Just two days after announcing that all non-medical face masks must be SIRIM-certified by 4 July 2022, the government delayed it to 2023!
Here is what you need to know about this new requirement!
Non-Medical Face Mask Must Be SIRIM-Certified By 2023
On 5 April 2022, the Trade Descriptions (Certification & Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order 2022 (download) was gazetted under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
It required all non-medical face mask manufacturers and importers to apply for MS SIRIM certification, and labelling from SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd.
This new requirement will ensure that all non-medical face masks sold in Malaysia will comply with safety standards that already exist for respirators and medical face masks.
It will also prevent the dumping of poor quality / substandard face masks in Malaysia, which may not offer adequate protection against COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Just two days after the gazettement, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that the SIRIM certification for non-medical masks is now postponed to 1 January 2023!
I want to assure consumers to not be overly worried as if this gazettement will cause a price hike. Number one, I already warned manufacturers and importers to not use this as a reason to hike up prices.
Secondly, to users, we will be heading to a time whereby face masks will no longer be mandatory, but before it goes there that is why I announce that we had already fixed July 4 for the enforcement in this gazettement for face masks and after taking into consideration the feedback from all parties, we, this evening, already discussed and have agreed that the enforcement be postponed to January 1, 2023.
SIRIM Requirement For Non-Medical Face Masks From 2023 Onwards
From 1 January 2023 onwards, all non-medical face masks sold in Malaysia must be SIRIM-certified, and have a SIRIM label clearly printed on the box or packaging.
Non-medical face masks (defined as any face mask which covers mouth and nose other than medical face mask regulated under the Medical Device Act 2012 [Act 737]) will have to comply with one of these standards :
- SIRIM 40,
- CWA 17553, or
- AFNOR SPEC S76-001.
Companies that fail to comply, can be fined up to RM200,000 for the first offence, and up to RM500,000 for the second and subsequent offences.
Individuals that fail to comply, can be fined up to RM100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 3 years for the first offence. For the second and subsequent offences, they can be fined up to RM250,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 5 years.
Please note that this requirement only applies to manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks.
Despite the social media uproar, individuals will NOT be fined or jailed for wearing a non-medical face mask that is not SIRIM certified.
Always verify the facts first, when you see such social media comments or posts.
SIRIM Certification Process For Non-Medical Face Masks
Manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks should proceed with the SIRIM certification process, which consists of :
- Enquiries
- Issuance of Quotation
- Application
- Document Evaluation
- Initial Audit
- Sample Selection and Testing
- Recommendation and Approval
- Purchase of SIRIM Label
- Surveillance Audit
- Renewal
Here are the application forms for the SIRIM certification of non-medical face masks :
Local Manufacturer
- Product Certification Application From
- Declaration of Approval from Relevant Authority
- Declaration of Approval for Trade Mark or Brand Name
- Authorisation Letter of Trade Mark (if applicable)
Trading Company for Foreign Manufacturer
- Product Certification Application Form
- Declaration by Manufacturer
- Declaration of Approval for Trade Mark or Brand Name
- Authorisation Letter of Trade Mark (if applicable)
Foreign Manufacturer
- Product Certification Application Form
- Declaration of Approval for Trade Mark or Brand Name
- Authorisation letter of Trade Mark (if applicable)
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