Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia tightly controls used-car imports through an Approved Permit (AP) issued by MITI before shipment. It drives on the left (right-hand drive), caps used imports at under 5 years, and applies very high cumulative taxes — import duty, excise of 60–105% by engine, and a 10% sales tax — so landed cost often reaches 2–3× CIF. ASEAN-origin new vehicles enter at 0% duty.

What are the rules for importing a car from China into Malaysia?
  • Age limit: Used / reconditioned vehicles must be under 5 years old at import. Classic or vintage vehicles over 35 years old may be imported under a special 'Classic AP'.
  • Import duty & taxes: Import duty about 30% for non-ASEAN passenger vehicles (ASEAN origin 0% under AFTA); excise duty 60–105% by engine capacity and vehicle type; Sales Tax (SST) 10% on (CIF + duty + excise). Total landed cost is often 2–3× CIF. Fully imported EVs enjoy import, excise and road-tax exemptions through end-2025.
  • Authority & certification: MITI issues the Approved Permit (AP); Royal Malaysian Customs (JKDM) collects duty; JPJ (Road Transport Department) registers; PUSPAKOM performs the post-arrival inspection.

Import facts at a glance

Age limitUsed / reconditioned vehicles must be under 5 years old at import. Classic or vintage vehicles over 35 years old may be imported under a special 'Classic AP'.
SteeringRight-hand drive (Malaysia drives on the left). Left-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted except under special exemptions such as diplomatic use.
Import duty & taxesImport duty about 30% for non-ASEAN passenger vehicles (ASEAN origin 0% under AFTA); excise duty 60–105% by engine capacity and vehicle type; Sales Tax (SST) 10% on (CIF + duty + excise). Total landed cost is often 2–3× CIF. Fully imported EVs enjoy import, excise and road-tax exemptions through end-2025.
Main ports / entryPort Klang and Penang are the principal vehicle entry points; Tanjung Pelepas also handles containers.
Authority & certificationMITI issues the Approved Permit (AP); Royal Malaysian Customs (JKDM) collects duty; JPJ (Road Transport Department) registers; PUSPAKOM performs the post-arrival inspection.
Required documentsApproved Permit (JK69 form) from MITI, passport / work permit, vehicle registration certificate, purchase invoice, insurance certificate, bill of lading, PUSPAKOM inspection report, and customs Form K1.

Figures indicative. Malaysia requires an Approved Permit (AP) before shipment, drives on the left (right-hand drive), caps used imports at under 5 years, and applies very high cumulative tax (duty + 60–105% excise + 10% SST). Confirm current rates with MITI and Royal Malaysian Customs. Sources: Royal Malaysian Customs Department (customs.gov.my). Last reviewed 2026-09.

35-country import policy quick reference →

Vehicles currently available — Malaysia

Import guides

Our experience in this region — Southeast Asia

EZ Auto is based in China (Zhengzhou, Henan) with 15–20 years in the country's car export trade. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia, with sea freight from Chinese ports (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou) to the region's main gateways — Singapore as a trans-shipment hub, Ho Chi Minh City / Cat Lai, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok and Yangon — handling China export clearance and full documentation. Where a market prohibits used imports (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new Chinese vehicles, including EVs; where used imports are permitted we advise on each country's real framework. Local import clearance is arranged by the buyer or a licensed broker; we provide all paperwork and per-country guidance. We do not operate local offices in Southeast Asia — every car is sourced and inspected in China before shipment.

FAQ

Can EZ Auto ship cars to Southeast Asia?
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia with full export documents and sea freight to the main regional ports (Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok, Yangon). Where used imports are prohibited (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new vehicles, including EVs. Import clearance is handled by you or a local broker; we supply all paperwork.
Which Southeast Asian markets allow used-car imports?
Vietnam (under 5 years, left-hand drive), the Philippines (about 5 years, left-hand drive, licensed importers only) and Malaysia (under 5 years, right-hand drive, with an Approved Permit) allow used imports under conditions. Thailand and Indonesia largely prohibit used-vehicle imports and are served by new vehicles. Myanmar allows used imports and from 2025 grants China-origin used cars a 0% customs-duty incentive. Rules change, so confirm the current position before you buy.
What steering side does each market require?
Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia require left-hand drive. Malaysia and Thailand require right-hand drive (they drive on the left). Myanmar also requires left-hand drive. Sourcing the correct steering from the factory is far cheaper than converting later, so we confirm the configuration before you order.
How long does shipping from China to Southeast Asia take?
Sea freight from Chinese ports to most Southeast Asian ports is short — typically about 7–14 days to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang or Yangon, with trans-shipment via Singapore common. Transit times vary with the sailing and season, so we confirm the current schedule for your route before shipment.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country, including the certification that Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines may require.

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