Getting your product into market
Establishing personal relationships with your Malaysian counterpart will always be an important part of conducting business successfully.
Import duties are levied on cost insurance and freight (CIF) values, while sales tax is based on the aggregated value (CIF plus import duty).
Most import duties range from zero to 30 percent. Higher rates apply to luxury goods such as alcohol and processed and high-value food products.
Some processed foods face import restrictions. There are none on seafood. There are generally no import quotas or restrictions imposed on wine and brandy.
While all dairy products require import licences, this requirement does not form a significant barrier to market entry.
All shipments must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a government veterinary authority from the country of origin.
All edible meat imports including offal are subject to government control. An import permit is required from the Department of Veterinary Services.
It is a good idea, although not compulsory, to include Malay language wording on product labels.
Logistics
Malaysia Airlines has direct flights daily between Auckland and Kuala Lumpur. Connecting services through Singapore are also available.
Tasman Orient Lines operates direct routes to Malaysia’s Port Kelang approximately every 14 days. Indirect weekly services are also available through Singapore on P&O Nedlloyd.
Opportunities
- Malaysia is part of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. The agreement will eliminate tariffs between member nations.
- The largest sectors of opportunity for New Zealand exporters continue to be agribusiness and food and beverages. Key markets for New Zealand food and beverage products include the hotel, restaurant and institution (HRI) market as well as Malaysia’s fast growing retail market driven by large hypermarket and supermarket chains.
- The information and communications technology (ICT), biotechnology and agritech sectors are most likely to show rapid growth over the next decade.
- Many Malaysian students are still expected to pursue their education in an English-speaking country once they have completed their pre-university studies or part of their tertiary education in Malaysia. There are also opportunities to expand New Zealand’s education relationship into the corporate, industry and government areas.
Cultural and business tips
- New Zealand citizens do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. Business travellers and tourists will be issued with a three-month visa upon arrival.
- Business cards are commonly exchanged in all business introductions.
- Business dress for men should be a long sleeve shirt and tie. For women, dress should be conservative – dresses and blouses should have sleeves.
- Malays value courtesy very highly and you should never show irritation or impatience.
