Attn:  Economic Operators

All economic operators are being informed that with effect from Monday, 31st July, following the implementation of the National Import System (NIS), declarations of full load containers selected for Documentary Control are to be referred to the Customer Services Unit (Head Office, Valletta) or at the Verification Unit (Luqa Old Terminal) prior to issuing the gate pass out. 

The Customs Officer will verify the accuracy of the particulars contained in the accepted Customs declaration by examining the declaration and its supporting documents.  The declarant may be required to provide other documents relating to the consignment.  Presentation of original documents may be mandatory.  If the Customs Officer is satisfied with the declaration against the accompanying documents, the declaration may be released pending payment of taxes due.  If, for any reason the same Customs Officer is not satisfied, container will be re-routed for physical inspection.

The examination of documents will be undertaken without delay to ensure minimum interference with trade flows.  In any event, examination should be undertaken within a maximum period of two hours from receipt of the relevant documents.