Shipping belongings in and out of Malta
Moving to or from Malta sounds simple, but in reality, it’s not, and most Malta relocation guides will skip this. When you are moving to Malta, you are walking onto an island. This single thing flips everything: how you shift your goods, what the charges surrounding it are, and the time it takes. Everything needs special consideration. That’s why, if you are shipping to Malta, let’s decode everything you need to know.
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Shipping to and from Malta
One of the most tempting selling points of Malta is its Mediterranean location. You get the view, the beauty of nature, and many more perks. But when it comes to relocation, this can turn out to be a blunder. Before you ship a container to Malta, it needs to pass through a transhipment port. You cannot drive a truck from Germany to Valletta. So, you get two modes of transportation here. Either you can ship belongings to Malta via air or via sea.
Air Freight
Air Freight can be the most convenient and quick option to ship luggage to Malta. However, it can be a bit more costly. That’s why we will recommend using airways to transport smaller shipments, such as a few boxes of necessities, paperwork, electronics, or things you truly can’t live without for the first few weeks. The average transit time from Europe is two to five days. However, door-to-door delivery from the US or beyond should take five to ten days.
While the exact cost depends on what you ship to Malta, air freight is often four to six times more expensive per kilogram than sea freight. That’s why generally people ship a small survival kit via air freight, and the main consignment is shipped by sea. If you’re trying to move furniture or anything with high volume, it’s not a feasible option or economical.
Sea Freight and the Container Question
If you are planning a proper or partial relocation, go with sea freight; that’s what the majority does. Here you get two options: FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load).
When you are using FCL, you are reserving a full container, which can be 20 or 40 feet. A 40-foot container can hold things for larger homes, while a conventional 20-foot container can hold about the contents of a two-bedroom apartment. However, remember it requires a good amount of money. So, go for this only if there are a big number of items because you are paying for the entire box regardless of how filled it is.
If you are moving alone or you don’t have huge goods to transport, go with LCL, which is shared containers. That makes more sense. In this, you are not booking a complete container to ship belongings to Malta. You are going with shared containers where your goods will be carried with other’s goods. You simply have to pay for the actual space that your belongings occupy. For someone shipping a few cubic meters, it can be much less expensive than a full container, but it is slower and requires more logistics on both sides.
Ship container to Malta options typically arrive at the ports of Marsaxlokk or Valletta. Everything on the port side depends on how your shipping company handles it. However, the responsibility of handling the customs paperwork is on you. You can also hire a local agent to do it on your behalf, and most companies arrange this as part of the service.
If you are leaving Malta, the process is just reversed. But the same rules apply. It’s the same idea: LCL for lighter weights and FCL for heavier ones. Because there are fewer sailings and consolidation substitutes due to Malta’s lower outbound freight volumes, shipping from Malta might occasionally be slightly more expensive than comparable inbound shipments.
What customs rules apply when shipping to Malta?
As a member of the EU, Malta complies with EU customs regulations regarding imports from outside the bloc. The best thing? The EU is a single market. So, you won’t have to worry about any customs fees to ship to Malta from countries like Germany, France, or Italy. However, there are issues that mostly affect shippers from the US, Asia, the UK (after Brexit), and other non-EU countries.
The good news is that, under some circumstances, personal home items imported as part of a change of residence might not be subject to VAT or customs charges. The following goods can belong to this category:
- Things that you have used for at least six months, before shipping to Malta. You can’t get duty relief on brand-new items.
- You must be genuinely transferring your normal place of residence to Malta.
- The goods must arrive within a reasonable timeframe of your move.
If you are a non-EU citizen, there is an extra stage for you. When you are entering Malta with a work permit, the Maltese Customs usually demands a financial deposit upon arrival. But don’t worry, this amount is reimbursed after around a year of residency in Malta. This is just to confirm that you have really settled in Malta. Depending on the size of your shipment, the deposit price varies. If they are shared containers or air freight, keep a budget of at least €600. It will be higher for a full container.
To get custom clearance on the first attempt, here are the documents you must keep ready:
- Your original passport.
- A thorough, typed inventory of every item in the package. You can’t submit handwritten inventories.
- Your Maltese employer’s letter of employment.
- Air Waybill or Original Bill of Lading
- If a local agent is clearing on your behalf, you need a signed authorization letter.
