SIRIM Berhad has been officially designated as the sole inspection authority and issuer of the Certificate of Approval (COA) for the importation of waste plastic into Malaysia, effective 1 July 2025.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance environmental governance in line with the MADANI Economy framework, which prioritises green growth and climate resilience.
The ministry stated that COAs for waste plastic imports will only be granted if all regulatory conditions under Malaysian law are fulfilled, and provided that the exporting countries are parties to the Basel Convention, an international treaty controlling transboundary movements of hazardous waste and its disposal. 
“Malaysia will not hesitate to take firm action against individuals or companies that attempt to circumvent import regulations or are involved in illegal waste trafficking,” the ministry emphasised.
MITI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a legitimate, responsible and environmentally sound trade ecosystem that supports the nation’s sustainable socio-economic objectives. The ministry also stressed that Malaysia’s policies remain aligned with international standards and multilateral commitments to environmental protection.
Importers seeking to bring in waste plastic are advised to consult the official guidelines published by SIRIM, which outline the procedures and inspection requirements. The documentation is accessible at: https://www.sirim-qas.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/faq-importationof-waste-plastic-1.pdf.
SIRIM, a statutory body under MITI, is Malaysia’s leading industrial research and technology organisation and a national authority on quality assurance.
-Bernama
