Europe
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Export and Import to Serbia
Serbia, located in the heart of Southeastern Europe, offers unique opportunities and challenges for international trade. While not yet a member of the European Union, Serbia’s growing tech sector and strategic position make it an attractive hub for businesses aiming to expand in the region.
Tax
Up to 20%
Duties
Up to 15%
Lead Times
3-4 Weeks
Restricted Items
Second-Hand and Refurbished Goods, COO Restrictions
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Languages
Serbian
Importing into Serbia
Serbia’s import market has specific rules and regulations designed to ensure the correct and efficient flow of goods, especially when dealing with advanced technologies and dual-use items. Importers must be mindful of the Importer of Record (IOR) role, a legal designation that assumes full responsibility for customs clearance of goods entering the country. This means that you will need a registered Serbian entity to act as your IOR to import products such as dual-use tech equipment or wireless devices.
Noncompliance with local regulations can result in severe delays or fines for those unfamiliar with Serbia’s customs landscape. Serbia’s customs authorities have strict guidelines for certain goods, including wireless devices requiring specific permits. These restrictions are primarily in place due to security concerns and international agreements. Without the proper documentation, the shipment could face extended delays at customs or even be rejected outright.
Enjoy Smooth Imports and Exports in Serbia
Businesses can face significant hurdles without the right support, from ensuring compliance with strict customs requirements to overcoming tariff barriers and handling inspections. Navigating the complexities of Serbian import and export regulations can be challenging without the right expertise. This is where TecEx comes into play. Our tailored solutions are designed to make your trade operations in Serbia as smooth and efficient as possible.
As your IOR, TecEx takes on all the legal risks and responsibilities associated with the import process. We handle all the necessary customs documentation, apply for any required permits, and stay in close contact with customs authorities to ensure that your goods are cleared without delays. Even if you do not have a local entity in Serbia, our IOR EOR services allow you to import and export goods confidently without establishing a physical presence there.
Our services also extend to providing superior DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping, which ensures that your goods arrive in Serbia with all duties and taxes paid in advance, eliminating unexpected costs and complications at the border.
Population
6.71M
Biggest Industry by Export
Insulated Wire and Copper Ore
Capital City
Belgrade
Biggest Industry by Import
Electricity
Pain Points in Serbian Import and Export Practices
Like many countries, Serbia presents several trade-related pain points for businesses. A significant challenge for importers is Serbia’s tariff structure. Import duties on non-EU countries can differ significantly from those levied on goods from EU member states. While goods imported from the EU benefit from a tariff-free environment under the Stabilization and Association Agreement, foreign exports to Serbia may face higher costs, making it essential to factor this into your pricing and logistics strategies.
Another hurdle is the relatively high frequency of customs inspections. Serbian authorities may conduct thorough inspections to verify the contents of shipments against the provided documentation, creating delays in the process. Any discrepancies during these inspections can result in penalties or additional charges, further complicating the importation process.
In addition to these customs challenges, Serbia is not yet a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), meaning that some of its trade practices still differ from other global markets. While the country has made efforts to align its customs procedures with WTO standards, challenges related to transparency, procurement procedures, and regulatory consistency remain
Leading Trade Partners of Serbia
Europe
Italy
Asia
China
Compliance Regulations for Serbian Imports and Exports
Importing goods into Serbia often requires licenses, particularly for dual-use products and medical equipment. These products are subject to international conventions that regulate their movement across borders. For instance, Serbia has stringent requirements for importing certain wireless devices and tech goods. In such cases, obtaining the necessary import permits ensures compliance with local regulations.
Serbia’s technical regulations also require that some industrial non-food products bear the Serbian conformity mark (3A), which ensures compliance with Serbian safety standards. This mark is often a substitute for the European CE marking for products covered by EU directives. Exporters need to understand which products are subject to these regulations to avoid complications during customs clearance.
Special conditions apply to trade with Kosovo, a longstanding point of contention for exporters. Though trade between Serbia and Kosovo has resumed, tensions and tariffs still complicate the export process.
Your Global Trade Solution for Serbia Import and Export
Streamline your Serbian trade by filling in the form. Our import team will contact you with a compliance solution tailored to your needs.