🇲🇰 Import Customs & Duties: North Macedonia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$45
Packages under $45, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
18%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 5% for food, medicines, computers, books, public transport, agricultural inputs.
Clearance Time
2-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-10% | 85 |
| Clothing | 5-18% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-18% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-20% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 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!: $45 USD
Customs Clearance Process
North Macedonia Customs Administration uses ASYCUDA World electronic system. SAA with EU provides trade preferences. Skopje airport and road border crossings are main entry points. CEFTA member for regional trade. Posta e Maqedonise se Veriut handles postal customs.
What to Actually Expect
Non-EU Western Balkans country. Full customs declarations required. Can be slow, postal parcels 1-3 weeks. Limited international courier presence. EU candidate country, customs aligning with EU standards but process is slow. Landlocked country, goods transit through Greece or Serbia.
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. Phytosanitary certificates for food imports.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Economic Chamber of North Macedonia. 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 North Macedonia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $1 | $9 | $10 |
| $100 | $6 | $19 | $24 |
| $200 | $16 | $39 | $54 |
| $500 | $46 | $98 | $144 |
| $1000 | $96 | $197 | $293 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to North Macedonia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for North Macedonia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into North Macedonia is $45. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to North Macedonia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to North Macedonia is 18%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 5% for food, medicines, computers, books, public transport, agricultural inputs.
How long does customs clearance take in North Macedonia?
Typical customs clearance in North Macedonia takes 2-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into North Macedonia?
To import into North Macedonia, 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 North Macedonia?
North Macedonia 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.