The lowdown on sending parcels to Malta
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, home to just over 420,000 people. To many Brits, it's known as a stunning holiday location, with around 450,000 visiting every year to enjoy a mix of sun, sea and stunning scenery.
Despite being 1,600 miles apart, the UK and Malta maintain strong ties; in fact, Malta only gained independence from its fellow island nation in 1964. Today, the two share membership of both the European Union (EU) and the Commonwealth.
With 9,000 Brits living permanently in Malta, many of whom are retirees, there's plenty of demand for parcel delivery services to the country. There are a few things you might want to bear in mind before getting the packaging materials out, though.
Customs documentation
First and foremost, it's worth noting that Malta's EU membership means you're not required to send any customs documentation with your item. That's one less thing to think about!
You do, however, still need to consider the prohibitions and restrictions enforced by Maltese customs officials.
Prohibitions and restrictions
Most countries have their own customs rules in place - lists of items that cannot be sent across the borders, or that can only be sent when certain measures are taken (special documentation, for example).
Malta's 'banned' list will be largely familiar to anyone who has read any of our other destination guides, as it contains a number of obvious items, such as:
• Explosives (both devices and substances)
• Flammable liquids and gasses
• Other flammable materials (substances liable to spontaneous combustion)
• Radioactive materials
• Weapons and ammunition
• Narcotics
• Animal products
Beyond this, there are a few things that aren't so obvious, including but not limited to: asbestos, dry ice, first aid kits, life-saving appliances, engines, polymeric beads (moulding material) and equipment containing batteries.
Counterfeit and pirated materials of all kinds are also prohibited: this includes entertainment media and clothing.
For more information on what you can and can't send, head to the official Malta Post website.
Packaging tips
As mentioned already, the UK and Malta are separated by 1,600 miles of European land and sea, so you precious parcel has quite the journey to take before it lands in the hands of your intended recipient.
Keeping your items protected is important enough if you're sending to friends and family; if you're a business owner sending to paying customers, it's crucial to your brand's reputation.
Start by taking a box slightly bigger than the item, or items, you need to send. You can then fill the gaps with something soft to absorb any impact. You might want to consider some bubble-wrap or polystyrene packaging peanuts.
Once everything is inside, tape up the box, securing all openings. It may be worth using the tape to reinforce the edges too, especially if you're re-using an older box (which is encouraged to be more environmentally friendly!).
Finish up by adding the address to the front of the parcel, with 'MALTA' in large capital letters on the final line. All of that considered, you're ready to go!
Also see related content...
Sending parcels to Malta