Importing food into Malaysia comes with strict regulations, and getting import label approval is a crucial step to ensure a smooth process.
Without proper compliance, FOSIM will detain your shipment at the entry port, leading to costly delays and extra expenses.
But how can importers avoid this? Understanding the difference between Pre-Import Approval and Detained Shipments can help businesses stay ahead and prevent unwanted hold-ups.
Why Import Label Approval is Important
Malaysia has strict import label requirements to ensure food safety and transparency for consumers. The Food Safety and Quality Division (FOSIM) checks every shipment’s label for compliance.
If your imported food in Malaysia does not meet these regulations, your shipment could be detained until the label is corrected.
To avoid delays and unnecessary costs, importers should apply for Pre-Import Label Approval or risk having their shipment detained at the port.
Both of these processes must be submitted manually for fast-track approval.
Pre-Import Label Approval
Applying for Pre-Import Label Approval means your product labels are reviewed and approved before your shipment reaches Malaysia. Here’s how it benefits you:
Avoids shipment delays – Approved labels mean your goods won’t be held at the port.
Ensures full compliance – Your labels will be checked against Malaysia’s import label requirements to meet all regulations.
Saves costs – Prevents additional expenses like warehouse storage and re-labeling at the entry port.
Fast-track process – Applications must be manually submitted for faster approval if relabeling is done in Malaysia.
How the Pre-Import Relabeling Process Works
- Submit a Semakan Pelabelan (Label Review) or Khidmat Nasihat (Consultation) application manually before shipping.
- Get label compliance approval from FOSIM.
- Proceed to importing the shipment.
- When your shipment arrives, transfer it to the approved premise for relabeling.
- Once done, FOSIM will check the relabeling.
- If approved, your shipment is ready for sale.
Detained for Labelling Offences
If your imported food in Malaysia arrives without proper labeling, FOSIM can detain the shipment at the entry port. This can impact your business by:
Extra costs – Importers must pay for warehouse storage while fixing label issues.
Delays in clearance – Products cannot be sold until the label is corrected and approved.
Sticker relabeling required – Importers must design and print sticker labels (we can help!) to cover the non-compliant parts of the original label.
Additional labor costs – Workers must apply the approved stickers to each product before release.
How the Detained Product Shipment Process Works
- FOSIM officer checks the shipment and identifies labeling issues.
- Shipment will be kept at the port warehouse during the relabeling process.
- Importers must correct the label by submitting a manual application for compliance approval.
- Once approved, new labels or stickers are applied to the products.
- The label must be approved within 3 months. If not, the shipment will be returned to the country of origin or disposed of.
Which Option is Better?
If you want a smooth food import process and avoid costly delays, Pre-Import Label Approval is the best choice. It ensures your shipment arrives with compliant labels, preventing any issues at the entry port.
However, if FOSIM detains your shipment, we can assist you in fixing the label to meet compliance quickly and efficiently.
Get Hassle-Free Import Label Approval and Compliance Solutions
Dealing with import label approval and food labeling compliance solutions can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in!
✔ Expert compliance labelling solutions
✔ Professional sticker relabeling design services
✔ End-to-end import label compliance support
✔ Fast and reliable assistance with FOSIM approvals
Don’t risk getting your imported food in Malaysia detained. Let us handle your labeling compliance solutions so you can focus on your business.
Contact us today and ensure a hassle-free import process!
Next read: The Key to a Smooth Food Import Process in Malaysia
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Please opt for a one-to-one consultation with us or a relevant professional for your specific concerns regarding food business solutions in Malaysia before making any decisions.
