First Step Before Launching Your Product – Product Classification
- Admin
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read

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 |

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 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.
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