Shipping to Malta: Package costs, delivery time and EU regulations
Reliably organize business shipments from Germany to the Mediterranean island
Malta is part of the European Union and the common EU customs territory. Therefore, standard EU goods can be shipped from Germany to Malta without the need for formal import customs clearance.
- Shipping from Germany to Malta
- No standard customs clearance for Union goods
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- International shipment tracking
- Compare carriers and shipping costs
- Express shipping to the Mediterranean island
- Solutions for B2B and e-commerce
- Shipping for regular business customers
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EU shipping with a small geographical peculiarity
Although Malta is located within the EU single market, it has no road connection to the European mainland.
Therefore, for shipping planning, the most important factors are not customs documents, but rather the transport route, transit time and correct addressing.
DHL explicitly lists Malta as an EU destination. No customs documents are required for standard shipments within the EU.
Do not equate transit time with mainland destinations
Standard parcel shipping to Malta takes slightly longer than to many centrally located EU countries. DHL currently estimates delivery time at 5 to 7 business days.
Use direct recipient address
For deliveries to Malta via DHL, only the actual recipient address may be used. DHL Service Points or Lockers may not be used as the delivery address.
Check special items separately
Special regulations apply to alcohol, tobacco, energy products, hazardous materials, and other regulated goods, even within the EU. Therefore, the elimination of customs clearance does not mean that all goods can be shipped without additional checks.
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Sending a parcel to Malta: What companies should know
Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and has used the Euro since 2008.
This makes the movement of goods comparatively uncomplicated for German companies.
There is no traditional import border between Germany and Malta. Nevertheless, the destination has a unique feature that is hard to miss on a map: Malta is an island.
This makes the transport structure different from that of many other EU countries.
What documents do I need for a shipment to Malta?
No customs documents are required for standard EU goods. DHL explicitly confirms this for shipments from Germany to EU member states.
For commercial deliveries, companies naturally still require a proper invoice.
This should include, among other things:
- Seller and buyer
- bill number
- Date of invoice
- description of goods
- Quantity
- Price
- VAT information
However, a standard commercial invoice for import customs clearance is not required for normal Union goods.
How long does it take to send a package to Malta?
Standard shipping takes a little longer than for many mainland destinations.
DHL Parcel currently specifies a delivery time estimate of 5 to 7 working days.
Express delivery is significantly faster.
DHL Express Worldwide currently quotes a standard delivery time of approximately for Malta. a working day.
This makes Express particularly interesting for spare parts, production materials or other time-critical B2B shipments.
Why does standard shipping to Malta take longer?
Malta has no land connection to the European mainland.
While a parcel to Austria, Poland or France can be transported entirely via road and parcel networks, a shipment to Malta also requires a sea or air connection.
This makes the transport route somewhat more complex.
Air transport networks play a crucial role in express shipments. For less time-critical goods, combined road and sea transport can be used.
Correctly state the address for Malta
For delivery purposes, the address should be written entirely in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
A Maltese address might look like this, for example:
Sample Ltd.
38 Triq il-Port
Valletta
VLT 1234
MALTA
Maltese postal codes typically consist of three letters and four numbers.
The recipient's phone number and email address should also be provided.
With DHL, the following is also important:
The shipment must be addressed directly to the recipient's address.
DHL Service Points or Lockers are not permitted as delivery addresses and may result in a return shipment at your expense.
Compare shipping costs to Malta
The costs depend on the specific shipment.
The following are particularly relevant:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Destination address
- desired duration
- Carrier
- Additional Services
Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Shipping cost calculator from Paket International Companies can compare available services.
These mistakes waste unnecessary time when shipping to Malta.
Since no traditional customs clearance is required, problems often arise elsewhere.
Typical errors are:
- incomplete recipient address
- DHL Locker or Service Point as the destination address
- incorrect postal code
- missing phone number
- incorrect package dimensions
- undeclared dangerous goods
- Excise duty rules not taken into account
- Standard runtime calculated too tightly
The addressing, in particular, deserves attention.
DHL explicitly points out that shipments to Malta must be sent directly to the recipient's address. Addressing the shipment to a DHL Service Point or Locker may result in a return shipment at the recipient's expense.
For time-critical goods, it should also be taken into account that standard shipping takes 5 to 7 working days, longer than to many other EU countries.
What goods are frequently shipped to Malta?
Due to its limited land area and industrial structure, Malta is heavily integrated into European trade.
In 2025, around 61,5 percent of Maltese goods imports from the European Union. Major import categories include machinery, transport equipment, chemical products and other industrial goods.
The following goods may be of particular interest to German companies:
- Machines and spare parts
- Electrical Engineering
- Tools
- Measurement and testing technology
- Medical Technology
- Hotel and catering equipment
- car parts
- industrielle Bedarf
Goods for tourism, construction, energy supply and healthcare also play an important role in Malta.
You can find further European and international destinations in our Country overview.
Shipping information: Malta
Standard or express to the Mediterranean island?
For normal and less time-critical goods, a classic parcel service is often sufficient.
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time of approximately 5 to 7 working days.
For urgently needed spare parts, documents, or business supplies, a Express shipping to Malta be useful.
DHL Express Worldwide currently reaches Malta within approximately one working day.
For heavy goods or multiple packages, a Pallet shipping or individual freight solutions might be more economical.
