When discussing market access to Malaysia, "SIRIM Certification" is often used as a general term. However, its core and cornerstone is SIRIM Type Approval, which can be understood as the "technical passport" for products to enter the Malaysian market.

Unlike one-time batch inspections, Type Approval focuses on a comprehensive evaluation of a product’s "prototype" or "model". The certification body, namely SIRIM QAS International, will conduct an in-depth review of the product’s design, specifications, technical drawings, and test samples to confirm that it fully complies with Malaysia’s relevant national standards (MS standards), international standards (such as IEC, ISO), or specific technical specifications.

Once a product model obtains Type Approval, it means its design has received official recognition. After that, subsequent production and import activities of products under this model can be carried out under more streamlined supervision (e.g., by applying for a Certificate of Conformity or purchasing batch labels), eliminating the need for full repeat testing each time. This brings long-term convenience and cost savings to enterprises.

I. Core Understanding of SIRIM Type Approval

1.Scope of Mandatory Certified Products: 2 New Categories Added in 2025; Most Mechanical Products Are VoluntarySIRIM Type Approval is a mandatory threshold for specific products to legally enter the Malaysian market. Two new categories were explicitly added to the mandatory list in 2025, covering the following core product groups:

·Electrical and Electronic Products: Home appliances (air conditioners, refrigerators, rice cookers), IT/AV equipment (laptops, power adapters), lighting products (LED bulbs, lamps), plugs and sockets, etc., which must comply with MS IEC series standards.

·Communication Devices: Mobile phones, routers, Bluetooth devices (requiring additional MCMC certification). IPv6 testing has been mandatory for such devices since 2025.

·New Mandatory Categories Added in 2025: Automobile engine lubricants and stationary energy storage batteries (must comply with IEC 60896 series standards).

·Voluntary Certification Categories: Some building materials, non-electric tools, and low-risk electronic accessories (e.g., ordinary charging cables). Certification can enhance market credibility but is not a mandatory requirement for market access.

2.Certificate Validity Period: No "Lifetime Validity"; 3 Tiers Based on Product TypeSIRIM Type Approval certificates are not valid for life. Validity periods vary by product category, and annual surveillance audits must be completed during the validity period to maintain certification status:

·Regular Categories (Home Appliances, Electronic Devices, Lamps): Generally valid for 3 years; validity is maintained only if annual surveillance audits are passed.

·Special Categories (Tires, Some Building Materials): Valid for up to 5 years; key test reports must be resubmitted for certificate renewal.

·Newly Added Energy Storage Batteries: Valid for only 1 year; annual renewal and surveillance audits are required.

3.Clear New Regulations (2025-2026): 2 Mandatory Requirements Not to Be Ignored

·Full Mandatory Implementation of IPv6 Testing: Effective July 10, 2025, all network-enabled communication devices (including pure cellular devices) applying for new certifications or renewals must provide a complete IPv6 protocol test report complying with standards such as RFC 8505 and RFC 9096. The temporary exemption period has officially ended.

·Mandatory Declaration and Labeling of Product Sales Names: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reaffirms that the product sales name must be explicitly declared during application and marked on the product itself to facilitate regulatory inspections and consumer inquiries.

4.Differentiation of Certification Modes: Factory Audits Are Not Required for All ApplicationsSIRIM certification is divided into two core modes, with different requirements for factory audits:

·Mode A (Single-Batch Import): Suitable for enterprises with low shipment frequencies. A one-time COA (Certificate of Approval) for customs clearance is applied for, with no factory audit required. The certificate is only valid for the specific batch of products.

·Mode B (Type Approval): Suitable for enterprises engaged in mass production and long-term shipments. Factory audits are mandatory. Once certified, the certificate can be used long-term, subject to periodic surveillance audits.

II. Core 2026 SIRIM Certification Process

The core logic of SIRIM certification is "standard matching + process compliance". The total cycle varies significantly depending on product type and certification mode, typically ranging from 2 to 6 months for regular products, and extending to 4 to 6 months for complex products (e.g., wireless-enabled devices, building materials). The process is specifically divided into three phases: Preparatory Work, Certification Execution, and Post-Certification Maintenance.

1.Preparatory Work

·Determine the Certification Mode: Choose Mode A for single-batch shipments and Mode B for mass long-term shipments to avoid process delays caused by incorrect mode selection.

·Select a Compliant Local Representative: Overseas manufacturers must entrust a legally registered local entity in Malaysia as their representative. The representative must have valid business qualifications and be responsible for document submission, audit coordination, and subsequent compliance obligations.

