Although the import and export market in Malta is relatively small compared to the other EU member states, Maltese companies have been used over the years as vehicles for the importation of goods within the EU from non-EU sources, and also as an exit point for goods leaving the EU to third countries.
As a “way in” to Europe, Malta has become a very popular stepping stone due to its very beneficial tax regime for trading companies and also the possibility of having a Maltese registered entity import goods from outside the EU which are directly imported within other Member States. Being within the EU also allows a Maltese company to benefit from Onward Supply Relief provisions, which allow a special customs procedure for certain goods (especially high valued items) to be kept within a duty suspension regime and released within other EU member states without incurring duty and VAT in Malta.
Malta can essentially become a bridge into Europe for various Far Eastern, North/South American or African businessmen. Moreover, many enterprises within the EU may position Malta as one of its prime jurisdictions wherein to position a trading subsidiary within the ambit of a group structure. Griffiths + Associates understands these salient issues arising from such cross-border trading and is geared towards providing the expertise in setting up and running such trading operations.