Only those items listed
in the Schedule to the Export Control Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation
117.02), require an export licence and only if they are being sent to non-EU countries.
These are:
- Antiques and articles and objects of historical value
- Carts, cabs and landaus
- Malta stone and objects made therefrom
- Rough diamonds of headings 7102.10, 7102.21 and 7102.31
- Petroleum products, the following – petrol, fuel oil, diesel, kerosene and
liquidified gas.
What information must be submitted when applying
for an export licence?
The information required
in the application form has to be
provided in full. This includes the name and contact details of the exporter
and of the declarant/representative, the exporting ship or airline, the port or
airport where the goods will be landed, the final destination of the goods, the
description of the item being exported, the quantity and the H.S. Code. When
the application is for a petroleum product the country of origin must also be
specified. For certain goods endorsement by other entities/authorities must be
secured on the backside of the same application form prior to presenting it to
the Import/Export Unit. For a full explanation of what compiling the form
entails, refer to the Guidelines section.
COVID-19 related changes: In view of social distancing measures, the application procedures have been changed. Refer to the Corona Virus Related Measures for further information.
The form has to be
signed by the exporter or the declarant/representative, who must tick the
applicable box in section 4.
From where can I get an export application?
The application formshould
be filled in electronically and presented to the Commerce Department,
Import/Export Unit - Lascaris Bastions, Daħlet Ġnien is-Sultan, Valletta,
VLT 1933.
Ensure that it is printed back to front. The export application
should have five sheets (nine pages) including the Holder’s copy and the
Issuing Authority’s copy.
What is an HS Code?
The Harmonized System (HS) is a tool for classifying
goods. The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as
tariff nomenclature, is an internationally standardized system of names and
numbers to classify traded products.
How can I get the HS Code of an item?
The HS Code can be
found from the TARIC
Consultation website. The supplier or manufacturer should also be able to
provide it. Only the first four digits are required for application purposes
How much does it cost to apply for an export permit?
Filing of an application is free of charge. Similarly, the issuance of a
licence.
How long is an export licence valid for?
An export licence is valid for 1 month from the date
of issue.
Can expired licences be renewed?
No, expired licences cannot be renewed. A new application must be filed.
How long does it take to obtain a licence from the day of submission?
Assuming a complete and correct submission, a
licence normally only takes a few working days to be issued. However, there are
a few exceptions, in particular where inter-departmental consultation has to be
carried out post submission. This may be a lengthy process and is not time
bound. Inter-departmental review is normally applied for applications
concerning petroleum products and where the countries involved are subject to
sanctions considerations.
Do I need an
export licence for each item?
A separate application form must be completed for items which do not fall under
the same description and HS heading (first four digits). Similarly, if any of
the other information requested in the application differs..
Can companies based in other
countries submit an application for an import licence?
EU or third-country based companies may equally apply for
export licences.
Last update 3 July 2020