The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) last week released a Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN) report to help U.S. dairy exporters navigate Malaysia’s new requirement for shipping products to the country. It provides historical and trade context, an overview of the registration process, halal requirements and registration advice. Malaysia, a major market for the U.S. dairy industry, imported $90 million worth of U.S. dairy products in 2017.

According to USDA, dairy exporters must now apply for registration with Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) prior to obtaining an import permit from the Malaysian government. The Malaysian government said it added this step to improve its ability to trace imported dairy products. To apply for registration, dairy companies must submit an application to the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia at AgKualaLumpur@fas.usda.gov.

Applications from facilities with a history of exporting to Malaysia will get an expedited review, which verifies the facility’s history and halal certification. This review should take approximately two weeks. Applications from facilities with no history of exporting to Malaysia will take three to six months to review.

Oversight for halal certification falls to the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), which is not part of DVS. For dairy facilities requesting halal certification, JAKIM has accredited two certifiers to approve U.S. halal food products: Islamic Services of America (ISA) and Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA). This certification is required to be renewed yearly. The halal requirements are available here.

For more information, read “Malaysia: Registration of Dairy Product Facilities Exporting to Malaysia.”

Members with questions may contact Beth Hughes, IDFA senior director of international affairs, at bhughes@idfa.org.