Understanding Malaysia's certification landscape is essential for any seller targeting this market. Let's examine the current regulatory status and upcoming changes.
Current SIRIM Certification Status for Power Banks
As of early 2026, SIRIM certification is not yet mandatory for power banks in Malaysia. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has not implemented compulsory certification requirements for portable charging devices. However, this regulatory environment is changing.
According to recent reports, new battery regulations are expected to be ready by mid-2026. These regulations will introduce enhanced safety requirements and potentially mandatory certification for battery products including power banks [2].
"Make safety checks and certification for power banks mandatory now" - This letter to The Star newspaper reflects growing public concern about power bank safety incidents and calls for regulatory intervention before mandatory requirements are officially implemented [5].
MITI Import Licence Requirements (Effective January 2026)
While SIRIM certification may not be mandatory yet, import licensing requirements have changed. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) now requires an Import Licence (AP) for all rechargeable battery imports effective January 1, 2026.
Required documentation includes:
- Customs classification documents
- Product catalogue and specifications
- Commercial invoice
- Technical Equipment Report (TER) with UN 38.3 test report and IEC test reports
- Processing time: approximately 5 working days [6]
UN 38.3: The Non-Negotiable Requirement
Regardless of SIRIM certification status, UN 38.3 testing is mandatory for air shipping of lithium battery products. This international safety standard ensures batteries can withstand transportation conditions without risk of fire or explosion. Any seller shipping power banks internationally must have UN 38.3 certification.
CB Certification: The Strategic Advantage for Southeast Asian Sellers
For sellers targeting multiple Southeast Asian markets, CB Scheme certification offers significant advantages. The CB Scheme provides mutual recognition across 54 countries, allowing sellers to use one CB test report to obtain multiple national certifications.
For Malaysia specifically:
- CB report can be used to obtain SIRIM certification more efficiently
- Reduces duplicate testing costs by 30-50%
- Typical CB certification cost: USD 4,000-6,000
- Timeline: 4-8 weeks depending on product complexity
Certified products typically command 15-25% price premium in B2B markets, reflecting buyer confidence in compliance and quality.
Malaysia Power Bank Certification Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Current Status (Early 2026) | Expected Mid-2026 | Business Impact |
|---|
| SIRIM Certification | Not mandatory | Likely mandatory | Plan for compliance budget |
| MITI Import Licence (AP) | Mandatory from Jan 2026 | Continues | Must obtain before shipping |
| UN 38.3 Testing | Mandatory for air shipping | Continues | Non-negotiable requirement |
| IEC Test Reports | Required for AP licence | Required | Part of technical documentation |
| CB Scheme Recognition | Accepted for SIRIM conversion | Continues | Cost-effective for multi-market |
Source: MITI Standard Operating Procedure for Battery Importation, NST battery regulations report
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