Pesticide Registration in Malaysia

All pesticides that are manufactured, imported and used in Malaysia must undergo pesticide registration and obtain approvals from the Department of Agriculture (DOA) of Malaysia. Sections 7-13 of the Pesticides Act 1974 provides for the control of importation and manufacture of pesticides. 

Definition of Pesticides in Malaysia

The term ‘pesticide’ under the Pesticides Act 1974 is defined as ‘any substance that contains an active ingredient’ or ‘any preparation, mixture or material that contains any one or more of the active ingredients as one of its constituents'. 

The term ‘active ingredient’here means an ingredient, as listed in the First Schedule of the Pesticides Act 1974.  As the First Schedule is updated from time to time to include new active ingredients, it is necessary for the applicant to refer to the Pesticides Board for the updated listing.

Generally pesticides includes, but are not limited to, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, acaricides, nematicides, rodenticides, molluscicides, bactericides, fumigants, soil fumigants, miticides, preservatives, repellants and termiticides. 

Main Pesticide Regulations in Malaysia

• Pesticides Act 1974

• Guidelines on Registration of Pesticides

• Guidelines on Registration of Biopesticides

Who Shall Register？

A person desiring to import or manufacture a pesticide in Malaysia shall apply for pesticide registrations in Malaysia. What this really means is that you must have a legal entity in Malaysia to submit pesticide registrations. And the right to import a pesticide is usually only limited to the pesticide registration holder. 

Pesticide Registration Types

In Malaysia, pesticides are divided into 2 categories namely proprietary pesticides and commodity pesticides. Data requirements are lower for commodity pesticides.

• Commodity pesticides are pesticides containing active ingredients that have been registered in Malaysia for not less than 10 years. 

• Proprietary pesticides are pesticides that are not commodity pesticides as defined above are classified as proprietary pesticides. In case the of a pesticide mixture containing proprietary and commodity active ingredients, the pesticide shall be considered as a proprietary pesticide.  

In addition, an import permit is needed for importing unregistered pesticide in a limited quantity for educational or research purposes, or as a registration sample.

Registration Data Requirements in Malaysia

Pesticide registration applicant shall submit required registration data to the Pesticides Board of the DOA online according to relevant product registration type (i.e., crop protection, household), which typically includes test reports on product chemistry, toxicology, environment, efficacy, samples and labels. Detailed information requirement is listed in guidelines on registration of pesticides and guidelines on registration of biopesticides.

Note: 

Only 1 source (manufacturer) is allowed for each registration. 

Registration Validity and Registration

The pesticide registration certificate is valid for 5 years and can be renewed 6 months before its expiry.

Estimated Registration Costs and Timelines

It typically takes 2 to 3 years to register a new formulated pesticide product in Malaysia. Registration costs depend on registration types and test data requirements. 

Malaysia accepts OECD GLP study reports issued by overseas laboratories. If you have registered your pesticides in EU or the US, you can enter this market more quickly, particularly new active ingredients and biopesticides.

Our Services

CIRS Group offers a comprehensive suite of services covering every aspect of pesticide registration in Southeast Asia. Our services include:

• Regulatory Consulting: We provide up-to-date insights on regulatory trends and changes, helping you stay ahead in the market.

• Dossier Preparation and Submission: Our team of experts prepares and submits your registration dossiers, ensuring they meet the specific requirements of each country's regulatory body.

• Efficacy and Safety Testing: We facilitate and manage all required local testing, including efficacy, toxicology, and environmental impact studies, through our network of accredited laboratories.

• Local Representation: For clients without a local presence, CIRS Group can act as your local agent, representing your interests and liaising with regulatory authorities.

For more information on how we can assist with your pesticide registration needs in Southeast Asia, contact us today via service@cirs-group.com.