Shipping from US to Malaysia can be worrisome due to the long distance which may rack up costs and can be more prone to delays. It also requires some meticulousness with the relevant taxes as well as export and import restrictions.
This is where experienced freight forwarders come in to ensure that this endeavour is easily managed. Read on as we outline the shipping options and restrictions when shipping from the US to Malaysia.
How long does shipping from US to Malaysia take
The duration of shipping depends largely on the type of shipping method used. In general, sea shipping takes a longer time as compared to shipping goods via air. Sea freight shipping is done via Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL).
Air freight takes about 3 – 7 working days while sea freight takes about 14 – 21 working days.
Need to ship your goods from US to Malaysia? Contact us today for a free shipping quotation!
How much is shipping from the US to Malaysia
The cost of shipping from the US to Malaysia generally depends on the combined weight of the items shipped, the urgency of arrival and the type of service chosen.
| Shipping carriers | Service | Estimated price in USD (per 1kg package)* | Average delivery time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple carriers | Economy | $17.99 | 5 - 10 working days |
| Express | $21.99 | 4 - 9 working days | |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | $34.31 | 6 - 10 working days |
| FedEx | International Economy | $53.90 | 2 - 5 working days |
| International Priority Express | $62.62 | 1 - 3 working days | |
| USPS | First Class International | $39.43 | 11 - 21 working days |
| Priority Mail International | $63.85 | 3 - 5 working days |
*Prices are accurate as of January 31, 2023. They may be subject to changes due seasonal pricing, carriers’ charges and the shipment’s value and contents.
How to choose a shipping carrier
In choosing the shipping carrier for your needs, consider things such as your pickup and dropoff requirements, need for tracking and budget.
With these in mind, refer to the table below for a clearer understanding of the pros and cons of major shipping carriers.
| Shipping carriers | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple carriers | ||
| DHL | ||
| FedEx | ||
| USPS |
Import tax and duties for shipments from US to Malaysia
There are several categories of goods that are subject to taxes and duties upon import to Malaysia. These can range from consumables to vehicles.
Depending on the items, there may be some applicable for exemption. Read on for a breakdown of some of the common taxes and duties applied to imported goods to Malaysia.
Our experts at M&P International Freights can help make your shipment smooth sailing. Contact us to learn more.
Prohibited and restricted items for import into Malaysia
Malaysia’s import restrictions range from more commonly prohibited items such as reproduced currencies and drugs to specific produce from its regional neighbours. Refer to the list below for a summary of items that are prohibited for import into Malaysia.
- Intoxicating liquors containing more than 3.46mg/ℓ in any lead or in any compound of copper
- Reproduction of currencies, bank notes or coins
- Daggers and flick knives
- Articles of items resembling syringes
- Poisonous chemicals
- Drugs such as morphine, heroine, and marijuana
Restricted items that require an import licence from Malaysia
Here are some examples of restricted items that will require an import licence to be shipped to Malaysia:
- Any meat, bones, hide, skin, hoofs, horns, offal or any part of the animals and poultry.
- Live animals and fish
- Animal oils and fats.
- Plants include parts and plant products.
- Household and agricultural pesticides.
- Corals, alive or dead.
- Explosives and fireworks
- Imitation arms, toy gun / pistols, and hand grenades
- Safety helmets (except as worn by motorcyclists or motorcycle pillion riders).
- Motor vehicles
- Apparatus/equipment for the brewing of beer in the home.
- Pharmaceutical products
Prohibited and restricted items for export from US
In addition to import restrictions at the Malaysian border, some items are prohibited from export from the US. It’s important to check whether your shipment includes any of these items below so as to ensure that it will cross the border successfully.
The list of items include, but are not limited to:
- Counterfeit, bootlegged or pirated items
- Currency, gems, precious metals and stones
- Gambling materials and items
- Illegal drugs
- Dental, veterinary, medical devices and materials
- Medicines and dietary supplements
- Firearms, weapons and tactical equipment
Restricted items that require an export licence from US
A large majority of goods that require an export licence from the US are classified as “dual-use”. This means that they have both commercial as well as military or proliferation uses.
Items like these fall under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) section of the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Why choose M&P International Freights?
Your shipment is in good hands with M&P International Freights. Our personalised services are backed by 15+ years of experience and professional certifications. Each shipment gets specialised care and insurance coverage for your peace of mind.
15+ Years Of Experience
Over 15+ years we have shipped a variety of goods including oil and gas, machinery, ship spares and equipment safely and efficiently to the satisfaction of our clients.
Personalised Service
A specialised M&P consultant is assigned to each client to assist with every step of the process and cater to the specific needs of each project.
Certified Expertise
Accredited with SLA, MTO and FIATA certifications, our company maintains outstanding professional standards in our shipping services.
FAQs about shipping from the US to Malaysia
The cheapest way to ship from the US to Malaysia is via sea freight as compared to air freight, using a freight forwarder.
Yes. USPS has First Class international and Priority Mail International options for shipping items from the US to Malaysia.
The former costs about USD $39.43 and takes between 11 – 21 working days to ship from the US to Malaysia, while the latter costs about USD $63.85 and takes between 3 – 5 working days.
Yes, it is possible to add insurance to your shipment.
M&P International Freights provides cargo insurance for all shipments so you can rest assured that if your goods are affected in transit, you will have proper compensation.
Shipping from the US to Malaysia often requires documentation provided for both the country of exportation as well as the shipment’s destination country. Here is a list of standard documents needed for export from the US and import to Malaysia.
Import documents required for Malaysia
- Invoice
- Packing list
- Delivery letter
- Leaflet, catalogue or other related documents
- Insurance certificate, if insured
- Bill of lading / airway bill
- Letter of credit (if used)
- Import permit or licence
- Proof of fare payment
- Customs Form No. 1
- Completed Custom forms
Export documents required for US
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / airway bill
- Certificate of Conformity
- Certificate of Origin
- Export permit or licence