Author: SME Chamber

The Customs Department would like to inform all economic operators that, as from Monday, 4^th October, the mandatory uploading of all supporting documents to the National Import System (NIS) is being extended to all cargo arriving by air, except Courier and Postal consignments. This means that the above mentioned procedure applies for all cargo controlled by Luqa Airfreight Section.

Essentially, this means that, all invoices, packing lists, bill of lading, notice of arrival, certificates and other documents related to the particular consignment where a declaration has been submitted, would be required to be attached as shown hereunder:

Greater support for businesses to protect themselves against cyber attacks

Malta Chamber of SMEs Vice President Marcel Mizzi and CEO Abigail Mamo met the Microsoft CEO responsible for Malta, Cyprus and Greece.

Microsoft shared a number of interesting facts in a presentation:

The Malta Chamber of SMEs has held a meeting with the Minister for Finance Hon. Dr. Clyde Caruana in order to voice its concerns on a number of issues relating directly to Banking.

The Main issues highlighted during the meeting where:

Excessive Bank Charges:

The SME Chamber raised its members concerns on the regular increase in bank charges, these mainly relate with cash deposit, cash handling fees, account maintenance and other administrative charges. The SME Chamber highlighted the fact that the main banks in Malta have an obligation to provide basic services, given their dominant position in the Market.

The SME Chamber has reaffirmed its position to follow this issue and seek a workable solution for its members.

Burdensome Administrative and Bureaucratic Procedures.

During the meeting the SME Chamber emphasised that the increase in paperwork and bureaucratic procedures are slowing their productivity and increasing costs for businesses. Although the SME Chamber fully understands that certain procedures need to be in place (especially following Malta’s greylisitng), processes can be improved in order to alleviate additional administrative procedures. Members regularly note that such requirements increase indirect costs and take a toll on business resources, which resources can be put to better use.

General Issues with Banking

Members represented by the SME Chamber in particular Company Service Providers regularly complain on the ever increasing issue to set-up bank accounts for a number of businesses in particularly start-ups wishing to start operation.

The SME Chamber also raised its concern on this becoming more problematic in the coming months in light of the FATF Grey lisiting.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs has called on the Minister for Finance to seek other alternatives and possibly find a long term solution for this ever-growing issue.

The SME Chamber has agreed to keep following the above and other possible issues in the future and keep an open line of communication with Hon. Caruana informing him directly with any developments and any othe issues encountered by our members from time to time.

Keeping the workplace safe without breaching employment and personal data regulations

During our most recent Webinar: Covid and Vaccinations, which was held on the 28th of July in collaboration with the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) and the Office of Information and Data Protection Commission (IDPC), we interpreted the requirements of the regulations on employment and personal data in relation to Covid-19 and vaccinations.

This webinar focused on assisting businesses on how to handle situations arising at the place of work.

Both DIER and IDPC representatives replied to issues arising and replying to questions such as: can I force my employees to get vaccinated?, can I ask my employees if they have been vaccinated?, Can I ask employees to carry out routine swabbing?, amongst other questions.

Following this webinar we’ve prepared a few Q and A’s which surely answer most of your questions:

• Can I ask employees to carry out routine swabbing?

The health authorities are already catering for when swab tests are required. In order to ask for additional swab tests, employers should have a very valid reason which goes beyond the general health concern.

• Can I ask my employees if they have been vaccinated?

Employers should avoid collecting personal data of employees. As far as possible therefore, any exchange of information should be done verbally and no records to be kept. At no point are employees obliged to pass on such data unless there is a strong necessity to do so. On the other hand employers may request a doctors certificate confirming that employees are fit to return to work.

• Can I oblige employees to inform me when travelling?

In the same way this was not possible before Covid, it is similarly not possible now. Employees do not need to disclose their reasons to require leave, yer it is at the employers’ discretion to approve it or otherwise. Keeping however also in mind that any leave not availed from would need to be compensated for unless this would be agreed to be carried forward.

