Malaysia Restricts Importation of Plastic Waste under latest Guidelines 
The Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) has released the “Guidelines for the Importation and Inspection of Waste Plastic” in May 2025. Import of Plastic Waste had just been heavily restricted under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) Order 2025, where such imports will require compliance with the guidelines. Guidelines include acceptance criteria of plastic waste and methods of importation were stipulated.
Main requirements of import of plastic waste are as follows:
- Plastic waste shall meet the following criteria
- Carry out inspection before import
- Hold a valid manufacturing license
- Importer to have waste management facilities
- Obtain the Imported Scrap and Waste (MISW) license from SIRIM
- Provide a bank guarantee
Acceptance Criteria for Plastic Waste
| Criteria Grouping | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Waste |
|
| Target Material Purity |
|
| Allowable Contaminants |
|
| Prohibited Contaminants |
|
Prior to importation, an inspection is required by SIRIM, SIRIM approved Foreign Inspection Body or Materials Recovery Facility. Another inspection will also be carried out after import at the factory storage yard. All inspection fees, as specified in the guidelines, shall be borne by the importer.
See the guidelines from link below:
https://www.sirim-qas.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/guidelines-for-importation-and-inspection-of-plastic-waste_edition-1-rev-1.pdf
