CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING REGULATIONS
Table of Provisions (29)
Statutory Text (29 Articles)
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 623.09
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING
REGULATIONS
18th July, 2023
LEGAL NOTICE 166 of 2023, as amended by Legal Notices 36, 127
and 378 of 2024 and Act XXXIII of 2024.
(1)
The title of these regulations is the Construction
Industry Licensing Regulations.
Service Activity
(regulation 3(1))
The service activities for which a licence is required
(a)
demolition;
(b)
excavation and piling;
(c)
construction.
Amended by:
In these regulations, unless the context otherwise
requires
"the Act" means the Building and Construction Authority
Act;
"applicant" means an entity or a natural person who
submits an application to obtain a licence in accordance with
these regulations;
"Authority" means the Building and Construction
Authority as established by the Act;
"Board" means the Building and Construction Authority
Board as established by the Act;
"certified equipment" means the heavy or mobile
construction plant and equipment which is certified by a
warranted engineer, that it can be operated in accordance with
its specifications;
"Chief Executive Officer" means the Chief Executive
Officer of the Authority as established by the Act;
"Committee" means the Construction Industry Licensing
Committee established in Part II;
"competent person" means the same as the meaning
assigned to it in the Act;
"construction" means the same as the meaning assigned to
it in the Act;
"contractor" means the same as the meaning assigned to it
in the Act, and for the purposes of these regulations it shall refer
to a natural person or entity that undertakes or is contracted to
carry out any of the service activities listed in Schedule I;
"criteria
thresholds"
means
the
specific
technical
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING
requirements which applicants must satisfy and, or possess in
order to obtain a licence as specified in Part III;
"demolition" means the same as the meaning assigned to it
in the Act;
"entity" means a registered company recognised by the
Laws of Malta or of another Member State or Third Country and
includes any other body or association of persons with a
separate and distinct legal personality;
"European Union" means the same as the meaning
assigned to it in the European Union Act;
"excavation" means the same as the meaning assigned to it
in the Act;
"licence" means a licence by means of which a person may
exercise, in Malta, any of the service activities listed in Schedule I
to which the licence relates;
"licensed administrator" means the competent person
engaged by the entity or as a director of the entity, who on its
behalf administers the licence issued by the Authority;
"licensed contractor" means the person or entity who holds
a valid licence issued under these regulations; and the term
"licensed contractor” for the purpose of these regulations shall
also include sub-contractors;
"licensee" means the same as the meaning "licensed
contractor";
"mason’s licence" means a licence issued for the exercise
of masonry works as established by the Code of Police Laws or
other legislation;
"Member State" means a state which is a member of the
European Union;
"Minister" means the Minister responsible for the
construction industry;
"minor works" means construction works which may be
either excavation, demolition or building activity which in their
nature do not constitute major excavation, demolition or building
works, but are considered as incidental work in relation to any of
the service activity listed in Schedule I. Minor works include
minor alterations of building, such as the opening or closure of
apertures and removing or building of walls, and does not involve
demolition or construction of structures or buildings, including
the removal or construction of roofs. Minor works shall also
include excavations in relation to the laying of foundations and
pipe works, or lift pits, or trimming works which may only be
carried out with handheld equipment, and does not include
excavation works in relation to the construction of reservoirs,
pools, or basements, or works related to clearance or trimming of
land. This shall also include any other works which the Board
may from time to time determine by notice in the Gazette;
"perit" has the same meaning assigned to it in the Periti
Act;
"project" means any development project which a person
has been engaged to undertake;
"provisional clearance'' means a clearance issued by the
Authority with respect to applications for licence, which
clearance shall temporarily authorise the applicant to exercise
any of the service activities in respect of which the application
relates pending the determination of the application;
"Register" means the same as the meaning assigned to it in
the Act, and shall be in the form of a depository of information
containing the details of the licence and the licensee as prescribed
in these regulations;
"service activity" means any activity performed by a
licensed contractor listed in Schedule I;
''Third Country'' means a country which is not a Member
State of the European Union;
''Tribunal" means the Building and Construction Tribunal
established under Part VIII of the Act;
PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
L.N. 36 of 2024;
Criteria for each Service Activity
XXXIII.2024.
First Schedule.
L.N. 378 of
2024. A.
Licensing of Demolition Contractors
1. The applicant shall be required to manifest competence in
the following
(a)
demolition works;
(b)
dismantling
of
structural
and
non-structural
elements;
(c)
construction waste separation and separate storage;
(d)
correct loading on trucks;
(e)
shoring techniques;
(f)
adequate knowledge of basic requirements
stipulated in the Act and in the Construction Management Site
Regulations;
(g)
adequate knowledge of the Health and Safety at
Work Act and of the regulations made thereunder.
