Cross-Border Must-Know: Complete Guide to K1 & K2 Customs Forms for Malaysia-Singapore Shipments

If you’re handling cross-border deliveries between Malaysia and Singapore, you will definitely come across two critical documents: K1 and K2 forms.

These are not random papers — they are mandatory customs documents required by Malaysian Customs. Fill them in correctly, and your cargo passes smoothly. Make a mistake, and you’ll be spending extra time and money resolving issues with customs!

What is the K1 Form?

K1 = Import Declaration Form

Purpose: Required when goods are imported into Malaysia (from Singapore or any other country).
Used by: Importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers.

Process:

1. Appoint a freight forwarder / logistics provider.

2. Provide shipment details: invoice, packing list, shipper & consignee info.

3. Freight forwarder prepares the import permit and K1 form (processing takes ~1 day).

4. Goods arrive at Malaysian port / checkpoint.

5. Customs review & inspection.

6. Duty payment (if applicable) – your logistics provider will check via HS code.

7. Cargo released → delivered to you.

Key Details to Include:

• Cargo type, quantity, declared value, and correct HS Code (customs tariff code).

• Errors or missing details may cause shipment holds — requiring re-submission and delays.

Think of the K1 form as Malaysia Customs asking:
“What are you bringing into Malaysia? From where? What’s the value?”
As long as everything is accurate and compliant, clearance is smooth.

What is the K2 Form?

K2 = Export Declaration Form

Purpose: Required when goods are exported from Malaysia (e.g., to Singapore or other countries).
Used by: Exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers.

Process:

1. Appoint a freight forwarder / logistics provider.

2. Provide shipment details: invoice, packing list, shipper & consignee info.

3. Freight forwarder prepares the export permit and K2 form (processing takes ~1 day).

4. Goods arrive at Malaysian checkpoint.

5. Customs review & inspection.

6. Duty payment (if applicable, though most exports have no tax except for restricted goods).

7. Cargo released → delivered to consignee.

Key Details to Include:

• Export destination address

• Cargo type, quantity, declared value, and HS Code

Think of the K2 form as Malaysia Customs asking:
“What are you taking out of Malaysia? Where is it going? What’s the value?”

K1 vs K2 – Key Differences

Why Are K1 & K2 Numbers Important?

1. Declaration No. (Customs Declaration Number)

This is like an ID number for each customs entry. Example:
J25-2-12345678/25

• J25 = Customs checkpoint code

• 2 = Form type (K2). If “1” → it’s K1

• 12345678 = Serial number

• /25 = Year (2025)

2. HS Code (Harmonized System Code)

The global standardized system to classify goods and determine tax rates.

Why it matters:

• Wrong HS code = higher tax OR cargo detention

• Different product forms = different codes & tax rates

Example: Coffee

• Coffee beans ≠ pure coffee powder ≠ 3-in-1 instant coffee ≠ coffee concentrate
  Each has a different HS code and different tax rate.

Useful HS Code Tools:

• Malaysia HS Code Check: https://ezhs.customs.gov.my/

• Singapore HS Code Check: https://hscodechecker.gobusiness.gov.sg/

 Note: Singapore Customs updates tariff rates weekly. Always double-check current tax rates.

3. Cargo Quantity & Value

Every item must be declared clearly:

• How many boxes?

• How many pieces per box?

• Value per item & total value?

The more accurate, the smoother the clearance process.

Final Takeaway

In Malaysia-Singapore cross-border logistics, K1 and K2 forms are a must-have.

The good news? You don’t have to prepare them yourself — just engage a professional logistics provider to handle it all.

At Vspeed, we specialize in cross-border logistics with:

• Full Truckload (FTL) & Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) transport

• Professional customs clearance support

• Own warehouses & driver fleet

• Door-to-door delivery across Malaysia & Singapore

Recommended Services:
Explore our Malaysia-Singapore Cross-Border Trucking Service