The VAT Department has suspended any activities related to the collection of eco-contribution administrative penalties, pending a final decision on how to tackle complaints of disproportionate penalties.
A number of businesses have filed complaints with the department, insisting they have been handed down eco-contribution penalty fees which, while calculated according to the law, were disproportionate.
Complaints have prompted the department to identify and investigate such cases.
The investigation will re-examine certain Appeals Boards decisions relating to reduced administrative penalties.
The president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, Tancred Tabone recently noted that seven years after the first eco-contribution refunds became due, “we are nowhere near receiving them”.