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Malta Customs & Quarantine Prohibited Items

Malta Customs is responsible for regulating the importation and exportation of goods into and out of Malta, setting restrictions to protect public health, safety and the environment. Certain items are strictly banned, some items are restricted, and some you do not need to declare. It’s important to know which items to declare to save valuable time and stress during your move. We’ve compiled this list of prohibited and allowed items according to Malta Customs.

Banned or Prohibited

Items You Cannot Bring to Malta

The following list includes items that are strictly banned from entering Malta and therefore not to be brought.

  • Drugs

    All illegal drugs are strictly banned from entering Malta customs and you will face heavy penalties if caught attempting to import them.

  • Meat

    Since the UK left the EU, it is classed as a third country and therefore there are strict regulations around the food that can be brought in. This means that fresh, cured, processed and dried meats are strictly banned.

  • Dairy

    All dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, and yoghurt, from the UK are strictly prohibited due to strict safety standards. You would need to have special certifications and specific permits to do this and this only applies to specialised dairy products that are not for general consumption.

  • Certain Firearms and Weapons

    Fully automatic firearms such as automatic rifles, machine guns, submachine guns, and fully automatic pistols, are strictly prohibited from entering Malta. Other types of banned guns and weapons include sound suppressors, silencers, sniper rifles, military machine guns, high-capacity magazines, military assault rifles, rocket launchers, and grenade launchers.

  • Hazardous Materials

    Any explosives or hazardous materials are strictly banned from entering Malta. This includes dynamite, grenades, fireworks, hazardous chemicals, flammable substances, gunpowder, and toxic substances.

  • Endangered Animal Products

    The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species strictly bans products from entering Malta like ivory, rhino horn, certain exotic animal skins, furs, shells, certain marine life products, and any endangered species or products made from them.

Restricted or Limited

Items You Can Bring to Malta and Must Declare

Certain items have strict regulations in place and may need specific licenses or permits. You must declare the following items to Malta Customs.

  • Controlled Substance Medication

    You are allowed to bring prescription medication if in small quantities and for personal use. However, if any ingredients in your prescription medication are classed as a controlled substance in Malta, you’ll need to provide further documentation. You may even need to obtain additional clearance from the Maltese health authorities.

  • Fresh Food

    Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy will always need to be declared to customs. You will need an import permit from the Malta Food Agency to bring any pre-packaged meat or vacuum-packed meat such as chicken, pork or beef. Canned meats, dairy or any snacks that you’re unsure of the ingredients will also need to be declared.

  • Plants, Seeds and Soil

    Seeds, soil and live plants have strict import regulations if you’re bringing them to Malta. They will need to have the appropriate phytosanitary certificates to prove they are pest and disease-free. You’ll also need to declare the items and they should be allowed if you have provided the essential documentation.

  • Fruit and Vegetables

    There are strict EU import regulations surrounding the import of fruit and vegetables in Malta and you must declare all types. You are allowed to bring certain fruits and vegetables for personal use provided they meet strict phytosanitary regulations. Potatoes are not allowed unless you have a phytosanitary certificate.

  • Certain Firearms

    You are typically allowed to bring firearms for sports shooting and hunting purposes. You will need a valid firearm license from relevant authorities in your home country and an import permit from the Malta Police Force.

  • Radio Transmitters

    Certain communication equipment such as radio transmitters, unlicensed walkie-talkies, satellite phones, and radio equipment are restricted and potentially prohibited unless you have prior import permission from the Malta Communications Authority.

Bring It

Items You Can Bring to Malta Without Declaring

These items are allowed to be brought with you to Malta and do not need to be declared to customs.

  • Personal Items

    You can bring personal effects to Malta such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, books, and toiletries without needing to declare them. This also includes electronics such as mobile phones, cameras, and laptops, if they are in small quantities and are clearly intended for personal use.

  • Alcohol

    You have a duty-free allowance to bring alcohol into Malta. This includes 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of fortified wine, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer. Any amount brought in that exceeds this limit will need to be declared and the correct customs duties will need to be paid.

  • Tobacco

    Malta customs also allow a duty-free amount of Tobacco to be brought. This includes 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, and 250 grams of tobacco. You will have to declare any items above this limit.

