Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Albanian customs allows entry to the following items as documents:
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Business cards
- Calendars
- Diplomas
- Drawings
- Driver's licence
- Examination papers
- Gift cards
- Intercompany data on CD-roms or discs
- Intercompany mail
- Pamphlets
- Specifications sheets
- Visa applications
The items below may enter Albania as a document if they abide by the
criteria shown below.
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Event tickets (football/soccer matches, concerts, stage
productions) | Maximum shipment weight of 3 kg with a maximum declared value
of $20 USD (about $25 CAD) Cannot be from a printing company to
an event organiser or ticket sales office |
| Newsletters | Intercompany newsletters are allowed |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Gifts may be sent to someone in Albania exempt from duties provided:
- The parcel was sent without exchange of money
- The items are for the use of the recipient or his or her family only
- The value of the gift is no more than €45 (about $70 CAD)
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
If a gift shipment is sent from an individual in Canada to an
individual in Albania, it will be exempt from duties under the
following conditions:
- The gift has a value of €45 or less (about $70 CAD)
- There was no exchange of money between individuals for the gift
- The gift is for the individual or for his or her family
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gifts sent from a business in Canada to a business in Albania will
incur duties and taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Albania,
duties and taxes will be applied to the shipment. There are no
exemptions.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If the total value of multiple gifts in one shipment is greater than
€45 (about $70 CAD), a gift will be exempt from duty if its
value is not more than €45. (Like it was imported alone.)
However, the values of separate gifts cannot be shared. For example, a
parcel with 2 gifts valued at €60 and €30 cannot have
€15 of the €60 gift applied to €30 one so that duty
is avoided.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://dogana.gov.al/english/c/226/online-shopping
https://dogana.gov.al/english/dokument/1309/udhezim-nr02-date-15012018-si-dhe-manuali-per-vendosjen-ne-qarkullim-te-lire-te-dergesave-postare-dhe-blerjeve-online-nga-individet
Personal effects and property may be shipped to Albania exempt from
duties if you are moving permanently to the country.
The conditions for duty-free entry of the goods includes:
- You have owned and used the items for a minimum of 6 months before
entering Albania
- The items are for your use or that of your family only
- They DO NOT include tobacco products, alcoholic drinks, or
non-portable instruments and tools*
* You may ship portable instruments and tools that are used for a
profession or trade.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students may ship their personal effects to Albania exempt from duty
charges provided:
- They will be enrolled in full-time studies in a school in Albania
- The items are for their personal use only
Goods that are entitled to the duty exemption include:
- Typical furnishings for a student's room
- Educational materials - books, computer, etc.
- Clothing and footwear
Non-students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students moving to
Albania temporarily.
Moving Permanently
If you move permanently to Albania, you may import your personal
effects exempt from duties except for the following items:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Non-portable tools and instruments used for a trade or profession
(portable tools are allowed)
Only personal property will be allowed duty exemption and must have
been owned and used by the claimant for at least 6 months before
arriving in Albania.
Personal Effects Checklist
- They are imported strictly for the use of the individual and/or his
or her family
- The amount of goods is clearly for the household only, and is not in
a commercial quantity
- The shipment arrives no more than 30 days before and 90 days after
the arrival of the owner of the goods
Sources:
https://dogana.gov.al/english/c/168/196/240/transferring-of-residence
https://dogana.gov.al/english/c/168/196/242/students
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
There is very limited information available at this time concerning
foodstuffs allowed entry into Albania.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishables
- Meat and dairy products
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Commercial samples may enter Albania exempt from duties if this is
done as a temporary importation. Samples are for show only; they are
not to be sold.
Commercial samples are manufactured goods whose purpose upon entry to
Albania is to be exhibited or demonstrated at events such as trade
fairs, exhibitions, or meetings.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://dogana.gov.al/english/dokument/843/lejimi-perkohshem-dz-342-402
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising material destined for exhibitions and fairs may be shipped
to Albania exempt from duties.
The venues for display could be for commercial, artistic, or
industrial purposes.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://dogana.gov.al/english/dokument/843/lejimi-perkohshem-dz-342-402
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Equipment may be sent to Albania for repair exempt from duty charges
provided the items return to Canada within the agreed specified time
period. This is regulated under the inward processing regime of the
customs code.
Items Under Warranty
Items under warranty that are repaired in Canada at no charge will be
admitted into Albania exempt from all duties.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items no longer under warranty that are repaired in Canada will incur
GST on the cost of repairs and any parts required for the repair. If
the repairs incurred charges, Albanian authorities will then apply
duties to the shipment.
Sending Product for Repair to Albania
When products are sent to Albania for repairs, it may enter the
country without payment of duties. However, customs authorities will
identify the allowable time period that the products may stay in
Albania
Equipment may be sent to Albania for repair exempt from duty charges
provided the items return to Canada within the agreed specified time
period.
Returning Repaired Product to Albania
If a piece of equipment was repaired in Canada without charge, it may
re-enter Albania exempt from duty charges.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Albania or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/alb_e/wtaccalb24_leg_1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary import of goods into Albania exempt from duties is allowed
provided:
- They are returned to Canada within 12* months of their entry into
the country
- The items are unchanged during their time in Albania (aside from
normal wear-and-tear)
- The process is accepted by customs authorities ahead of time
*An extension of an additional 12 months may be allowed if authorised
by customs authorities.
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Albania, you can
pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following
methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More
details
below
.
| Option # | Temporary Import Method | Risk of paying |
|---|
| 1 | Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) | High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily |
| 2 | Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet | Very Low |
| 1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option.
See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS,
Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties
and taxes. 2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary
nature. ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/ NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD |
In addition to the 2 options listed above, the following conditions
must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free
exemption:
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition aside for normal
wear-and-tear; maintenance and minor repairs are allowed under
certain conditions
- If an ATA Carnet is used, the goods may stay no longer than 1 year
in Albania
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://dogana.gov.al/english/c/169/181/320/temporary-admission
https://dogana.gov.al/english/dokument/843/lejimi-perkohshem-dz-342-402
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Goods sold to someone in Albania that are of low value, i.e. a maximum
of €22 (about $33 CAD), will be admitted duty-free.
If a shipment has no commercial value, the duties and taxes owed are
calculated by estimating the parcel's value then dividing it by 10.
This is valid for parcels with a maximum estimated value of 2,000 TD
(about $875 CAD).
Occasional Shipper
If you only ship sold goods occasionally to Albania, for example
through eBay, providing the value of the shipment is €22 or less
(about $33 CAD), there will be no duties applied to the parcel.
Regular shipper
Anyone who regularly ships sold goods to Albania is recommended to
consult a licenced Albanian customs broker.
Sources:
https://dogana.gov.al/english/c/226/online-shopping
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S337R1.pdf&Open=True
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Albania City
01001
Albania
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
