March 07, 2025

Malaysia is a key player in the global chemical industry, with a well-regulated framework to ensure chemical safety, environmental protection, and human health. Chemical registration in Malaysia is governed by several regulations, primarily under the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and Department of Environment (DOE). This blog provides a detailed overview of the regulatory landscape, registration requirements, and compliance obligations for chemical manufacturers, importers, and suppliers in Malaysia.

Regulatory Framework

The regulation of chemicals in Malaysia falls under multiple legislations, including:

  1. Environment Quality Act (EQA) 1974 – Administered by the DOE, this act controls the discharge of pollutants, hazardous substances, and scheduled wastes.
  2. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 – Enforced by DOSH, ensuring the safe handling, storage, and use of chemicals in workplaces.
  3. Classifications, Labeling, and Safety Data Sheet (CLASS) Regulations 2013 – Mandates compliance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for hazard classification and communication.
  4. Pesticides Act 1974 – Regulates agricultural and public health pesticides.
  5. Poisons Act 1952 – Governs the control of toxic and hazardous chemicals.
  6. Factories and Machinery Act 1967 – Oversees the use of hazardous substances in industrial settings.
  7. Chemical Weapons Convention Act 2005 – Controls chemical substances that could be used for chemical weapons production.

Who Needs to Register?

Companies involved in the following activities must register chemicals in Malaysia:

  • Manufacturers produce chemical substances for local use or export.
  • Importers bringing chemicals into Malaysia from foreign markets.
  • Distributors and suppliers handling hazardous chemicals in the supply chain.

Chemical Registration Process in Malaysia

1. Notification and Registration Under MyEHS

The Malaysian government has introduced the MyEHS (Electronic Notification and Registration System) for hazardous chemicals, managed by DOSH. The key steps include:

  • Step 1: Identify Chemical Hazards – Determine if the substance is classified as hazardous under the CLASS regulations.
  • Step 2: Submit Notification – Companies must notify DOSH before placing hazardous chemicals in the market.
  • Step 3: Registration in MyEHS – Certain chemicals require formal registration, including detailed hazard classification and compliance with labeling requirements.
  • Step 4: Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Submission – A compliant SDS must be submitted in Bahasa Malaysia and English.

2. Compliance with CLASS Regulations

The CLASS Regulations require manufacturers and importers to:

  • Classify chemicals based on GHS criteria.
  • Prepare and provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals.
  • Label chemicals with correct hazard information.
  • Train workers and provide safety information on hazardous substances.

3. Licensing and Permits

For certain controlled substances, additional licensing is required from:

  • Ministry of Health (MOH) – For toxic and pharmaceutical-related chemicals.
  • DOE – For chemicals impacting the environment.
  • Pesticides Board – For agricultural chemicals and biocides.

Challenges in Chemical Registration

  • Regulatory Complexity: Companies must comply with multiple regulations.
  • Data Requirements: Toxicological and ecotoxicological data are mandatory for high-risk chemicals.
  • Language Barriers: SDS and labels must be in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.
  • Enforcement & Compliance: Regular audits and inspections ensure adherence, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

Why Compliance Matters?

Non-compliance with Malaysian chemical regulations can lead to:

  • Legal Penalties – Fines, license revocation, and business restrictions.
  • Product Seizure – Authorities can ban non-compliant chemicals from the market.
  • Reputational Damage – Loss of trust among consumers and business partners.

How Can Maven Assist?

Maven offers regulatory compliance services to ensure smooth chemical registration and adherence to Malaysian laws. Our experts provide:

  • Chemical hazard classification & risk assessment
  • SDS & label preparation as per CLASS regulations
  • MyEHS registration support
  • Regulatory intelligence and updates
  • Training for GHS compliance & safe handling practices

Conclusion

Navigating chemical regulations in Malaysia requires expertise and compliance with multiple frameworks. Ensuring proper registration, hazard classification, and SDS preparation is crucial for legal and market acceptance. By partnering with experienced regulatory professionals like Maven, businesses can streamline compliance, mitigate risks, and maintain market access in Malaysia.

For expert guidance on chemical registration and compliance in Malaysia, contact Maven today!