One of the most common places where most people get stuck is the inventory section. Generally, descriptions say, “Packed by owner”, but remember that’s not sufficient. When you are jotting down the items, there should be an estimated value and a description properly mentioned. Typically, your shipping company will offer a template. Make sure to use it smartly.
Prohibited Items When Shipping Abroad
Malta’s shipping prohibition system blends the EU import restrictions and some of its own. If you don’t follow the proper terms and conditions, your shipment may be delayed in customs, which might result in significant delays and unforeseen storage expenses in the context of Malta’s port.
Here are the typical items you cannot ship to Malta:
Weapons and firearms: This one is pretty obvious. No country will allow you to import arms and weapons without proper permissions. To import these, you need a police license. Don’t assume you can just pack your gun if you own one. The make, serial number, manufacturing country, and complete specifications all must be recorded well in advance of the process.
Plants and soil: EU phytosanitary regulations severely restrict the use of fresh plants and other items contaminated with soil. Depending on the species and place of origin, living plants are typically not acceptable. However, you can ship dried or preserved plants to Malta without any issue.
Certain food products: Certain food items are either strictly prohibited or severely limited. This includes fresh meat, dairy, and some produce from non-EU nations. This is particularly important if someone attempts to export food products from outside the EU as part of a personal cargo.
Uncertified electronics: If they are not CE certified, cordless phones, some transmitters, and antennas need an import license. While older gadgets or goods purchased in nations without EU certification may cause issues, newer gadgets purchased within the EU are usually acceptable.
New and Unopened Goods: New and unopened items are not eligible for the duty-free personal effects exemption. Anything that looks new or is in its original packaging will be subject to duty and VAT assessments by customs.
Endangered species products: Endangered species (things protected by CITES), narcotics, and pornographic content involving children are all strictly forbidden. As they sometimes appear in shipments from people who didn’t believe the regulations applied to personal items, these are worth mentioning.
Shipping belongings to/from Malta time
Due to Malta’s island setting, some transit time is unavoidable. Before the last leg reaches Valletta or Marsaxlokk, your goods frequently pass through a hub, such as Genoa, Barcelona, or Piraeus, in contrast to shipping to a big continental port. The average time required goes higher in this case.
Here are some realistic estimates:
In addition to the transit time, customs processing in Malta adds extra days once the package arrives. If all the paperwork is in order, it usually takes three to seven working days. However, more time may add up to the process if customs decide to physically inspect your shipment or if there are concerns regarding your goods. To accelerate the process, make sure to do the paperwork properly from the start.
Shipping to Malta Costs
This is where the volume, origin, and content of the quote influence the cost. No doubt your exact cost will be different. But to give you a picture, here is a rough point of reference:
- The cost will be between £80 and £300 if you ship to Malta from the UK, depending on service and weight.
- The cost will be €70–€250 from continental Europe.
- Malta is not always eligible for normal rates from major couriers. International fees apply.
Here’s what you have to spend to ship your personal belongings in a shared container (LCL) from the UK:
- A normal one-bedroom’s worth of belongings costs between £500 and £1,500.
- For a few boxes, door-to-door pricing from respectable UK shipping companies like PSS or 1st Move International usually starts at £300–£400 and goes up from there.
- If you are shipping to Malta in a 20-foot full container (FCL) from the UK:
- Ocean freight alone often costs between £1,500 and £3,500, including port fees, customs processing, and delivery. For a 20-foot container from the UK, all-in door-to-door rates typically fall between £2,500 and £5,000.
Shipping to Malta from the United States:
- You will have to spend around $1,500 to $3,000 for a shared container (LCL) from the East Coast.
- A 20-foot full container from the US costs between $2,500 and $6,000+, depending on the port of origin.
Packing Tips for Shipping Luggage to Malta
There are several differences between packing for a domestic move and an international move to or from an island. Your goods go through multiple procedures, things take more time, and you spend more on Malta relocation. On top of that, the sea doesn’t really pamper your belongings. That’s why you need to be extra aware while shipping to Malta.
Here are some tips that will make your Malta relocation process more convenient:
Label everything properly
Don’t just write anything on the goods and try to ship them to Malta. Make sure you carefully label everything, both inside and out. Labels on the outside of a box may sometimes get damaged or separated. It only takes 30 seconds to write a description of the contents on a sheet of paper inside each box, and believe us, this can save you a lot of trouble at customs.
