Export Cars
to Malta
UK Car Export provides professional vehicle export services to Malta for private buyers, trade customers and dealerships. We manage the complete process from vehicle sourcing and documentation through to international shipping and delivery support.
Request Export QuoteExporting to Malta
Malta is a small EU island nation in the Mediterranean that drives on the left and uses exclusively right-hand drive vehicles. UK vehicles are well suited to Maltese roads and the country is one of the closest sea freight destinations from the UK.
UK Car Source provides vehicle export services to Malta with some of the shortest transit times of any international destination. We manage Certificate of Conformity documentation, UK-side export paperwork and Valletta sea freight coordination.
Import Rules
| Drive Configuration | Right-hand drive required. Malta drives on the left. |
| Vehicle Age Limit | EU emissions standards apply. Age restrictions tied to emissions compliance. |
| Condition | Roadworthy condition. Transport Malta inspection required. |
| Customs Authority | Malta Customs Department |
| Duty & VAT | Import duty (6.5% from UK post-Brexit) and Malta VAT (18%) applicable. UK-EU TCA preferential rates apply for eligible vehicles. |
| Standards | EU Certificate of Conformity (COC) required. UK type approval vehicles need UKCA documentation. |
Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant customs authority prior to shipment.
Major Ports
Shipping Options
Required Documentation
Estimated Timelines
Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation
1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability
Documentation & Export Clearance
3–7 working days
Sea Freight Transit
5–9 days sea freight
Customs Clearance at Destination
3–10 working days depending on port and documentation
Total Estimated Process
6–12 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)
Import Tax Breakdown
| EU Common Customs Tariff | 6.5% (from UK post-Brexit); zero tariff may apply for UK-built vehicles meeting Rules of Origin |
| VAT | 18% |
| Registration Tax | 0–30% based on CO2 emissions (WLTP) — low CO2/EV vehicles attract very low or zero registration tax |
| Emissions Standard | Euro 6d compliant vehicles required |
| Age Restriction | No age restriction but must meet Euro 6d standard |
| Drive Side | RHD — Malta drives on the left, UK vehicles are ideal |
| Customs Authority | Malta Customs (ADT) via EU TARIC; Transport Malta handles registration |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Valletta (Grand Harbour) is the main container port for vehicle imports. Malta Freeport (Marsaxlokk) is a major transhipment hub but used less for vehicle delivery. UK to Malta: 5–10 days sea transit with direct services available. Efficient EU customs clearance: 5–10 working days. Malta Customs (ADT) handles clearance via EU TARIC. UK is third country post-Brexit — 6.5% duty applies, but the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides zero tariff for vehicles meeting Rules of Origin (most UK-built vehicles qualify — check for specific models).
Local Market Advice
Malta drives on the LEFT — RHD from UK is ideal. The island has a British heritage (independent since 1964) and strong affinity for UK goods. Range Rover, BMW, and Mercedes are the dominant prestige brands. CO2-based registration tax means low-emission hybrids and EVs attract minimal registration tax — important for model selection. Malta's financial services sector and iGaming industry create high-income professionals who are primary prestige car buyers. The UK-Malta cultural connection means UK provenance is genuinely valued. Full UK service history important. Malta is a small market (population ~520,000) but with good per-capita income.
Malta Import FAQ
How much tax do I pay to import a car from the UK to Malta?
As an EU member, Malta charges 6.5% import duty on UK-origin vehicles (a third country post-Brexit, though zero tariff may apply for UK-built vehicles meeting Rules of Origin) plus 18% Malta VAT, and a registration tax of 0–30% based on CO2 emissions under WLTP. We provide a full cost breakdown for your specific vehicle before you commit.
Do UK cars need to be converted for Malta?
No. Malta drives on the left and uses right-hand drive vehicles as standard, the same as the UK. UK-sourced RHD vehicles require no steering conversion, making Malta one of the most straightforward EU export destinations.
What documents are needed to import a car to Malta?
Key documents include the UK V5C logbook, export invoice, bill of lading, EU Certificate of Conformity (COC), and Malta Customs Department import declarations. We prepare and manage all documentation as part of the service.
What emissions standard do vehicles need to meet for Malta?
Vehicles must meet the Euro 6d emissions standard. Low CO2 and electric vehicles attract very low or zero registration tax, making efficient models particularly attractive for Malta import.
Export a Vehicle to Malta
Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.