Importing Pet Food into Malaysia: Process and DVS Permit

Importing pet food into Malaysia is regulated by the Feed Act 2009, and the core rules are simple: first register with the DVS (Department of Veterinary Services) to obtain a licence, then apply for an import permit, prepare the supporting documents, ensure the label is compliant, and only then ship. Miss any step and you may be stuck at clearance or unable to get onto the shelves. This article breaks the process into actionable steps. (For the full overview, see the Malaysia Pet Food Regulations and Labelling Guide.)

Import process (overview)

1. The importer first registers with the DVS Animal Feed Board Secretariat and obtains a licence (Feed Act Section 9).
2. Download and fill in the "Application for Importation of Pet Food into Malaysia" form, and have the manufacturer complete the product information.
3. Prepare documents such as the certificate of origin and the health/veterinary certificate, meeting animal quarantine requirements.
4. Ship only after obtaining the import permit, and ensure the label complies with the Feed (Labelling of Feed or Feed Additive) Regulations 2012.

Step-by-step breakdown and the reasons

Step one — register to obtain a licence is the threshold. The DVS first needs to confirm "who the importer is and what responsibilities they bear", and the licence is that proof of identity; without a licence, the subsequent import permit cannot be applied for. This is a requirement of Feed Act Section 9, and getting it done first saves the time of scrambling to supplement documents for every batch later.

Step two — filling in the application form: the product information (ingredients, guaranteed analysis, target animal, etc.) usually needs the manufacturer's cooperation to provide, because these are first-hand details only the factory has. It is advisable to have the manufacturer prepare them before placing the order, to avoid back-and-forth delays.

Step three — preparing the documents is the key to clearance. The certificate of origin is used to confirm the country of source; the health/veterinary certificate is used to ensure the product meets animal quarantine requirements and does not carry animal-disease risk. If the documents are incomplete, border inspection will stop the goods outright.

Step four — ship only after obtaining the import permit. Do not set sail before the permit is issued, otherwise the goods arrive but cannot clear customs, and the storage and return-shipping costs are considerable. At the same time, the compliant version of the label must be ready before shipment.

Imported vs locally manufactured: what's the difference?

This is the most easily overlooked distinction, yet it directly affects the process:

In other words, imported products carry the whole extra layer of "border inspection + import permit + country of origin and importer's name and address"; locally manufactured products have no import process and need only state the manufacturer's information. The trap cross-border sellers most often fall into is reusing the export-version label and omitting the importer's name and address and the country of origin, causing the listing to be rejected. For label details, cross-refer to the mandatory pet food labelling items.

Common mistakes

• Trying to import without registering: without a DVS licence, the import permit simply cannot be applied for.
• Shipping before the permit is issued: the goods arrive at port but are stuck, incurring extra storage and return-shipping costs.
• Incomplete documents: missing the certificate of origin or the health/veterinary certificate, so border inspection stops the goods.
• Adding the label only after reaching Malaysia: both clearance and listing may be obstructed; it is advisable to have the compliant label — including the guaranteed analysis — ready before import.

How to self-check

1. Confirm whether the company has completed DVS registration and holds a valid licence.
2. Confirm whether the application form and product information have been completed by the manufacturer.
3. Confirm whether the certificate of origin and the health/veterinary certificate are complete and within their validity period.
4. Confirm whether the label already includes the country of origin and the importer's name and address and complies with the labelling regulations.
5. Arrange shipment only after the import permit is issued.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I have to register before importing? Yes. You must first register with the DVS to obtain a licence, and apply for an import permit as required.

Q: Can the label be handled after reaching Malaysia? It is advisable to prepare the compliant label before import, to avoid clearance/listing being obstructed.

Q: Are the label requirements the same for imported and local products? Not entirely. Imported products must additionally carry the country of origin and the importer's name and address and undergo border inspection; locally manufactured products need only state the manufacturer.

Q: Which provision is the registration licence based on? Under Feed Act 2009 Section 9, you register with the DVS Animal Feed Board Secretariat to obtain a licence.

Self-check checklist

• [ ] Completed DVS registration and obtained a valid licence (Section 9)
• [ ] Application form and product information completed by the manufacturer
• [ ] Certificate of origin and health/veterinary certificate complete and within validity
• [ ] Label includes country of origin and importer's name and address and complies with the labelling regulations
• [ ] Shipment arranged only after the import permit is issued

Summary

Importing pet food = DVS registration/licence + import permit + supporting documents + compliant label. Compared with local manufacturing, importing adds the extra layer of border inspection and the country of origin/importer's name and address, so be sure to prepare everything in one go before shipment. Want to check the label first?

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