SIRIM QAS International ensures imported goods meet Malaysia’s safety, quality standards and guidelines, through the Certificate of Approval (COA) process.
SIRIM QAS International – a conformity assessment body under SIRIM Bhd – has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Malaysia’s import ecosystem by ensuring regulated goods meet the nation's safety and quality standards and guidelines through the Certificate of Approval (COA) process.
Under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, SIRIM is appointed as a Permit Issuance Agency (PIA), responsible for evaluating certain imported goods – including metal scrap – prior to their entry into Malaysia.
All metal scrap intended for import into Malaysia must undergo an inspection process, comply with the importation and inspection guidelines, and be issued a Certificate of Approval (COA).
This process is crucial in preventing substandard or environmentally harmful materials from entering the country.
The COA acts as a verification mechanism, confirming that imported metal scrap complies with relevant environmental and industrial standards.
It is important to note that COAs for metal scrap are issued exclusively to manufacturers based on industry needs, in line with current regulatory requirements.
Upon approval, customs clearance is handled by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
However, Customs retains full prerogative to release or detain any consignment at the entry point, regardless of the COA status, especially in cases involving inaccurate declarations or regulatory non-compliance.
Ahmad Sabirin said SIRIM collaborates with enforcement agencies to uphold Malaysia’s import regulations and maintain high safety and quality standards.
SIRIM Bhd president and group chief executive officer, Datuk Indera Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad stressed the importance of compliance in supporting a resilient and secure trade environment.
“SIRIM ensures that metal scrap and other regulated imports are thoroughly evaluated in line with Malaysia’s safety, environmental and quality standards and guidelines before they are allowed to enter the market,” he said.
“We work closely with Customs and enforcement agencies to maintain transparency and compliance across the board.”
The COA approval process for metal scrap includes:
- Application submission – Importers must submit applications to SIRIM with full documentation.
- Evaluation – SIRIM conducts technical assessments and verifications.
- COA issuance – If compliant, the COA is granted.
- Customs clearance – Upon approval, customs clearance is handled by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. However, final release remains at the discretion of Customs.
SIRIM QAS International strongly supports enforcement efforts by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Department of Environment to curb the smuggling or misdeclaration of e-waste and metal scrap.
False or misleading declarations may be subject to legal action under the Customs Act 1967.
SIRIM’s alignment with the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI)’s policies and its active collaboration with enforcement agencies underscores Malaysia’s commitment to regulatory integrity, environmental sustainability, and international trade credibility.
