🇷🇸 Import Customs & Duties: Serbia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 10% for basic food, medicine, computers, books, newspapers, hotel accommodation, public transport.
Clearance Time
2-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 1-10% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 10-20% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-20% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-30% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-20% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 5-15% | HS 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!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Serbian Customs Administration (carina.rs). eCarina electronic portal for declarations. SAA with EU provides trade preferences for EU goods. Belgrade airport and Danube river ports handle cargo. CEFTA member. Posta Srbije handles postal customs.
What to Actually Expect
Improving. eCarina portal simplifying processes. Belgrade customs reasonable. EU accession process driving modernization. Serbia uniquely maintains free trade with both EU and Russia. DHL, FedEx, UPS available. Postal parcels may take 1-3 weeks. Express couriers 2-5 days. De minimis RSD 6,000 (~$54).
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, pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals, certain agricultural products. Serbia has FTAs with both EU (SAA) and Russia/EAEU, unique dual trade orientation.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PKS). EUR.1 for SAA preferential trade with EU. CEFTA certificates for Western Balkans trade. CT-2 form for Russian/CIS 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 Serbia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $5 | $21 | $26 |
| $200 | $15 | $43 | $58 |
| $500 | $45 | $109 | $154 |
| $1000 | $95 | $219 | $314 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Serbia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Serbia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Serbia is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Serbia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Serbia is 20%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 10% for basic food, medicine, computers, books, newspapers, hotel accommodation, public transport.
How long does customs clearance take in Serbia?
Typical customs clearance in Serbia takes 2-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Serbia?
To import into Serbia, 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 Serbia?
Serbia 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.