When do I need a Surveillance Document?
You will need a surveillance document to import
any:
Iron and steel products whose
commodity code is listed in Annex I to the EU Implementing Regulation 1092 of 2017.
Aluminium products whose commodity
code is listed in Annex I to
EU Implementing Regulation 640 of 2018.
The requirement applies to those
goods arriving for customs clearance into Malta or the EU and whose net weight
is over 2,500 kg or 5,000kg for products falling under HS heading 7318.
Where can I find a copy of Annex I
and a list of these commodity codes?
For steel and iron products refer to
Annex I of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1092. For aluminium products refer to
Annex I to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/640
Do I need a surveillance document if
my goods originate in Europe?
No.
You do not need a surveillance document to clear your goods if they were made
in the European Union or in Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway.
Do I
need a surveillance document if my goods fall under one commodity code with a
net weight of less than 2,500kg?
No.
You do not need a surveillance document if your goods are covered
by the same commodity
code, originate from the same country and have a net
weight of less than 2,500 kg or 5,000 kg for goods falling under
HS heading 7318.
Do I
need a surveillance document if I am importing a range of goods of one country
of origin under a number of commodity codes and whose combined weight is over
2,500 kg?
You
need a surveillance document only where the total weight of goods under an
individual commodity code weighs 2,500 kg or more or 5,000 kg or
more for goods with HS heading 7318, per country of origin.
What
if I am importing a range of goods under a number of commodity codes and the
net weight under each commodity code is 2,500 kg or more?
You
will need a surveillance document for each commodity code and each country
of origin where the total weight of goods under each individual licensable
commodity code weighs 2,500 kg or more, or in the case of goods with HS heading
7318, the weight is 5,000 kg or more.
How long is the surveillance document
valid for?
Surveillance documents
have a four-month validity period which may be renewed for a further four
months if not fully used.
Do I need a surveillance document for
each shipment?
No. An application can cover more
than one proposed import from the same exporter, provided the goods being
imported are of the same commodity code and have the same country of origin,
and provided that the amount on the application can be backed by a pro-forma
invoice or a sales/purchase contract showing the intention to import said
amount. The surveillance document can be used to clear various shipments during
its four month validity (until it is exhausted).
I placed an order for 10,000 kg of
goods under one of the commodity codes and have an invoice for this order.
However, I intend to import them in a number of different shipments, each being
under the 2,500 kg weight limit. Do I need a surveillance document?
Whilst if the weight of each shipment
under each commodity code is less than 2,500kg, a surveillance document will
not be required at customs clearance, deliberate splitting an order into
several shipments under the weight threshold could be seen as circumvention of
import controls. You are thus advised to apply for a surveillance document for
the entire order that you will be importing into the EU.
Do I need a surveillance document if
my goods are entered in a Customs warehouse?
No, you do not need a surveillance
document to enter goods into a customs warehouse.
How do I get a Surveillance
Document?
Applications for Surveillance
Documents are to be made through an electronic application formwhich can be accessed from the commerce.gov.mt website or
servizz.gov.mt. The required information is to be typed into the eform. The
form is to be signed electronically and the supporting documentation uploaded.
Then it can be submitted. You will be
presented with a copy of your submission for your records. The Commerce
Department will contact you if additional information or clarifications are
required. Otherwise, you will be informed that the Surveillance Document has
been issued and is ready for collection.
How much does licence surveillance
document cost?
There is no charge for the issuing of
a surveillance document.
How long will it take for the
surveillance document to be issued?
The Import /Export Licensing Unit
within the Commerce Department aims to issue the licence within a maximum of
five working days of receipt of a completed application.
If the value of my order changes
after I receive my licence do I need to apply for a new licence
Your licence remains valid, and does not require
amendment, if the unit price and/or net weight of the import is within a 5%
tolerance. Therefore, you can use your existing licence where the difference in
value comprises up to a 5% change in the unit price and / or up to a 5% change
in the net weight.
Where can I address my enquiries or reach out for support in compiling
an application?
You can address emails to surveillance.cd@gov.mt or call 25690302, 25690287, 25690244, 25690219 or 25690252 and ask for the Import/Export Unit.
COVID-19 related notice - since the offices are currently closed, please call on one of the following telephone numbers instead: 25690302, 25690287, 25690244, 25690219 or 25690252.