The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has launched ImportaMT, a new online service that enables importers to have product compliance documentation verified before goods are shipped to Malta.
The service was launched at the Malta Freeport by the Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, together with MCCAA Chairperson Carmen Ciantar, as one of the Government’s commitments for its first 100 days under Int Malta.
ImportaMT is designed to help importers identify deficiencies in compliance documentation before shipment, thereby reducing the risk of issues being identified once goods have already reached the border or after the product has entered the market.
Through the service, an importer submits one application for each product. The MCCAA reviews the documentation against a compliance matrix covering European Union harmonisation legislation on product safety falling within the Authority’s remit.
Within a maximum of five working days from payment – or ten working days where clarification is required – the importer receives a decision: VERIFIED or NOT VERIFIED.
Where the documentation is verified, the decision is published at a unique online address and a receipt containing a QR code is issued, which can be verified by Customs. Where more than one piece of EU legislation applies to the same product, the service uses a consolidated checklist to keep the process as straightforward as possible for the importer.
The MCCAA emphasises that ImportaMT is a documentary verification service. A VERIFIED decision confirms that the documentation submitted has been reviewed and found to be in order. It does not constitute product certification, does not exempt a product from market surveillance, and does not guarantee release by Customs.
“ImportaMT is an example of how a commitment can be transformed into a concrete service that makes a difference for businesses and consumers. By giving importers the opportunity to identify issues before goods are shipped, we are reducing the risk of unnecessary delays and costs, while strengthening compliance and making more efficient use of our regulatory resources. Tools such as ImportaMT are important, and this is why we ensured that this initiative was launched within the first 100 days of this legislature,” said Minister Azzopardi Tanti.
“ImportaMT is an important step towards a more preventive, collaborative and efficient approach to regulation. By identifying issues relating to compliance documentation before products reach Malta, we are helping businesses plan more effectively while strengthening consumer protection,” said Carmen Ciantar, Chairperson of the MCCAA.
The service carries a fee of €50 per product application, imposed under the Authority’s existing statutory powers.
The recognition of ImportaMT receipts by Customs is being taken forward through written communication confirming that products accompanied by a valid receipt will not need to be referred back to the Authority for the same documentary verification. Products identified by Customs through its own risk assessment will continue to be reviewed by the MCCAA free of charge. Importers, customs agents and freight forwarders can find further information about ImportaMT, including how to submit an application, at http://www.importa.mt
