The first marketing exercise was carried out through the introduction of a certification system which was launched on 13th July 2001 during a Press Conference held at St. James Cavalier, Centre for Creativity, Valletta. Initially the Council printed 100,000 certificates (tags) to be affixed on crafts products genuinely made in Malta. Also, the Council printed 1000 certificates to be used by outlets from where Maltese craft products are sold.

These certificates were printed in 5 languages (Maltese, English, Italian, French and German) to cater for a large number of tourists who visit Malta and Gozo.

At a later stage, on the request of the craftsmen, the Council introduced also certificates in the form of stickers to be used on small items such as gold and silver jewellery.

To date 470,000 certificates tags and 160,000 certificates stickers have been printed. Additionally, 50,000 certificates tags were specifically printed for Gozo. These certificates are distributed free of charge as required among the craftsmen who manufacture and the entrepreneurs who sell Maltese craft products.

The result of a survey carried out among the craftspersons who made use of these certificates indicated that a high percentage stated that the certificates had helped them to increase their sales.
A new edition of the certificates tag’ shall be issued in due course.