Sales within the Malaysian food and beverage retail industry were forecast to reach of US$15.69 billion in 2011 and are predicted to grow to US$21.17bn by 2015.
Getting your product into market
The Malaysian market is relatively competitive and price sensitive. There is a strong perception and acceptance of New Zealand food safety and quality, which does enable many products to be sold in niche markets.
Malaysia aims to be the market leader and the main halal hub for the world and its halal certification requirements are likely to become more stringent over time.
Processed foods with meat content need halal certification from JAKIM (the Malaysian Government’s halal certifying organisation) or from halal certifying bodies recognised by JAKIM. Both the Federation of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and New Zealand Islamic Meat Management (NZIMM) are recognised by JAKIM.
Regulations
The Ministry of Health is responsible for the Production and Sale of Foodstuff Regulations. The Food Act 1983 and Regulations 1985 prescribe standards, labelling, date marking, and the use of additives and preservatives.
Documentation
The following documents are required for most shipments:
- Bill of lading or consignment note where appropriate
- Commercial invoices relating to the goods
- Import (C1) or export (C2) declaration
The following documents may be required:
- Import or Export Licence, Permit, and/or Letter of Approval for regulated commodities
- Foreign Exchange Control documents for export shipment shipments of 100,000 ringgit or greater F.O.B. value
- Certificate of origin of the goods (but not if claiming preferential customs duty treatment under MNZFTA)
- Letter of Credit (endorsed) when used as payment method for the shipment
- Packing List (if the commercial invoice does not provide proper quantity information)
Opportunities
The Malaysian food and beverage retail market is expected to grow by around 10 percent per annum.
Malaysian households spend around 24 percent of their household income on the purchase of food and beverage on average.
The Malaysian Government plans to develop its food processing industry with a particular emphasis on halal food products, which have the potential to expand into international markets.
This also provides an opportunity for New Zealand exporters to cooperate with the Malaysian food processing industry and participate in its plan for global expansion.
