD035 certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. in sound condition
  2. fit for human consumption
  3. of Australian origin.
Endorsement 455

Australia was free of Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy for twelve months prior to the export of the above product.

Optional endorsement 408

Australia was free of Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy for twelve months prior to the export of the above product.

The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed 50 Bq/kg.

5.1.2 Health certification for milk and milk products of non-bovine origin

For non-bovine milk and milk products and ice cream for human consumption (including milk and milk products from buffalo, goat, sheep and camel species) to be eligible for health certification for Malaysia, the manufacturer must be export registered and the establishment must be listed with DVS. Guidance on export registration for manufacturer's producing non-bovine milk and milk products can be found at Dairy export registered establishments.

Please note currently there is no export health certificate available for camel milk or camel milk powder. If you are interested in exporting camel milk or camel milk powder, please contact the department at ExportStandards@aff.gov.au.

For further information on export registration and exporting non-bovine milk and milk products and ice cream for human consumption to Malaysia contact the Dairy Eggs and Fish Program at DairyEggsFish.agriculture.gov.au

NATA certificates for cheese

In accordance with the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ)Listeria monocytogenes standard (PDF 300 KB), analytical certificates produced by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory for cheese need to be obtained to confirm that the cheese is free from Listeria monocytogenes. The NATA certificates should be presented to Malaysian importing authorities and are not required to be presented to the Department.

Halal certification requirements

Halal certification must only be provided when dairy products are labelled as halal. This certificate must be from a recognised Australian Islamic Organisation (IO).

The Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) is the agency in Malaysia responsible for approving IOs in foreign countries.

Islamic organisations that have an approved arrangement with the Department for the certification of red halal meat and red meat products for export may also be approved to certify dairy products.

Transit certification requirements

Milk and milk products transiting the European Union or the United States may require transit documentation. These certificates are available as additional certificates through the NEXDOC system. If the product is transiting the United States, standard certification is required and the exporter should contact the Department for advice on how this certification may be issued. If the product is transiting a European Union member state, see the particular European Union member state regarding the certificate template to select.

5.2 Manufacturing grade products

For Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products, use the ZD016 certificate as to condition for Manufacturing Grade products.

The ZD016 certificate as to condition contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. in sound condition
  2. of Australian origin.

5.3 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

The ZD001 certificate as to condition may be issued for technical products and pharmaceutical material.

The ZD001 certificate contains the following attestations:

I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information on this form is true and correct in every particular details and that the product described above is of Australian origin and is acceptable for sale in Australia.

5.4 Animal feed

The ZD015 certificate as to condition for stockfood can be issued for stockfood made from milk and milk products.

The ZD015 certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. in sound condition
  2. of Australian origin.
Endorsement 455 – DAIRY – MALAYSIA Bovine disease statement – twelve months

Australia was free of Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy for twelve months prior to the export of the above product.

5.5 Consignments under 10 kilograms and trade samples

Export certification is required for all consignments and trade samples of milk and milk products even if they are under 10 kilograms or 10 litres.

5.6 Additional certification/letters

The ZX01 certificate as to dioxin status of Australian dairy products is available on request.

European Union (EU) transit certificates are available for consignments transiting the EU. Refer to the EU - Documentation requirements for edible products.

6.1 Import permit

Exporters should ensure that their importer complies with any requirements to obtain a permit for imports into Malaysia.

6.2 Port-of-entry inspection and testing

7.1 Packaging

Halal certification must be provided when dairy products are labelled as halal. Refer to section 5.1.2 for further details on halal certification.

There are no other known specific requirements for labelling and packaging in addition to those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

7.2 Labelling

Halal certification must be provided when dairy products are labelled as halal. Refer to section 5.1.2 for further details on halal certification.

In addition to the labelling and packaging provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health introduced food labelling regulations, which entered into force on 1 January 2024. Please refer to this US Department of Agriculture report for details. This report includes a link to Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Guideline on Labelling Requirements Under Food Act 1983 and Regulations Thereunder.”

7.3 Shelf life

Malaysia has no known specific requirements for shelf life restrictions other than those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

7.4 Shipping marks

Malaysia has no known specific requirements for shipping marks (port marks).

7.5 Further information

Malaysia has no known specific requirements for shipping and airfreight. Milk and milk products must be transported to ensure their condition and integrity is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

8.1 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout

26/08/2025 - Updated new information on adding product lines to export and labelling requirements (sections 1.1, 1.2 and 7.2).
02/08/2024 - Updated certificate information on camel milk products (section 5.1.2).
12/03/2024 - Updated establishment listing application form for milk and milk products (section 1.1).
16/08/2023 - Updated application form for export Meat, Poultry, Milk, Egg and products. (section 1.1).
02/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 4.1).
14/09/2022 - Updated establishment registration (section 1.1).
05/04/2022 - Updated non-bovine milk information (section 5.1.2).
20/02/2022 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Dairy headings.
08/10/2021 - Updated establishment listing (section 1.2).
16/09/2021 - Removal and replacement of Dairy by Definition wording.
02/06/2021 - References to export legislation have been updated.