The Energy Commission under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation is responsible for the issuance of a Certificate of Approval for the manufacture, import, display, sale or advertisement of any domestic electrical equipment, any low voltage electrical equipment which is usually sold direct to the general public or any low voltage electrical equipment which does not require special skills in its operation.

The electrical equipment which requires a Certificate of Approval before importation is prescribed in Regulation 97, Electricity Regulations 1994 which states:

Regulation 97(1). No person shall manufacture, import, display, sell or advertise:

(a) any domestic equipment;
(b) any low voltage equipment which is usually sold directly to the general public; or
(c) any low voltage equipment which does not require special skills in its operations; and

Regulation 101 (A). For the purpose of efficient use of electricity, prior to an application for a Certificate of Approval under Regulation 97, any person who manufacturers, imports, sells or offers for sale or lease any equipment under that regulation, shall ensure that such equipment meets the energy performance testing standards, the minimum energy performance standards and the efficiency ratings unless the equipment is approved by the Energy Commission.

These Regulations are applicable to the importation of electrical equipment from all countries.

The control on the importation of these categories was introduced to prevent the importation of unsafe and inefficient electrical equipment for public use.

The control on importation of these categories of electrical equipment is a statutory requirement under the Electricity Supply Act 1990.

See answers 7.a-7.d.

How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

Application should be made by the importer before the importation of the goods.

Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

Certificate of Approval can be obtained within 5 working days provided the relevant documents are in order.

Approval cannot be granted immediately upon request.

Certificate of Approval is valid for twelve (12) months and subject to renewal.

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

Applicants for import approval, required by Regulation 97 of Electricity Regulations 1994, must apply to the Energy Commission.

Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

Equipment under consideration for an approval certificate has to be assessed /examined by an approved testing body to ensure the equipment complies with any of the following standards:

- MS (Malaysian Standard);
- IEC (International Electro Technical Commission); or
- BS (British Standard).

Electrical equipment tested under IEC or BS standard are subjected to additional test to include national deviation (e.g., voltage and frequency and type of plug used).

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

An application for the import approval may be refused if it does not meet the ordinary application criteria and conditions.
A certificate of approval can be cancelled at the discretion of the Commission on reasons stated in Regulation 108, Electricity Regulations 1994. Regulation 108:

The Commission may cancel a Certificate of Approval issued in respect of any equipment referred to in Regulation 97 if:

(a) the equipment is found or be unsafe for use upon any examination or test thereof;

(b) the person to whom the Certificate was issued, uses it for a purpose different for that for which it was issued or in a manner calculated to mislead or deceive the public;

(c) the person has contravened or failed to comply with any of the provisions of the Act or these Regulations; or

(d) the holder of the Certificate has obtained the Certificate by making or causing to be made any false or fraudulent declaration, certification or representation, either in writing or otherwise.

Where a Certificate of Approval is cancelled by the Commission pursuant to sub regulation (1) of 97, the Certificate shall be returned to the Commission by the person to whom the Certificate was issued within fourteen (14) days of the written notification of the cancellation.

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

Reasons for refusal are given to the applicants on request.

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

Yes.

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Applicants who are refused permission for importation may appeal to the same department responsible for issuing the certificate of approval.

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

The registration shall be done through e-DIK system at http://edik.st.gov.my.

What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

As stated in Regulations 97C, Electricity Regulations 1994, any person who manufactures or imports any equipment under Regulation 97 shall apply to be registered with the Energy Commission. Only businesses or companies registered with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) are eligible for the registration. Certificate of Registration (COR) will be issued and shall be valid for not less than one year and not exceeding five years from the date of issue or renewal.

Is there a registration fee?

There is no registration fee for the time being.

What information is required in applications?

Application Procedure
(i) There are 34 categories of household electrical appliances that the ST regulates. (please refer to the Information Booklet on Approval of Electrical Equipment at http://www.st.gov.my). In order to import electrical appliances a company or local agent needs to register with Dagangnet (Please contact Dagangnet, careline No. 1 300 133-133, Fax No. 03-2713-2121, e-mail: careline@dagangnet.com). Upon completion of registration and payment of fees, applicants can proceed to apply electronically. ST will issue a Certificate of Approval (CoA) if applications are in order (test report submitted, fees paid to ST, RM 30.00 for processing and RM 220.00 (Single phase) / RM 330 (Three phase) for CoA).

(ii) The equipment under consideration for a Certificate of Approval is to be examined by an approved testing body to ensure the equipment complies with any of the following standards:
- MS (Malaysian Standard), IEC (International Electro Technical Commission); and
- BS (British Standard).

(iii) Type Test Report
The tests and certificates that are recognized by the commission are the ones issued by:
(a) SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd. (SIRIM) under Laboratory Accreditation Scheme of Malaysia (SAMM) by Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM); or
(b) Laboratories under SAMM by DSM recognised by Energy Commission; or
(c) Laboratories under the IECEE CB Scheme. The list of the laboratories is available from the website http://www.cbscheme.org. The CB test report needs to be accompanied by a CB test certificate; or
(d) Laboratories (in the scope of its accreditation) which are accredited by the accreditation body that have signed the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) MRA – https://www.apac-accreditation.org. The test report needs to be accompanied with a conformation letter from the DSM; or

(e) Laboratories (in the scope of its accreditation) which are accredited by the accreditation body that have signed the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) MRA – http://www.ilac.org. The test report needs to be accompanied with a conformation letter from the DSM; or
(f) Laboratories (in the scope of its accreditation) listed as Designated Testing Laboratory(DTL) under ASEAN Sectoral Mutual Recognition Agreement for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ASEAN EEE MRA).

