You paid VAT to the seller at checkout because of the IOSS system, which is supposed to collect VAT upfront for goods under €150 coming into the EU. However, you were asked to pay VAT again upon arrival in Malta because sometimes the seller’s IOSS number is not properly communicated or recognized by the customs authorities. When customs do not see the IOSS number linked to your package, they treat it as if no VAT was paid yet and charge import VAT again.
This double VAT can happen due to technical issues in transmitting the IOSS number through the postal or shipping system or because the customs system couldn’t validate the IOSS number on the import declaration.
If this happened to you, kindly contact us via info@maltapost.com. One of our specialised agents will be able to confirm what the issue is and find ways to assist you or direct you on the proper channel to handle this.