All operators in Malta’s construction sector need a licence as of today

Contractors working in the demolition, excavation, and construction sectors are obliged to have a licence to operate as of today (July 1st). 

Effective immediately, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced that all those operating without a licence shall be stopped immediately from all their work and projects. 

In recent months, the Independent Contractor Licensing Committee approved 2265 applications for a contractor licence, which includes 832 demolition licences, 509 excavation licences, and 924 building licences. 

Through this reform, the BCA hopes to have full visibility of operators in the sector, and higher standards through licensing. 

This licensing process was described as “rigorous”. 

Apart from the evaluation by the Committee, in recent months the BCA organised a number of informative meetings in Malta as well as Gozo and offered all support through the helpline 138.

Another important establishment in this number of reforms that build upon licensing was the investment in human resources through the strengthening of the inspectorate. 

This follows a doubling of the number of inspectors, while five inspectors are undergoing recruitment. 

The BCA added that together with stakeholders, it is carrying out work on the Building and Construction Code which shall be introduced gradually and shall continue to build on a series of reforms that continue to empower the sector. 

“The licensing of contractors goes hand in hand with the licensing of masons, where the most important parts of this sector are being regulated by enforced law. Following this step, the Authority shall now be moving towards strengthening the importance of the mandatory Skill Card for all those working on a construction site,” a statement read.

The licensing of contractors shall continue in the coming months due to more and more operators applying for this licence, the majority of operators are now licensed, which licence is renewed every two years. 

For a licence to be valid it must be paid, so all those who have received their licence approval and have not yet paid the licence, cannot operate. 

The BCA reemphasised that as it has been doing for a long time, that all those who have queries may can contact the helpline 138, to regularise their operations.

Reaction of National Building Council (NBC)

The National Building Council (NBC) congratulated the Government on reaching a “significant” milestone with the successful implementation of the construction industry licensing system.

“This achievement underscores a commitment to raising standards, improving safety, and enhancing the professionalism of the sector,” a statement read.

The NBC urges the Government to consider the following next steps: 

1. Introduction of Contractor Classification
   
   A system to classify contractors based on their qualifications, expertise, and operational capacity will ensure that projects are assigned to professionals who meet specific standards. This measure will enhance project quality, efficiency, and industry reputation.
   
   
   2. Mandatory Submission of Structural Drawings by Periti
   
   Requiring periti (architects and civil engineers) to submit comprehensive structural drawings upon project completion will reinforce regulatory compliance, facilitate inspections, and contribute to the long-term safety and reliability of built structures. The NBC remains committed to working closely with the Government and all industry stakeholders to drive these reforms forward, ensuring that Malta’s construction industry remains resilient, innovative, and future-focused.

The NBC , which is comprised of Kamra Tal-Periti and the Malta Development Association, said it “remains committed to working closely with the Government” and all industry stakeholders to drive these reforms forward, ensuring that Malta’s construction industry remains resilient, innovative, and future-focused.