Don’t pack anything In new packets
If in any way possible, avoid packing anything new in its original packaging. It will be considered new items subject to duty by customs. If new things are truly necessary, declare them separately and be ready to pay VAT for them.
Take extra care with fragile items
Fragile things should be wrapped separately rather than all at once. The glasses in the center of a set of glasses aren’t protected by bubble wrap. Every component requires its own layer. This sounds tiresome, but your glasses will appreciate it.
Keep clothes in vacuum bags
In sea freight, clothing in vacuum bags protects against moisture and saves a lot of space. Although there aren’t any significant humidity problems in Malta, a long sea cruise might bring moisture, particularly in shared containers.
Keep high-value items close
Keep valuables close at hand, such as jewelry, vital documents, laptops, and hard drives. Avoid packing anything in a shipping container that you can’t readily replace or that you can’t afford to lose. Some of this is covered by insurance, but filing a claim typically takes longer than you expect.
Prepare a detailed inventory
Make a thorough inventory while packing, not after. It’s terrible to try to recall exactly what was in which box after the event. In any case, a typed inventory is required by Customs; create it as you go.
Understand the Worth
For less expensive furniture, think about whether shipping is even worthwhile. Fully furnished flats are common in Malta, and local clubs and Facebook Marketplace offer good used furnishings. The cost of shipping will be more than the item’s value for anything big and affordable.
Relocating to Malta with a Pet
One of the most popular questions is “Can I relocate to Malta with my pet?” The answer is yes, you can. But it takes months, not weeks, of planning. Malta complies with EU pet import regulations, but there are extra rules that take people by surprise.
Concerning cats and dogs from EU nations:
The prerequisites are straightforward. Rule number one is that your pet must have a rabies vaccination. It also needs a working microchip that meets the ISO 11784/11785 standard. A valid EU pet passport is required too.
Malta and a few other EU countries have a rule. Dogs need tapeworm treatment from a vet 24 to 120 hours before arrival. The treatment must be recorded in the passport. If you do not do this, your dog will be quarantined at the Luqa facility.
Regarding pets coming from the United Kingdom:
A UK pet passport is no longer valid for entry into the EU after Brexit. Within ten days of your trip, you must get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a UK-licensed veterinarian. Both a current rabies vaccination and a valid microchip remain necessary for your pet. Dogs need the above-mentioned tapeworm treatment. The AHC has a short validity window, so allow enough time to complete it before departure.
For pets from countries outside of the EU and the UK:
It’s a more complex process. Your pet must have a rabies titer test at least 30 days following vaccination if your nation is considered to be at risk for rabies, and the results must demonstrate sufficient antibody levels.
Before your pet travels, you must file a pre-notification of arrival via the Maltese government portal, regardless of where you are coming from. This is not a choice. At the Border Inspection Post, a veterinarian examines every pet coming into Malta. If the paperwork is out of order, quarantine is the outcome.
For non-commercial purposes, each person may bring up to five pets into Malta.
After you are situated, register your pet with the Maltese government. This is required by law. But remember, the summer heat in Malta is extremely severe for animals, especially those with black coats or flat faces, and there are stringent leash laws in public places. During the warmer months, make sure your pet always has access to water and shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) Do I need to pay customs duty when shipping belongings to Malta?
Ans: You can import home goods from outside the EU duty-free if you are actually moving and you have owned the products for at least six months. Items that are new or unused are not eligible. You need to make a refundable deposit in advance if you are a non-EU visitor. This deposit will be returned after 12 months.
Q2) How far in advance should I schedule my delivery to Malta?
Ans: For sea freight, at least four to six weeks prior to the date of your planned move. Make reservations in advance during peak times, typically during September and October. Lead times for air freight are typically 1-2 weeks. Don’t wait until the last minute. Hasty reservations are more expensive, and slots fill up quickly.
Q3) Can my pet fly in the cabin to Malta?
Ans: There are several airlines that allow small dogs and cats weighing less than 10 kilograms to travel in the cabin. However, heavy pets are sent in the hold as cargo or checked baggage. Check the policies of your particular flight, different airlines, and routes, as there may be different regulations involved.