Though Albania occupies a small corner in the southwest of the Balkan Peninsula, it was ruled for centuries by seven different civilisations from the Illycians to the Ottomans. Bounded by the Adriatic Sea on its west flank and the Dinaric Alps on its eastern border, Albania is a biodiversity hotspot. Which many tourists come to enjoy in addition to the numerous lakes, mountains, and beaches this country has to offer.
E-commerce has had a slower start in Albania compared to other parts of Europe, but like the world over, COVID-19 has been a catalyst for some recent rapid growth for the country that is projected to grow annually at 10%-plus until at least 2025.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Albania through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Albania. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Albania
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 8, 2023
8:49 am
Fier-Cifci, FC, AL
Delivered
Feb 7, 2023
7:18 am
Elbasan, EL, AL
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
9:03 pm
Durres, DU, AL
International Clearance
Feb 6, 2023
8:14 am
Tirana, TI, AL
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 5, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Albania before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
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:
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
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: 5 Feb 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: 5 Feb 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
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
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: 5 Feb 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
Food, Chocolate, Candies
There is very limited information available at this time concerning foodstuffs allowed entry into Albania.
You May Ship
Candy
Chocolate
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: 5 Feb 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
Samples
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
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: 5 Feb 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
Repairs
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
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: 5 Feb 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 Imports
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
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: 5 Feb 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
Permanent/Sold Goods
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.
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: 5 Feb 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
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Albania. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Albania, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods deemed prohibited are not allowed entry into Albania whereas those deemed restricted may enter, but must abide by quantity limits or other rules.
Prohibited Items
Narcotics and mood
altering or psychotropic
drugs
Products from endangered
plants and animals
Fireworks and explosives
Firearms, ammunition, and military goods
Publications with indecent
or obscene material
Any written material considered harmful to the Albanian republic
Clothes and items against
the norms and taste of
Albanian citizens
Written material and other
items from political emigres
The amount of duty and tax charged to a shipment entering Albania is calculated by using the CIF method. The CIF value of a shipment is the sum of its customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you calculate the CIF of your shipment to Albania, you will be able to predict the amount of duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold (also known as the de minimis value) on goods entering Albania is €22 (about $33 CAD).
This means that goods with a value of less than €22 are both duty and VAT free.
Currency
Albanian Lek (ALL)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€22 (about $33 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
20%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€22 (about $33 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
Albanian authorities impose excise duties on a variety of products, which include:
Wine and spirits
Beer
Tobacco products
Roasted coffee and energy drinks
Specific details regarding the amount of excise duties for each product above can be found
here.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Albania from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
