Import Cars from China to Malta
Malta drives on the left and requires right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles for private registration — a real constraint given DriveSino's catalog is sourced from mainland China's domestic market, which is left-hand-drive (LHD) as standard, the same consideration that applies to the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus.
Contact DriveSino directly with your intended use case before ordering, so we can confirm what's realistically possible for your specific model. As an EU member, Malta may also have an individual-vehicle-approval pathway similar to Ireland's NSAI process, worth discussing with us directly.
Why Import from China to Malta?
- Be clear on the constraint first: Malta requires RHD for private road registration. DriveSino's catalog is LHD mainland-China-market stock, so it's not a direct fit for standard private registration
- An EU individual-approval pathway may apply: as an EU member, Malta likely has an individual vehicle approval process similar to Ireland's NSAI route — worth discussing with DriveSino directly before assuming either way
- Talk to us before ordering: if your use case doesn't require private road registration, or if RHD sourcing or individual approval is feasible, we'll tell you plainly either way
Shipping from China to Malta
1 port serving Malta
Freight from $5,445 USD
Malta is served by Valletta, its main commercial port:
| Port | Freight (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Valletta | $5,445 | 32–44 days |
* Rates are estimates. These figures assume a vehicle that's actually eligible for your intended use in Malta — confirm that first.
Import Duties & Taxes for Malta
As an EU member, Malta applies the EU's 10% import duty and 18% VAT on CIF value + duty — Malta's VAT rate is the lowest in the EU. Whether these figures apply to your specific situation depends on the RHD/LHD eligibility question above — contact DriveSino directly to confirm.
Estimate Your Total Landed Cost
Based on a $15,000 vehicle — browse our inventory for exact pricing on a specific car.
Estimate only. Import duties and customs costs vary by destination country. Contact us for a precise quote for your specific destination.
Required Documents & Compliance
Provided by DriveSino (Export Side)
DriveSino provides standard export-side documentation for shipping from China to Malta once a vehicle and use case are confirmed as workable:
- Certificate of Origin — Proves vehicle was manufactured in China
- Bill of Lading — Shipping document from the carrier
- Commercial Invoice — Transaction value and vehicle details
- Export Customs Declaration — Filed with Chinese customs
- Vehicle Title/Certificate — Proof of ownership
Import-side requirements in Malta (RHD compliance or individual approval, and Transport Malta registration) should be confirmed before ordering.
Import-Side Requirements
Import requirements vary by country. DriveSino advises on Malta-specific regulations and can connect you with trusted customs agents at the destination port.
Ask about MaltaUnderstanding export documentation is key to a smooth import. Visit our Knowledge Hub for detailed explanations:
How to Import a Car from China to Malta
- Contact us first: tell us your intended use case before browsing — this determines whether a standard LHD listing or an individual-approval path can work for you
- Confirm eligibility: we'll help you understand whether your use case is workable
- Choose your vehicle: once eligibility is confirmed, browse our inventory
- Confirm and pay: a sales contract is issued. Payment by international bank transfer
- Export documentation: we prepare all Chinese export documents
- Shipping: your vehicle ships to Valletta via RoRo or container, 32–44 days transit
- Customs clearance: you or your customs agent clear the vehicle through Maltese customs and registration
Tips for Importing to Malta
- Confirm your use case and RHD/LHD eligibility with DriveSino before ordering, not after
- Ask DriveSino about a possible EU individual-approval pathway similar to Ireland's NSAI route
- Use the DriveSino cost calculator on each listing for an instant estimate once eligibility is confirmed
Related reading
EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs ExplainedImporting Cars from China to Malta — FAQ
Can I import a car from DriveSino's catalog to Malta for private use?
Most listings in our catalog are left-hand-drive (LHD), sourced from mainland China's domestic market. Malta requires right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles for private road registration, so most catalog listings are not suited for that purpose without confirming an alternative path first. Contact us before ordering.
Does Malta use right-hand drive or left-hand drive cars?
Malta drives on the left side of the road and requires right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles for private registration.
How much does it cost to ship a car from China to Malta?
Freight starts from $5,445 USD, 32–44 days transit. As an EU member, Malta applies 10% duty and 18% VAT (the EU's lowest) — but confirm your RHD/LHD eligibility first.
Knowledge Hub
Detailed answers to common questions about importing cars from China
Ready to Import a Car to Malta?
Contact us for a personalized quote. We handle vehicle sourcing, export documentation, shipping, and delivery.