Cap. 613 Art. 5Functions of the Office.    Cap. 421.

The Office shall have the following functions:

(a) to maintain a register of crafts, craftspersons and crafts entrepreneurs that shall be registered according to criteria which may be prescribed from time to time:

Provided that when creating such register, there shall be consideration of the craftspersons and crafts entrepreneurs previously registered under the Malta Crafts Council Act and determination as to who of these are to be automatically registered, who shall no longer be deemed as registered and who will be asked to apply again for registration:

Provided further that the Office can create different categories of registration in relation to the crafts sector;

(b) to affect possible expulsions and deregistration of registered craftspersons who infringe this Act;

(c) to establish and maintain a voluntary certification system of craft products which are in compliance with the definition of craft provided in this Act;

(d) to enforce specific regulations in relation to the Crafts Register and events organised by the Registrar, including any enforceable sanctions which would result if such regulations are not adhered to by a registered craft person or craft persons;

(e) to co-operate with the Malta Crafts Foundation and explore ways to jointly undertake initiatives to the benefit of local craftspersons;

(f) to keep abreast with European and international developments in the field of crafts and to participate in the relevant fora as necessary;

(g) to report to the appropriate authorities, possible infringements which are brought to its attention and to commission investigations, surveillance and inspections in relation to the authenticity of craft products;

(h) to take and propose actions aimed at raising the standard and profile of the craft sector in Malta;

(i) to contribute as necessary to the drawing up of legislation and in the formulation of a national policy on crafts;

(j) to make contact and keep a compendium of Maltese living abroad who manufacture traditional Maltese handicrafts for the purpose of keeping records of these Maltese handicrafts and their method of manufacture; and

(k) to undertake other tasks which may be required in relation to the crafts sector.