2. In the event that the applicant is a natural person, he shall
be eligible to apply as a Demolition Contractor subject to the
following requirements being satisfied
(a)
the applicant shall be in possession or show
evidence of
(i)
a Level 4 certification as a Demolition
Plant Supervisor issued in accordance with the National
Occupational Standards and shall have at least three (3)
years experience in demolition works; or
(ii)
a minimum of three (3) years experience in
demolition works supported by references of at least two
(2) completed projects; or
(iii) a mason’s licence with at least three (3)
years experience in masonry work;
(b)
a list of all certified equipment to be utilised;
(c)
has the capacity to ensure that all demolition
works on a site are duly supervised by a Level 4 certified
Demolition Plant Supervisor in terms of the National
Occupational Standards, or any other qualifications or
experience which the Committee considers to be equivalent or a
suitable alternative to this qualification.
3. In the event that the applicant is an entity, it shall be
eligible to apply as a Demolition Contractor subject to the following
requirements being satisfied
(a)
the licensed administrator shall be in possession
or show evidence of
(i)
a Level 4 certification as a Demolition
Plant Supervisor issued in accordance with the National
Occupational Standards and shall have at least three (3)
years experience in supervision of demolition works; or
(ii)
has a minimum of three (3) years
experience in demolition works supported by references
of at least two (2) completed projects; or
(iii) a mason’s licence with at least three (3)
years experience in masonry work;
(b)
employs at least one (1) full time employee who
holds a Level 4 certification as a Demolition Plant Supervisor
issued in accordance with the National Occupational Standards,
unless the applicant is so certified;
(c)
a list of all certified equipment to be utilised;
(d)
has the capacity to ensure that all demolition works
on a site are duly supervised by a Level 4 certified Demolition
Plant Supervisor in terms of the National Occupational
Standards, or any other qualifications or experience which the
Committee considers to be equivalent or a suitable alternative to
this qualification.
4. The Committee may consider other documentation and,
or experience of the applicant as equivalent or a suitable alternative to
the threshold criteria set out above, where applicable.
5. As from 1st January 2025, the licensed contractor shall
ensure that all workers who are in any manner engaged, entrusted or
employed with the licensed contractor to execute demolition works
hold a Level 4 certification as a Demolition Plant Supervisor issued in
accordance with the National Occupational Standards, or hold any
other qualifications or experience which the Committee considers to be
equivalent or a suitable alternative to this qualification
Provided that any demolition workers who do not hold a
Level 4 certification as a Demolition Plant Supervisor issued in
accordance with the National Occupational Standards, or any other
qualifications or experience which the Committee considers to be
equivalent or a suitable alternative to this qualification, may continue
to carry out any demolition work under the constant supervision of a
person who holds a Level 4 certification as a Demolition Plant
Supervisor issued in accordance with the National Occupational
Standards, or any other qualifications or experience which the
Committee considers to be equivalent or a suitable alternative to this
qualification in accordance with the service activity criteria as listed
above.
B.
Criteria for the Licensing of Excavation and Piling
Contractors
1. The applicant shall be required to manifest competence in
the following
(a)
excavation works;
(b)
setting up and dismantling of structural and non-
structural supports;
(c)
correct loading on trucks;
(d)
shoring techniques;
(e)
dumping of construction waste at authorised
waste management facilities;
(f)
adequate knowledge of basic requirements
stipulated in the Act and in the Construction Management Site
Regulations;
(g)
adequate knowledge of the Health and Safety at
Work Act and of the regulations made thereunder.
If the applicant intends to include piling works under this
service activity, the applicant shall be required to manifest competence
in the shifting of piling equipment, boring or boring of piles, casting of
piles, and pile cap construction.
2. In the event that the applicant is a natural person, he shall
be eligible to apply for a licence of an Excavations Contractor subject
to the following requirements being satisfied
(a)
the applicant shall be in possession or show
evidence of
(i)
a Level 4 certification as an Excavation
Plant Supervisor issued in accordance with the National
Occupational Standards and shall have at least three (3)
years experience; or
(ii)
minimum of three (3) years experience in
excavation and piling works supported by references of
at least two (2) projects involving excavation or piling
works;
(b)
a list of all certified equipment to be utilised;
(c)
has the capacity to ensure that all excavation
works on a site are duly supervised by a Level 4 certified
Excavation Plant Supervisor in terms of the National
Occupational Standards, or any other qualifications or
experience which the Committee considers to be equivalent or a
suitable alternative to this qualification.
3. In the event that the applicant is an entity, it shall be
eligible to apply for a licence of an Excavation Contractor subject to
the following requirements being satisfied
(a)
the licensed administrator shall be in possession or
show evidence of
(i)
a Level 4 certification as an Excavation
Plant Supervisor issued in accordance with the National
Occupational Standards and have at least three (3) years
experience in supervision of excavation work; or
(ii)
a minimum of three (3) years experience in
excavation or piling works supported by references of at
least two (2) completed projects involving excavation or
piling works; or
(b)
employs at least one (1) full time employee who
holds a Level 4 certification as an Excavation Plant Supervisor
in accordance with the National Occupational Standards, unless
the applicant is so certified;
(c)
a list of all certified equipment to be utilised;
(d)
has the capacity to ensure that all excavation works
on a site are duly supervised by a Level 4 certified Excavation
Plant Supervisor in terms of the National Occupational
Standards, or any other qualifications or experience which the
Committee considers to be equivalent or a suitable alternative to
this qualification.
