As Malaysia’s sole officially recognized national certification body, SIRIM (Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) has implemented clear new regulations for Type Approval in 2025-2026, rather than vague "industry trends". The core changes focus on three dimensions: mandatory IPv6 testing, standardized sales name requirements, and aligned standards. Failure to comply with any of these requirements may result in certification failure.

This article breaks down the "core new regulations, common misconceptions, and practical processes" of certification, combining the latest SIRIM announcements since July 2025, supplementary MCMC requirements, and industry practical cases. All information has been cross-verified through official channels to help enterprises accurately navigate Malaysian market access and avoid 90% of high-frequency pitfalls.

I. Easily Confused Core Concepts of 2026 SIRIM Type Approval

Many enterprises still rely on outdated experience to handle SIRIM certification. The following four misconceptions are the primary causes of certification failures and must be thoroughly corrected:

1.Certificate Validity Period: No "Lifetime Validity"; 3 Years for Regular Categories OnlySIRIM Type Approval certificates do not have a "lifetime validity" clause. Validity periods are clearly categorized by product type:

·Regular Electrical and Electronic Products (Home Appliances, Lamps, IT Devices): Valid for 3 years. Annual surveillance audits must be completed during the validity period; otherwise, the certificate will be automatically suspended.

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

·Newly Added Categories (2025: Energy Storage Batteries, Automobile Engine Lubricants): Valid for only 1 year. Annual renewal and sampling retests are required.

2.Scope of Mandatory Certification: Most Mechanical Products Are Voluntary; 2 New Categories Explicitly AddedThe scope of mandatory SIRIM certification has not expanded arbitrarily in 2026. Only 2 new product categories have been added to the mandatory list, and most mechanical products are subject to voluntary certification:

·Explicit Mandatory Categories: Home appliances, lighting products, IT/AV equipment, communication terminals, plugs and sockets, stationary energy storage batteries, automobile engine lubricants.

·Voluntary Certification Categories: Non-electric tools, ordinary building materials, low-risk electronic accessories (e.g., charging cables). Certification only enhances market credibility and is not a prerequisite for market access.

·Common Misconception: Classifying cranes, elevators, and other mechanical products as mandatory certification items. In fact, only certain high-risk mechanical products are eligible for voluntary certification, which is not required for market access.

3.Certification Cycle: 2-6 Months for Regular Products; Up to 6-8 Months for Complex ProductsThe previously circulated claim of "certification in 4-8 weeks" is completely unrealistic. The actual cycle is determined by product type and certification mode:

·Mode A (Single-Batch Import): 1.5-3 months, suitable for small-batch trial shipments with no factory audit required.

·Mode B (Type Approval): 2-6 months, preferred for mass long-term shipments, including factory audit.

·Complex Products (Wireless-Enabled Devices, Energy Storage Batteries): 6-8 months, requiring additional MCMC certification or multiple rounds of testing.

4.Local Representative: Physical Qualification Is a Long-Standing Requirement, Not a 2026 New RegulationOverseas manufacturers must entrust a locally registered physical entity in Malaysia as their representative—a mandatory requirement long in place, with no additional new regulations introduced in 2026. However, three key verification points must be emphasized:

·Possession of a valid ROC (Registration of Companies) certificate and tax registration certificate.

·Provision of a genuine physical office address, subject to random verification by SIRIM.

·Signing of a formal authorization letter clearly defining responsibilities for follow-up surveillance audit coordination to avoid engaging agents who "only submit documents but take no responsibility for subsequent matters".

II. Clear New Regulations for 2026 SIRIM Type Approval

Since July 2025, SIRIM, in conjunction with MCMC, has issued 3 clear new regulations with no transition period. All new applications and renewals must comply:

1.Full Mandatory Implementation of IPv6 Testing (Effective July 10, 2025)

·Applicable Products: All network-enabled communication devices (including pure cellular devices, routers, smart gateways).

·Core Requirements: Must pass full IPv6 protocol testing complying with RFC 8200 (basic protocol), RFC 8505 (DHCPv6), and RFC 9096 (security requirements). Test reports must be issued by SIRIM-accredited laboratories.

2.Mandatory Declaration and Labeling of Product Sales Names

·Core Requirements: The product "sales name" (consistent with the name used in market sales) must be explicitly declared in the system during application and marked on the product unit (e.g., device body, rear nameplate). Labeling on packaging or manuals only is prohibited.

·Key Inspection Focus: MCMC will cross-check the declared sales name against the name used in market sales. Inconsistencies will result in certificate suspension.

