Yes. Construction materials listed in the Customs Act must have a Certificate of Approval (COA) from CIDB before they can be imported into Malaysia[4]. The Royal Malaysian Customs prohibits import of construction materials that do not comply with CIDB standards under the Customs (Prohibition on Import) Order 1998, Customs Act 1967[4].
Key facts
| Import prohibition | The Royal Malaysian Customs prohibits import of construction materials not complying with CIDB standards under the Customs (Prohibition on Import) Order 1998, Customs Act 1967[4]. |
|---|---|
| COA required | Construction materials listed in the Customs Act need a Certificate of Approval (COA) from CIDB before import into Malaysia[4]. |
| COA basis | Requirements to obtain a COA are based on the requirements phase of the Malaysian Standard (MS)[4]. |
| Penalty for non-compliant use | Using Fourth Schedule building materials without CIDB quality certification can bring a fine of RM10,000 to RM500,000 upon conviction[4]. |
| MS mandatory | An MS becomes mandatory when a regulatory agency enforces its use through the relevant Act and Regulations[3]. |
Which construction materials need a CIDB COA for import into Malaysia?
The COA requirement applies to construction materials listed in the Customs Act[4]. The Royal Malaysian Customs enforces the prohibition through the Customs (Prohibition on Import) Order 1998 under the Customs Act 1967[4]. If your product is on that list, a COA from CIDB is needed before the goods can be imported into Malaysia[4].
The COA requirements are based on the requirements phase of the Malaysian Standard (MS)[4]. An MS becomes mandatory when a regulatory agency enforces its use through the relevant Act and Regulations[3].
Show the numbers
| Year | US$ |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 493,734,080 |
| 2021 | 548,623,543 |
| 2022 | 477,201,567 |
| 2023 | 471,772,116 |
| 2024 | 502,520,128 |
Who issues the COA and what must the supplier show?
CIDB issues the Certificate of Approval[4]. The COA confirms that the construction material meets the requirements phase of the relevant MS[4].
Suppliers should also provide test reports or certificates showing compliance with the MS. For products where SIRIM QAS International issues a Product Certification License, the certified product and licensee are listed at www.malaysiancertified.com.my[2].
What happens if listed materials are used without CIDB certification?
Using building materials specified in the Fourth Schedule without quality certification from CIDB can bring a fine of not less than RM10,000 but not more than RM500,000 upon conviction[4].
The customs prohibition covers imports of construction materials that do not comply with CIDB standards[4].
All contractors, local or foreign, must register with CIDB under Section 25 of Act 520 before undertaking construction work in Malaysia[5]. A contractor who violates Section 25 can be fined between ten thousand and one hundred thousand ringgit under Section 29[5].
How do I verify a COA and the supplier's status?
For products certified by SIRIM QAS International, you can search the online database at www.malaysiancertified.com.my to confirm the product and licensee[2]. SIRIM QAS International conducts surveillance audits twice a year on certified products[2].
If the supplier is also a contractor, check that they are registered with CIDB under Section 25 of Act 520[5]. Applicants must keep original documents within 3 years from the date of application for Contractor Compliance Assurance (CCA)[5].
Where can I find suppliers of construction materials for Malaysia?
IndustryConnect lists suppliers in Malaysia by category. For construction materials, start with the building materials supplier directory. For structural steel and fabricated parts, see steel fabricators in Malaysia. Construction equipment buyers can check construction equipment suppliers.
For a broader view of suppliers across the region, use the ASEAN supplier directories. The chart below shows Malaysia's exports of steel structures and parts (HS 7308) to the world from 2020 to 2024[1]. Exports were about US$493.7 million in 2020, about US$548.6 million in 2021, about US$477.2 million in 2022, about US$471.8 million in 2023 and about US$502.5 million in 2024[1].
Suppliers to contact in Malaysia
- BP GABION SDN.BHD.Batu PahatOwner-managed listing
- Ajiya BerhadPuchong
- Art Wood Composite Sdn. Bhd.Ipoh
- Bahan BinaanKuala Lumpur
- Boss Seven Engineering Sdn BhdKapar
- Cinkoon Hardware Sdn Bhd/ Electrofusion FittingsBukit Mertajam
- CMI Construction Material IndustryShah Alam
- Damask Materials Solutions Sdn BhdBandar Baru Bangi
See all building materials suppliers in Malaysia →
Listed in the directory; contact suppliers directly and run your own checks before ordering.
Questions buyers ask
Does every construction material imported into Malaysia need a CIDB COA?
No. The prohibition under the Customs (Prohibition on Import) Order 1998 applies to those listed materials that do not comply with CIDB standards[4].
What documents should I ask a supplier for before importing construction materials into Malaysia?
Ask for the CIDB Certificate of Approval and the MS that applies to the product[4]. If the product also carries a SIRIM QAS International Product Certification License, the certified product and licensee are listed at www.malaysiancertified.com.my[2].
Is a SIRIM certificate the same as a CIDB COA?
No. A SIRIM Product Certification License is issued by SIRIM QAS International[2], while a COA for construction materials is issued by CIDB[4].
Sources
- Exports of HS 7308 (steel structures and parts) to the world: Malaysia UN Comtrade; accessed 2026-11-13
- Frequently Asked Question CADiv SIRIM QAS International; accessed 2026-11-10
- Department of Standards Malaysia - FAQs Department of Standards Malaysia; accessed 2026-11-10
- Bahan Binaan | CIDB HQ Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia (CIDB); accessed 2026-11-10
- Pendaftaran Kontraktor | CIDB HQ Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB); accessed 2026-11-10
How this article was made: it was produced with AI from the public sources listed above, and a second AI model checked every figure and claim against those sources before it was published. No person reviewed it before publishing. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] and we will correct it.