Malta is a very small but strategic archipelago between Sicily and Libya. Centred in the shipping lanes of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has been a targeted possession of ten different powers from the Phoenicians to the English, each of whom have left their cultural and architectural marks. This partly explains why Malta has been the setting or backdrop for more than 100 movies; not to mention the near perfect weather - 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, which has made Malta a tourist's mecca.
Malta's history may go back 8,000 years, but its e-commerce activity is firmly rooted in the 21st century. Since 2014, EU and Maltese legislation has encouraged mobile phone and internet penetration rates and boosted e-commerce activity and sales.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Malta through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Malta. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Malta
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
Zabbar, ZA, MT
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Feed, FE, MT
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Bridge, BI, MT
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Birkirkara, BI, MT
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Malta before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Shipping a gift to someone in Malta from Canada will be duty-free if:
Its value is €45* or less (about $65 CAD)
The contents are for the use of the recipient or his or her family, and have been shipped without any payment by the recipient
It is an occasional occurrence
The amount in the parcel is clearly non-commercial
*If the total value of the shipment exceeds €45, duty exemption can only be claimed on the gifts up to this value, and cannot be shared from one gift to another.
For example, a shipment with 2 gifts, one with a value of €40 and the other €10, can claim exemption up to €40; the second gift CANNOT be split to make a total of €45.
NOTE: For gifts of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and toilet waters, there are quantity limits as outlined below:
Tobacco: 50 cigarettes; or 25 cigarillos (maximum weight of 3 g each); or 10 cigars; or 50 g of tobacco (or a proportional amount of these items)
Alcoholic beverages: sparkling wines - 1 L; or still wines - 2 L; or distilled drinks - 1 L
Perfumes: 50 g
Toilet waters: 250 mL
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment to an individual in Malta from an individual in Canada will be exempt from duty if its value is €45 or less (about $65 CAD), and:
The recipient has not paid for the gift
The gift is for the use of the recipient or his or her family only
The size of the gift is appropriate for the recipient, i.e. it is not a commercial shipment
It is an occasional shipment
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Malta will incur duty and taxes regardless of its value. There are no exemptions.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
All gift shipments to an individual in Malta from a business in Canada will be liable to duty and taxes no matter the value of the gift.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Emvin Cremona Auberge D'Italie Merchants St. Valletta Malta
Phone: +356 2122 0006
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If there are 2 or more gifts in a shipment and their combined value exceeds €45 (about $65 CAD), duty exemption cannot be split from a gift.
For example, a parcel contains 2 gifts, one of €30 and the other €25. Duty exemption can be claimed on the €30 gift, but the €25 gift CANNOT claim the balance, i.e. €15 as a duty exemption.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Malta City 01001 Malta
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
As a result of a transfer of residence, personal effects can be shipped from Canada to Malta exempt from duty providing:
You have lived in Canada for at least 12 months
The items have been used for at least 6 months
The goods will be used for the same purposes in Malta as they were in Canada
The shipment is imported from 6 months before taking residence up until 1 year after
The goods cannot be sold, lent, or rented out for at least 1 year of residence in Malta
Personal effects include items such as:
Clothing and footwear
Furniture and appliances
Linen and crockery
Tools and instruments required for a person's trade or livelihood
NOTE: Duty exemption will NOT be given for foodstuffs, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and restricted goods.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving with their personal effects to Malta to study.
Non-students
Canadians with a permanent residence in Canada may ship their personal effects to Malta for the purpose of furnishing a secondary residence exempt from duty charges.
Duty exemption is granted for this purpose only once, and provided:
The goods are used and you have owned them for at least 6 months
You have lived in Canada for at least 12 continuous months
You own the secondary residence or have rented it for at least 12 months
You will not rent the Maltese residence to someone else when you are away from it
Moving Permanently
If you are moving your residence to Malta from Canada, you may ship your personal effects exempt from duty charges under the following conditions:
Your goods are used and have belonged to you for at least 6 months
Your belongings will be utilized in the same way in Malta as they were in Canada
You have lived in Canada for a minimum of 12 continuous months
You do not sell, rent, or lend out your goods for the first 12 months in Malta
Your personal effects arrive in Malta from 6 months before to 1 year after your arrival
Items typically comprising a shipment of personal effects include:
Appliances and furniture
Footwear and clothing
Kitchen tools and items, and linens and towels
Instruments or tools used for your profession or trade
NOTE: The following items DO NOT qualify for duty-free entry:
Restricted goods
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco products
Foodstuffs
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Malta City 01001 Malta
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
The European Union imposes strict controls on the importation of animal, dairy, and plant products in order to prevent the spread of diseases that may potentially harm agricultural production.