You can find an overview at international shipping methods.
How do goods get from Germany to Malta?
The transport route to Malta differs from that to classic mainland destinations.
Initially, shipments are transported towards the Mediterranean via European parcel, road or freight networks.
The final leg then takes place via air or sea connections to Malta.
Malta International Airport plays an important role for express shipments.
Larger quantities of goods, on the other hand, can be transported via sea freight and RoRo connections.
Therefore, for pallets, machines, or larger deliveries of goods, a international freight solution be useful.
Are there any import duties when shipping to Malta?
For normal Union goods from Germany no import duties
Germany and Malta are both part of the EU customs and VAT area.
This means that in a normal intra-community delivery of goods, no classic:
- Import duties
- Customs clearance
- Import customs invoices
VAT obligations naturally remain in place.
Additionally, certain goods may be subject to excise taxes. This applies particularly to alcohol, tobacco, and energy products.
How much does a parcel to Malta cost?
The island location does not automatically mean that a specific flat rate applies.
The actual price depends on several factors:
- Weight
- Volumetric weight
- Dimensions
- Destination address
- Shipping service
- Carrier
A standard parcel to Valletta therefore requires a different calculation than a pallet or a time-critical express shipment.
Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Shipping cost calculator Current shipping options can be compared.
Malta as a shipping destination for German online retailers
For German online retailers, Malta offers the advantage of the common EU internal market.
Normal goods do not need to be declared and paid customs duties upon import.
However, sales tax remains relevant.
For certain cross-border B2C distance sales within the EU, a common threshold applies. 10.000 euros net per yearIf this limit is exceeded under the legal conditions, the place of taxation is generally the country of destination. VAT can be reported via the EU One-Stop Shop.
The standard Maltese VAT rate is 18 percent.
Online retailers should therefore pay particular attention to:
- Calculate VAT correctly
- Check OSS rules
- Specify a realistic delivery time
- Request full delivery address
- Prepare the returns process
The slightly longer standard delivery time should be communicated transparently in the shop.
Why Malta is a special shipping destination despite its EU membership
Malta has straightforward customs regulations.
Logistically, however, the country is not a typical mainland destination.
The island nation is entirely dependent on sea and air connections with the European mainland.
This particularly affects:
- Standard runtimes
- Freight connections
- Pallet shipping
- time-critical deliveries
At the same time, Malta is strongly connected to the European goods market.
2025 kamen 61,5 percent of Maltese goods imports come from other EU countries.
For German companies, Malta thus combines simple EU trade rules with logistics that require more planning than direct land transport.
Which shipping provider is suitable for Malta?
The most suitable carrier depends primarily on how quickly the goods need to reach the recipient.
The following should be compared:
- Shipping price
- Runtime
- Weight limits
- maximum package dimensions
- Tracking
- Pickup
- Insurance
- Return options
For normal goods, a standard service may be sufficient.
For time-critical spare parts or business shipments, the difference in transit time can be significant: DHL currently quotes 5 to 7 working days for the parcel and about one working day for Express Worldwide.
Paket International allows companies to compare the available shipping services for their specific shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Malta?
Yes. Malta is part of the European Union. Therefore, packages and business goods can be sent from Germany to Malta without traditional import customs clearance.
How long does it take to send a package to Malta?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery time at 5 to 7 business days. According to current estimates, DHL Express Worldwide can reach Malta within approximately one business day.
Does a package destined for Malta have to go through customs?
Standard EU goods from Germany do not need to go through traditional import customs clearance. Germany and Malta are both part of the EU customs territory.
What is the VAT rate in Malta?
The standard VAT rate is 18 percent. In addition, there are reduced rates of 12, 7 and 5 percent, as well as a zero rate for certain goods and services.
Do I need customs documents for Malta?
For standard EU goods within the European Union, no traditional customs documents are required. DHL accordingly lists Malta as an EU shipping destination that does not require customs documentation.
Do I need a commercial invoice for Malta?
A commercial invoice for import customs clearance is not required for standard EU goods. For commercial deliveries, a proper invoice for accounting and VAT purposes must, of course, still be issued.
Can I send something to Malta via express shipping?
Yes. DHL Express Worldwide is available for Malta and currently has a standard delivery time of approximately one working day.
Can I ship a pallet to Malta?
Yes. For heavy goods, multiple boxes, or larger business deliveries, a Pallet shipment to Malta This would be advisable. Due to the island location, the specific duration should be examined separately.
Can I send a package to a DHL Locker in Malta?
Not with DHL Parcel. DHL explicitly states that only a direct recipient address is permitted. Providing a DHL Service Point or Locker address may result in a chargeable return shipment.
What VAT rate applies to online sales to Malta?
The standard Maltese VAT rate is 18 percent. For certain cross-border B2C distance sales within the EU, the EU-wide €10.000 threshold also applies, and where applicable, the destination principle or the OSS (One-Stop Shop) applies.
Can I ship alcohol to Malta?
Alcohol is subject to excise duty. Special tax procedures apply to commercial deliveries within the EU. For B2C distance sales, excise duty is generally levied in the country of destination.
How should I address a package to Malta?
The address should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals. Malta uses postal codes consisting of three letters and four numbers. Providing the recipient's telephone number and email address will further facilitate delivery.