4. The Committee may consider other documentation and,
or experience of the applicant as equivalent or a suitable alternative to
the threshold criteria set out above, where applicable.
5. As from 1st January 2025, the licensed contractor shall
ensure that all workers who are in any manner engaged, entrusted or
employed with the licensed contractor to execute excavation works
hold, a Level 4 certification as an Excavation Plant Supervisor issued
in accordance with the National Occupational Standards, or hold any
other qualifications or experience which the Committee considers to be
equivalent or a suitable alternative to this qualification
Provided that any excavation workers who do not hold a
Level 4 certification as an Excavation Plant Supervisor issued in
accordance with the National Occupational Standards, or any other
qualifications or experience which the Committee considers to be
equivalent or a suitable alternative to this qualification may continue to
carry out excavation works under the constant supervision of a person
who holds a Level 4 certification as an Excavation Plant Supervisor
issued in accordance with the National Occupational Standards, or any
other qualifications or experience which the Committee considers to be
equivalent or a suitable alternative to this qualification in accordance
with the service activity criteria as listed above.
C.
Criteria for the Licensing of Construction Contractors
1. The applicant shall be required to manifest competence in
the following
(a)
masonry and brick wall construction;
(b)
design and construction of form work;
(c)
reinforcement and concreting works;
(d)
site management;
(e)
overseeing site preparation prior to the
commencement of any works, including hoarding, existing and
proposed temporary infrastructural requirements;
(f)
adequate knowledge of basic requirements
stipulated in the Act and in the Construction Management Site
Regulations;
(g)
adequate knowledge of the Health and Safety at
Work Act and of the regulations made thereunder.
2. (1)
In the case that the applicant is a natural person,
he shall be eligible to apply as a construction contractor if he is in
possession of
(a)
a mason’s licence;
(b)
a list of all certified equipment to be utilised
Provided that the applicant shall have the capacity
to ensure that all construction works on a site are duly
supervised by a licensed mason or by a person who is in
possession of an equivalent National Occupational Standards
Certification in masonry works and, or any other qualifications
or experience which the Committee considers to be equivalent
or a suitable alternative to this qualification.
(2)
If the applicant does not satisfy the criteria in sub-
paragraph 1(a), he shall provide the Authority with a contract of works
with a licensed mason or an employment agreement of a licensed
mason, which contract or agreement shall be for the period of validity
of the contractor’s licence issued in accordance with these regulations
Provided that if the application is made on one’s own
behalf, such licence shall be valid for a period of one (1) year
Provided further that if the application is made for a
commercial purpose, on the expiry of a period of one (1) year, the
applicant shall re-apply to the Authority for such licence to be issued
under a commercial entity recognised by law, which entity shall be
formed by the said applicant.
3. In the event that an applicant is an entity, it shall be
eligible to apply as a construction contractor subject to the following
requirements being satisfied
(a)
the licensed administrator shall be in possession or
brings proof of
(i)
a mason’s licence with at least three (3)
years experience in construction work; or
(ii)
a minimum of three (3) years experience in
construction management supported by references of at
least two (2) building projects;
(b)
the applicant employs at least one (1) employee
who is a licensed mason or is in possession of an equivalent
National Occupational Standards certification in masonry
works, unless the applicant is so certified;
(c)
the applicant provides a list of all certified
equipment to be utilised;
(d)
the applicant has the capacity to ensure that all
construction works on a site are duly supervised by a licensed
mason or by a person who is in possession of an equivalent
National Occupational Standards certification in masonry
works, or any other qualifications or experience which the
Committee considers to be equivalent or a suitable alternative to
this qualification.
4. The Committee may consider other documentation and,
or experience of the applicant as equivalent or a suitable alternative to
the threshold criteria set out above, where applicable.
5. As from 1st January 2025, the licensed contractor shall
ensure that all workers who are in any manner engaged, entrusted or
employed with the licensed contractor to execute construction works
are licensed masons or hold a Level 3 certification in block layering
issued in accordance with the National Occupational Standards, or hold
any other qualifications or experience which the Committee considers
to be equivalent or a suitable alternative to this qualification
Provided that any construction workers who are not
licensed masons or do not hold a Level 3 certification in block layering
issued in accordance with the National Occupational Standards or do
not hold any other qualifications or experience which the Committee
considers to be equivalent or a suitable alternative to this qualification
may continue to carry out construction works under the constant
supervision of a licensed mason or by a person who holds a Level 3
certification in block layering issued in accordance with the National
Occupational Standards or holds any other qualifications or experience
which the Committee considers to be equivalent or a suitable
alternative to this qualification in accordance with the service activity
criteria as listed above.
(1)
The exercise of any of the service activities
stipulated in Schedule I shall not be carried out by any person or entity
unless the said person or entity has acquired a valid licence for the
exercise of such service activity.
