Commercial LCL shipping from Canada to Malta
Samples, spare parts, stock for a small shop or goods for a customer abroad do not need a whole container. A1 ships commercial cargo in shared ocean containers (LCL) from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to La Valetta. The rate starts at USD 8 per cubic foot to La Valetta, and the carrier estimates 65–75 days in transit depending on the gateway and the city.
Malta applies EU rules: used household goods of people transferring their residence from outside the EU are free of duty and VAT. A commercial invoice is required.
Malta uses the euro and applies EU customs rules, so commercial importers need an EORI number, and household goods of new residents qualify for the EU transfer-of-residence relief with an inventory and proof of residence.
Commercial LCL to Valletta. A commercial invoice is required for Malta, customs clearance is at the port of entry, and wooden packaging must meet ISPM 15. English is an official language in Malta, so a Canadian commercial invoice in English works as it is. The invoice should still show the importer's EORI number and the HS codes. A1 accepts consignments with an invoice value of up to CAD 2,000 and no dangerous goods, delivered to our warehouse ready to load; the carrier confirms the destination charges, which are prepaid in Canada.
Maltese importers receive a wide range of goods by sea, and a small LCL consignment suits a shop restocking, a workshop waiting for parts or a business importing samples. Allow about 65 days from the eastern gateways when you agree a delivery date with the buyer.
Commercial cargo rates to Malta
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Valetta | USD 8 / cu ft 65 days · min. USD 547.56 | USD 8 / cu ft 65 days · min. USD 547.56 | USD 10 / cu ft 75 days · min. USD 618.20 |
Example: a small commercial shipment from Toronto to La Valetta
- A few cartons (0.4 CBM, 80 kg): USD 547.56
- One pallet, 120 × 100 × 150 cm, 350 kg (1.8 CBM): USD 773.61
- Two such pallets (3.6 CBM, 700 kg): USD 1,282.22
The totals include the A1 processing fee, surcharges and solar fee. The carrier charges by volume or by weight (1,000 kg per CBM), whichever is greater. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier before you pay; customs duties and taxes are paid by the importer in Malta.
Which Canadian gateway: one pallet to La Valetta
- From Toronto: USD 773.61, about 65 days
- From Montreal: USD 773.61, about 65 days
- From Vancouver: USD 900.76, about 75 days
Toronto is both the least expensive and the fastest gateway to La Valetta. Choose the warehouse you can reach; from other Canadian cities the calculator shows the lowest of the three.
Dense goods are charged by weight: 1 CBM of tiles or metal parts weighing 800 kg costs USD 547.56 to La Valetta, against USD 547.56 for 1 CBM at 200 kg.
Documents for commercial cargo
- Commercial invoice. Our commercial invoice (PDF): seller and buyer, a clear description of each item, quantity, unit value, total value, currency and country of origin. HS codes help customs in Malta classify the goods.
- Packing list. The packing list (PDF) gives the pieces, packed dimensions and gross weight of every pallet, crate or carton, matching the invoice.
- Customs value. The customs value of the shipment may not exceed CAD 2,000.
The importer's details that the carrier conditions below ask for (tax or registration numbers) go on the invoice and the booking. More help: commercial shipping documents.
Pallets and crates
Commercial cargo travels palletized or crated. Wood packaging must be ISPM 15 heat-treated and stamped, or the cargo can be refused at the destination. Stack the cartons squarely on the pallet, no wider than the pallet itself, and stretch-wrap and strap them; label every piece with the consignee's name and city in Malta. You deliver the cargo, already palletized or crated, to our receiving warehouse in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver: A1 does not offer pickup and does not palletize. The warehouse measures and weighs the cargo, and the final price follows those measurements.
Carrier conditions for Malta
- Subject to ISPM 15 Packing Regulations
- Commercial Invoice Required
- Custom Clearance At Port of Entry
How to book
Calculate the price in the calculator above with the cargo type "Commercial cargo", accept the quote and upload the commercial invoice and packing list on your booking page. After the carrier confirms the destination charges, you pay and receive the labels and the warehouse delivery instructions. Sending your own belongings rather than goods? See personal effects shipping to Malta.
Shipping to Malta by service
A1 services from Canada: Ocean LCL shipping, personal effects, commercial cargo, air freight (on request).
Questions and answers
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Malta?
One pallet of 120 × 100 × 150 cm weighing 350 kg from Toronto to La Valetta costs about USD 773.61 including all A1 fees. Destination charges, duties and taxes are confirmed separately.
Which documents does a commercial shipment to Malta need?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, plus anything the carrier conditions for Malta require. The customs value of the shipment may not exceed CAD 2,000.
Does A1 pick up or palletize the cargo?
No. You deliver the cargo, already palletized or crated, to our receiving warehouse in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.
Rates valid through December 25, 2026; totals include A1 fees of USD 265.00. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier, duties and taxes are paid by the consignee, and transit days are the carrier's estimate.