  • Cash

    You do not need to declare any cash under €10,000 or equivalent in another currency. Under EU anti-money laundering regulations, you will need to declare any amount above this limit.

  • Gifts

    You have a €430 personal gift limit if you’re arriving by air or sea and €300 if you are arriving by land. You do not need to declare these if they are for personal use and not intended for resale.

  • Certain Food

    You can bring most types of pre-packaged, non-perishable food items without having to declare them. This can include canned goods, dry foods, soups, pasta, and biscuits, provided they do not include meat or dairy.

  • Prescription Medication

    You can bring personal prescribed medication to Malta provided it’s a small amount, doesn’t include controlled substances, and you have a doctor’s prescription in case of further inspection.

  • Sports & Musical Equipment

    You are allowed to bring surfboards, skis, bicycles, musical instructors, and other sports and musical equipment, provided they are singular and for personal use. If you bring more than one of each item, you may have to provide proof of intended use.

  • CBD Products

    Typically, you can bring CBD products without having to declare them if they contain less than 0.2% THC. This includes products like CBD oils, capsules, tinctures, creams, and lotions. They must be for personal use and it’s advised to carry documentation stating their ingredients in case they are further examined.

Declare or Beware

How do I Declare My Goods to Malta Customs?

Shipping to Malta

To declare personal items being shipped to Malta via a removal company, you will need to fill out a customs declaration form. This is typically called the ‘Bringing Personal Effects in the Customs Territory from the European Community’ form or Form 22. You will also need to supply your removal company with other documents such as proof of residence, a bill of lading, and a detailed inventory.

Travelling to Malta

When travelling to Malta with your personal items, you typically do not have to fill out a customs declaration form if you do not exceed the duty-free limit. If you do exceed this limit, you will have to complete Form C3 to declare your items. This will have to be submitted to customs on arrival in Malta and you will have to go through the Red Channel at customs controls if you need to declare items.

What Happens to Items I Declare?

Your items may be subject to a customs inspection if they exceed any duty-free limits or if any inventory is flagged. Customs officers will check your items and ensure they match what you’ve listed on inventory lists and relevant customs declaration forms. They will then determine if you need to pay any customs duties or taxes and calculate this.

If any of your items are restricted or limited, you will be expected to provide the essential documentation or permits. The items will be inspected along with the documentation and they should be cleared if they meet regulations. Any prohibited items will be seized at the port or airport and you may face a fine or further penalties.

Duties

Do I Pay Duty on Items I Bring to Malta?

Shipping to Malta

Returning residents qualify for duty-free imports of personal items provided the items are for personal use, have been used and owned for 6 months, and are not for resale. You have a duty-free limit on alcohol and tobacco, so anything over this limit will be subject to customs duties and taxes. All shipments will need to be declared via the customs declaration Form 22 on arrival at Malta Customs.

Travelling to Malta

Returning residents who have lived abroad for over 12 months can bring personal belongings duty-free. This includes personal items and household goods. There is typically no set monetary limit on the personal items you can bring, but there are duty-free limits on things like alcohol and tobacco. You will be subject to customs duties and taxes if you exceed any duty-free limits or if your items do not qualify as personal effects.

How Much Are Malta Customs Duties?

Although both unaccompanied and accompanied personal effects are exempt from customs duties, you will be required to pay a cash deposit. This is a fixed percentage of 5.3% of the value of your items on your inventory list plus 18% VAT. This is to cover any potential customs duties. Once items have been inspected at customs and no customs duties are to be paid, you will be refunded the full amount.

If your items exceed the 5.3% charge, you will have to pay further customs duties based on the items. If any clothing is subject to customs duties, this could be up to 18%, depending on the type. Electronics are charged up to 14% if they do not qualify for duty-free.

You can contact Malta Customs beforehand if you need any clarification on customs duties and expected costs.

Resources

Useful Malta Customs Information Resources

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Malta Customs

Read all prohibited and restricted items on the Customs Malta website to be prepared for your move.

Malta Ministry of Agriculture

Malta’s Ministry of Agriculture website will help you know the items you can and cannot bring with you in terms of food and other products.