Serbia

Importing goods into Serbia

Serbia is a country located in south-east Europe; its economy has undergone significant transformation since the 1990s. Serbia has a developing market economy, with a mixture of modern and outdated industrial and commercial sectors. It has undergone significant economic reforms, including privatisation and liberalisation, to transition from a socialist system to a more market-oriented one. In the last decade, this has also been largely driven by their application to become an EU member country, which as of 2023 is still under review.

Key Industries: Some of the key industries in Serbia include manufacturing, agriculture, services, and information technology. Manufacturing plays a significant role in the economy, with the automotive and electronics sectors being prominent.

Trade Partners: Serbia's major trading partners include European countries, especially EU member states. The European Union is its largest trading partner, and the country has a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU, which facilitates trade. Other agreements are CEFTA with Central European countries, and EFTA with Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Each trade agreement has its own characteristics, which should be understood prior to import.

Challenges: Serbia faces economic challenges such as high public debt, high youth unemployment, and the need for further reforms to improve the business environment and attract foreign investments.

Guide on requirements to import into Serbia:

Customs Regulations:

• Importers should register with the Customs Administration of Serbia.
• Obtain an EORI (Economic Operators' Registration and Identification) number within Serbia.
• Comply with customs procedures and declarations according to what is being imported.
• All imported goods must be declared and customs declarations are filed in the Unique Customs Document (Jedinstvena Carinska Isprava). This mandatory form must include all data and additional documents necessary to apply to the provisions of the specific customs procedure for which the goods are declared.

OR

The New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) is a Pan-European system based on electronic declarations and processing for goods coming from the European Union or Ireland, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Documentation:

1. Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice showing the value and description of the goods.
2. Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Proof of shipment and ownership.
3. Packing List: Describes the contents and packaging of the shipment.
4. Certificate of Origin: Required for certain products to benefit from preferential trade agreements.
5. Import Licence: Some goods may require a specific import licence.
6. VAT Declaration: Required for the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Other Documentation: Depending on the type of goods, additional certificates or permits may be needed (e.g., certificates of conformity, licences for specific products).

Tariffs and Taxes:

Import duties: Serbia applies tariffs based on the Common Customs Tariff of the European Union.

Value Added Tax (VAT): The standard rate is 20%, but reduced rates may apply to certain goods.

Excise duties: Applicable to specific products like alcohol, tobacco, and petroleum.

Custom fees: Fees for customs clearance and other related services.

Customs Clearance:

• Goods must go through customs clearance at the point of entry.
• Employ a customs broker or agent to help with the process.
• Pay any applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees.
• Import Restrictions: Be aware of any import restrictions or prohibitions that may apply to specific goods, such as firearms, narcotics, or endangered species.
• Quality and Standards: Ensure that the imported products meet Serbian quality and safety standards. This may require additional testing or certification.

It's essential to check with the Customs Administration of Serbia and other relevant authorities for specific and up-to-date requirements for your particular products, as regulations may change over time. Additionally, consider seeking assistance from experts like Mouse & Bear Solutions to navigate the import process effectively.

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