(2)
Any natural person, who upon the coming into force of
these regulations has already assumed, or intends to assume, the exercise
of any of the service activities listed in Schedule I and to whom the
provisions of the Act apply, shall submit an application for a licence
with respect to that service activity.
(3)
Any entity which upon the coming into force of these
regulations has already assumed, or intends to assume, the exercise of
any of the service activities listed in Schedule I, and to which the
provisions of the Act apply, shall submit an application for a licence with
respect to that service activity.
(4)
Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-regulation (1),
any person or entity having submitted an application as laid down sub-
regulations (2) or (3), shall not pending the determination of that
application, be withheld from continuing in the exercise of any of the
service activities listed in Schedule I and to which the application for
licence relates, if the application is deemed to have been submitted in a
complete and valid prescribed form by the applicable time-frame, and
unless the Authority directs otherwise when in its opinion the
circumstances so require
Provided that during the period pending the determination
of an application, the applicant shall be responsible to fulfill the
obligations referred to in regulations 5
Provided further that when the applicant contravenes any
provision of the Act or any regulations made thereunder during the
period pending the determination of the application, apart from being
subject to enforcement procedures in terms of the Act, the Authority
may consider the applicant’s contravention as a ground for refusal of
his application and consequently withhold the applicant from the
exercise of the service activity to which the application relates.
(5)
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding sub-
regulations, any person or entity applying for a licence may continue in
the exercise of the service activity to which the licence relates during
the period pending the determination of the application if
(a)
the application is deemed to have been submitted
in a complete and valid form by the time-frame specified in this
sub-regulation; and
(b)
the Committee, within sixty (60) days from the
submission of a valid application, issues a provisional clearance
that authorises the exercise of that service activity
Provided that at any time during the period
pending the determination of the application, the Authority may
revoke the applicant’s provisional clearance and withhold him
from the exercise of the service activity to which the application
relates wherever the Authority considers that the circumstances
so require
Provided further that when the applicant
contravenes any provision of the Act or any regulations made
thereunder during the period pending the determination of the
application, apart from being subject to enforcement procedures
in accordance with the Act, the Authority may consider the
applicant’s contravention as a ground for withdrawal of the
provisional clearance and, or the application, and consequently
withhold the applicant from the exercise of the service activity
to which the application relates.
(6)
Any person or entity who fails to apply for a licence in
terms of sub-regulations (2), (3) or (5), as applicable, may not assume
the exercise or continue to exercise any of the service activities listed in
Schedule I without first having acquired a valid licence issued in terms
of these regulations.
Fees
1. Administrative Fees
New licence and renewal of an application (regulations 13 and
15)
(a)
demolition
€100
(b)
excavation
€100
(c)
construction
€100
Other administrative fees
(a)
duplicate
licence
€100
certificate issued in accordance with
regulation 18
(b)
application
for
the
€100
cancellation of a licence in
accordance with regulation 22
2. Licence Fees applicable for all service activities listed
in Schedule I (regulations 4 and 17)
Class A – Contractor being a natural person (regulation 16(2))
A1 – contractor with no
€50
employees
A2 – contractor employing
€100
up to five (5) persons
A3 – contractor employing
€150
up to ten (10) persons
A4 – contractor employing
€200
more than ten (10) persons
Class B – Contractor being an entity (regulation 16(3))
B1 – contractor employing
€200
up to ten (10) persons
B2 – contractor employing
€250
up to twenty (20) persons
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING
B3 – contractor employing
€300
more than twenty (20) persons
Fees are not refundable and are payable prior to the issue of the
licence or the renewal.
(1)
Any of the service activities listed in Schedule I
shall be carried out by holders of a licence in accordance with these
regulations
Provided that minor works can be carried out by the
holder of a construction licence
Provided further that the Director of Public Works, the
Commissioner of the Malta Police Force, the Commander of Armed
Forces of Malta, the Director of the Civil Protection Department, or
any other Government department, shall be exempt from the
requirements stipulated in these regulations subject to a request for
exemption which is to be submitted to and approved by the Board in
terms of article 21 of the Act.
(2) The fees applicable for the submission of an application
for licence, the issue of a licence and the renewal thereof shall be
prescribed in Schedule III.
(1)
It shall be the responsibility of a licenced
contractor to
(a)
abide by the conditions of a licence and any
orders, directions or requirements which may be imposed by
the Authority with regard to the operation of the licence;
(b)
ensure that the execution of any work conforms
with the practices, guidelines and regulations pertaining to the
respective licensed services activities that may be issued by the
Authority;
(c)
abide by any directions issued by the perit or any
other person responsible by law, as well as any other
conditions, method statements and requirements in relation to
building and construction imposed by any regulatory entity.
(2)
For the purposes of these regulations, a person or
entity assuming the exercise of any of the service activities
listed in Schedule I, refers to any person or entity actually
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING
executing works relative to any of the service activities under
their responsibility, or a person or entity who in any manner
employs, engages or entrusts workers to execute works relative
to any of the service activities under that person’s or that entity’s
responsibility.