There is an only exception when travelling to a red-list country. In that case the travel information must be disclosed.

• Can I retain data and ask for swabs if my employees agreed to it?

Agreeing with employees is always the best way forward and things should always be done in the interest of the collective. Employers however should be aware that in terms of employment regulation this is a very important principle but in terms of data protection, agreement between employer and employee holds much weight. It is therefore still important to act tactfully in terms of data collection and retention.

• If an employer requires to collect data due to specific circumstances?

Employers should start by carrying out a risk assessment and following this consulting with with the Office of Information and Data Protection Commission (IDPC) for guidance.

Members that would like to receive the link to view this webinar should send on email to 

The eBusiness Awards is an annual event that aims to acknowledge uniques and innovative ideas and initiatives

This year marks the tenth-year anniversary of the renowned eBusiness Awards which seek to recognise and celebrate the best of Maltese talent, ambition, and achievement in multiple categories for our digital ecosystem.

The eBusiness Awards have consistently provided a prestigious platform for increased visibility to participants and an excellent means to credit the efforts and unique talents demonstrated by all those involved in the rollout of innovative business initiatives.

In this respect, we encourage businesses to participate and put forward their creations in the technology sphere.

In order to participate in any of the nine categories covering various elements such as eCommerce, start-ups, cloud-based solutions, academic research and eGovernment initiatives, interested participants can access the form through the link below:

https://ebusinessawards.com.mt/nominate/#participate

Closing date for submissions is 12th September 2021.

It’s your time to #ShineAtUM

Join the Master in Creativity and Innovation (full time/part time day) at the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation next October!

Applications are open until 30th September at 14.00 against the University of Malta’s late application fee.
This course is relevant for business owners as it equips them with various competences to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset, sustain their ventures, and stand out from the competition.

These include creative idea generation and problem-solving, opportunity identification, business modelling, and innovation management.
It is open to applicants in possession of an undergraduate degree in any subject from the University of Malta, or an equivalent qualification obtained from any other recognised university.

It therefore attracts local and international students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
Eligible students may benefit from a tax credit of up to 70% of the course fees under the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.
For further details, email , phone 2340 2434, or visit:
Master Full-Time: https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/PMCAIFTT8-2021-2-O
Master Part-Time Day: https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/PMCAIPDT8-2021-2-O

Malta Chamber of SMEs encourages business owners to safeguard their mental health

In collaboration between government entities, business representatives and the Richmond Foundation, a mental health assistance service is to be made available.

MENT + is an initiative launched after several businesses recognised the impact of the pandemic on mental health.

The agreement was signed between Malta Enterprise, Business First, Malta Chamber of SME’s, the Chamber of Commerce and the Richmond Foundation, in the presence of Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli.

The MENT+ service will be provided in two ways: firstly, through the website www.mentrepreneurial.com, where training will be provided in the form of short clips tackling topics such as how one can adapt to change, mental health and resilience, amongst others.

Secondly, for those who would like further assistance, the Richmond Foundation will be providing more aid through one-to-one sessions to address further the needs of the individual.

Minister Miriam Dalli explained that during the past months, Business First was instrumental in supporting enterprises, working together with Malta Enterprise. “The pandemic has not only impacted our economy but also the mental health of many people, employers and businesses.

Therefore, with this agreement, we will provide the MENT+ service, to assist enterprises in an effective and realistic way”, said Minister Dalli.

Chief Executive of Business First, Ms Marika Tonna, said that, “Business First has direct experience with businesses and enterprises. During the pandemic, Business First assisted more than 146,000 clients. Apart from the financial assistance provided by the government – such as the wage supplement and other schemes – businesses needed guidance on how to cope with mental health and how to address the changes that were brought about by the pandemic, which impacted employees, clients and businesses”. “One’s wellbeing is not complete if one is not taking care of their mental health, as this will affect productivity and innovation. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate mental health with business.

This service will meet the needs of employers and directors in various businesses”, stated Richmond Foundation Chief Executive Ms Stephania Dimech Sant.