Import Cars from the UK to Malaysia

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK directly to Malaysia. Whether you need a luxury car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK Car Export Service for Malaysia – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. If you have a specific model in mind or need recommendations, our specialists find cars matching your exact specifications.

With years of experience exporting cars to Malaysia, we understand which vehicles are popular and provide excellent value. We source near-new and used UK cars, helping you save 20% off the purchase price by finding VAT-free cars to export.

All cars are of exceptional quality only and are prepared to showroom standard before export.

VAT Reclaim Service

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service.

If you've already found a car you love, we're happy to step in, manage the purchase, and export it VAT-free so you still get the 20% saving.

Vehicle Inspection & Preparation

• Mileage verification and HPI background checks
• Full mechanical inspection
• Paintwork reconditioning (if required)
• Company pre-export inspections

Car Shipping to Malaysia

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK to Malaysia car shipping service, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Malaysia import requirements. Our service includes complete shipping booking management, secure inland transport to the UK departure port, and reliable shipping to Port Klang or Kuching.

We offer both Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping options, allowing you to choose based on your budget and protection preferences. All shipping includes high-level marine insurance throughout transit.

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items to support smooth customs clearance in Malaysia.

UK to Malaysia Car Import – What You Need to Know

Malaysia Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Importing a vehicle to Malaysia involves obtaining an Approval Permit (AP) from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), meeting strict vehicle criteria, and paying significant import duties. Malaysia has protective regulations designed to support the local automotive industry.

Key Requirements:

1. Approval Permit (AP): Must be obtained from MITI before importing
2. Vehicle age: Between 1-5 years old (must be 12 months registered before import)
3. Right-hand drive: All vehicles must be right-hand drive
4. Duties: Very high import duties apply (typically 300%)
5. Licensed clearing agent: Strongly recommended for customs clearance

Vehicle Registration Requirement:

• Standard applicants: Vehicle must be registered in applicant's name for 12+ months before import
• Overseas residents returning: Vehicle must be registered in applicant's name for 9+ months minimum
• Ownership duration: Cannot transfer ownership to third party within 2 years of registration in Malaysia

Documents Required for Malaysia Car Import

Essential Import Documents (For Overseas Residents):

• Certified copy of Passport
• Working or studying visa overseas (not dependent visa)
• Certified copy of Identity Card
• Letter of offer to work or study overseas
• Letter of job termination or completion of study
• Malaysian driving licence (certified copy)
• Approval letter from scholarship/loan sponsor
• Certificate of Registration of Vehicle overseas (certified)
• Insurance Certificate of Vehicle overseas (certified)
• Purchase Invoice of Vehicle overseas (certified)
• Completed and typed Customs Form JK69
• Boarding pass/flight ticket back to Malaysia

For Work Permit Holders:

• Photocopy of Passport
• Work permit and letter of contract from Malaysian employer
• Insurance documents for vehicle
• Registration documents for vehicle
• Proof of ownership (purchase receipt or transfer letter)
• Original and photocopied vehicle registration document
• Customs Form JK69 (completed)

Additional Documents:

• Letter of application to MITI for importing vehicle
• Original and certified export certificate from UK
• HPI Certificate (vehicle history)
• MOT Certificate (UK roadworthiness)
• Bill of Lading (from shipping)

Document Certification:

• All documents must be certified by Malaysian Government officials (Grade A) or Commissioner of Oath
• Certified copies required—standard photocopies not acceptable
• Certification must occur before submission to MITI

Approval Permit (AP) Application Process

The Approval Permit (AP) application process in Malaysia begins with confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria, including citizenship or valid work permit status, overseas residency requirements (where applicable), a valid Malaysian driving licence, and a minimum vehicle ownership duration. Applicants must obtain and complete Customs Form JK69, prepare a formal application letter, and compile all required supporting documents, ensuring they are properly certified by an authorised official or Commissioner of Oaths.

The full application is then submitted to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Import and Export Control Division, for assessment. Processing typically takes about seven working days once all documents are complete. If approved, MITI issues a single-use approval permit specifying the vehicle details, applicant information, permitted import period, and ownership restrictions. Once the AP is granted, shipping arrangements can be made to Port Klang or Kuching for customs clearance and registration.

Malaysia Car Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duties:

Malaysia imposes very high import duties on foreign vehicles to protect the local automotive industry.

• Standard import duty: Typically 300% of vehicle value
• Calculation basis: CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
• Applicability: Applies to all imported vehicles regardless of source

Goods & Services Tax (GST):

• Rate: 6% (applicable on imported vehicles)
• Calculated on: CIF value plus import duty

Excise Duty:

• Rate: Varies based on engine capacity and vehicle type
• Applied to: Value of vehicle including import duty

Road Tax & Levies:

• Various road-related taxes and levies apply
• Calculated based on engine displacement
• Payable upon registration with Road Transport Department

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process in Malaysia begins once the vehicle arrives at Port Klang or Kuching, where the shipping company notifies the importer and port handling charges are assessed. It is strongly recommended to appoint a licensed clearing agent to coordinate with customs, manage documentation, arrange duty payments, and facilitate release.

The importer must submit the original Approval Permit (AP), Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, certified registration documents, insurance, inspection reports, and all supporting paperwork required under the AP. Malaysian Customs may conduct a physical inspection to verify the vehicle’s details and condition before assessing applicable import duty, excise duty, sales tax, and port charges. Once all duties are paid, customs issues a release order, and the vehicle can be collected. The final step is registration with the Road Transport Department Malaysia (RTD), where the vehicle is registered, road tax is paid, and Malaysian number plates are issued.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Malaysia car import regulations, procedures, and AP applications, consult these official sources:

Malaysia Government Agencies:

• Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) – Approval Permit application and guidelines
• Royal Malaysian Customs Department – Customs clearance and duties
• Road Transport Department (RTD) – Vehicle registration and licensing

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK to Malaysia?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK to Malaysia via Port Klang or Kuching. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll navigate Malaysia's import regulations and MITI requirements, so you don't have to.