(3)
The licence holder shall ensure that any works
done in the execution of any service activity listed in Schedule I
shall be covered by a valid insurance policy which provides
cover against any loss, damage, injury or death that may be
suffered by any third party consequent to any act or omission of
the licensed contractor, his employees and other persons who
operate under the direction of the contractor for the execution of
the works.
(4)
The licence holder shall ensure that he is covered
by a valid insurance policy to make good for damages at the
place of work, including bodily harm that may be sustained by
any employee
(a)
if the licence holder is not covered by an insurance
policy covering against damages at the place of
work, including bodily harm that may be sustained
by any employee as required by this sub-regulation,
the said licence holder shall be personally
responsible to make good for any damage which
would have been covered by the insurance policy
required by this sub-regulation had the said policy
been in force as required; and
(b)
where the licence holder who is not covered by an
insurance policy against damages at the place of
work, including bodily harm that may be sustained
by an employee as required by this sub-regulation,
is a body or other association of persons, every
person who is a director, manager or other principal
officer of the said body or association shall be
personally responsible in solidum with the said body
or association to make good for any damage which
would have been covered by the insurance policy
required by this sub-regulation had the said policy
been in force as required.
PART II
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING COMMITTEE
(1)
There shall be established a Construction Industry
Licensing Committee, which shall be appointed by the Minister, after
consultation with the Board.
(2)
The Committee shall be composed of not less than five
(5) members and not more than eleven (11) members who shall have
substantial knowledge and experience on matters related to the
building and construction industry, legal affairs or other subjects
related to the construction industry, one (1) of which shall be the
Chairperson
Provided that two (2) members shall be a warranted perit
and a engineer respectively, both of whom have practiced their
respective profession for at least ten (10) years
Provided further that the Minister may designate one of
the other members as Deputy Chairperson, and the member so
designated shall have all the powers and perform all the functions of
the Chairperson during the Chairperson’s temporary absence or the
inability of the Chairperson to act as Chairperson.
The Committee shall have a Secretary, to be appointed by
the Minister, who shall have such duties as may be assigned by the
Committee.
The Authority shall provide the necessary administrative
support to the Committee for the proper performance of its functions.
(1)
The members of the Committee and the secretary,
shall hold office for a term of three (3) years on such terms and
conditions as the Minister may establish.
(2)
Members of the Committee and the secretary shall be
eligible for reappointment for further terms on the expiration of their
terms of office.
The Committee shall have the following functions:-
(a)
to issue licences for each service activities as
listed in Schedule I
Provided that the Board may also establish sub-
committees or appoint such persons who have professional
qualifications and, or knowledge and experience in matters related to
building and construction to assist in the evaluation of applications for
a licence;
(b)
to implement any directive issued by the Board in
respect of licensing requirements for particular skills or
activities related to the building and construction industry;
(c)
to keep the required registers for the fulfilment of
its functions;
(d)
to draw up reports which shall be discussed with
the Board
(i)
on any issue relevant to these regulations,
including any application;
(ii)
on any issue concerning the licensing
process; and
(iii) on any other matter related to the licensing of
contractors which the Board may be required to address
by means of directives, regulations, policies and any
amendment thereof;
(e)
to perform such other functions as may, from time
to time, be assigned to it by the Minister in consultation with the
Authority.
(1)
The meetings of the Committee shall be called by
the Chairperson either on his own initiative or after accepting the
request of any member of the Committee, and the Committee shall also
meet at such times as it may decide itself
Provided that the Committee shall meet at least once
every calendar month or ulterior times, as may be required.
(2)
The quorum of the Committee shall consist of the
Chairperson or the Deputy Chairperson, and shall not be less than half
the number of the other members constituting the Committee, at the
time of the meeting.
(3)
Decisions of the Committee shall be taken by a simple
majority of the members present at the meeting
Provided that the Chairperson at a meeting shall have an
original vote, and in case of equality of votes, a casting vote.
(4)
The Committee may act notwithstanding any vacancy in
its membership, provided that a quorum is reached amongst the
members who are present.
(5)
The Committee shall regulate its own procedure.
(6)
The provisions of article 16 of the Act shall apply mutatis
mutandis to the members of the Committee.
The members of the Committee shall be remunerated in
accordance with criteria as may be applicable from time to time within
the public sector.
PART III
LICENCE
(1)
The Authority shall publish in the Gazette and on
the said Authority’s website the time period within which it shall
commence to receive and accept applications for the licence for any
service activities listed in Schedule I.
(2)
The notice shall
(a)
specify the form, information and documents
required for the submission of an application for a licence in
terms of these regulations, including but not limited to the
criteria established under Schedule II; and
(b)
the applicable administrative fees in terms of
Schedule III.
