How to Handle Container Inspection at Malaysian Ports + Customs Clearance Process

 1. What Is ''Container Inspection''?

When your cargo container arrives at a Malaysian port (e.g. Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas), Customs may issue an inspection order. This can be random or triggered due to issues like under-declared value, high-risk goods, or incomplete documentation.

2. What Should You Do if Your Container Is Inspected?

Stay calm and contact your licensed customs agent immediately.

It strongly recommended to appoint a licensed customs clearance agent (Ejen Kastam Berlesen) to handle the clearance. They are authorized to access the Customs system (SMK) and manage inspections and documentation.

 3. Required Customs Documents

(Chinese/ English/ Malay Translation)

Chinese Name	English Name	Malay Name
报关单	Customs Declaration (K1 Form)	Borang K1
商业发票	Commercial Invoice	Invois Komersial
装箱单	Packing List	Senarai Pembungkusan
提单	Bill of Lading	Bil Muatan

All four are essential and must be accurate.

 4. What Is the K1 Form?

The K1 Form (Borang K1) is the official customs declaration submitted to Malaysian Customs by your agent. It contains:

Field Name	Description
Importer Name	The registered name of the importer in Malaysia
Agent Name	The name of your licensed customs broker
HS Code	Harmonized System classification code
Description of Goods	Clear and concise product name
Country of Origin	Where the goods were produced
CIF Value	Cost + Insurance + Freight
Taxes & Duties	Customs duty, SST, excise if applicable
Transport Mode	By Sea / Air
B/L Number	Bill of Lading number
Container Number	The number of the container being inspected

 A reference number will be generated after K1 is submitted  this is essential for tracking and inspection.

5. What Is an HS Code?

HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is a globally used classification for goods that determines:

• Product category
• Tax rate applicable in Malaysia
• Whether special permits or licenses are needed

For example:

Product	HS Code	Description
Laptop	8471.30.00	Data processing machines
Food additives	2106.90.99	Other food preparations
Paints	3208.10.10	Polyester-based paint

Incorrect HS codes can lead to:

• Tax miscalculations
• Penalties or re-declaration
• Delays in clearance

 6. Special Goods Require Extra Documents

If you are importing the following, prepare extra documents:

Goods Type	Extra Required Documents	Malay Terms
Food Products	Health Certificates, MOH Import License	Sijil Kesihatan, Kelulusan KKM
Chemicals	MSDS, Classification Reports	Laporan MSDS
Branded Products	Authorization Letter, Trademark Proof	Surat Kuasa Pengedaran

These may require approval from external bodies (e.g. MOH, MITI, SIRIM).

7. Summary of the Inspection Process

1. Receive inspection notice
2. Customs agent submits K1 & documents
3. Schedule physical inspection (unload container)
4. Customs verifies items against documents
5. If matched release & clearance
6. If mismatched may incur tax, penalties, or hold

8. Best Practices

Always appoint a licensed customs broker

Ensure declarations are accurate (especially value & HS Code)

Prepare any extra certificates or licenses in advance

Never under-declare or falsify documents it increases inspection risk