🇲🇪 Import Customs & Duties: Montenegro
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$75
Packages under $75, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
21%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 7% for food, medicines, books, computers, hotel accommodation.
Clearance Time
2-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-5% | 85 |
| Clothing | 5-15% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-15% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-15% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5-15% | 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!: $75 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Montenegro Customs Administration uses ASYCUDA World electronic system. SAA with EU provides trade preferences. Bar port and Podgorica airport handle cargo. Montenegro uses the euro as currency (unilaterally adopted). CEFTA member for regional trade.
What to Actually Expect
Non-EU but most advanced EU candidate in Western Balkans. Full customs declarations required. Can be slow for postal parcels (1-2 weeks). Limited courier options. Using euro simplifies price calculations. Small country with small volumes. Customs modernizing under EU accession process.
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, pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals. Phytosanitary certificates for food imports. Montenegro is most advanced EU candidate in Western Balkans.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Montenegro Chamber of Economy. EUR.1 for SAA preferential trade with EU. CEFTA certificates for 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 Montenegro:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $3 | $22 | $24 |
| $200 | $13 | $45 | $57 |
| $500 | $43 | $114 | $156 |
| $1000 | $93 | $229 | $322 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Montenegro
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Montenegro?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Montenegro is $75. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Montenegro?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Montenegro is 21%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 7% for food, medicines, books, computers, hotel accommodation.
How long does customs clearance take in Montenegro?
Typical customs clearance in Montenegro takes 2-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Montenegro?
To import into Montenegro, 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 Montenegro?
Montenegro 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.