Mandatory standards requirement provides a competitive edge to Malaysian exporters in the global arena, while protecting the interest of consumers in the local market. As of 31 March 2011, a total of 6,450 Malaysian Standards (MS) have been developed. A total of 3,811 standards are aligned with international standards (59.1%) and 328 standards have been made mandatory (5.09%).

Mandatory standards aim to improve and set an acceptable quality of imported and local products in Malaysia’s market. The three elements of safety, health and environment are safeguarded by mandatory standards.

MITI through the Committee on Mandatory Industrial Standards (CMIS) has been tasked to identify and coordinate the implementation of mandatory standards for manufactured products with a view to promote quality and safety. The CMIS has established four taskforces comprising members from both the public and the private sectors to identify products that would be made mandatory. These include building materials, machinery and equipment, automotive parts and components, and wires and cables.

In 2011, MITI targets to increase the percentage of mandatory standards for industrial products to 7%. This is primarily to ensure that the safety and quality of products are safeguarded. In the near future and based on the demand by the industry, there is a possibility for the establishment of new task forces which include textiles and apparels, palm oil products, medical devices or food products.

The consultation process with relevant agencies and industry associations are on-going. The private sector can submit their proposals for products that need to be made mandatory to:

Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Investment Policy and Trade Facilitation Division
10th Floor, Block 10, Government Offices Complex
Jalan Duta, 50622 Kuala Lumpur.
Attention: Mohamad Farid Mohd Aris
Tel :03- 6203 4710 / Fax: 03- 6201 2339
farid@miti.gov.my


Note: This article has been adapted from the MITI Weekly Bulletin Vol.145, 7 June 2011