Malaysia Kitchen Small-Appliance Import Compliance: The ST Certificate of Approval and Energy Labels

In Malaysia, kitchen small appliances (electric kettles, rice cookers, air fryers, toasters, blenders, microwave ovens, electric ovens, induction cookers, etc.) are household appliances explicitly regulated by the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, ST), and are a key category for safety certification. Before these products are manufactured, imported, displayed, sold or advertised, they must first obtain a Certificate of Approval (CoA) issued by ST and carry a serial-numbered ST/SIRIM safety mark; among them, rice cookers, microwave ovens, electric ovens and similar items must, following the entry into force of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 (EECA), additionally carry an energy-efficiency star label. Because most small appliances involve heating and contact with food and water, the safety review is relatively strict.

Why are kitchen small appliances regulated more strictly?

Kitchen small appliances often combine three risk factors—"high-power heating," "contact with water" and "close-range operation by the user"—making them a high-risk group for electric shock, leakage and fire. As a result, plug-in desktop heating / mixing / cooking appliances almost all fall within ST's regulated electrical equipment list. Be sure to check each item against the published list in the Guideline for Approval of Electrical Equipment, rather than relying on the intuition that "small appliances probably don't need it."

Safety certification: CoA + ST/SIRIM mark

The legal basis for the CoA is Regulation 97 of the Electricity Regulations 1994 and Regulation 101A of the Electricity (Amendment) Regulations 2013, and the process is the same as for other electrical equipment:

1. Submit samples to SIRIM QAS International or an ST-recognised laboratory for testing to the applicable MS / IEC appliance-safety standards (such as insulation, heat resistance, leakage current, mechanical strength).
2. After passing, the certificate holder (manufacturer / importer / agent) applies to ST for the CoA; import cases are filed online via ePermit (Dagang Net).
3. After certification, affix the ST/SIRIM certification mark (with a unique serial number), and the label must state the approval number, brand and model, and rated voltage / frequency / power, with safety operating and cleaning warnings in Malay or English.

For heating and water-contact items, testing often adds checks for humidity resistance, temperature rise and abnormal operation scenarios (such as dry-burning or tipping over); if the product has safety designs such as automatic power cut-off or overheating protection, provide the explanation when submitting for testing, as this helps the review go smoothly. A CoA is generally issued per model, so for a product series, note the coverage of each different model.

Energy labels: which kitchen appliances need them?

After EECA 2024 took effect in January 2025, the list of products subject to energy-efficiency star labels expanded. In addition to the traditional air conditioners, refrigerators, electric fans, televisions and lamps, it added rice cookers (Rice Cooker), microwave ovens (Microwave Oven), electric ovens (Electric Oven), washing machines and freezers and other appliances. This means these kitchen appliances must satisfy both tracks—"safety CoA" and "energy label." Whether the latest list applies is subject to ST's announcement.

Import vs. local

Safety and energy-efficiency requirements are the same for imported and local products; the difference lies in the named responsible party: local manufacture is applied for by the manufacturer; imports are in the name of the Malaysian importer / designated agent, declared on ePermit with the CoA ready to accompany the goods for Customs inspection. On the label, imported goods must additionally state the importer's name and address and the country of origin. Cross-border e-commerce without a local certificate holder will very easily have heating-type small appliances detained at customs for lack of a CoA.

Common mistakes

1. Assuming "low-power kitchen gadgets are exempt," not checking the list, and being detained at customs.
2. Doing only the safety CoA for a rice cooker / microwave oven and missing the energy label.
3. Continuing to use an export-market plug (such as a two-pin flat plug), not switching to a UK three-pin plug or not providing a compliant adaptor.
4. Missing Malay / English safety and cleaning warnings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Do electric kettles and rice cookers need a CoA? Yes. Plug-in heating household appliances are regulated electrical equipment under ST, and a CoA and mark are required before import or sale.

Q: Besides a CoA, do rice cookers and microwave ovens need an energy label? Yes. These two categories are already listed under EECA 2024's energy-label products, and must additionally carry ST's star energy label, in parallel with the safety CoA.

Q: Does an air fryer count as regulated electrical equipment? An air fryer is a heating household appliance and usually falls within the regulated list; it is still advisable to confirm item by item against the latest Guideline for Approval of Electrical Equipment.

Q: Which plug type should be used? Malaysia uses UK-style three-pin sockets (BS 1363, the MS 589 system), and small-appliance plugs / power cords are also within the regulated scope and should conform to the local specification.

Q: Can I list on e-commerce first without a CoA? Not advisable. Lacking a CoA is a violation; the product may be detained, delisted or penalised, and the platform may also remove the item.

Pre-listing self-check

• [ ] Confirmed against the Guideline for Approval of Electrical Equipment that the product is regulated
• [ ] Obtained a valid CoA and affixed the ST/SIRIM mark (with serial number)
• [ ] The label includes the approval number, brand and model, and rated electrical parameters
• [ ] Rice cookers / microwave ovens / electric ovens have the energy-efficiency star label affixed
• [ ] Plugs / power cords conform to the UK three-pin (MS 589) specification
• [ ] Malay / English safety and cleaning warnings are provided
• [ ] Imported goods are declared on ePermit and bear the importer's name and address and country of origin

In summary: kitchen small appliances are a key group for electrical safety review—get the CoA first, affix the correct mark, and for heating and cooking types confirm whether an energy label is needed, so you can list with peace of mind. Further reading: Malaysia electrical certification and labelling guide, the electrical CoA application process and Malaysia energy-efficiency label MEPS.

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This article is compiled from official sources and is for reference only; actual compliance is subject to the latest official text and review by the competent authority.