Malta
MT · MLT
Mittelmeer-Transshipment-Hub / EU-Inselstaat
Capital: Valletta
Overview
Malta (ISO code: MT) is an island state in the central Mediterranean south of Sicily and a member of the European Union and the eurozone. It is a parliamentary republic with a Mediterranean climate. The economy is strongly service-oriented (tourism, financial services, ICT, online gaming) and has a sizeable pharmaceuticals and electronics export sector. As an EU member it applies the Union Customs Code and the common external tariff; import VAT is 18 percent. Because of its insular position, supply depends on sea and air freight. The Malta Freeport at Marsaxlokk is one of the leading transshipment hubs in the Mediterranean, handling about 2.86 million TEU in 2024, while Grand Harbour Valletta serves general cargo, RoRo and cruise traffic and Malta International Airport (MLA) handles air freight. The currency is the euro (EUR).
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA), Customs DepartmentImport system
EU-Zollunion nach Unionszollkodex; elektronische Anmeldung über das National Import System (NIS) der MTCA, Vorabdaten über ICS2.
Export system
National Export System (NES) der MTCA im Rahmen des EU-Ausfuhrsystems (AES/ECS) mit elektronischer Ausfuhranmeldung und Ausgangsbestätigung.
Import VAT
- Einfuhr-MwSt 18 Prozent Normalsatz
- ermässigte Sätze 12, 7, 5 und 0 Prozent (z.B. 5 Prozent auf Bücher, bestimmte Medizinprodukte und Kunst).
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Zollanmeldung (NIS)
- Frachtdokument (B/L oder AWB)
- Ursprungs-/Präferenznachweis (bei Präferenz)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhranmeldung (NES)
- Frachtdokument
- EUR.1 / Ursprungserklärung (bei Präferenz)
Origin proofs / FTA
EU-Präferenzursprung über EUR.1, Ursprungserklärung und REX; als EU-Mitglied gelten alle EU-Freihandelsabkommen und der gemeinsame EU-Aussenzoll.
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU-weite Verbote/Beschränkungen: Waffen, Drogen, bestimmte Lebens- und Tierprodukte, CITES-Arten, Kulturgüter; nationale Lizenz- und Genehmigungspflichten.
Export controls & sanctions
EU-Dual-Use-VO 2021/821; UN-, EU- und nationale Sanktionen über die Sanctions Monitoring Board nach National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act Cap 365.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (EU) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from non‑EU countries, customs clearance and import VAT are typically key topics.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification (duties/taxes and restrictions)
- Importer EORI and (where relevant) origin/preference documents
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin/preference)
- Import clearance at the EU entry customs office (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; import VAT/duties based on classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Malta International Airport (MLA), Luqa/Gudja
Seaports / access ports
- Malta Freeport, Marsaxlokk/Birzebbuga (Container-Transshipment)
- Grand Harbour Valletta (Stückgut, Kreuzfahrt, RoRo)
Top trade lanes
- Mittelmeer-Transshipment Europa - Nordafrika - Nahost
- EU-Binnenmarkt (Italien, Deutschland, Frankreich)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Hohe Importabhängigkeit als Inselstaat; Versorgung über See- und Luftfracht. Malta Freeport ist ein führender Mittelmeer-Transshipment-Hub mit hoher Auslastung.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mediterranes Klima; gelegentliche Herbst-/Winterstürme (u.a. Gregale) können Hafenbetrieb und Fähren kurzzeitig stören. Heisse, trockene Sommer.
Current logistics notes
Malta Freeport baut die Terminalkapazität aus (Quai-Verlängerung) für Megacontainerschiffe über 23000 TEU; keine landesweite Störung verifiziert (Stand 2026-07-24).
As of: 2026-07-24
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Feb 10, 2026 | Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck | National | |||
| Mar 19, 2026 | Feast of St Joseph | National | |||
| Mar 31, 2026 | Freedom Day | National | |||
| Apr 3, 2026 | Good Friday | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Worker's Day | National | |||
| Jun 7, 2026 | Sette Giugno | National | |||
| Jun 29, 2026 | Feast of St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja) | National | |||
| Aug 15, 2026 | Assumption (Santa Marija) | National | |||
| Sep 8, 2026 | Feast of Our Lady of Victories (Il-Vitorja) | National | |||
| Sep 21, 2026 | Independence Day | National | |||
| Dec 8, 2026 | Immaculate Conception | National | |||
| Dec 13, 2026 | Republic Day | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck
Feb 10, 2026
Feast of St Joseph
Mar 19, 2026
Freedom Day
Mar 31, 2026
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Worker's Day
May 1, 2026
Sette Giugno
Jun 7, 2026
Feast of St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja)
Jun 29, 2026
Assumption (Santa Marija)
Aug 15, 2026
Feast of Our Lady of Victories (Il-Vitorja)
Sep 8, 2026
Independence Day
Sep 21, 2026
Immaculate Conception
Dec 8, 2026
Republic Day
Dec 13, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Sources: National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act (Cap. 252) / gov.mt
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- mtca.gov.mt
- nso.gov.mt
- smb.gov.mt
- maltafreeport.com.mt
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT rate in Malta?
The standard VAT rate is 18 percent and also applies to imports. There are reduced rates of 12, 7, 5 and 0 percent, for example 5 percent on books, certain medical equipment and imported works of art, collectors' items and antiques. The Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA) is responsible.
Which customs system applies in Malta?
Malta is part of the EU customs union and applies the Union Customs Code and the common EU external tariff. Imports are declared electronically through the MTCA's National Import System (NIS) and exports through the National Export System (NES); ICS2 applies for advance cargo data.
How important is the Malta Freeport?
The Malta Freeport in Marsaxlokk is one of the largest transshipment and logistics centres in the Mediterranean. In 2024 it handled around 2.86 million TEU, over 96 percent of it transshipment. Deep-water quays (up to 17 m) accommodate mega container vessels; CMA CGM uses it as its Mediterranean hub.
Which ports and airports handle the cargo?
Container cargo goes through the Malta Freeport in Marsaxlokk/Birzebbuga, while general cargo, RoRo and cruise traffic use Grand Harbour in Valletta. Air freight is handled at Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa. As an island state, Malta relies entirely on sea and air links.
How are export control and sanctions regulated?
As an EU member, Malta applies the EU dual-use Regulation 2021/821. UN, EU and national sanctions are implemented through the Sanctions Monitoring Board (SMB) under the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act, Cap 365; the framework was reformed on 14 November 2025.
Which currency is used in Malta?
Malta has been part of the eurozone since 2008; the legal tender is the euro (EUR). This facilitates trade and settlement within the EU single market and avoids exchange-rate risk versus other euro countries.
Are there free-trade or preferential arrangements?
As an EU member, Malta applies all EU free-trade agreements. Preferential origin is proven via EUR.1, an origin declaration or the REX system. Within the EU single market, customs duties between member states are fully removed.
Which trade partners are important for Malta?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Malta?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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