(1)
The applicant shall satisfy the requirements as
stipulated
(a)
is a natural person over twenty one (21) years of
age and is habitually resident in Malta, or in any Member State;
or
(b)
is an entity;
(2)
The Committee shall be satisfied that the applicant
(a)
fulfils the requirements for a licence as specified
in regulation 15; and
(b)
is in possession of the necessary criteria
thresholds established in Schedule II; and
(c)
provides sufficient evidence of sound knowledge
of the subjects listed in item 1 of Parts A, B and C of Schedule
II respectively; and
(d) is a natural person of good repute and conduct and of
appropriate financial standing or an entity where each of the
directors is of good repute and conduct and the said entity is of
appropriate financial standing.
(3)
A person or entity shall not be deemed to satisfy the
requirement of good repute and conduct if the applicant
(a)
has been convicted of serious criminal offences
during the last five (5) years, which are offences of
misappropriation and fraud; or
(b)
has been convicted by a competent Court in the
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING
past two (2) years of committing an offence in accordance with
the provisions of the Act or any regulations made thereunder;
and
(c)
has been convicted of any corresponding offence
under any law of a country or territory outside Malta
Provided that if the applicant was less than
eighteen (18) years old when he was found guilty, the period
mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) shall be of two (2) and one
(1) year respectively.
(4)
A person or entity may be licensed to assume the
exercise of more than one (1) service activity listed in Schedule
I in which case a separate application form and the supporting
documentation specified in these regulations shall be submitted
by them, for each respective service activity, together with such
other information and documentation as may be requested by the
Committee to be submitted to reach a determination on the
application.
(1)
An application for the issue of a licence shall be
submitted to the Chief Executive Officer in the form prescribed by the
Authority in terms of these regulations and shall satisfy the
requirements specified in regulation 14(1) together with the following
additional requirements
(a)
the address provided by the applicant and the
applicant’s electronic mail address;
(b)
other necessary information which may be
requested by the Authority in accordance with these regulations;
and
(c)
payment of the relevant application fee as provided
in Schedule III.
(2)
Where the applicant is a natural person, in addition to the
requirements specified in sub-regulation (1), the application shall also
be accompanied by the following documentation
(a)
the applicant’s VAT registration number;
(b)
a conduct certificate issued under the Conduct
Certificate Ordinance not issued prior to two (2) months from
the date of submission of the application
Provided that in case that the applicant is not a person
habitually resident in Malta, an equivalent document issued by a
competent judicial or administrative authority of the country of
habitual residence shall be provided instead.
(c)
a declaration that confirms that the applicant is
not bankrupt.
(3)
An entity which submits an application for a licence,
may appoint and authorise a competent person to act on its behalf with
respect to the fulfilment of the criteria and obligations set out in these
regulations and to act as the entity’s licensed administrator, and in
addition to requirements listed in sub-regulation (1), it shall submit
(a)
the entity’s legal status and the entity’s registered
official address;
(b)
the
relative
VAT
registration
number,
if
applicable;
(c)
the name and details of the licensed administrator
and proof of the engagement relationship with the entity
concerned;
(d)
a resolution from the Board of Directors of the
entity, authorising and appointing a person to act as the licensed
administrator in terms of these regulations;
(e)
a conduct certificate issued under the Conduct
Certificate Ordinance, issued not prior to two (2) months from
the submission of the date of the application, of the directors
and the licensed administrator of the entity
Provided that in the case that the directors or the licensed
administrators are not habitually resident in Malta, an equivalent
document issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority of
the country of habitual residence of the directors and the licensed
administrators shall be provided instead;
(f)
a declaration that confirms that the entity is not
bankrupt.
(4)
In addition to the declaration as requested in paragraph
(c) of sub-regulation (2) and paragraph (f) of sub-regulation (3), the
Committee may request additional documentation or adequate
financial standing
Provided that for the purposes of assessing the adequate
financial standing, the Committee shall have regard to the type of
service activity and to the financial situation of the applicant, such as,
but not limited to, and at the Committee’s discretion
(a)
updated annual accounts, if any;
(b)
the funds available, including overdraft and loan
facilities;
(c)
any assets, including property, which are available
to provide partial or full security for the service activity;
(5)
The applicant shall possess or employ a person who
possesses good command of the Maltese or the English language and in
the absence of which, the applicant shall provide the service of an
interpreter to facilitate proper communication.
(6)
An application shall be deemed complete and valid for
further processing, if it contains all the details specified in sub-
regulations (1), (2) or (3), as the case may be, and the applicant
conforms with the requirements of regulation 14(1)
Provided that any person or entity that submits an
application for a licence with respect to the service activity specified in
Part C of Schedule II, shall also be required to submit a valid masons
licence.
(1)
The Committee shall decide on an application
submitted in accordance with these regulations within sixty (60) days
from the submission of a valid application
Provided that in the case of applications submitted before
31st December 2024, the Committee shall decide by the 30 th June
2025
Provided further that if the Committee requires additional
time, it shall inform the applicant in writing that the decision shall be
delivered within thirty (30) days from the original date on which the
decision was to be delivered.
