Malta
What makes Malta different for fishing gear
Imagine you manufacture plastic-containing fishing nets in Italy and sell them to Maltese distributors. Under LN 131 of 2025 (published 11 July 2025), you are a fishing gear producer in Malta, and you must appoint an authorised representative to handle your obligations.
Fishing gear EPR in Malta is one of the most concrete implementations of the EU SUP Directive's fishing-gear provisions anywhere in the EU. For an island with an active fishing sector, this is not a theoretical exercise.
The authorised representative route in Malta
Foreign producers of plastic-containing fishing gear must appoint an AR. This is mandatory, not optional. The AR handles ERA registration and compliance on your behalf.
For domestic producers, the registration route goes directly through ERA.
The collective PRO for fishing gear has not been confirmed as authorised by ERA yet (as of mid-2026). This creates a practical uncertainty for producers registering now.
Where the money goes in Maltese fishing gear EPR
The ERA registration fee is EUR 25 (online) or EUR 35 (manual). Beyond that, the collective scheme contribution is not yet published because the PRO is still being set up.
The directive requires the money to fund collection and treatment of fishing gear that becomes waste. Malta's position as an island nation makes this more than a paper exercise. Real gear generates real waste in Maltese waters, and the EPR contribution is meant to close that loop.
The dates ahead for fishing gear in Malta
LN 131 of 2025 is already in force. The immediate obligation is ERA registration with number-on-invoices and 31 March renewal. The collective PRO is the outstanding piece.
The EU SUP Directive (Dir (EU) 2019/904) sets the broader framework, and fishing gear falls under its own EPR provisions. Malta, unlike landlocked EU member states, has genuine practical relevance here.
Frequently asked questions about Maltese fishing gear EPR
Here are the questions producers ask most often about fishing gear compliance in Malta.
Who has to register for fishing gear EPR in Malta?
Manufacturers and importers of plastic-containing fishing gear must register with ERA. Fishermen and artisanal gear makers are explicitly excluded from the producer definition under LN 131 of 2025.
Is there a threshold or exemption for small producers?
Fishermen and artisanal makers are excluded. Beyond that, no de minimis threshold has been documented. If you manufacture or import plastic-containing fishing gear, the obligation applies.
Do foreign or online sellers need an authorised representative in Malta?
Yes. Foreign producers of fishing gear must appoint an AR. This is mandatory under LN 131 of 2025.
What happens if I sell without registering?
Enforcement falls under LN 131 of 2025. The regulation requires ERA registration and number-on-invoices. Selling without a registration number puts you outside compliance.
