In short
This law prohibits the use of white phosphorus in the manufacture of matches, as well as the sale and importation of matches made with this substance.
What it regulates
- The use of white phosphorus in match manufacturing.
- The sale, offering for sale, or possession for sale of matches made with white phosphorus.
- The importation of matches made with white phosphorus into Malta.
- The taking of samples of materials used in match manufacturing by Police officers.
Who it concerns
- Any person involved in the manufacture, sale, or importation of matches.
- Owners or managers of factories where matches are manufactured.
Key points
- It is unlawful to use white phosphorus in the manufacture of matches.
- It is unlawful to sell, offer or expose for sale, or possess for sale any matches made with white phosphorus.
- It is unlawful to import into Malta matches made with white phosphorus, and such matches are considered prohibited goods.
- Police officers not below the rank of sub-inspector can take samples of materials in match factories for analysis.
- Contravention of sections 3 or 5, or obstruction of Police duty, can lead to a fine and forfeiture of white phosphorus or matches made with it.
📄 Legal text
WHITE PHOSPHORUS MATCHES (PROHIBITION)
[CAP. 38.
1
CHAPTER 38
WHITE PHOSPHORUS MATCHES (Prohibition)
ORDINANCE
To prohibit the manufacture, sale and importation of matches made
with white phosphorus.
(1st October, 1910)*
(1st January, 1911)
Enacted by ORDINANCE IX of 1910.
1.
This Ordinance may be cited as the White Phosphorus
Matches (Prohibition) Ordinance.
Short title.
2.
In this Ordinance "white phosphorus" means the substance
usually known as white or yellow phosphorus.
Definition of
"white
phosphorus”.
3.
It shall not be lawful for any person to use white
phosphorus in the manufacture of matches.
Prohibition to use
white phosphorus
in the manufacture
of matches.
4.
The owner or manager of any factory in which the
manufacture of matches is carried on shall allow any Police officer
not below the rank of sub-inspector, at any time to take for analysis
sufficient samples of any material in use or mixed for use:
Taking of samples
of substances used
in the manufacture
of matches.
Provided that the owner or manager may, at the time when the
sample is taken, and on providing the necessary appliances, require
such Police officer to divide the sample so taken into two parts and
to mark, seal and deliver to him one part.
5.
It shall not be lawful for any person to sell, or to offer or
expose for sale, or to have in his possession for the purpose of sale
any matches made with white phosphorus.
Prohibition of sale
of matches made
with white
phosphorus.
6.
It shall not be lawful to import into Malta matches made
with white phosphorus, and matches so made shall be deemed to be
prohibited goods to which the provisions of the Customs Ordinance
shall apply.
Prohibition of
importation of
matches made with
white phosphorus.
Cap. 37.
7.
If any person contravenes the provisions of section 3 or 5,
or interferes with, or obstructs the Police in the execution of their
duty under this Ordinance, he shall be liable to a fine (ammenda or
multa), and all white phosphorus or matches made with white
phosphorus found in his possession may be seized by any officer of
Police and shall be liable to forfeiture.
Penalties.
*See Proclamation No. XI of 28th June, 1910.
🔗 Għas-sors uffiċjali
AI explanation based on the official legal text. Indicative, not a substitute for legal advice.