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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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).
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
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.
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
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)
Documents and printed materials
Low-value personal gifts under €150
Personal clothing (non-commercial quantity)
Samples with correct declaration
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.
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
Customs rules in Malta are managed under EU customs law and local Maltese authorities. For updated information, visit:
https://cfr.gov.mt/en/customs/
Commercial Invoice or Proforma Invoice
Packing List or Waybill
These are usually auto-generated when you book through https://ship.routely.co
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
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”
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
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
Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons and ammunition
Fake or counterfeit goods
Hazardous chemicals
Live animals without permits
Pornographic materials
Certain restricted medicines without approval
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.
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.
Typically 3–5 business days
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.