SIRIM Certification for LED Luminaires Malaysia: Mandatory Market Access Guide & Compliance Requirements

LED luminaires, ballasts, and desk lamps all fall within the scope of mandatory SIRIM-certified products. As a key gateway to Southeast Asia, the Malaysian market enforces a strict access system for electronic and electrical products. SIRIM certification is Malaysia’s sole mandatory certification system, administered by SIRIM QAS International.

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01 Market Access Threshold: What is Malaysian SIRIM Certification?

SIRIM Berhad is the national quality standard and certification body designated by the Malaysian government. For electronic and electrical products, SIRIM certification is a mandatory safety certification for legal sale and market entry in the country.

It is not a single certificate but a comprehensive system. For LED luminaires, the core requirement is to obtain an Approval Certificate issued by the Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST, Energy Commission), with the final step of affixing the SIRIM Mark on products.

SIRIM Type Certification serves as the foundation: it evaluates product design, specifications, and samples to confirm full compliance with Malaysian National Standards (MS). Once obtained, subsequent production and import processes are greatly streamlined.

Products without SIRIM certification face risks of customs detention, heavy fines (up to 100,000 Malaysian Ringgit, approximately RMB 150,000), and even mandatory delisting and revocation of import qualifications.

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02 Product Scope: Which LED Luminaires Require Certification?

The vast majority of LED lighting products entering the Malaysian market are subject to mandatory certification. The regulatory scope is extensive, covering finished luminaires, key components, and special-function products.

General LED Lighting Products (Main Certification Subject)

Includes common daily LED products such as LED bulbs, LED tubes, LED panel lights, downlights, spotlights, and desk lamps—both fixed and portable luminaires must meet the requirements.

Seasonal & Decorative Luminaires

Products such as Christmas light strings are explicitly listed in the mandatory certification checklist.

Core Luminaire Components (Separate Certification Required)

This category includes LED drivers (ballasts), capacitors for fluorescent lamps, lampholders (e.g., bayonet lampholders), and ceiling light junction boxes. This means finished luminaire manufacturers must ensure all adopted components are also compliant.

Special-Function Luminaires (Additional Certifications)

If a luminaire integrates wireless control functions (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), in addition to the basic SIRIM safety certification, it must obtain an additional MCMC Certification from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

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03 Testing Standard System: Core Assessment Items for Certification

SIRIM certification requires products to comply with a series of Malaysian National Standards (MS), most of which are equivalent to or adopted from international standards. The testing items form a comprehensive evaluation system.

Electrical Safety Tests (Fundamental)

The core standard is the MS IEC 60598 series (General Safety Requirements for Luminaires). Tests include dielectric strength, insulation resistance, earth continuity, creepage distances and clearances, and temperature rise tests—all designed to protect users’ lives.

EMC Tests (Mandatory)

Products must be tested in accordance with the MS IEC 61000 series to ensure electromagnetic disturbance is within limits and the product has a certain level of anti-interference capability.

Energy Efficiency & Performance Tests (Key Focus)

Malaysia has clear energy efficiency requirements for LED luminaires: MS 2680:2017 stipulates a minimum luminous efficacy of 70 lm/W for indoor LED luminaires and 80 lm/W for outdoor ones, with a lifespan requirement of 25,000 hours. Additional references include MS 1525 (Lighting section of building energy efficiency standards) and MS IEC 62722 (Performance requirements for LED luminaires).

Environmental Chemical Tests (Mandatory)

Since 2025, electronic and electrical products must meet RoHS 2.0 hazardous substance restriction requirements. LED luminaires are tested for lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and other substances in accordance with MS IEC 62321.

Test Category	Core Malaysian National Standards (MS)	Main Test Items & Objectives
Electrical Safety	MS IEC 60598-1	Dielectric strength, insulation, temperature rise, mechanical strength; prevent electric shock and fire risks
EMC	MS IEC 61000 Series	Conducted emission, radiated emission; ensure normal operation between devices
Energy Efficiency & Performance	MS 2680:2017, MS 1525, MS IEC 62722	Luminous efficacy (lm/W), lifespan, light decay; evaluate energy saving and lighting quality
Environmental Chemical	MS IEC 62321 (RoHS)	Content of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and other hazardous substances; protect the environment and human health
Local Differences	MS 589 (Plug Standard)	Compatibility with Malaysian voltage (240V/50Hz) and BS-style plugs

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04 Detailed Certification Process: Complete Steps from Application to Marking

Applying for SIRIM certification is a systematic project, mainly divided into two modes: Type Certification for long-term mass production and Batch Certification for one-time exports.