·Standardize Document Preparation: Technical specifications, BOMs, test reports, etc., must be provided in English or Malay. Additional documentation related to MCMC certification is required for wireless devices, and IPv6 testing must be completed in advance for communication devices.

2.Certification Execution Process

Mode A (Single-Batch Import): Streamlined Process Focused on Customs Clearance Compliance

·Online Application: Submit the application through the designated SIRIM system, uploading product test reports, local representative authorization letters, and batch shipment lists.

·Document Review: SIRIM focuses on verifying the compliance of test reports with MS standards. For communication devices, IPv6 test results are subject to additional verification.

·Certificate Issuance: A COA for customs clearance is issued within 1-2 weeks upon successful review. Importers purchase SIRIM labels with the COA and affix them to each product unit.

·Cycle: Usually 2-3 months; can be shortened to 1.5 months if all documents are complete.

Mode B (Type Approval): Full Standardized Process Including Factory Audit

-Online Application and Document Submission (1-2 weeks): Upload technical documents, local representative qualification certificates, and trademark information (if applicable) through the official system. A separate declaration of the sales name is required for communication devices.

-Product Testing (4-8 weeks):

1.Local Testing: Send samples to SIRIM-accredited laboratories (e.g., SIRIM QAS) for safety, EMC, and other tests in accordance with the corresponding MS standards. Communication devices must pass full IPv6 protocol testing.

2.CB Report Conversion: Products with valid CB reports may be exempt from some tests but are required to complete Malaysia-specific difference tests (e.g., 240V/50Hz voltage adaptation). Note that the standards of the CB report must align with MS standards.

·Factory Audit (2-4 weeks): Audit focuses include production consistency management, component traceability, and equipment calibration records. Enterprises with ISO 9001 certification may qualify for a streamlined audit process. Important Note: Remote inspections have been prohibited since August 2023; on-site inspections must be coordinated.

·Certificate Issuance and Labeling (1 week): Electronic certificates are issued upon successful audit. The SIRIM logo and unique certification number must be affixed to the product unit (minimum size: 8×8mm). Labeling on packaging only is invalid.

·Cycle: Typically 4-6 months; can extend to 6-8 months for complex products (e.g., wireless-enabled devices, industrial equipment).

-Post-Certification Maintenance

·Annual Surveillance Audits: Regardless of certificate validity period, a product consistency report and sales records must be submitted annually. Sampling retests may be required for some products; failure to complete audits will result in certificate suspension.

·Declaration of Product Changes: Any changes to product design, key components, or production facilities must be promptly submitted to the certification body through the system for approval. Supplementary testing may be triggered. Unauthorized changes will render the certificate invalid immediately.

·Adaptation to Standard Updates: When MS standards are updated in line with IEC revisions, retesting and certificate renewal must be completed within 12 months to avoid invalidation due to outdated standards.

III. Core Product Category Standards and 2026 Dynamic Updates

1.Corresponding Standards for Mandatory Certified Product Categories

·Home Appliances: MS IEC 60335 (safety standard); energy efficiency testing is required (air conditioners and refrigerators must additionally comply with MEPS requirements).

·Lighting Products: MS IEC 60598 (luminaire safety), MS IEC 61000 (EMC testing).

·Communication Devices: MS IEC 62368-1 (safety), full IPv6 protocol testing (RFC 8200/8505/9028).

·Energy Storage Batteries: IEC 60896 series (stationary type), MS 45 (starter batteries).

·Automobile Engine Lubricants: Mandatory standards newly added in 2025 (refer to SIRIM Announcement, March 2025 for details).

2.Key Compliance Updates for 2026

·Electrical and electronic products must meet RoHS 2.0 hazardous substance restrictions, prohibiting excessive lead, cadmium, etc.

·Wireless devices must obtain both SIRIM Safety/EMC certification and MCMC labeling; neither is dispensable.

·A "one-time batch validity" system is implemented for energy storage battery certification; certificate validity must be confirmed for each imported batch.

The key to SIRIM Type Approval compliance lies in accurately grasping the mandatory scope, thoroughly understanding the clear new regulations, and matching the appropriate certification mode. In 2026, enterprises must focus on mandatory requirements such as IPv6 testing and sales name declaration, while avoiding common pitfalls related to certificate validity periods, factory audits, and labeling practices. As a core market in Southeast Asia, compliance is a prerequisite for smooth product entry into Malaysia. Planning certification processes based on authoritative information can minimize time costs and compliance risks to the greatest extent possible. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.