Malta’s customs department readies for Brexit, says finance minister

Malta’s Department of Customs is carrying out preparations for the eventuality of Brexit, Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna said, according to a press statement by the government’s Department of Information (DOI).

The minister also praised the personnel for their proactiveness and their work in this regard when he welcomed Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Brexit Negotiator at the Malta Freeport to discuss Malta’s preparedness for Brexit.

Mr Barnier spoke about the importance of having a single market across the European Union member states. He said the customs department has been very active in protecting consumers and businesses from counterfeit goods, which practice strengthens the principles of a single market, the DOI statement reported.

The finance minister also noted that Malta’s customs department is investing “significant” amounts to intensify operations against smuggling of illegal substances. Last year, the customs department launched its new scanning equipment at the Malta Freeport with an investment of around €2.5m, as well as a dedicated canine unit.

“This investment is bearing fruit. Indeed, last year Malta recorded a record number of drug hauls,” said Mr Scicluna.