Body Armour → Malaysia

Body Armour import prohibited

Details

Bullet-proof vests, helmets and similar protective clothing are prohibited imports unless the importer holds an import permit from the Chief Police Officer (Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, Third Schedule, item 41). Bringing them in without that permit is an offence under section 135 of the Customs Act 1967, which treats goods prohibited by such an order as prohibited goods. Arrival checks are carried out by Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving Malaysia with body armour is a separate question: restricted — Body armour is a dual-use controlled good; export from Malaysia above civilian protection levels requires authorisation.

Leaving with this item

Body armour is a dual-use controlled good; export from Malaysia above civilian protection levels requires authorisation.

Practical advice

Do not carry civilian body armour, ballistic vests, or stab vests into Malaysia. Royal Malaysian Customs requires an end-user permit issued only to law-enforcement / military / accredited security professionals; tourist carriage is treated as a weapons-import offence.

Customs authority

Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) · https://www.customs.gov.my