Freedom of Information

About the TAC

The TAC is the Type Approval Authority for Malta, established under the framework of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components, and separate technical units intended for such vehicles. The TAC also ensures compliance with applicable UN Regulations as referenced by EU type approval legislation.

Structure of the TAC

The TAC comprises the following functional areas:

• TAC Chair and Committee members: responsible for the final approval of type approval certificates, policy direction, and oversight.
• Malta Type Approval Committee: responsible for the assessment of applications, coordination with technical services, management of audits, and recommendation of certificates for approval.
• Administration: responsible for user management, system configuration, fee schedules, and operational support.

Functions and Responsibilities

The TAC carries out the following functions:

• Processing applications for whole vehicle, system, component, and separate technical unit type approvals
• Designation and oversight of technical services conducting testing and assessments
• Issuance, amendment, extension, and withdrawal of type approval certificates
• Conducting and coordinating audits of technical services and manufacturers
• Managing non-conformity procedures and corrective actions
• Processing individual vehicle approvals
• Maintaining records and communicating with EU institutions and other Member State authorities as required by Regulation (EU) 2018/858 and applicable UN Regulations

Categories of Documents

The TAC holds the following general categories of documents:

• Type approval applications and supporting documentation
• Technical service designation applications and accreditation records
• Type approval certificates and related decision records
• Audit reports and non-conformity records
• Correspondence with applicants, technical services, and other authorities
• Policy and procedural documents
• Financial records relating to fees and payments

How to Submit an FOI Request

FOI requests may be submitted to the TAC by any of the following means:

• By email to [email protected]
• Through the FOI Portal at www.foi.gov.mt (using e-ID or the online form)
• By post to the address provided below

Internal Complaints Procedure

If your request for information is refused, or you are not satisfied with the information provided, its format, or the time taken to respond, you may address a complaint to the TAC.

The complaint should be directed to the TAC's FOI contact, who will bring it to the attention of the responsible officer. A response will be provided within 10 working days of receipt. You will also be informed of your right to appeal the decision or lodge a complaint with the Information and Data Protection Commissioner under the Freedom of Information Act (Chapter 496 of the Laws of Malta).

Where an FOI request can be met but has not been responded to within the deadlines specified by the Act, any applicable fees for the provision of information may be waived.

Payment of Fees

Where applicable fees apply to an FOI request, payment may be made by bank transfer. Payment details will be provided upon confirmation that fees are due. Please contact the TAC for current payment instructions.

Further Information

Further information about the Freedom of Information Act and how to submit requests can be found on the FOI portal at www.foi.gov.mt.

Working Hours

Contact Details