Manufacturing License Application Services
Manufacturing License Application & Renewal
For local and foreign owned factory operations
We handle all preparation, submissions, and communications with SSM, MIDA, Customs, and other agencies so your manufacturing operations can begin as soon as possible.
Our Services
We help apply for / renew a broad range of licenses and certifications from various government agencies as required by manufacturing operations in Malaysia:
- MIDA manufacturing license / exemption
- PBT composite license
- Customs Licensed Manufacturing Warehouse
- Agency support letters (DOSH, BOMBA, DOE)
- Certificate of Origin
- MIDA expatriate visa
- JAKIM Halal certification
- NPRA Good Manufacturing Practice
- MOH MeSTI / HACCP
- general and industry-specific ISOs
MIDA Manufacturing License
MIDA Manufacturing License (ICA 7)
For manufacturers in Malaysia with either shareholders’ funds of at least RM2.5 million OR that employ at least 75 full-time employees.
Additional requirements:
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At least 80% of full-time employees must be Malaysian citizens
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At least 25% of full time staff are managerial, technical, and supervisory with OR product’s value added is at least 40%
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Capital Investment Per Employee (CIPE) is at least RM140,000
*Project should be aligned with national economic and social goals
MIDA Manufacturing License Exemption (ICA 10)
For manufacturers in Malaysia whose operations do not satisfy either of MIDA’s qualification thresholds.
Requirements:
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Shareholder capital below RM2.5 million, AND
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Employ less than 75 full-time employees
*Project does not need to meet CIPE or qualified staff percentages but should still be aligned with national economic and social goals
PBT Factory License
This consists of a premise and signboard permit under a combined composite license from the Local Authority (PBT) where your manufacturing is located.
Specifics depend on the PBT, but general requirements include:
- suitable premises in an industrial / commercial zone
- signboard compliant with PBT signage guidelines
- letters of support from relevant technical agencies
- tenancy / S&P agreement for premises
For details, see our guide to opening a factory in Malaysia.
Customs LMW
Allows manufacturers to import, store, and use raw materials, components, and equipment for manufacturing without immediately paying customs duties.
Eligibility requirements:
- valid MIDA Manufacturing License
- export >80% of total value of finished goods over 12-months
- premises meet Customs security and layout requirements
- separate areas for manufacturing, raw materials, finished goods, and waste
For details, see our guide to LMW applications in Malaysia.
Agency Support Letter
Approvals by technical agencies confirming your manufacturing premises meets safety, environmental, or occupational health requirements.
The three most common agencies are:
- Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA)
- Department of Environment (DOE)
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)
Exact agencies depend on your business, but they are a prerequisite for PBT composite licenses. For details, see our guide to BOMBA support letter applications.
MIDA Expat Visa
MIDA reviews visa applications for foreign investors and skilled professionals in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector, and based on role and purpose the three most common are:
- MIDA Investor Pass for foreign investors visiting Malaysia to oversee existing operations, negotiate planned investments, or explore investment opportunities
- MIDA Employment Pass (EP) for expatriates employed full-time by Malaysian manufacturers
- MIDA Professional Visit Pass (PVP) for expatriates providing short-term services or training in Malaysia on behalf of their foreign employer
Each route has different eligibility requirements and for details, see our guide to MIDA Investor or MIDA Employment Passes .
Halal OEM Certificate
Grants manufacturers Halal certification for their manufacturing services so they can produce products on behalf of another company.
General requirements:
- premises operational for at least three months
- valid PBT premise license
- premises only manufacture / handle Halal products
- written manufacturing agreement between the OEM and brand owner, and
- appropriate internal Halal management system based on operation size
Depending on the type of manufacturing, additional licenses may be needed, and for details, see our guide to Halal OEM manufacturing in Malaysia.
GMP Inspection Advisory
For products regulated by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), GMP compliance is required to ensure products are consistently manufactured to meet quality, safety, and efficacy requirements.
Manufacturers must pass an NPRA inspection covering:
- manufacturing and storage facilities
- quality control laboratories
- documentation and quality systems
- production processes, and
- overall compliance with GMP guidelines
For details, see NPRA’s official guidance on preparing for GMP inspections.
MOH MeSTI / HACCP
For food manufacturers in Malaysia MeSTI and HACCP are two important food safety schemes enforced by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
General requirements include:
- valid food premises and business registrations
- food safety management procedures appropriate to the operation
- clean and suitable manufacturing premises
- proper hygiene, pest control, storage, and sanitation procedures
- trained food handlers and relevant personnel
- appropriate documentation and record-keeping, and
- ongoing monitoring and corrective actions to maintain food safety
MeSTI is the more basic food safety assurance system for smaller food manufacturers, while HACCP is more comprehensive and designed for larger operations. For details, see the MOH MeSTI and HACCP guidelines.
Various ISOs
We can facilitate the training, consultation, documentation, and application submission required to obtain the following ISO certifications:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management System (QMS)
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System (EMS)
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OH&S)
- ISO 37001 – Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS)
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
- ISO 13485 – Medical Devices Quality Management System (MDQMS)
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management System (ISMS)
- ISO 50001 – Energy Management System (EnMS)
- ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management System (BCMS)
FAQs
It depends on the manufacturing activity, location, ownership, products, and operations. Common requirements include MIDA, PBT, Customs, technical agency approvals, and industry-specific certifications.
No. Manufacturers must determine whether they fall within the requirements of the Industrial Co-ordination Act 1975 or qualify for an exemption.
Generally, manufacturers with either RM2.5 million or more in shareholders’ funds or 75 or more full-time employees fall within the stated licensing threshold.
Yes. Foreign-owned companies can apply for the relevant manufacturing licenses and approvals, subject to applicable requirements.
Yes. We can assist with Sdn Bhd or SSM Enterprise registration before proceeding with the relevant manufacturing licenses.
It is a local authority license for operating at a particular premises, commonly covering the premise and signboard licenses through a composite license.
Depending on your manufacturing activity and premises, supporting approvals or letters from relevant technical agencies may be required.
An LMW allows eligible manufacturers to import, store, and use qualifying raw materials, components, and equipment without immediately paying applicable customs duties.
Common options include the MIDA Investor Pass, Employment Pass, and Professional Visit Pass.
It allows manufacturers to obtain Halal certification for manufacturing products on behalf of another company or brand owner.
Good Manufacturing Practice ensures products are consistently manufactured according to applicable quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
It is needed by manufacturers of products regulated by NPRA which includes cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and traditional medicines.
MeSTI is generally a more basic food safety assurance system, while HACCP provides a more comprehensive approach to identifying and controlling food safety hazards.
It depends on your industry, products, customers, contractual requirements, and business objectives. There is no single ISO certification suitable for every manufacturer.
We can assist with training, consultation, management-system implementation, documentation, and certification application support.
Yes. We can review your manufacturing activity, products, premises, ownership, and operations to identify the relevant licenses and certifications.
Yes. Our services can include submissions, follow-ups, and communications with the relevant authorities.
Timelines vary depending on the license, authority, inspections, documentation, and complexity of the manufacturing operation.
On average, be prepared for it to take at least several months, including the renovations and SOPs that will likely have to be put into place.
Got an URGENT question?
Contact us via [email protected] or WhatsApp +60-175159832