(2) At any stage prior to the final determination of the
application, the Committee may
(a)
request any additional information, documentation
or requirements from the applicant which it considers relevant to
the application;
(b)
review and, or inspect on-site completed or
ongoing projects of the applicant;
(c)
where the applicant is or was previously in
possession of a licence or registration issued by the competent
authority of another Member State or a Third Country, the
Committee may request information on the applicant from such
competent authority;
(d)
requests any information about the applicant from
any competent authority as required.
(3)
The Committee may approve or reject an application, and
may also impose any conditions which it deems appropriate to be
included in the licence.
(4)
Notice of the decision shall be published on the website
of the Department of Information and the Committee shall notify the
applicant of such publication by means of electronic mail.
(1)
The Committee shall inform the applicant of the
decision to grant the licence within five (5) working days from the
decision date by registered mail.
(2)
The decision notice shall
(a)
specify the service activity being licensed,
including any range of functions, duties and responsibilities
within the ambit of that service activity;
(b)
specify the terms, conditions and limitations to
which the licence shall be subject, as decided by the Committee
in terms of these regulations;
(c)
specify the fee to be paid for the issue of the
licence as provided in Schedule III;
(d)
specify any pending dues to the Authority;
(e)
include the validity period of the licence which
shall run from the date of issue of the Licence Certificate as
specified in regulation 20; and
(f)
inform the applicant that the notice may be
appealed before the Tribunal within twenty (20) days from the
date of its publication on the website of the Department of
Information and that the licence certificate shall be suspended
pending the determination of the appeal.
(1)
Upon payment of the relative licence fee and other
pending dues, if any, a Licence Certificate shall be issued in favour of
the licencee and it shall include the details of the licence and any
conditions imposed by the Authority, where applicable.
(2)
The Licence Certificate shall be in the possession of the
licensed contractor at all times.
(3)
In the event that a valid Licence Certificate has been lost
or defaced, an application for the issue of a duplicate of the original
certificate, may be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer in the
form prescribed by the Authority, together with the payment of the
administrative fee as specified in Schedule III.
(4)
The details of the licence shall be kept in the Register
held by the Authority, and shall include the following
(a)
the details of the licence holder;
(b)
date of issue of licence;
(c)
the service activity being licensed; and
(d)
any conditions imposed by the Committee in
relation to the licence.
(1)
Where the Committee intends to refuse an
application, it shall give the applicant notice in writing specifying the
reasons for refusal.
(2)
The notice for refusal shall state that the applicant shall
have the right, within twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of such
notice, to make submissions in writing before the Committee
specifying reasons why the application should not be refused, and the
Committee shall consider any representations so made before reaching
its final decision.
(3)
If the Committee, despite any submissions made by the
applicant, decides to refuse the application, it shall inform the applicant
of the decision by registered mail, within five (5) working days from
the decision.
(4)
The decision notice shall
(a)
include the reasons motivating the Committee’s
decision of refusal;
(b)
inform the applicant that the notice may be
appealed before the Tribunal within twenty (20) days from the
date of publication of the notice on the website of the
Department of Information.
(1)
Licences issued under these regulations shall remain
valid for two (2) years from the date of issue of a Licence Certificate, and
shall be subject to renewal every two (2) years after such date
Provided that for the purposes of renewing a licence, the
licensed contractor shall submit a valid and complete application in the
form prescribed by the Authority, submitted to the Chief Executive
Officer, not later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiry date of the
valid licence.
(2)
The provisions of regulations 16 to 19 shall apply in the
determination of the renewal application by the Committee and the issue
of a licence.
(3)
Where the Committee decides that the applicant lacks
sufficient professional competency, it may request the applicant to attend
courses or training to cover subjects listed in item 1 of Parts A, B and C
of Schedule II, which shall be provided yearly for the purpose of
renewal of the licence.
(4)
The Committee shall also request courses that shall also be
provided when the Authority considers that new practices, and
regulations pertaining to the service activities listed in Schedule I and
subjects in addition to those listed in item 1 of Parts A, B and C of
Schedule II have been introduced, to ascertain that the applicants are
able to execute any works covered by the licence
Provided that the Authority shall also require that
licencees attend such courses and the attendance and completion of
these courses shall be considered for any subsequent renewal
applications.
(1)
The licensed contractor shall inform the Authority
without delay, of any change in the licence details or a change in the
nominated persons satisfying the criteria thresholds as provided in
Schedule II and of any change in the information submitted as part of the
application submission requirements in accordance with regulation 15.
(2)
Where a licensed administrator ceases to occupy the post
or is no longer in the employment of the licensed contractor, the licensed
administrator or the licencee shall, by not later than three (3) working
days from such occurrence, notify the Authority in writing and during
such period suspend the exercise of the licensed service activity.
(3)
A new administrator shall be appointed by the licencee
whose details shall be notified to the Committee within three (3)
working days of such appointment.
(4)
The appointment of the new administrator shall be subject
to the approval of the Committee, which shall not be granted unless the
person so appointed fulfills the requirements of these regulations, and
until such approval is granted, the exercise of the licensed service
activity shall remain suspended.