·Pitfall Prevention: Sales names should be concise and consistent, avoiding mixed Chinese-English usage or frequent changes, as any modification will require re-declaration.

3.Alignment of Some Standards with IEC 2024 Edition; Outdated Reports Invalidated

·Electrical and Electronic Products: MS IEC 60335-1 (home appliance safety) and MS IEC 62368-1 (audio-visual equipment) have been aligned with the IEC 2024 edition. As of January 2026, test reports based on outdated standards will no longer be accepted.

·Energy Storage Batteries: The new MS IEC 62619:2024 standard has been introduced to replace the old version, adding mandatory thermal runaway extension testing requirements.

·Impact: Certified enterprises must complete standard updates and certificate renewals by December 31, 2026; otherwise, certificates will become invalid.

III. Latest Practical 2026 SIRIM Certification Process

SIRIM certification is divided into two core modes with distinct processes. The appropriate mode should be selected based on shipment needs to avoid redundant applications:

1.Mode A (Single-Batch Import): Preferred for Small-Batch Trial Shipments with Streamlined Process

-Applicable Scenarios: Annual shipment volume < 500 units; trial entry into the Malaysian market.

-Core Process (1.5-3 months):

·The local representative assists with system registration on the SIRIM platform, uploading product test reports (compliant with the latest MS standards), shipment lists, and authorization letters.

·SIRIM Document Review (1-2 weeks): Focuses on verifying the consistency of test reports with standards. For communication devices, IPv6 test results are subject to additional verification.

·Certificate Issuance: Upon payment of fees, a COA for customs clearance is issued within 1 week. Importers purchase SIRIM labels with the COA and affix them to each product unit.

-Key Reminder: The COA is only valid for the specific batch. Re-application is required for subsequent replenishments, making this mode suitable for short-term trial sales.

2.Mode B (Type Approval): Preferred for Mass Long-Term Shipments, Including Factory Audit

-Applicable Scenarios: Annual shipment volume ≥ 500 units; long-term market development in Malaysia.

-Core Process (2-6 months):

·Local Testing: Send samples to SIRIM-accredited laboratories such as SIRIM QAS and SGS Malaysia for safety and EMC testing in accordance with the latest MS standards. Additional IPv6 testing is required for communication devices.

·CB Report Conversion: Products with valid CB reports must complete Malaysia-specific difference tests (e.g., 240V/50Hz voltage adaptation, tropical climate testing). Note that the CB report must be based on standards aligned with the IEC 2024 edition.

·Preparatory Work (1-2 weeks): Confirm the sales name, prepare bilingual technical documents (English/Malay), and complete local representative qualification filing.

-Product Testing (4-8 weeks):

·Factory Audit (2-4 weeks): Mandatory for mass production enterprises. The audit focuses on production consistency (alignment between components and BOM), equipment calibration records, and finished product inspection processes. Enterprises with ISO 9001 certification may qualify for a streamlined audit process.

·Certificate Issuance and Labeling (1 week): Electronic certificates are issued upon successful audit. The SIRIM logo and unique certification number must be affixed to a prominent, wear-resistant location on the product unit (minimum size: ≥8×8mm).

-Key Reminder: Remote inspections have been prohibited since August 2023. Overseas factories must coordinate on-site audits or provide real-time production video access.

IV. 2026 Standard Dynamic Updates: Key Product Categories to Monitor

·Home Appliances: New MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) requirements have been added. Air conditioners and refrigerators must additionally pass energy efficiency testing; non-compliant products will not be certified.

·Communication Devices: In addition to IPv6 requirements, wireless devices must obtain both SIRIM Safety/EMC certification and MCMC labeling; neither is dispensable.

·Energy Storage Batteries: Thermal runaway extension testing has become mandatory. Products must demonstrate no open flame propagation in the event of thermal runaway, extending the testing cycle by 1-2 weeks.

·Automobile Engine Lubricants: Mandatory standards newly added in 2025 (compliant with MS 1500:2025), with new testing items including low-temperature fluidity and high-temperature stability.

The latest trend in SIRIM Type Approval is not "raising barriers" but "refining compliance requirements". The mandatory IPv6 testing, standardized sales name regulations, and aligned standards essentially aim to make compliance more aligned with market regulatory needs. For enterprises, the key to efficient certification lies in three aspects: accurately determining the mandatory scope and appropriate certification mode, closely following the clear new regulations of 2025-2026, and avoiding common pitfalls related to labeling practices and test reports. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.