DAFF - IAN : 2026-32 Horticulture Exports – Changes to Malaysia’s import requirements for red chilli, mustard greens, tomato, round cabbage, and cucumbe

Friday, June 12, 2026


12 June 2026

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise that Malaysia has introduced additional pesticide residue testing requirements for all imported consignments of red chilli, mustard greens, tomato, round cabbage, and cucumber, effective 1 June 2026.

Summary of changes and key points

  • On 14 May 2026, the Ministry of Health, Malaysia announced new import requirements for 5 vegetables: red chilli, mustard greens, tomato, round cabbage, and cucumber. An unofficial translation of the notice can be viewed below.
  • Effective immediately, the new requirements include:
    • all consignments must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for pesticide residues
    • CoA must include the analytical results of pesticide residues and demonstrate compliance as stated in Appendix 2 of the notice
    • CoA must be issued by laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and recognised or listed by the competent authority or regulatory body of the exporting country as stated in Appendix 3 of the notice

Note: As with all import conditions, exporters should independently obtain all import conditions in writing from the relevant government body.

  • For Australia, recognised competent authorities include
    • Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
    • Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), and 
    • National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
      Note: Exporters can find a lab using Search accredited organisations - NATA.

Attachment 1 - Unofficial Translated version MOH Notice on COA requirements for vegetable imports 21 May 2026

If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.

Background

On 14 May 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security announced the enforcement of a new requirement mandating a CoA for pesticide residue for 5 types of imported vegetables effective 1 June 2026.

As part of the transition, an interim measure is in place until 15 June 2026. During this period, consignments shipped before 1 June 2026 are allowed to undergo on arrival testing instead of requiring a pre-issued CoA.

Contact information

If you have any questions relating to pesticide residue testing, please email National Residue Survey (NRS) - Plant.

For matters relating to the exporting of horticulture to Malaysia please email the Horticulture Exports Program.

Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch