Malta Shipping Guide | Shipping to & from Nigeria

Malta | Shipping to and from Nigeria | Costs, Customs & Delivery Guide

Shipping to and from Nigeria

Overview - Shipping to Malta from Nigeria

Malta is a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea and part of the European Union (EU). Because it is an island, most international shipments arrive by air or through sea routes connected via larger EU hubs like Italy. Customs checks in Malta follow strict EU import rules, so packages are carefully reviewed, especially for commercial goods, food items, cosmetics, and electronics. Shipping routes to Malta often pass through other EU countries before final delivery.

Malta has a growing international business environment, and there is active trade between Europe and Africa, including Nigeria, especially for fashion items, beauty products, and personal shipments sent by individuals and small business owners.

Shipping from Nigeria to Malta is simple with Routely and possible from anywhere in Nigeria.
This guide explains what you need to know about shipping costs, customs charges, required documents, what you can ship, delivery timelines, tracking, and how Routely helps make the process easier.


How Can I Send a Package from Nigeria to Malta?

Yes, you can ship virtually anything from Nigeria to Malta with Routely. And here is how:

To ship a package now, simply visit → https://ship.routely.co

Once you are in:

Click the light yellow button “Ship Now”
Enter the pickup location and delivery address
Fill in the sender and receiver details
Clearly describe what you are sending
Pay and your shipment is booked

Routely supports Express, Air Cargo, and Sea Cargo options depending on the item, destination, and available route.

Using Routely helps simplify international shipping through its AI-enabled and automated shipping system.


How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Malta?

Shipping cost depends on:

  • Package weight

  • Package size

  • Shipping method

  • Type of item

  • Sending location in Nigeria

  • Delivery location in Malta

  • Whether customs duties are already covered on the route selected

Express shipping is faster and best for urgent shipments.
Cargo shipping is usually more affordable for larger or heavier items.

Routely’s intelligent shipping system helps you compare different shipping routes and options in one place.

To check live shipping rates and currently available shipping options to Malta instantly, visit → https://ship.routely.co

If you are not sure which option is best, you can chat with Routely before booking.


About Customs When Shipping to Malta

Shipping into Malta is regulated by Malta Customs, which operates under the EU customs system. All imports must follow EU-wide rules on declaration, valuation, and product compliance. This means shipments are checked carefully, especially commercial goods and items that may affect health, safety, or taxation.

Malta Customs official portal: https://cfr.gov.mt/en/customs/


Will I Pay Customs Charges When Shipping to Malta?

All packages except documents are generally dutiable. Whether customs duties or taxes apply depends on:

  • Type of goods

  • Declared value

  • Quantity

  • Purpose of shipment

  • Shipping route used

  • Customs assessment in Malta

Some shipments may attract VAT, customs duty, or both.

With certain Routely cargo routes, customs duties may already be estimated or included where available. Always check route details before shipping.


What Customs Duty or Tax System Does Malta Use?

Malta follows the EU customs system. This includes:

  • Customs duty (based on EU TARIC classification)

  • Import VAT (standard rate in Malta is 18%)

  • Excise duty (for specific goods like alcohol and tobacco)

  • Customs processing and inspection fees in some cases

Most customs charges are calculated based on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).


What Is the Likely Customs Duty Amount in Malta?

Customs duty in Malta (EU TARIC system) may range from 0% to around 17%, depending on the product category.

Import VAT is usually 18% and is applied on most imported goods.

Items that may attract additional excise duties include:

  • Alcohol and alcoholic drinks

  • Tobacco and nicotine products

  • Fuel-related products (rare personal shipments)

  • Luxury goods in some cases


Is There a Low-Value Duty-Free Threshold in Malta?

Malta follows EU rules. This means:

  • Customs duty is generally waived for shipments under €150 (but VAT may still apply)

  • VAT applies on most goods regardless of value (with limited exceptions)

  • Low-value personal items may still be checked or charged handling fees

Threshold rules may change, so always confirm before shipping.


Are Personal Shipments Treated Differently from Commercial Shipments?

Yes.

Personal shipments may be cleared faster if they are low value and clearly not for resale.

Commercial shipments are checked more strictly and may require:

  • Multiple unit declarations

  • Business invoices

  • Import compliance documents

  • Proper HS codes


Common Shipments That May Attract Duties in Malta

  • Phones and electronics (0–14% duty + 18% VAT)

  • Cosmetics and skincare products (0–6.5% duty + VAT)

  • Fashion items like clothes, wigs, shoes, bags (0–12% duty + VAT)

  • Food products and packaged food (0–17% duty + strict inspection)

  • Luxury goods (higher duty categories possible)

  • Machinery or business equipment (varies by HS code)


Some Shipments That May Sometimes Pass With Lower or No Duties

  • Documents and printed materials

  • Low-value personal gifts under €150

  • Personal clothing (non-commercial quantity)

  • Samples with correct declaration


How Strict Is Customs in Malta?

Malta Customs is strict because it follows EU import control systems. Common practices include:

  • Regular inspection of commercial shipments

  • Strong checks on food, cosmetics, and herbal products

  • Verification of declared values

  • Rejection or delay if item descriptions are unclear

  • Possible reassessment of undervalued goods

  • Strict rules for medicines and supplements

Food items, herbal products, and skincare products from Nigeria may receive extra inspection due to EU health regulations.

Clear and accurate declaration is very important.


Receiver Responsibility

In most cases, the receiver in Malta may need to:

  • Pay customs duties and VAT before delivery

  • Provide identification

  • Submit additional documents if requested

  • Confirm item value or purpose


Learn More About Customs Rules in Malta

Customs rules in Malta are managed under EU customs law and local Maltese authorities. For updated information, visit:

https://cfr.gov.mt/en/customs/


What Documents Are Required When Shipping to Malta?

Generally Required Documents

  • Commercial Invoice or Proforma Invoice

  • Packing List or Waybill

These are usually auto-generated when you book through https://ship.routely.co


Shipment-Specific Required Documents

  • Food, seeds, herbs, or agricultural items → Health or phytosanitary certificates

  • Medicines or supplements → Import permits or regulatory approval

  • Cosmetics or skincare products → Safety documentation in some cases

  • Animal products → Veterinary certificates

  • Commercial goods → Certificate of Origin may be required

  • Electronics → May require compliance documents


General Required Information

  • Sender details (name, address, phone, email)

  • Receiver details (name, address, phone, email)

  • Clear item description

  • Accurate declared value

  • Country of manufacture

  • Purpose of shipment (personal or commercial)

Example:
✅ “Handmade Ankara dress for women”
❌ “Gift”


What Can You Ship to Malta?

You can ship many types of items from Nigeria to Malta through Routely.

Commonly asked questions include:

  • Can I ship clothes to Malta? Yes

  • Can I ship food items to Malta? Yes, but with strict checks

  • Can I ship electronics to Malta? Yes

  • Can I ship cosmetics to Malta? Yes

  • Can I ship wigs and hair products to Malta? Yes

  • Can I ship Nigerian herbal products? Yes, but regulated

  • Can I ship artworks? Yes


Commonly Shipped Items

  • Clothes, ready-to-wear fashion, couture pieces

  • Kaftans, native wear, and men’s fashion

  • Wigs, human hair, and hair extensions

  • Shoes, handbags, beaded bags, fascinators

  • Skincare products (including Nigerian-made organic brands)

  • Makeup products

  • Herbal and wellness products (subject to checks)

  • Packaged Nigerian foodstuff (garri, spices, dried food, snacks)

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Documents and business papers

  • Handmade crafts and artworks


🚫 Items That Cannot Be Shipped

  • Illegal drugs and narcotics

  • Weapons and ammunition

  • Fake or counterfeit goods

  • Hazardous chemicals

  • Live animals without permits

  • Pornographic materials

  • Certain restricted medicines without approval


⚠️ Items That May Require Extra Checks

  • Herbal products and supplements

  • Food items from Nigeria

  • Skincare and cosmetics

  • Medicines and health-related items

  • Electronics and communication devices

  • Large commercial shipments

Malta applies strict EU regulations on imported health and food products.


How Should You Package Items for Shipping to Malta?

  • Use strong, durable cartons

  • Seal packages properly

  • Label sender and receiver clearly

  • Avoid mixing restricted and general items

  • Use protective wrapping for fragile goods

  • Do not misdeclare items

Routely helps reduce packaging and documentation errors through guided shipment setup and support.


How Long Does Shipping to Malta Take?

Express Shipments

Typically 3–5 business days

Cargo Shipments

  • Air Cargo: 8–14 business days

  • Sea Cargo: 8–14 weeks (where available)

Delays may happen due to customs inspections, EU routing, or island logistics.

Check live delivery options at → https://ship.routely.co


Can You Track Your Shipment to Malta?

Yes. Routely provides tracking for all shipments.

You can monitor:

  • Pickup status

  • Transit updates

  • Customs clearance stages

  • Final delivery progress

Tracking may pause during customs inspection.


Before Shipping to Malta — Important Things to Know

  • Always declare correct item value

  • Use detailed product descriptions

  • Expect VAT on most imports

  • EU customs rules apply strictly

  • Food, cosmetics, and herbal products are heavily regulated

Using correct documentation helps prevent delays.


Can I Ship from Malta to Nigeria?

Yes. You can also import from Malta to Nigeria using Routely.

Common imports include:

  • Fashion items and clothing

  • Shoes, bags, and accessories

  • Skincare and cosmetics

  • Electronics

  • Business goods and samples

  • Personal packages and gifts

Many Nigerian vendors also use Malta as a transit or sourcing point within Europe.

To ship, visit → https://ship.routely.co


Common Questions About Importing from Malta to Nigeria

  • Can I receive packages from Malta in Nigeria? Yes

  • Can suppliers in Malta ship to Nigeria? Yes

  • Can I import fashion items from Malta? Yes

  • Can I import electronics and skincare products? Yes

  • Can I import personal items or gifts? Yes


Get Started | Ship Now

Shipping with Routely is simple, smooth, and stress-free.

Go to → https://ship.routely.co to ship anything from Nigeria to Malta or from Malta to Nigeria.