🇦🇱 Import Customs & Duties: Albania
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$22
Packages under $22, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
CIF value + duty. Standard rate 20%. Reduced rate of 6% for certain goods including accommodation and agricultural inputs.
Clearance Time
2-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-5% | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-15% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-15% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-15% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 2-15% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $22 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Albanian Customs Administration (Drejtoria e Pergjithshme e Doganave) uses the ASYCUDA World electronic system. Full customs declarations required for imports. EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Agreement provides duty-free access for many EU goods. Customs processing at Durres port and Tirana airport.
What to Actually Expect
Non-EU Western Balkans country. Full customs declarations required. Can be slow, postal parcels may take 1-3 weeks. Limited international courier options. Corruption and bureaucratic delays occasionally reported. EU candidate status is driving customs modernization.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for: weapons, explosives, narcotics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, veterinary products. Some agricultural products require phytosanitary certificates.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Albanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. EUR.1 certificates for SAA preferential trade with EU. CEFTA certificates for regional Western Balkans trade.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Albania:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $3 | $11 | $13 |
| $100 | $8 | $22 | $29 |
| $200 | $18 | $44 | $61 |
| $500 | $48 | $110 | $157 |
| $1000 | $98 | $220 | $317 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Albania
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Albania?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Albania is $22. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Albania?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Albania is 20%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Standard rate 20%. Reduced rate of 6% for certain goods including accommodation and agricultural inputs.
How long does customs clearance take in Albania?
Typical customs clearance in Albania takes 2-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Albania?
To import into Albania, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Albania?
Albania prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.