Market
Fish meal (HS 230120) is a traded feed ingredient in Malaysia used by aquafeed and livestock feed manufacturers. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Malaysia both imports and exports fish meal, indicating two-way trade alongside domestic manufacturing. In 2023, Malaysia’s fish meal imports were reported at about USD 53.3 million, with Vietnam the dominant origin by value, while exports from Malaysia were reported with major destinations including China and the Philippines. Malaysia also has established steam-dried fishmeal manufacturers in Perak (Hilir Perak) and Sabah (Sandakan), supporting domestic supply and export availability.
Market RoleImporter and exporter (two-way trade) with domestic production
Domestic RoleFeed-industry input for aquaculture and livestock feed; also produced locally for export markets
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImportation of fish-based feed ingredients into Malaysia can be blocked, detained, or seized if the shipment lacks the correct region-appropriate import permit(s) and veterinary/SPS documentation (e.g., MAQIS import permit for Peninsular Malaysia/Labuan; different authorities in Sabah/Sarawak; DVS SPS competence).Confirm destination region (Peninsular/Labuan vs. Sabah/Sarawak), secure the applicable import permit path (MAQIS ePermit/SPEED where applicable), and align the exporter/manufacturer dossier and veterinary attestations with DVS and border requirements before shipment.
Food Safety MediumFishmeal can be contaminated after heat processing if hygiene and handling controls are weak; FAO guidance highlights Salmonella control and the importance of separating wet/dry areas and avoiding post-process contamination.Implement documented hygiene zoning and post-process contamination controls; require routine microbiological monitoring and corrective actions for contaminated lots consistent with FAO technical guidance.
Sustainability MediumIUU fishing and unsustainable sourcing can create buyer rejection and reputational risk for fishmeal supply chains; Malaysia’s fisheries authority documents IUU fishing as an enforcement issue, and international buyers may require responsible sourcing assurances.Require documented raw-material approval and traceability (e.g., MarinTrust-aligned sourcing/CoC where applicable) and maintain supplier evidence supporting legal harvest and responsible procurement.
Logistics MediumOxidation and self-heating risks during storage and transport can degrade quality and create safety/compliance issues; FAO guidance notes the importance of curing/cooling, dry storage, and antioxidant use for oily meals and links antioxidant use to maritime shipping hazard categorization.Use moisture-proof storage and controlled curing/cooling practices; apply appropriate antioxidant strategies and shipping controls aligned with FAO technical guidance and relevant maritime cargo requirements.
Sustainability- Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing risk screening is relevant for fish-based inputs; Malaysia’s fisheries authority publishes IUU-related definitions and enforcement context.
- Responsible sourcing expectations may include fishery and factory assurance schemes (e.g., MarinTrust) that emphasize approved raw materials and traceability.
Labor & Social- Forced labour and human trafficking risks are widely documented in global fisheries, particularly affecting migrant workers; Malaysia has an active policy focus on forced-labour prevention and action planning supported by the ILO.
- Supplier due diligence on recruitment practices, document retention, and grievance channels is relevant for fish-based raw-material supply chains feeding fishmeal production.
Standards- MarinTrust (factory standard / responsible supply of marine ingredients)
- IFFO RS / MarinTrust responsible sourcing and traceability audits (industry scheme history and audit-cycle descriptions)
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used to classify fish meal trade for Malaysia in international trade data?International trade data sources classify fish meal under HS 230120 (flours, meals and pellets of fish or aquatic invertebrates, unfit for human consumption). Malaysia trade flows for this code are published via UN Comtrade (for example through the WITS portal), and the UN Statistics Division provides the HS 2017 classification detail for 230120.
Which Malaysian agencies are most relevant for import permits and SPS controls for animal-based feed ingredients like fish meal?Malaysia’s WTO import-licensing profile states that the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is the competent authority for SPS (veterinary health and veterinary public health) for imported animal and animal products. The same profile states that MAQIS issues import permits for animal and animal products imported into Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, while Sabah and Sarawak use different issuing authorities, so the required permit path depends on where the shipment will enter and be used.
Who were Malaysia’s main fish meal import sources and export destinations in the most recently cited trade-year in this record?UN Comtrade data presented via WITS shows that Malaysia’s HS 230120 imports in 2023 were dominated by Vietnam by value, while reported major destinations for HS 230120 exports from Malaysia in 2023 included China and the Philippines.