How to Comply with Malaysia’s Vehicle Import Regulations | GVE London – Blog

Maybe you’ve got your eye on an exotic ride like a Lamborghini, a McLaren, or something rare you only spotted in a supercar showroom that you plan to export from the UK. Whatever it is, getting it into Malaysia is possible, but you need to stick to the rules. Let’s explore how to make this happen without losing your patience or your wallet.

Exporting Cars from the UK: What You Must Prepare

First things first. If you want to bring a car into Malaysia, you need an Approved Permit (AP) from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Without that, the car will not clear customs. Exporting cars to Malaysia is not as simple as booking a ferry ticket.

You will also need paperwork such as the V5C (proof of ownership), export declaration, certificate of conformity showing Euro 4 or higher emissions, commercial invoice, and Bill of Lading. If your car is modified, extra approval is needed from SIRIM QAS. Missing even one document can cause delays or rejection.

There is also a strict rule. Only right-hand drive cars less than five years old are generally accepted. If it is for personal use, you must have owned the car for at least three years.

Counting the Cost: Duties, Excise, Sales Tax, and HVGT

Malaysia’s taxes on imported vehicles are famously steep. Import duty sits at about 30 percent across the board. But that is just the start.

I) Excise duty depends on engine capacity. It is 75 percent for cars under 1,800 cc and can rise to 105 percent for those over 2,500 cc.

II) Sales tax is a flat 10 percent.

III) If your car is valued over RM200,000, you may also face the High Value Goods Tax of 5 to 10 percent.

Altogether, these charges can push the landed cost of your dream car to nearly three times its original value.

Read Also: The Legal Process of Exporting Supercars to Malaysia

Shipping: Container, RoRo, or Air Freight?

How your car travels from the UK to Malaysia matters. Many people choose RoRo, roll on roll off, because it is cheaper and faster. However, your car sits exposed during transport, which is not ideal for luxury cars.

For safety, container shipping costs more but keeps the car secure. Expect about 10 weeks door-to-door.

For rare or highly valuable cars, air freight is an option. It takes only 3 to 7 days. It is costly, but unbeatable for speed.

Clearing Customs and Local Checks

When your car arrives at Port Klang, it first goes through customs inspection, followed by checks by PUSPAKOM, Malaysia’s vehicle inspection agency. They test emissions, safety features, and other requirements. If the car fails, it must be modified before it can be registered.

After that, it is on to the JPJ, the Road Transport Department, for final registration. You will need proof of identity, insurance, and the AP. Once this is complete, you get licence plates and road tax, which is based on engine capacity and vehicle type.

Avoiding Pitfalls

Many importers learn the hard way. Cars have been delayed, stuck at port, or even auctioned off due to missing paperwork. Rules such as the five-year age limit and the strict AP requirement are enforced without exception.

GVE Marketplace Makes It Easier

Now imagine skipping most of that stress. That is where the GVE Marketplace comes in. As a luxury car export partner, acting as both export hub and supercar showroom, we simplify the process.

I) We handle AP applications.

II) We prepare all documentation.

III) We manage shipping by container, RoRo, or air.

IV) We organise inspection, customs clearance, PUSPAKOM, and JPJ registration.

V) We oversee modifications, servicing, customisation, and detailing if needed.

For anyone considering exporting cars from the UK to Malaysia, the GVE Marketplace makes the journey smoother and far less stressful.

Final Thoughts

Importing a car from the UK to Malaysia involves a maze of permits, paperwork, taxes, and inspections. It is not quick, and it is certainly not cheap. Yet for the right car, the effort and cost can be worth it.

With the right support, such as GVE Marketplace, you can avoid frustration and get your dream car road legal and ready to enjoy. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, window tints and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!