Mode B: Type Certification

The most common and suitable mode for manufacturers, with a certificate validity period of 3 years in general. The process includes:

1. Preliminary Preparation & ApplicationConfirm product standards and certification mode. Overseas manufacturers must appoint a Malaysian locally registered company as the legal representative to submit applications. Prepare technical documents in English or Malay.
2. Product TestingSubmit samples to a SIRIM-accredited laboratory for testing. An existing IEC CB Test Report can be used for certificate conversion, but supplementary testing for Malaysian local differences is mandatory.
3. Factory AuditSIRIM will conduct an on-site audit of the production factory to inspect the quality assurance system and production consistency.
4. Certificate Issuance & MarkingAfter passing the audit, a SIRIM Type Approval Certificate is issued. Products must affix the SIRIM Mark with a unique certification number—the mark must be no smaller than 8x8mm and attached to the product body (not just packaging).
5. Annual SurveillanceAnnual surveillance audits are required during the certificate validity period to maintain its effectiveness.

Mode A: Batch Certification

Suitable for occasional exports or trial orders, with a simplified process and no factory audit required. The certificate becomes invalid after the batch of goods clears customs.

The entire Type Certification process typically takes 4 to 6 months, with longer timelines for complex products.

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05 GTG Testing Group: One-Stop Compliance Solution & Your Trusted Partner

Faced with complex certification processes, stringent technical standards, and mandatory local agent requirements, choosing GTG Testing Group means an efficient and reliable compliance path.

• Professional Standard ExpertiseOur expert team masters core standards such as MS IEC 60598 and MS 2680, and can provide pre-evaluation in the product design phase to avoid compliance risks from the source, saving your later rectification costs and time.
• End-to-End Full-Process ServicesWe offer comprehensive services from standard interpretation, pre-testing, and formal certification application to factory audit preparation support. We have established stable partnerships with compliant Malaysian local agents to solve the mandatory local representative problem for you.
• Efficient Testing & Certification ConversionOur laboratories are equipped with relevant testing capabilities to efficiently complete safety, EMC, energy efficiency and RoHS testing, or assist you with certificate conversion using existing CB reports. We understand "time is market"—our professional project management ensures a seamless certification process, helping your products access the market quickly.

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06 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the SIRIM certification certificate valid permanently?

No. SIRIM Type Certification certificates have a clear validity period—3 years for regular electronic and electrical products such as LED luminaires in general. Annual surveillance audits are mandatory to maintain validity during this period. Manufacturers must voluntarily declare any changes to product design, key components or production sites, which may require supplementary testing.

Q2: Is a factory audit always required for SIRIM certification applications?

It depends on the certification mode. A factory audit is mandatory for long-term Type Certification, but generally not required for a one-time customs clearance certificate for a specific batch of goods.

Q3: Can we be exempted from testing with an existing CE or CB certificate?

Full test exemption is not possible, but the process can be greatly simplified and time/cost saved. SIRIM recognizes IEC CB Test Reports, which can exempt most safety tests. However, supplementary testing for Malaysian local requirements is mandatory (e.g., compatibility with 240V/50Hz voltage, BS-style plugs compliant with MS 589). A CE certificate alone is generally not directly recognized and requires re-evaluation.

Q4: What are the specific requirements for the SIRIM Mark on products?

Labeling requirements are very stringent:

• The mark must be affixed to the product body (affixing only on packaging is invalid).
• The mark must include the SIRIM logo and a unique certification number.
• An additional energy efficiency label is required for products subject to energy efficiency labeling rules.

Q5: What are the specific energy efficiency and environmental requirements for LED luminaires?

Malaysia has clear energy efficiency requirements (e.g., a minimum luminous efficacy of 70 lm/W for indoor LED luminaires in general). Meanwhile, RoHS 2.0 hazardous substance restrictions have been mandatory since 2025, with strict limits on the content of lead, cadmium, mercury and other substances. It is recommended to prepare a RoHS test report compliant with MS IEC 62321 in advance.

For LED luminaire enterprises aiming to explore the Malaysian market, SIRIM certification is far more than a mere administrative threshold—it is a strong endorsement of product quality and safety, and the key to opening the market and winning consumer trust. With Malaysia’s continuously rising energy efficiency and environmental requirements, planning and completing certification as early as possible will give you a competitive edge in the market.