Malaysia: No Manifest, No Load — what shippers should check

Missing manifests can stop cargo movement

CMA CGM’s 7 October 2026 advisory says cargo must be properly declared and registered in the Customs manifest before discharge, loading or processing at Malaysian ports. It reports the K4 directive as effective from 1 October 2026. This is a carrier advisory, not a claim that widespread port disruption has occurred.

K4, K5 and K6 are not interchangeable

CMA CGM’s notice concerns K4. Hapag-Lloyd’s 30 September advisory requires a valid, complete K5 export manifest before Malaysian export containers can be loaded. It separately identifies K6 information for cargo transshipping through Malaysia. Confirm the declaration required for your actual shipment with your carrier or forwarder.

Check the carrier’s 48-hour deadline

CMA CGM advises complete shipping instructions (SI) and Bill of Lading creation before its manifest deadline, 48 hours before ETA. Hapag-Lloyd requires export SI at least 48 hours before vessel ETA at the Malaysian loading port, and K6 information at least 48 hours before ETA at the Malaysian transshipment port. Confirm the applicable cut-off: these are carrier timelines, not one universal form or deadline for every container.

Coordinate before terminal collection

Hapag-Lloyd identifies Westports, Northport and Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) among enforcing port operators. As a practical precaution, finalise cargo and B/L details early, confirm manifest status with the forwarder, and coordinate collection with road hauliers. Missing information may cause loading restrictions, cargo rollover or additional costs; these advisories do not establish that normal terminal operations have stopped.