All face masks must have Sirim approval from July

PUTRAJAYA: The government will ban the import of non-medical face masks without the MS Sirim certification and labelling starting July 1.

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said enforcement of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order 2022, which requires manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks to apply for MS Sirim certification and labelling, begins on that day.

The ministry said the move is meant to enable more manufacturers and traders in the country to obtain the certificate from Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd.

In view of this, the import of non-medical face masks without the certification and labelling will be banned, Bernama reported.

“The government is of the view that the period until the end of June is sufficient for manufacturers and distributors to obtain the standard certification for non-medical face masks sold in the country,” it said in a statement.

The ministry also advised any party intending to distribute, produce or sell non-medical face masks to ensure that the product has obtained the relevant certification.

The ministry had previously set July 4, 2022, to enforce the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Non-Medical Face Mask) Order 2022, but it was postponed to Jan 1 this year.