White Paper proposes simplification of inspections for businesses

The government has launched a White Paper for public consultation that aims to speed up and streamline inspections for businesses, which are currently carried out by 24 separate inspectorates. 

Some 70,000 inspections are carried out per year on local businesses, ensuring that standards are kept in aspects such as food saftey, environmental health, pricing, employment and health and safety on the job. 

The White Paper aims to reduce the bureaucracy involved in the inspection system and to improve the transparency, coordination and clarity of inspections, allowing businesses to schedule several inspections on the same day.

Three mechanisms are being proposed. The first is that the inspectorates are concentrated in one agency, the second that inspectorates are categorized according to their sectors and the third is that inspectorates remain independent entities are coordinated by a central body that is responsible for implementing new practices. 

The reform will see the simplification of administrative procedures while reducing the financial burden on the private investor, allowing further investment in new projects

The consultation process, lasting six weeks, will allows stakeholders to voice their thoughts on the proposals. Business owners, employers and trade unions are invited to contribute. The White Paper can be found on www.socialdialogue.gov.mt for public consultation, which will be open until 30 October.