For items (c), (d), (e) and (f), testing should include the national deviation in Malaysia. Failing which, additional tests need to be carried out by SIRIM; for example, to test voltage rating at 230 V (+ 10% - 6 %) for single phase or at 400 V (+ 10% - 6%) for three phase and the frequency at 50 Hz.;

The assessment report must be either in Bahasa Malaysia or English language.

What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

The required documents are as follows:
- test report including the list of components;
- instruction manual;
- technical specification and catalogue; and
- a sample of the product, if requested.

Proof of Certificate of Approval is required for clearance by the Royal Customs Department of Malaysia at the point of entry.

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

Yes.

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

An annual fee of RM110.00 for single phase and RM220.00 for three phase products shall be paid upon approval of the Certificate of Approval (COA).

No.

A Certificate of Approval is valid for twelve (12) months and can be renewed. Renewal of the Certificate of Approval shall be made not less than fourteen (14) days before the expiry date of the Certificate. Renewal application shall be done through ePermit system (http://epermit.dagangnet.com.my). 

No.

Please refer to the following Electricity Regulations 1994:

Regulation 107

(1) No certificate of approval issued under Regulation 97 shall be transferred by the holder of the Certificate to any other person except with the written permission of the Commission.

(2) The holder of a Certificate of Approval issued under Regulation 97 shall obtain approval from the Commission in writing for any change of name or address in connection with the business and the certificate shall be amended or replaced without payment of any fee.

Conditions may be imposed on:

Electrical equipment to be marked or label as described in Electricity Regulation 1994 as stated below:

Regulation 98 - Where equipment has been approved for manufacture, import, display, sale or advertisement by the Commission, the person to whom a Certificate of Approval has been issued under Regulation 97 may be required by the Commission to mark or label the equipment in a manner to be determined by the Commission.

Regulation 101(A)(3) – Any equipment that meets all the requirements of efficient use of electricity under sub regulation (1) shall be affixed with an efficiency rating label in such form and manners by the Commission.

- Nominal Voltages and Frequency:

The nominal supply voltages and frequency for household and similar electrical use in Malaysia are as follows:

- 230V, 50Hz for Single-phase, a.c. systems; and
- 400V, 50Hz for Three-phase, 3-wire or 4-wire A.C. systems.

- The supply voltage and frequency at any point of the system under normal conditions are allowed to fluctuate between +10% and –6% from 230/400V and ± 1% from 50Hz respectively.

- In line with the above, the electrical products to be used in Malaysia shall be designed to operate at the country's nominal voltage and frequency as follows:

(1) Voltage

Single-phase product shall be rated/marked at 230V. If the product is rated with multiple or a range of voltages, 230V shall be included. Testing shall be conducted based on 230V, and other relevant voltages, if the product is marked with multiple or a range of voltages;

Three-phase product shall be rated/marked at 400V. If the product is rated with multiple range of voltages, 400V shall be included. Testing shall be conducted based on 400V, and other relevant voltages, if the product is marked with multiple or a range of voltages.

(2) Frequency

Product shall be rated/marked at 50Hz and testing shall be conducted at 50Hz. If the product is marked with 50/60Hz or 50-60Hz then testing shall be conducted either at 50Hz or 60Hz, whichever is more unfavourable.

- Power supply cord and mains plug requirements:

The appliances shall be fitted with a suitable and appropriate approved power supply cord and mains plug. Both are regulated products and must be approved by the regulatory body before it can be used with the appliances;

- The power supply cord shall be certified to :-
- MS2112-5 or BS EN 50525-2-11 or IEC 60227-5 (PVC insulated -flexible cables/cords); or
- MS 140 or MS 2127-4 or IEC 60245-1 & IEC 60245-4 (Rubber insulated - flexible cables/cords)

- The main plug to be used in Malaysia shall be as follows:

- 13A, fused plugs complying to MS 589: Part 1 or BS 1363: Part 1;
- 15A, plugs complying to MS 1577; or
- 2.5A, 250V, flat non-rewireable two-pole plugs with cord for the connection of class II equipment complying to MS 1578 or BS EN 50075.

- Class 0 and Class 01 appliances as defined in MS IEC 60335 series or IEC 60335 series are not allowed to be used in Malaysia.

- Regulated minimum energy efficiency standards for electrical fans namely ceiling fans, wall fans, table fans, pedestal fans and box fans, are as follows:

The test method used to determine COP is in accordance with MS 1220: 2010 or IEC 60879:1986 with modification.

- Suspension System for Electric Ceiling Fans.

Electric ceiling fans must be provided with a special wire as a secondary suspension system. The test method used to check that the secondary suspension system of the electric ceiling fan has adequate mechanical strength is in accordance with MS 1597:Part 2-80 or IEC 60335-2-80 with modification for ceiling fan only.

Minimum Energy Performance Standards also regulated to television, refrigerator, air conditioning, washing machine and lamps. The MEPS is set at 2 Stars and the details of each equipments' requirement are spell out in the Guide by the Commission.
- Components used for Fixed General Purpose Luminaries (MS IEC 60598-2-1 or IEC 60598-2-1) and Recessed Luminaries (MS IEC 60598-2-2 or IEC 60598-2-2) shall comply and be certified according to the following standards:

- Requirement for Importing.

a) Imported regulated electrical equipment shall undergo Consignment Test conducted by SIRIM or participate in Product Certification Scheme (PCS) by SIRIM.

Electrical equipment which passes the Consignment Test shall be affixed with the labels issued by SIRIM.

Electrical equipment which fails the Consignment Test need to be sent to the country of origin or shall be destroyed.

Electrical equipment shall be constructed to be used with power supply cord and power plug which comply with Malaysia's requirements and standards.

b) Importers of products such as television, refrigerator, domestic fan and air conditioner, must also affix the Energy Efficiency Label onto the products before it can be sold to the customer.

No.