Quick Facts
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Maltese online shoppers
- Fashion and home goods buyers
- Shein uses IOSS system - no surprise VAT fees at checkout for orders under €150
- Split orders over €150 into smaller ones to avoid customs duties and processing fees
- Free shipping on orders over €39; expect 10-14 days delivery to Malta
- New EU €3 customs duty per item category coming July 2026
Shein offers excellent value for Maltese shoppers when you keep orders under €150 and use garment measurements (not S/M/L labels) for sizing. The IOSS registration eliminates surprise fees, making it more reliable than before.
Shopping online from Malta often feels like a gamble. You find a great deal, click buy, and then spend weeks worrying about whether a slip from MaltaPost will show up demanding extra VAT and handling fees. Shein used to be the worst offender for this, but the logistics have shifted drastically.
Here is the reality right now: Shein is fully registered for the IOSS (Import One Stop Shop) system. This means for most orders, the price you see at checkout is the final price no surprise fees upon arrival in Malta. However, with new EU customs rules looming for mid-2026, you need to know exactly how to structure your cart to keep it cheap.
The Shein Malta Appeal: Beyond Cheap Clothes
Shein has evolved from a chaotic fast fashion site into a massive marketplace. While they are famous for €5 tops, the platform now aggressively pushes home goods, pet accessories, and even electronics. For Maltese shoppers, who often face limited stock on the high street, the inventory depth is the main draw.
If you are looking for alternatives in Europe with faster shipping, platforms like Zalando offer a different mix of brands, but Shein remains the volume leader for pure budget shopping.
Crucial: VAT, Customs & The €150 Limit
This is the number one question we get. Do you have to pay customs on Shein orders in Malta?
- Under €150: You are generally safe. Shein collects the 18% VAT at checkout (IOSS). You should not be charged extra by MaltaPost or customs upon delivery.
- Over €150: This is where it gets messy. Orders over this value are not covered by IOSS. You will likely be hit with import duties and VAT upon arrival, plus a processing fee. Pro Tip: If your cart hits €160, split it into two separate orders of €80 each to stay in the “safe zone.”
- The 2026 Change: Be aware that EU finance ministers have approved a new flat €3 customs duty per item category for low value parcels, which is scheduled to kick in around July 1, 2026. Until then, the sub-€150 exemption holds strong.
Shipping Times & Costs to Malta
Getting packages to an island is rarely fast, but Shein has improved its logistics network. As of late 2025, here is the breakdown:
- Free Shipping Threshold: Orders over €39.00 ship free.
- Standard Cost: €4.90 for orders between €14.90–€39.00. (Orders under €14.90 cost €6.90—avoid this, it’s not worth it).
- Delivery Speed: Officially, Shein quotes 6 to 10 business days. In practice, seasoned Maltese shoppers know to expect closer to 10-14 days, especially during holidays.
This is significantly faster than ordering from China based warehouses on other platforms. For comparison, shipping logistics for AliExpress orders to Southern Europe have also improved, but Shein generally holds the edge on consistency.
The “Shein Roulette”: Sizing Guide
Never buy based on “S/M/L.” A Shein “Medium” can be a European “Extra Small.” You must check the garment measurements, not just the body measurements. In 2025, Shein’s size range is one of the most inclusive on the market, ranging from XXS all the way to 6XL in the Curve+ lines.
Use these charts as a general baseline, but always read the user reviews for specific items to see if they “run true to size.”
Women’s Sizing (cm)
Note: These are standard body measurements.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
| EU Size | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40/42 | 44 | 46 |
| Chest (cm) | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 104 |
| Waist (cm) | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 86 |
| Hip (cm) | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 | 106 | 112 |
Men’s Sizing (cm)
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU Size | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| Chest (cm) | 92 | 96 | 100 | 104 | 108 | 112 |
| Waist (cm) | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 |
| Neck (cm) | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
Kids & Baby Sizing
For children, Shein relies heavily on height (cm). If your child is tall for their age, always size up to the next height bracket.
| Age Group | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) |
| 9-12 Months | 68-74 | 49.5 |
| 12-18 Months | 80-86 | 51 |
| 2-3 Years | 92-98 | 54 |
| 4-5 Years | 104-110 | 58 |
| 6-7 Years | 116-122 | 63 |
| 8-9 Years | 128-134 | 68 |
The Points System: Real Money
Shein points aren’t just a gimmick; they are essentially currency. In 2025, the exchange rate remains 100 Points = $1.00 USD.
You can use these points to deduct up to 70% of the total price of your products (excluding shipping and tax). If you are buying furniture or home decorsimilar to what you might look for in larger European home stores—applying points can bring the price down to clearance levels.
How to Buy Safely (Step-by-Step)
- Set Your Location: Ensure you are on
eur.shein.comand your shipping country is set to Malta. This ensures you see the correct VAT inclusive prices.
- Set Your Location: Ensure you are on
- Check Currency: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Currency’ to ensure you are viewing prices in Euros (EUR) to avoid bank conversion fees.
- The Cart Strategy: Keep your subtotal above €39 for free shipping, but strictly below €150 to avoid customs paperwork.
- Payment: PayPal is highly recommended. If you need to return an item, PayPal’s buyer protection is often easier to navigate than a direct bank dispute.
Returns & Customer Service
The return window for Malta is between 30 and 45 days. The good news? VAT is refunded on returns. The bad news? Shipping fees are not. If you paid import duties separately (on orders over €150), Shein historically offers a partial refund (often 50%) if you open a ticket, but it’s a hassle.
If you need support, skip the email. Use the Live Chat (available 09:00 to 18:00) via the Help Center for the fastest resolution.
Just like budget shopping elsewhere in Europe, the key to Shein is expectation management. If you measure twice and keep your orders under the customs threshold, it remains one of the most cost-effective ways to shop in Malta.
