Against the backdrop of the Belt and Road Initiative and the continued deepening of China-Europe trade, Malta, a strategic hub in the Mediterranean, has become a vital gateway for a growing number of Chinese companies entering the European market. This article will provide a detailed overview of the logistics situation between the two countries.
Sea Freight Services from China to Malta
Sea freight is the most common mode of transportation from China to Malta. It offers high capacity, low costs, and fast turnaround times. Its large carrying capacity and high stability make it suitable for bulk cargo, less-urgent general cargo, and project equipment. Sea freight services are generally categorized as FCL and LCL:
- Full Container Load (FCL): This option is used when your cargo can fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container. It offers greater privacy and efficient loading and unloading.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): When cargo volume is less than a full container load, the container is shared with other shippers. Rates are calculated based on volume or weight, offering economical flexibility.
Cargo departs from major Chinese ports and ships first sail to Italy for transit. Unloading and changing ships occur at these ports, and the container is then shipped to the Port of Valletta in Malta. The total arrival time is typically around 28-40 days. Freight rates fluctuate due to weather and port congestion.
Sea freight costs generally vary depending on the type of transport service and are also affected by cargo type, weight, volume, and seasonal factors:
| Shipping Method | Shipping Cost | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20GP) | $2,200 – $2,800 | Suitable for cargo of about 28m³ |
| Sea Freight (40GP) | $3,200 – $4,200 | Suitable for cargo of about 58m³ |
| Sea Freight (40HQ) | $3,400 – $4,500 | Suitable for cargo of about 68m³ |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $100 – $180 / CBM | Applicable to cargo volume less than 15m³ |
Air Freight Services from China to Malta
Air freight is an efficient logistics method for transporting goods from China to Malta. It offers extremely fast delivery times, high security, minimal ground contact, and flexible scheduling, making it suitable for high-value-added products and urgent spare parts.
Air freight departs from major Chinese airports via European hubs (such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Dubai) and arrives at Malta’s Luqa International Airport, taking 5–10 days.
Air freight charges are calculated based on the chargeable weight (CW), whichever is greater between the actual weight and the volumetric weight. The formula for calculating volumetric weight is: Volumetric weight (kg) = length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) / 6000. The following is a typical air freight cost range.
| Cargo weight range (kg) | Unit price range (USD/kg) |
|---|---|
| 50 – 100 kg | $6 – $8.5 |
| 101 – 200 kg | $5.8 – $8 |
| 201 – 500 kg | $5.5 – $7.5 |
| 500kg or more | $5 – $6.8 |
Malta Customs Clearance Tips
As a member of the European Union, Malta has relatively strict customs policies and adheres to harmonized EU regulations. Understanding customs clearance tips can help your goods clear customs quickly and avoid detentions and fines.
Accurate and Complete Documentation
You must provide a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, certificate of origin, and other documents. Inconsistent documentation is the most common cause of customs clearance delays.
HS Code Classification
It is imperative that your goods are accurately classified using the HS code, which directly determines the customs duty rate. Incorrect classification may result in fines or additional taxes.
Product Compliance
Goods must comply with Maltese and EU safety and environmental standards, including CE certification and REACH. Non-compliant products will be detained or destroyed.
Origin Marking
All goods must clearly indicate their country of origin (Made in China). Retail product packaging must be labeled.
Customs Declaration Timelines and Procedures
Imported goods must be declared within three business days of arrival, and all documents must be submitted electronically.
Customs Duties and Value Added Tax (VAT)
Customs duties are levied according to the EU harmonized tariff, with the specific rate depending on the type of goods. The standard VAT rate in Malta is 18%. VAT is generally paid by the importer, and payment can be handled through a freight forwarder.
The Logistics Process for Shipping from China to Malta
More and more businesses and individuals are choosing to export goods from China to Malta. Understanding the complete logistics process for shipping from China to Malta can help you save time, avoid costs, and improve international transportation efficiency.
Consultation and Booking
Provide cargo information (item name, weight, volume, type) to the freight forwarder to obtain a quote and confirm your booking.
Pickup and Warehousing
The freight forwarder will arrange domestic logistics to pick up the goods at your designated address and transport them to the warehouse.
Export Customs Clearance
The freight forwarder or a partner customs broker will prepare customs documents for submission to Chinese Customs.
International Transportation
The goods will be transported via international trunk routes using your selected method.
Customs Clearance at Destination
Upon arrival in Malta, our Maltese agent will handle import customs clearance procedures based on the customs clearance documents you provide.
Destination Delivery
After customs clearance is complete, the goods will be delivered by local truck to your designated final address.
How to Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder
When transporting goods from China to Malta, choosing the right freight forwarder helps facilitate logistics between the two countries. Key selection factors include:
Route Expertise
Inquire about the frequency of Malta routes and the strength of their destination agent.
One-Stop Service
Select a provider that offers door-to-door services, including domestic customs declaration, international transportation, Malta customs clearance, and final delivery.
Diverse Channels
Offer a variety of shipping options, including ocean freight, air freight, and express delivery.
Communication and Transparency
A good freight forwarder should respond promptly, provide clear and transparent quotes, and avoid hidden fees.
Emergency Response Capabilities
Ask about the procedures and contingency plans for unexpected situations, such as customs inspections and delays.
Shipping from China to Malta is a complex system project. By understanding and choosing a professional and reliable logistics partner through this article, you can ensure that your goods arrive safely, legally and efficiently in the heart of the Mediterranean.