Malaysia enforces registration for nicotine product manufacturers

On May 6, according to Free Malaysia Today, only 10 manufacturers of nicotine products (in liquid or gel form) in Malaysia registered their information with the Customs Department before the government's deadline of April 30.

Zazuli Johan, the Director-General of Malaysian Customs, has announced that 10 electronic cigarette manufacturers have been granted licenses to operate in the country. Seven of these are new manufacturers that produce nicotine-based electronic cigarettes, and the remaining three are established manufacturers.

Starting April 1st, the government will impose a consumption tax of RM 0.40 per milliliter on electronic cigarettes and products containing nicotine (in liquid or gel form). The government has mandated that local manufacturers of nicotine-containing products register their information with the customs department by the end of April.

Zazuli stated, "The registration situation is not ideal because the majority of e-cigarette oils and e-cigarettes are imported.

We are demanding that manufacturers who have not yet registered carry out their registration before we take action.

He also stated that customs officials will be investigating local manufacturers producing nicotine-containing products without proper registration.

The General Administration of Customs will also continue to monitor importers and local manufacturers to ensure that they accurately declare customs forms.

Malaysian media previously reported that there was an "agreement" between electronic cigarette ash traders and the Customs Department allowing e-cigarette products to enter the country via sea and air routes. However, the Malaysian Customs Department has stated that it will crackdown on tobacco product smuggling and those caught smuggling electronic cigarettes will face severe legal repercussions.