Dear Economic Operator,

In accordance with the instructions brought to you by the Plant Protection Directorate (PPD), the Customs Department would like to remind you that as from 1st January 2020, clearances will no longer be provided through the traditional manual system.  Instead, you are being requested to apply through TRACES online.  Your request will be vetted by the PPD officials.   Once the documentary check from this entity has been completed and marked as ‘in progress’, you are kindly being requested to print, scan a copy and upload the CHED to the Customs National Import System (NIS) on submission of the import declaration.

Where full load containers are concerned and following the risk result, you would need to present all the relative documents at the Customer Services Unit in Valletta or the Verification Unit in Luqa (old terminal).  On the other hand, documents for groupage consignments, courier and goods coming through Airfreight shall be presented at their respective stations.  The Customs Officer scrutinizes the declaration, then decides whether the consignment merits or not a physical inspection.  

Your attention and cooperation is highly solicited.  For additional clarification, please contact Ms Juanita Buttigieg, Customer Services Unit (Tel: 25685123) or send an email to: [email protected].

Alan Mamo
Director Compliance & Systems