For manufacturers seeking to enter the Malaysian market, SIRIM Type Approval is not an option but a mandatory market access passport. However, online information often oversimplifies this systematic process as a linear "sample submission → testing → certification" workflow, leading many enterprises to miss business opportunities due to cognitive biases. This article breaks down the complete steps, actual timelines, and key variables to help you establish a realistic compliance roadmap.

I. Understanding the Essence of SIRIM Type Approval

Before taking any action, two core concepts must be clarified, as they determine the direction of all subsequent work.

1.Difference Between "Type Approval" and "Batch Certification"SIRIM certification is primarily divided into two modes. Type Approval involves comprehensive approval of a product model’s design and production system, with a typical certificate validity period of 3 years (5 years for special products such as tires) and mandatory factory inspection requirements. In contrast, Batch Certification is only valid for a single imported shipment, featuring a streamlined process that is unsuitable for long-term market strategies. This article focuses on Type Approval.

2.Non-Negotiable Local Representative RequirementThis is the first and mandatory step for all overseas manufacturers. Malaysian regulations stipulate that applications must be submitted by a legally registered company in Malaysia (local importer or authorized agent). This representative will serve as the legal certificate holder, responsible for communicating with SIRIM, coordinating factory audits, and undertaking market surveillance responsibilities. The certification process cannot commence without resolving this requirement.

  II. Step-by-Step Breakdown of the SIRIM Type Approval Process

The entire certification process is an interconnected system, decomposable into five key phases.

Step 1: Preparatory Work and Strategy Evaluation (1-2 Weeks Recommended)

The goal of this phase is to "plan before acting", with three core tasks:

·Product Classification and Standard Confirmation: Precisely verify whether your product is included in Malaysia’s mandatory certification list and identify the corresponding Malaysian National Standards (MS standards) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. For example, home appliances comply with the MS IEC 60335 series standards.

·Testing Path Evaluation: Assess whether to conduct full local testing or leverage existing CB test reports for conversion. The latter can significantly reduce redundant testing items and timelines but requires supplementary Malaysia-specific difference tests, such as local voltage (240V/50Hz), plug specifications (MS 589), and tropical climate testing.

·Preliminary Document Preparation: Begin organizing basic technical documents, including product specifications, circuit diagrams, and draft English/Malay user manuals.

Step 2: Sample Testing and Report Generation (Most Variable Cycle, Typically 4-12 Weeks)

This is the most time-consuming core phase, with timelines varying widely depending on product complexity and testing path.

-Sample Submission and Testing: Send samples to SIRIM-accredited or designated laboratories for testing. Testing typically includes safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) assessments.

-Key Variables Affecting Timelines:

·Wireless Communication Devices: One of the most time-consuming product categories (typically 3-5 months). In addition to regular testing, radio frequency (RF) and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) evaluations are mandatory. Since July 10, 2025, IPv6 protocol testing has been enforced. Separate labeling approval from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is also required.

·Building Materials, Tires, and Similar Products: May require long-duration testing of up to 28 days (e.g., UV aging, strength testing), significantly extending the timeline.

·Important Latest Update: For certain certifications (e.g., MCMC), SIRIM has introduced a sample-waiver certification process due to specific considerations. Applicants may complete sample verification by submitting high-standard photo documentation, with physical sample submission required only if photos fail to meet requirements. This saves international logistics time for certain products.

Step 3: Factory Audit (Production Consistency Review, Typically 1-3 Weeks)

Factory audits are mandatory for Type Approval to ensure that mass-produced products remain consistent with tested samples.

·Audit Focus: Auditors will inspect the factory’s quality management system, production line controls, equipment calibration records, and traceability capabilities for key component procurement and storage. Holding a valid ISO 9001 certificate can help streamline this process.

·Timeline Considerations: The duration of this phase is heavily influenced by SIRIM auditor scheduling, factory location, and preparation status. If non-conformities are identified during the audit, enterprises must implement rectifications and resubmit evidence, extending the cycle accordingly.

Step 4: Document Submission, Review, and Certification Issuance (Approximately 2-4 Weeks)

After passing testing and factory audits, the local representative submits all application documents through SIRIM’s online system (e.g., STeP system) for final technical review.

·Easily Overlooked Key Requirement: According to the latest MCMC announcement, the product sales name must be declared during application and displayed on the product itself, packaging, or user manual to facilitate regulatory oversight and consumer inquiries.

·Post-Approval Process: Upon successful review, SIRIM issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoA). Importers may then apply for a SIRIM PCS certificate with the CoA and purchase mandatory SIRIM certification labels for affixation to product units.

Step 5: Post-Certification Surveillance (Throughout the Certificate Validity Period)

Obtaining the certificate is not the end of the process. During the typical 3-year validity period of Type Approval certificates, annual surveillance audits are required to maintain validity. Additionally, any design changes, key component replacements, or production facility relocations that may impact product safety and compliance must be proactively reported to SIRIM for approval.

  III. SIRIM Type Approval Timeline

Many articles claim an overall cycle of "8-12 weeks", but this is a highly optimistic estimate applicable only to the simplest, most low-risk electronic products under ideal conditions. In reality, the following variables must be considered:

-Product Complexity: The decisive factor.

·Ordinary Home Appliances/IT Devices: Approximately 2 to 4 months.

·Wireless Communication Devices: Approximately 3 to 5 months or longer.

·Building Materials/Tires, etc.: May take 4 to 6 months due to long-duration testing requirements.

-Document and Communication Quality: Delays are most commonly caused by human factors such as non-compliant technical documents, non-English/Malay language submissions, and delayed responses to audit queries.

-Factory Audit Scheduling and Rectification: International auditor travel scheduling and rectifications for non-conformities identified during initial factory audits can introduce uncontrollable delays.

-Institutional Workload: During peak application periods, SIRIM may face a backlog of cases, resulting in passive delays to approval timelines across all phases.

SIRIM Type Approval is a marathon that tests an enterprise’s advance planning, process management, and commitment to ongoing compliance. Accurately understanding the process, realistically estimating timelines, and allocating sufficient resources are the only ways to ensure smooth product entry into the Malaysian market. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.