SIRIM Certification for Engine Oils: Mandatory Malaysia Compliance Guide

SIRIM certification for engine oils has become mandatory in Malaysia under the Trade Descriptions Order (Certification and Marking of Engine Oil for Motor Vehicles) 2024, which came into effect in April 2025 with full enforcement beginning October 2025. This regulation requires all engine oils sold in Malaysia, whether locally produced or imported, to obtain certification from SIRIM QAS International and display conformity labels, protecting consumers from counterfeit products and ensuring quality standards.

Understanding the Mandatory Requirement

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) introduced mandatory SIRIM certification to combat the growing problem of counterfeit engine oils in the Malaysian market. Fake and substandard lubricants cause significant engine damage, reduced vehicle performance, increased emissions, and safety risks for consumers. The certification requirement ensures that all engine oils meet minimum quality standards specified in Malaysian Standards before reaching consumers.

SIRIM QAS International was appointed as the authorized certification body responsible for testing, certifying, and issuing product compliance labels for engine oils. All suppliers, importers, distributors, and retailers must ensure their engine oil products carry valid SIRIM certification and conformity labels before sale. The regulation applies to engine oils for motor vehicles including passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and other automotive applications.

Certification Requirements and Testing

Engine oils seeking SIRIM certification must comply with applicable Malaysian Standards including MS 123 series covering specifications for automotive lubricants. Products undergo comprehensive testing at SIRIM-approved laboratories evaluating critical parameters including FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) for chemical composition analysis, kinematic viscosity at specified temperatures, cold cranking viscosity for low-temperature performance, specific gravity, flash point for safety characteristics, and total base number indicating additive package effectiveness.

Testing verifies that engine oils meet specified performance grades such as SAE viscosity classifications and API (American Petroleum Institute) or other recognized quality standards. Products must demonstrate consistency across batches, with SIRIM conducting periodic market surveillance testing to ensure ongoing compliance. Applicants must also demonstrate acceptable quality control plans ensuring manufactured or imported engine oils consistently meet all requirements.

Application Process

Organizations seeking SIRIM engine oil certification follow a structured application process beginning with submission of Request for Information (RFI) to SIRIM QAS International. SIRIM provides quotations covering certification fees, testing costs, and ongoing surveillance expenses. Applicants submit formal applications including company registration documents, product specifications and formulations, manufacturing or supplier information, and quality control procedures.

The certification process includes:

• Document review verifying compliance with Malaysian Standards and regulatory requirements
• Product sample submission for comprehensive laboratory testing
• Initial factory audit evaluating manufacturing facilities, quality control systems, and production capabilities
• Review of test results confirming compliance with specified standards
• Issuance of Genuine Product Certification License or Batch Verification Report
• Provision of conformity labels for approved products

The certification timeline varies based on application completeness, testing schedules, and audit requirements, typically spanning several weeks to months for initial certification.

Conformity Labels and Marking Requirements

SIRIM-certified engine oils must display conformity labels at conspicuous positions on container lids as specified in the Trade Descriptions Order. The conformity label provides visual verification that products have undergone certification testing and meet Malaysian Standards. Labels include the SIRIM Mark, the word “KPDN” indicating regulatory authority approval, the word “SIRIM” identifying the certification body, relevant standard numbers, and the license number issued to the certified product.

Conformity labels incorporate security features preventing counterfeiting and unauthorized reproduction. Each label is uniquely identifiable, allowing consumers and enforcement authorities to verify product authenticity. Suppliers must apply labels only to products specifically listed on their certification licenses that comply with specified standards and fulfill all marking requirements stipulated in approved certification reports.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Trade Descriptions Order establishes significant penalties for non-compliance with mandatory engine oil certification requirements. Corporate bodies failing to comply face fines not exceeding RM200,000 for initial offenses. Second or subsequent offenses carry fines not exceeding RM500,000 upon conviction, reflecting the serious view regulators take of continued violations.

Individuals including sole proprietors and responsible officers face fines not exceeding RM100,000 and imprisonment up to three years for violations. KPDN enforcement officers conduct regular market surveillance identifying uncertified products, counterfeit labels, or non-compliant suppliers. Penalties apply to various offenses including selling engine oils without valid SIRIM certification, using conformity labels on non-certified products, counterfeiting or misusing SIRIM marks, and providing false information during certification applications.

Ongoing Compliance and Surveillance

SIRIM certification requires continuous compliance beyond initial certification approval. Certified products undergo periodic surveillance testing where SIRIM officers or authorized representatives select market samples for re-testing, verifying continued compliance with standards. Organizations must maintain quality control systems ensuring consistent product quality across all production batches or import shipments.

Certificate holders must notify SIRIM of any changes to product formulations, manufacturing processes, suppliers, or other factors potentially affecting compliance. Factory surveillance audits verify that manufacturing facilities maintain quality standards and follow approved procedures. Organizations must cooperate fully with SIRIM surveillance activities, providing access to facilities, records, and product samples as required.

Failure to maintain compliance can result in certificate suspension or revocation, prohibiting further sale of affected products until compliance is restored. Leading suppliers view certification not as one-time achievement but as ongoing commitment to quality assurance protecting both their brands and consumers.

Ensure your engine oil products meet Malaysia’s mandatory certification requirements. Our regulatory compliance specialists guide lubricant manufacturers, importers, and distributors through SIRIM certification efficiently, avoiding costly delays and penalties. Contact us today to secure SIRIM certification and maintain legal market access in Malaysia.