Wholesale for grocers, kiosks and tourist shops in Malta and Gozo

Which shops in Malta and Gozo do we supply?

Everyday shopping here often runs through small grocers and minimarts in the village core. Add kiosks on promenades, tobacconists and stationers, confectionery shops, petrol station shops, and souvenir and toy shops in resorts such as Sliema, St Julian's or Buġibba. Vending operators and online sellers can open an account too.

Because tourism matters so much in Malta, many shops sell to an international crowd. Brands from social media are often familiar already, and English on the pack bothers nobody. That suits items like the Dumpling Advent Calendar in English packaging.

Which products work on the island?

For busy promenade spots, Takis and eye-catching squishies are natural picks, while LOTTE Milkis, Cantabile Ade in the 230 ml format and Red Bull special editions belong in the chiller. The Stranger Things snacks appeal to fans of the series. Our drinks wholesale page gives an overview.

We work directly with manufacturers, for Takis with Barcel by name, and we have part of our squishies produced ourselves. Since shipments to the island are best bundled, it pays to combine several product groups in one order. There is no minimum order value, and the smallest unit remains the full carton.

Which VAT number counts in Malta?

The format is MT plus 8 digits. Malta has several types of registration, though, and not all of them suit EU purchasing. According to Avalara, Article 10 and Article 12 numbers carry the MT prefix. Article 11 numbers for small undertakings do not. An Article 11 number therefore does not give you the valid number needed for an invoice without German VAT.

You can still register, and we then charge 19% German VAT. Ask your tax adviser whether an additional Article 12 registration makes sense or is required for you. The VIES portal shows you in advance whether your number appears as valid. Our guide to buying with a VAT ID covers the basics.

Which proof do Maltese businesses upload?

Companies use a document from the Malta Business Registry (MBR), such as the Certificate of Registration. Sole traders upload comparable proof of their activity in the registration form, for example their VAT registration. You are usually approved within 1–2 working days.

Language is simple in Malta: English is an official language here and one of our two service languages, next to German. Shop, invoice and contact all work without translation. For delivery, please give us the exact address, including if it is on Gozo. We ship by parcel or pallet, and collection from Mettmann is possible too.

What should you know about BCRS deposits and labels?

Since November 2022 Malta has had a deposit scheme, the Beverage Container Refund Scheme (BCRS). According to BCRS Malta, 10 cents is added to single-use cans, glass and PET bottles from 0.1 to 3 litres. This affects you as a buyer from Germany: the FAQs name importers explicitly. They must register on the BCRS portal, register every barcode, supply samples and report quantities monthly. Retailers register as well.

So talk to BCRS before your first drinks order about which duties apply to you. The German deposit does not apply in Malta; whether we include it or take it out is decided on the individual order. Our article on deposit goods abroad has the background.

For labels, the 2021 US commercial guide says Malta requires Maltese and/or English on food, with Italian also accepted. We do not promise English details on every item. Review the labelling before you sell; for toys we send CE declarations of conformity and test reports on request.

Sources

• Frequently Asked Questions (BCRS Malta, abgerufen 05.11.2026)
• FoE Malta welcomes introduction of Beverage Container Refund Scheme (Friends of the Earth Malta, 2022)
• Malta Country Commercial Guide: Labeling and Marking (U.S. International Trade Administration, 01.12.2021)
• Maltese VAT registration (Avalara VATlive, Sekundärquelle)
• Business registers: Malta (European e-Justice Portal)
• EU VAT number formats (Avalara VATlive, Sekundärquelle)