NOT Number Malaysia: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Get One

What Is a NOT Number in Malaysia?

A NOT number (Notification Number) is a unique alphanumeric identifier issued by Malaysia's National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) to each cosmetic product that has successfully completed the NPRA cosmetic notification process. It serves as official confirmation that the product's formulation, labelling, and documentation have been declared compliant with Malaysian regulations.

The NOT number is issued under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 (CDCR 1984) and is assigned to a specific product — its formulation, brand name, and Cosmetic Notification Holder. Any material change to the formulation or brand name requires a new notification and a new NOT number.

Where Does the NOT Number Appear?

Once a NOT number is issued, it must be displayed on the product's label or packaging. NPRA's labelling requirements specify:

• The NOT number must appear on the immediate container or packaging
• It must be legible and permanently affixed — not on removable stickers in a way that could fall off
• The format follows NPRA's official designation (e.g., "NOT XXXXXXXX/YY/ZZZZZ")

Malaysian consumers and enforcement authorities use the NOT number to verify a product's registration status through NPRA's online Cosmet database.

Is the NOT Number the Same for All Markets?

No. The Malaysian NOT number is specific to Malaysia. A product registered in Singapore (with HSA), Thailand (with FDA Thailand), or the EU does not automatically have a Malaysian NOT number. Each market has its own regulatory system, and NPRA requires a separate notification for each product intended for sale in Malaysia.

However, documents from other regulatory authorities (such as a Certificate of Free Sale, CoA, or GMP certificate) can support the NPRA notification process and may simplify document preparation.

What Happens If You Sell Cosmetics Without a NOT Number?

Selling cosmetics in Malaysia without a valid NOT number is a criminal offence. Consequences include:

• Product seizure — NPRA and enforcement agencies can confiscate all non-compliant stock
• Fines and prosecution — individuals and companies can face significant fines and criminal charges
• Platform removal — Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop Malaysia increasingly require proof of NPRA notification for cosmetic product listings
• Reputational damage — public enforcement actions are published by NPRA and can permanently damage brand trust

How to Get a NOT Number in Malaysia

Obtaining a NOT number follows the NPRA cosmetic notification process. Here is a simplified overview:

1. Confirm you have a Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) — only a Malaysian-registered entity can submit a notification. If you're an overseas brand, you'll need to appoint a CNH representative.
2. Prepare your Product Information File (PIF) — this includes the full INCI ingredient list, formulation specification, label artwork, Certificate of Analysis, and safety data.
3. Check ingredient compliance — every ingredient must be checked against NPRA's permitted and restricted ingredient lists. Prohibited ingredients must be removed; restricted ingredients must be within allowed concentrations.
4. Submit via Quest 3+ — the CNH logs into NPRA's Quest 3+ online portal, creates the notification, uploads all documents, and submits.
5. Pay the notification fee — the government fee is paid at the time of submission.
6. NPRA assessment — NPRA reviews the submission. They may raise queries (Pertanyaan) if information is incomplete.
7. NOT number issued — upon approval, the NOT number is issued and can be printed on product labels.

For a full breakdown of the process, read our detailed guide: NPRA Cosmetic Notification in Malaysia: Complete 2025 Guide.

How Long Does It Take to Get a NOT Number?

A complete and accurate submission typically results in a NOT number being issued within 2 to 4 weeks. The timeline can be longer if:

• Documents are incomplete or inconsistent
• Ingredients require clarification or are borderline restricted
• NPRA raises formal queries that require written responses
• NPRA is experiencing high submission volumes

Working with an experienced NPRA consultant who pre-checks your formulation and documents before submission significantly reduces the risk of queries and accelerates your approval timeline.

Can a NOT Number Expire or Be Revoked?

Under current NPRA regulations, a NOT number does not have an automatic expiry date. However, a NOT number can be suspended or revoked if:

• The product is found to contain a prohibited or newly restricted ingredient
• The product's label is found to be non-compliant
• Serious adverse events or safety concerns are reported
• The CNH is no longer a registered Malaysian entity

It is the CNH's responsibility to monitor regulatory updates and ensure continued compliance after the NOT number is issued.

How to Verify a NOT Number Is Valid

NPRA maintains a public database called Cosmet where anyone can verify whether a cosmetic product's NOT number is valid and active. Consumers, retailers, and enforcement agencies use this database to check product legitimacy. If a product's NOT number does not appear in Cosmet — or if the NOT number on the product does not match the registered details — the product may be counterfeit or non-compliant.