Customs Operations

Our Responsibilities

With Malta's membership of the EU, Malta Customs Operations within MTCA has significant responsibilities for the protection of the external border of the EU. Membership involves the abolition of routine controls at the internal borders of the EU, but this did not diminish the increasing threats to society resulting from activities of cross-border organised crime which threaten the security of the Union's citizens.

Today Malta Customs Operations within MTCA, performs its role by adapting to the needs for a smoother flow of trade to the commercial and economic policy at the European Community and national level, in a constant effort to keep an open to trade facilitation while protecting the interests and cultural identities particularly of Maltese and other EU citizens.

The EU customs policy is an important tool to encourage and support trade and fairness of transactions by developing industries within the Union in order to increase employment and competitiveness of business. Malta Customs Operations within MTCA coherently implement this policy on behalf of Malta and in close cooperation with EU bodies. Our duty is to ensure high quality standards comparable to those of other member states within the European Union; this is a prerequisite to reach common goals.

Furthermore, Malta Customs Operations within MTCA carries important and sensitive tasks through the collection of duties and taxes including excise duties on production and consumption. Above all, we strive to contribute towards the improvement in the quality of life and competitiveness of the Maltese and EU society.

Our mission is to facilitate trade, improve relations with customers, to assure a high quality of service, to simplify procedures, to focus controls and verifications only on high risk situations, disseminate clear and consistent information to maximise compliance with fiscal obligations and to encourage the responsible involvement of customers in customs operations.

In addition to the traditional tasks which are historically well-grounded in all customs institutions, other important tasks have been included in recent times. Besides the cooperation with other local authorities such as the local police, we are in the front line in the fight against smuggling, the illicit traffic of weapons, drugs, cigarettes, money laundering, counterfeit of goods, endangered protected species and works of art, while also contributing to the prevention of proliferation.

The Malta Customs Operations within MTCA are guided by an ethical code and an obedience to the principles of legality, transparency, and fairness of the administrative action, aware of their importance and sensitivity. We are always present at ports and seaports to provide support and expertise to local and foreign traders with courtesy and to deal with the rapid and constant flow of trade within the world's largest single market.

The structure of the Malta Customs Operations within MTCA is highlighted hereunder:

• Director General
• Director Trade Facilitation
• Director Excise
• Director Enforcement

Each section includes a dedicated team of individuals who strive to give the best and most efficient service to local and foreign traders.