Malaysia Moves to Regulate E-Cigarettes: MoH Registration Mandatory Under 2024 Tobacco Control Act

As the global landscape for vape and E-cigarette products evolves, Southeast Asia has become a key battleground for regulation and compliance. In a landmark move, the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MoH) has begun reviewing vape product registrations under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).

Starting October 1, 2025, only registered vape and E-cigarette products will be allowed for legal sale in Malaysia. This development has significant implications for vape manufacturers, exporters, retailers, and Fruit Flavored Vape brands eyeing the lucrative Southeast Asian market.

“All smoking products intended for manufacture, import, or sale in Malaysia must be registered with the Ministry of Health,” said Dr. Khairul Nizam, Director of the Disease Control Division at the MoH.
(Source: The Star)

Background: What Is Act 852 and Why Does It Matter?

Act 852, officially known as the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act, was passed in late 2023 and came into effect in early 2024. The law represents the Malaysian government’s most comprehensive attempt to regulate vapor, vape, and E-cigarette products.

Key highlights include:

Mandatory product registration for all smoking-related items (including vape liquids and pods).
Licensing restrictions based on location (e.g., minimum distance from schools and universities).
Lab test submission required during the registration process.
Legal sale only through authorized and licensed outlets like convenience stores or specialty vape shops.

Learn more about the Act 852 here (official MoH source).

Registration Timeline: What You Need to Know

The product registration window ran from October 2024 to April 2025. The MoH is currently in the evaluation phase and has stated that no product approvals have yet been granted. Evaluation results will be finalized by October 1, 2025.

✅ October 2024–April 2025: Registration window for vape/E-cigarette manufacturers and importers.
🔍 May 2025–September 2025: Evaluation of submitted products.
🚫 October 1, 2025 onward: Only approved, certified products can be legally sold.

Any unregistered products on the market after this deadline will be deemed illegal and subject to enforcement by local authorities.

What Vape Products Are Affected?

According to Dr. Khairul, the law specifically covers E-liquids, vape pods, and nicotine-containing vapor products. Interestingly, hardware-only devices (such as empty E-cigarette batteries or mods) are not governed by Act 852—unless they contain restricted substances.

“If a device contains no suspicious or psychoactive compounds, it will not fall under Act 852,” said Dr. Khairul.

However, vape accessories and devices must still comply with SIRM (Standards and Industrial Research Malaysia) regulations, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

Where Can Vape Be Sold in Malaysia?

Approved vape products can only be sold via licensed and authorized retailers, such as:

Major convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven)
Licensed vape specialty shops
Authorized online retailers (pending digital commerce compliance)

Night markets, pop-up stalls, and unlicensed vendors are strictly forbidden from selling vape or E-cigarette products, even if registered.

“Retail outlets must ensure the products sold are MoH-registered. Selling unregistered vape at night markets is illegal,” warned Dr. Khairul.

Retail Licensing Rules: Location Matters

The Malaysian MoH has introduced specific zoning rules for retail vape vendors:

Shops must be at least 40 meters away from institutions of higher learning (e.g., universities).
Shops must maintain a 3-meter distance from kindergartens and commercial clusters such as 7-Eleven.
Unregistered vendors may be denied business licenses by municipal councils.

These zoning requirements are intended to reduce youth access to Fruit Flavored Vape and other appealing vapor products.

Lab Testing: A Core Requirement for Product Approval

All vape product registration applications must include laboratory analysis reports. These reports should screen for:

Nicotine concentration levels
Contaminants
Prohibited or suspicious substances (e.g., psychoactive drugs)

“If a product is found to contain psychedelic or banned substances, it will be rejected immediately,” said Dr. Khairul.
(Source: Free Malaysia Today)

Implications for International Vape Sellers

🔸 Exporters Must Register Products

If you’re an international vape brand or supplier looking to enter Malaysia, your products must be pre-registered and approved by MoH before importation. This includes:

Nicotine-containing E-liquids
Fruit Flavored Vape products
Disposable vape pens with integrated e-liquid

Failure to comply will result in customs seizure or legal penalties.

🔸 Authorized Distribution Only

You may only distribute to authorized Malaysian retailers. Unregistered sellers will be blacklisted, and logistics companies may refuse shipment of non-compliant goods.

Impact on the Global Vape and Vapor Industry

Malaysia’s regulatory move reflects a broader trend: governments tightening control over the vape industry. From the FDA’s regulation of flavored vape pods in the U.S., to Europe’s upcoming ban on disposable vapes, global players must now adapt to increasingly complex regulatory frameworks.

Yet, with proper compliance, Malaysia presents an attractive market:

Young, urbanized consumer base
High interest in E-cigarettes and vapor products
Legal framework that enables long-term stability for compliant brands

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 Is Vape Legal in Malaysia?

Yes, but only registered vape products approved under Act 852 will be allowed for sale starting October 1, 2025.

🔹 Can I Import Vape into Malaysia?

Only if your product is approved by the MoH and imported via authorized distribution channels.

🔹 Are Fruit Flavored Vapes Banned?

No, but they must pass safety testing and be registered with the MoH.

🔹 Are Vape Devices Regulated Too?

Yes. Although not covered by Act 852, devices are subject to SIRM certification under KPDN authority.

Conclusion: Vape Industry Must Prepare for Malaysia’s Regulatory Shift

Malaysia’s adoption of Act 852 is more than just a bureaucratic update—it signals a new era of structured regulation for vape, vapor, and E-cigarette products. For sellers, manufacturers, and distributors worldwide, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Those who act early—by registering products, meeting lab test standards, and partnering with certified local vendors—will secure a first-mover advantage in a growing and highly strategic market.

As regulations tighten globally, Malaysia’s model may serve as a template for other Southeast Asian nations. Stay informed, stay compliant, and stay ahead.

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