(1)
If any licencee applies to the Authority for the
cancellation of a licence, the application shall be made in the form
prescribed by the Authority and shall be accompanied by the payment of
the cancellation fee laid down in Schedule III, and shall include a
declaration signed by applicant stating that the applicant is not aware of
any proceedings or of any reason for the institution of any proceedings
which may result in the removal of the applicant’s name from the
Register held by the Authority.
(2)
The Committee shall within thirty (30) days from the
receipt of an application cancel the licence, and remove it from the
Register
Provided that any cancellation shall be without prejudice to
the responsbility or liability of the applicant in respect of any work or
services rendered by the applicant prior to such cancellation, or any
damages or impacts resulting therefrom.
(3)
The decision of the Committee shall be communicated to
the applicant within thirty (30) days from such decision.
(4)
The Committee shall notify the applicant with its decision
by means of registered mail.
PART IV
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
(1)
Whosoever assumes the exercise of any of the
service activities listed in Schedule I with a suspended licence or without
a valid licence issued under these regulations, shall be guilty of an
offence against these regulations and shall be liable on conviction to
imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months or a fine (multa)
not exceeding fifty thousand euro (€50,000) or to both such fine and
imprisonment, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine
(multa) of five thousand euro (€ 5,000) for each day during which the
offence continues.
(2)
Whosoever fails to comply with any conditions of a
clearance or licence issued under these regulations or who acts in breach
of any provision of these regulations shall be guilty of an offence against
these regulations and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine (multa) not
exceeding ten thousand euro (€10,000) and in the case of a continuing
offence, to a further fine (multa) of five hundred euro (€500) for each day
during which the offence continues.
(3)
Whosoever makes a false declaration for the purposes of
these regulations shall be guilty of an offence against these regulations
and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine (multa) not exceeding one
thousand five hundred euro (€1,500), without prejudice to any other
higher punishment for which the person may be subject under any other
law.
(4)
The Court may also order the suspension or revocation for
a stated period of the licence when convicting the holder of a licence for
a crime against the Act and these regulations, in addition to any of the
punishments specified in these regulations.
(1)
Notwithstanding any other provision of these
regulations, and without prejudice to any other proceedings to which the
person or entity acting in breach of these regulations may be liable under
any other law, in the case of any breach of these regulations, the
Authority may, following the issue of an enforcement notice in
accordance with articles 23, 24, 25 and 26 of the Act, impose an
administrative penalty in accordance with these regulations.
(2)
An administrative penalty imposed under this regulation
shall not exceed the maximum amount of the fine (multa) which the
offender may be liable to, for the corresponding offence, in accordance
with the provisions of regulation 23.
(3)
Any person or entity feeling aggrieved by the imposition
of an administrative penalty shall have a right of appeal in accordance
with the Act.
(4)
In all cases where the Chief Executive Officer imposes an
administrative penalty in respect of anything done or omitted to be done
by any person, and where such act or omission also constitutes a
criminal offence, no proceedings may be instituted against the person in
respect of such offence wherever such person accepts responsibility for
the breach in respect of which the administrative penalty is imposed and
implements any remedial measures as may be directed by the Chief
Executive Officer and pays the administrative penalty.
(1)
Notwithstanding any other penalties and, or
punishments for which the applicant, licensed contractor or licensed
administrator may be liable to under these regulations, the Act or any
other law, the Board may, in accordance with article 20 of the Act,
revoke or temporarily suspend any licence or clearance issued in favour
of any contractor under these regulations, for failure to comply with any
licence conditions or with any requirements stipulated in the Act or any
regulations made thereunder.
(2)
A licence suspended in accordance with these regulations
may be re-issued by the Board if the breach or failure is rectified in
accordance with these regulations, and such licence may be subject to
any such additional conditions which the Board may deem necessary to
impose.
(3)
Every person or entity whose licence is revoked or
suspended shall immediately deliver the respective Licence Certificate
to the Authority.
(4)
The Court of Magistrates as a Court of Criminal
Judicature may upon conviction of a licensee and, without prejudice to
the powers of the Authority in terms of the preceding sub-regulations,
suspend any licensed contractor from the exercise of the trade for any
period of time and, for this purpose, may also order the Authority to
revoke a licence issued under these regulations or refuse its renewal.
(5)
The Authority shall, by means of a notice of decision
published in the Gazette, on the Authority’s website, and entered in the
Register, make available to the public the names and details of
licencees and licensed administrators whose licence has been
suspended or revoked.
(6)
Any person or entity feeling aggrieved by a decision of
the Authority concerning the revocation or suspension of a licence or of
any condition thereof, shall have a right of appeal before the Tribunal
in accordance with the Act.
(7)
In the case of suspension or revocation of a licence or
refusal in accordance with these regulations, the Authority may at its
discretion decide to reinstate the contractor if the contractor, upon the
submission of a fresh application, provides sufficient proof and
assurance that he has taken the necessary measures to rectify any
occurrence or breach which resulted in the revocation of the licence.