You May Ship
Chocolate
Candy
Baked goods, pasta, and vermicelli (must NOT contain meat products)
Meat concentrates and extracts
Food supplements
Olives stuffed with fish
Broths
Honey*
Powdered baby milk and food, and foods for special medical diets*
Fish* - smoked, cooked, or cured
*Maximum weight of 2 kg
Do Not Ship
Meat and meat products
Margarine of animal origin
Perishable goods
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Malta City 01001 Malta
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising material - printed matter, consumables, goods sent free of charge - may enter Malta exempt from customs duty.
The conditions for a duty-free entry are as follows:
The material has been sent without charge
Printed matter clearly shows the name of the enterprise providing the good or service
No more than one document (or a single copy of each of multiple documents) is in the parcel; or
The parcel has a maximum weight of 1 kg if there are several copies of 1 document
Printed items include:
Catalogues
Directions for use
Price lists
Brochures
Unframed photographs
Calendars
Advertising in the form of consumables or items used at a trade fair or exhibition will also be allowed duty-free entry to Malta from Canada. Examples of such materials include:
Small quantities of representative goods made in Canada
Machines or other apparatuses for demonstration
Supplies required to decorate a stand or booth (paint, wallpaper, etc.)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Malta City 01001 Malta
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Because of the free-trade agreement between Canada and the EU (CETA), repairs made under a warranty may return to Canada exempt from GST.
Conversely, when repairs have been done in Canada at no charge, they can re-enter Malta exempt from duty charges.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Canada under warranty without charge may re-enter Malta exempt from import duty.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Canada from Malta that is no longer under warranty will incur GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Malta
Equipment for repair may be shipped to Malta under the EU's inward processing rules. This means the work will be exempt from and duty and VAT providing the equipment is returned to Canada.
Returning Repaired Product to Malta
Equipment repaired in Canada under warranty will be exempt from duty when it returns to Malta.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Malta or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Malta City 01001 Malta
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods of a temporary nature may be shipped to Malta exempt from duty* providing they are returned to Canada within the prescribed time limit (no more than 24 months).
*Typically, a refundable security deposit in the amount of duty owed will be required.
NOTE: Temporary imports must not be changed or repaired whilst in Malta.
Goods that are often shipped for temporary entry include:
Commercial samples
Equipment, tools, or products for testing
Products for display at fairs and exhibitions
Sports gear for athletic events and competitions
Scientific and teaching equipment
Items required for artistic endeavours and events
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Malta you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 24 months in Malta
Note
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of a temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Malta City 01001 Malta
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Sold goods shipped to Malta will be exempt from duty if their value is €150 or less (about $225 CAD).
From 1 July 2021, there no longer is a VAT threshold value; therefore, all goods will incur VAT when they enter Malta regardless of their value.
Occasional Shipper
Selling goods over the internet to a resident of Malta is straightforward. Providing the shipment's value is €150 or less (about $225 CAD), it will be duty-free; however, it will incur VAT no matter its value.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Malta, it is advisable that you consult a licenced Maltese customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Malta City 01001 Malta
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Malta. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Malta, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods deemed prohibited may not enter Malta whereas those deemed restricted may enter but they may have quantity limitations or must abide by other rules or regulations.
Maltese authorities calculate the duty and taxes owed on a shipment using the CIF method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By using the CIF method yourself, you can predict the amount of duty and tax owed by the recipient of your shipment.
Thresholds
The threshold value for duty charges on goods shipped to Malta is €150 (about $225 CAD). Also known as the de minimis value, it is the amount below which no duty is incurred.
Regarding VAT, all shipments regardless of value will incur duty. This is a new rule that started on 1 July 2021.
Currency
Euro (€)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€150 (about $225 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
18%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0*
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
*From 1 July 2021, all shipments to Malta will incur VAT regardless of their value.
NOTE: Even if an item was purchased on or before 30 June 2021 but arrives in Malta on or after July 1, 2021, it will incur VAT.
Duties on Imports
Canada has a free trade agreement with the EU (CETA); therefore, a reduced or zero rate of duty applies to most imports to Malta from Canada.
Excise Taxes
The following products will incur excise taxes when they enter Malta:
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco products
Non-alcoholic beverages*
Toilet waters*
Cosmetics and personal hygiene products*
*Excise tax rates for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products can be found here.
*Excise tax rates for these goods can be found here.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Malta from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
