top of page

First Step Before Launching Your Product – Product Classification

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • 20 hours ago
  • 2 min read
Product classification before launching a product

Before launching any product in Malaysia, the first step is product classification, a critical process to identify the right regulatory path. This ensures you're dealing with the correct authority and complying with specific requirements from the start.


What is Product Classification?

Product classification helps determine:

  • The type of product you're launching (food, supplement, cosmetic, etc.)

  • The regulatory body overseeing it

  • The documents, labels and approval process required


In Malaysia, different bodies regulate different product types:

Product Types

Format

Regulatory Bodies

Food/ Functional Food

Beverages, gummies, fortified drinks

FSQD – MOH

Health Supplement

Capsules, tablets, herbal extracts

NPRA – Health Supplement Unit

Traditional Product

Herbal remedies with traditional claims

NPRA – Traditional Medicine Unit

Cosmetic / Personal Care

Creams, lotions, facial cleansers

NPRA – Cosmetic Unit

Medical Device

Thermometers, diagnostic kits

MDA – Medical Device Authority

Pet Food / Animal Feed Additives

Supplements or feed ingredients for animals

DVS – Department of Veterinary Services


Product classification before launching a product

Understanding Food-Drug Interphase (FDI) Products (1)

Some products don’t clearly fall under ‘food’ or ‘drug’ categories. Products such as fortified drinks or herbal powders are known as food-drug interphase (FDI) products. These products require a joint review by MOH’s NPRA and FSQD.


FDI Product Classification Is Based On:

  • Ingredients: Contain potent actives or substances listed in the FDI Negative List – NPRA

  • Dosage Form: Softgel, capsule, tablet (that is to be directly swallowed), sublingual or spray into the mouth – NPRA

  • Claims: Health or medicinal claims – NPRA

  • None of the above: FSQD


Examples of products regulated by FSQD:

  • 100% food ingredients

  • Instant drinks with sugar / creamer

  • Honey, vinegar, beverages without dosing

  • Foods in conventional forms (biscuits, noodles, gummies)

  • Isotonic drink products, sport nutrition products and special purpose food products.

  • Products used for cooking and food preparation (e.g. cooking oil, herbs and spices).

  • Herbs and spices in crude form without medicinal / health claim


Examples of products under NPRA:

  • Formulations with pharmacologically active ingredients

  • Capsule, softgel, blister or spray

  • Products making medicinal or disease-related claims



Conclusion: Classify First to Launch Right

Before spending time and money on branding, design or even production, take the first and most important step: confirm your product classification. It sets the direction for all future regulatory actions.


As the global regulatory landscape continues to evolve, staying informed is more important than ever especially for those in the food, health, and wellness industries. Follow our blog and stay tuned for continuous updates on regulatory changes in Malaysia and abroad. Whether it’s new standards, ingredient bans, or policy shifts, we’re here to keep you ahead of the curve.



Aqurate logo

Aqurate Ingredients is an international player in supplying functional ingredients and providing innovative solutions to the food & beverage, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry. We believe, a satisfied customer is a repeat customer.

Comments


bottom of page