Hello,

I just ordered a Nexus 4 from the US and now FedEx is telling me I need this SIRIM approval thing. I have always imported gadgets from US before (ordered Nexus 7 using DHL and no need to get approval) and wanted to know how to apply for this SIRIM permit? Also, will there be some kind of tax I need to pay, or will the permit cost a certain amount?

Any help would be appreciated

EDIT: This is the procedure to apply for the permit

Just wanted to update everyone who might be interested, I went and applied for SIRIM special approval and the process was dead simple and cheap. The process went like this:

1) Downloaded, printed and filled form for E-Permit application and Special approval (see attachment) Thanks to user bv2427 for the documents
1a) If you don't know the Tariff code for your product, just search over here.
2) Print specification for hand phone being imported, in my case it was the Nexus 4 technical specs (use the Nexus 4 page on Google to print out the technical specs for the phone)
3) Get a copy of your IC or Passport
4) Print shipment and customs invoice (Ask your courier for the shipping invoice or pro-forma invoice)
5) Go to SIRIM HQ, Block 25
6) Hand all the documents in and pay the RM100 for the approval
7) You should receive the permit in about 3-5 hours
8) Send it to your courier and wait for them to process it and release your package from customs

Honestly, was worth more to learn the procedure to do this than pay RM300 to FedEx broker to do it for me. I saved RM200 by doing it myself which honestly didn't require much hassle at all. The SIRIM people are not helpful on the phone but if you go there in person, quite helpful and pleasant to deal with.

My advice is to always go in person and do it rather than call/email. Always easier. Just remember to have all the documents prepared to make it less hassle and time consuming.

Thanks everyone for the advice and hope this helps other people out!

This post has been edited by PeacefulDiscord: May 9 2014, 03:21 PM


Attached File(s)
 epermit.zip ( 694.29k ) Number of downloads: 7508

Yes you are right. Is there a difference for SIRIM?

Do you know how much is the cost? FedEx broker is asking for RM300 so I want to know how much it is if I just do it myself.

This post has been edited by PeacefulDiscord: Dec 21 2012, 01:04 PM

Thing is, I already contacted SIRIM and sent them the documents they requested. However, they haven't gotten back to me with the fees yet. Plus, FedEx inform me that the approval might cost between RM100-300 so hopefully can be cheap. The SIRIM people aren't much help as everytime I call any number for them, no one pick up. I want to know how long my application will take but no one respond

I might do that on Monday, sucks that they aren't open on Saturdays. And Tuesday is Christmas so another public holiday

So much of bad luck. And I wanted my package before Christmas. I never faced this problem with DHL. Don't think I will recommend or use FedEx anymore. DHL mess up sometime but not this bad.

Any one else have any advice on what I can do?

Do you know how long it takes for SIRIM to approve the AP? I emailed them on Friday but they haven't gotten back to me about the fees. Does the approval come after the fees have been paid or before?

I think you misunderstood me and maybe I should have been clearer. I emailed SIRIM with all the documents they asked me to email on Friday but they haven't gotten back to me about the fees for the AP. I am assuming the fees will only be told to me AFTER they have approved no? FedEx told me that the package is being held by customs until I send them the SIRIM certificate. So my question is, how long does SIRIM usually take to approve the AP and should I just go to SIRIM office on Monday and speak to them face-to-face rather than email/call?

See the original post for details of how to apply for SIRIM permit.

This post has been edited by PeacefulDiscord: May 9 2014, 03:20 PM

Thanks. I am glad it helped. The tariff code should be visible on your shipping invoice if declared properly by the seller. If not, you can find it on this website: http://tariff.customs.gov.my/

They seem to have changed the layout of the website. I think they moved to an online system. Find more information here http://www.sirim-qas.com.my/index.php/en/o...on-a-multimedia

I am at work now and don't have a lot of time to give you an exact link but if you can't find anything, let me know. I will see if I still have the forms.

Nope, I didn't pay tax to kastam. SIRIM certification is not related to tax. Also, remember, smartphones are not taxed by customs. Don't pay tax for the phone unless customs give you a notice.

PMed you!

Sorry I have been AWOL/MIA. Forgot about this thread a while back haha

But I am back to answer some of your questions:

Hey, thanks for this. I have updated the OP to have this attachment there for anyone that needs it.


Well it actually is the cheapest permit they have. Companies need to pay upwards of the 1000s to get their products certified. I guess the reason they need you to apply for the permit is to make sure you aren't bringing in any spy equipment/equipment detrimental to national security.


No, you HAVE to go there yourself and apply.


Not required to have company details since it is for private importation.

And yes, it is possible as long as you have the person's documents with you.


No, you do not need to apply for SIRIM as far as I know for a tablet that DOES NOT have GSM features. But if it does have a radio antenna/GSM antenna, you will need to apply no matter cost or what it has been declared as.

This post has been edited by PeacefulDiscord: May 9 2014, 03:19 PM

SIRIM permits are mainly for equipment that has a radio inside it. Things like bluetooth, GSM radio, wireless radio, etc.

If your desktop doesn't have those, then no, you won't need a permit from SIRIM. Just import them normally.

For the tariff code, your fitbit will fall under the 8517.69 code.

You will need to email SIRIM with the forms provided in this thread along with the relevant technical specs found on the fitbit website for your particular model. You will then need to pay the fees and they will issue you a certificate within a day or two. SIRIM is a federal body so doesn't matter if you are in JB. The procedure is still the same.