How to Ship from the US to Malaysia: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation of over 33 million people with a rapidly growing e-commerce market and strong trade ties with the United States. Located strategically along major shipping routes between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Malaysia offers relatively efficient customs processing and modern logistics infrastructure compared to many countries in the region. Shipping from the US to Malaysia is straightforward once you understand the carrier options, customs framework, and the country's evolving e-commerce import tax rules.

Malaysia introduced a Low Value Goods (LVG) tax in 2024 that changed how imported goods purchased online are taxed. This tax applies a 10% sales tax on goods valued at RM500 (approximately $105 USD) or less that are sold through online marketplaces or delivered to Malaysian consumers via air express. Understanding this tax alongside traditional customs duties is essential for anyone shipping to Malaysia regularly.

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) oversees all imports and applies duties based on a combination of HS tariff codes, trade agreements, and the value of goods. Malaysia is a member of ASEAN and participates in several free trade agreements, though the US-Malaysia FTA has not been finalized, meaning US goods do not receive preferential tariff treatment.

Best Carriers for Shipping to Malaysia

USPS (United States Postal Service)

USPS provides cost-effective shipping to Malaysia with reliable service to major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. Priority Mail International delivers in 6 to 10 business days, First-Class Package International Service handles items under 4.4 pounds in 7 to 21 days, and Priority Mail Express International delivers in 3 to 5 business days. Pos Malaysia handles final delivery within the country.

UPS

UPS offers excellent coverage across Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo). UPS Worldwide Express delivers in 2 to 3 business days, UPS Worldwide Saver in 2 to 4 days, and UPS Worldwide Expedited in 3 to 5 days. UPS customs brokerage services in Malaysia help streamline the import process.

FedEx

FedEx International Priority reaches major Malaysian cities in 2 to 4 business days, with International Economy providing 4 to 6 day delivery. FedEx has a solid presence in Malaysia and provides reliable customs clearance services. Their tracking system works consistently throughout the transit journey.

DHL Express

DHL operates a major hub in Penang and has extensive coverage throughout Malaysia. DHL Express Worldwide delivers in 2 to 4 business days with strong reliability. Their Malaysian operations are well-established, and customs clearance is typically efficient.

Shipping Costs and Transit Times

Estimated costs for a 5-pound package from the US West Coast to Kuala Lumpur:

Shipments to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) may incur additional surcharges of $5 to $20 and take 1 to 3 extra days for domestic transfer. Using atoship platform rates can reduce costs by up to 89%.

Customs, Duties, and Import Regulations

De Minimis Threshold

Malaysia exempts goods valued under RM500 (approximately $105 USD) from customs duties when imported through postal or express channels. However, the Low Value Goods (LVG) tax of 10% applies to goods at or below this threshold when purchased online. Goods valued above RM500 are subject to standard customs duties and sales tax.

Low Value Goods (LVG) Tax

Introduced in 2024, the LVG tax is a 10% sales tax on goods valued at RM500 or below that are sold online and delivered to Malaysia by air express. This tax is collected from the seller or online marketplace at the point of sale. If the platform does not collect the LVG tax, Malaysian customs will collect it from the importer upon arrival. Personal gifts and non-commercial shipments are generally not subject to the LVG tax.

Import Duties and Sales Tax

For goods valued above RM500, Malaysia applies customs duties based on HS code classification:

A 10% Sales and Service Tax (SST) applies to most imported goods above the RM500 threshold, calculated on the CIF value plus customs duties.

Required Documentation

Shipments to Malaysia require a commercial invoice or customs declaration with sender and receiver details, detailed item descriptions, declared values per item in USD, HS tariff codes, country of origin, and total shipment weight. For commercial imports valued above RM500, an import license or permit may be required depending on the product category.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Malaysia prohibits the import of narcotics and dangerous drugs (penalties include mandatory death sentence for trafficking), firearms and ammunition, explosive devices, counterfeit currency, obscene or immoral materials, and items bearing the image of the Malaysian coat of arms without authorization.

Restricted items requiring permits include pharmaceutical products requiring Drug Control Authority approval, food and beverages requiring Malaysian Food Safety and Quality Division clearance, telecommunications equipment requiring SIRIM certification, alcohol requiring customs excise permits, tobacco products subject to excise duties, plants and animals requiring quarantine approval, and used electronics which may require SIRIM testing.

Malaysia strictly enforces drug laws, and any package found to contain controlled substances will result in severe legal consequences for both sender and receiver. Ensure you never ship any items that could be classified as controlled substances under Malaysian law.

Packaging Tips for International Shipments

Malaysia's tropical climate means high humidity and heat throughout the year. Use moisture-resistant packaging materials and seal packages thoroughly. Include silica gel packets for electronics and humidity-sensitive items. Double-wall corrugated boxes provide the best protection for the long transit from the US.

Wrap each item individually and use void-fill material to prevent shifting during transit. Apply reinforced packing tape in an H-pattern on all seams. For electronics, use anti-static packaging in addition to standard cushioning. Include a complete packing list inside the box matching the customs declaration.

Address labels should include the recipient's phone number, which Malaysian carriers often need for delivery coordination, especially in areas with complex addressing systems.

Tracking and Insurance Options

All major carriers provide tracking to Malaysia. USPS tracking transfers to Pos Malaysia upon arrival, with updates available on the Pos Malaysia website. Private carriers maintain their own tracking systems throughout delivery.

USPS includes up to $200 of insurance with Priority Mail Express International. UPS and FedEx offer declared value coverage up to $50,000. DHL provides customizable shipment value protection. For packages over $150 in value, additional insurance is recommended given the transit distance and multiple handling points.

How to Save on International Shipping

Access commercial rates through atoship for savings of 40% to 89% off retail pricing. Use USPS flat-rate boxes for heavy items under the size limit. Consolidate multiple items into single shipments to reduce per-item customs processing costs. Choose economy services when time permits. Accurately declare values and use correct HS codes to ensure you pay the lowest applicable duty rate.

Consider whether the LVG tax applies to your shipment. For personal gifts, clearly marking the package as a gift with an accurate value description can help avoid being charged the LVG tax erroneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping from the US to Malaysia take? Express services deliver in 2 to 5 business days. Economy USPS services take 7 to 21 days. Customs clearance adds 1 to 3 days typically.

What is Malaysia's Low Value Goods tax? The LVG tax is a 10% sales tax on goods worth RM500 or less purchased online and shipped to Malaysia. It was introduced in 2024 to level the playing field between imported and domestically sold goods.

Do I need to pay duties for small packages to Malaysia? Packages valued under RM500 (about $105) are exempt from customs duties but may be subject to the 10% LVG tax if purchased online. Packages above RM500 face standard duties and 10% SST.

Can I ship food to Malaysia? Non-perishable, commercially packaged foods can generally be shipped for personal use. Pork products and non-halal items are not prohibited but may face additional inspection. Alcohol requires special permits and is subject to high excise duties.

Is shipping to East Malaysia more expensive? Yes, shipping to Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo typically costs $5 to $20 more and takes 1 to 3 additional days compared to Peninsular Malaysia destinations.

What electronics restrictions does Malaysia have? Electronics must meet Malaysian safety standards (SIRIM certification). Personal-use electronics generally pass through customs without issues, but commercial quantities require formal certification and import permits.