Australia’s trade with Malta is modest, mainly due to a combination of Malta’s accession to the EU in 2004, the small size of the Maltese market and distance. In 2007-2008, two-way merchandise trade was $A 20 million, though the imbalance was significant with exports to Malta accounting for only $A 4 million. Australian exports comprise medicaments, cheese, curd and margarine. On the whole, imports into Malta are classified into 2 categories. The first category includes items which are not subject to specific licensing and may be entered under an Open General License. Goods of the other category require specific licenses.
Product certification, labeling
The following certificates are required from the appropriate Australian authorities:
• live animals require a veterinary certificate and an additional certificate showing that at the time of shipment there were no cases of contagious diseases in Australia;
• meats require a sanitary certificate endorsed with “This meat is declared free from infectious and contagious diseases and is fit for human consumption”;
• seafood require a special permit from the Superintendent of Public Health for import clearance;
• fresh tomatoes, lard, seed potatoes, straw, hay, rags, livestock, cottonseed and flour also require a sanitary certificate;
• plants and plant products require a phytosanitary certificate.
Special approval is required for plastic packaging on foods. Outer containers should bear the consignee's mark and be numbered according to packing list. Canned milk must bear a label which clearly indicates the brand name. The use of plastic, polythene or similar containers for foods requires prior permission from the Director of Trade. The type of contents, the minimum net weight retail price and the name and address of the packer must be marked on such packages. False or misleading indications of origin, trademarks or trade descriptions are prohibited.
Quoting and payment
Quotes should be in any currency agreed between the parties concerned. It should use the metric system.
Documentary requirements
2 copies of commercial invoice are required. They must be signed by the exporter or shipper. The following details must be indicated in the document:
• the country of origin, place of shipment and destination of the goods;
• a detailed description of the goods;
• the number and description of packages, marks and the numbers of individual packages;
• FOB and CIF values;
• the gross net weight or quantity.
Certificate of origin is not compulsory, but may be required by importers and banks. It must contain a description of the goods, their total invoice value and be signed by the proprietor, a partner or principal official of the manufacturing or supplying firm.
There are no special requirements to bill of lading. As for packing list, it is required in order to facilitate clearance. | 
