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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Montenegro customs accepts the following items into the country as
document shipments:
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Charts
- Cheques
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Drawings
- Driver's licence
- Examination papers
- Gift cards
- Graphs
- Intercompany mail
- Negotiable bonds and drafts
- Passports and visa applications
- Periodicals
- Price lists
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
- Stamps and postage
Provided the following items abide by the restriction shown, they will
be allowed entry into Montenegro as a document shipment.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Newsletters | Company documents only |
| Traveller's cheques | Only if personalised |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA
Shipping Gifts
A gift shipment from someone in Canada to a person in Montenegro will
be exempt from duties if:
- Its value is not more than €45 (about $60 CAD)
- The parcel is for the exclusive use of the recipient or his or her
family
- No exchange of money has occurred for the gift
- The amount of goods in the parcel is clearly non-commercial
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
If an individual in Canada sends a gift parcel to an individual in
Montenegro, it may enter the country duty-free provided:
- It is only an occasional occurrence for the recipient or his or her
family
- There has been no charge for receiving the gift
- The shipment's value is €45 or less (about $60 CAD)
- The type and quantify of the contents cannot be mistaken for a
commercial shipment
Shipments from Business-to-Business
If a business in Canada sends a gift parcel to a business in
Montenegro, it will incur duty fees upon entering the country no
matter the value of the shipment.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to an individual in
Montenegro will be liable to duty charges even if its value is
negligible.
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 |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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
A parcel with multiple gifts will be duty-free if they collectively
add up to no more than €45 (about $60 CAD).
For example, a parcel with 3 gifts (€5, €15, €20)
will be exempt from duties; however, a parcel with a €15 and
€35 gift could only claim one of those 2 items.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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://wapi.gov.me/download/b6cbe617-8eb5-46e9-825b-da741fb06ecd
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects and household goods shipped to Montenegro from Canada
may enter the country exempt from duties and VAT provided:
- The goods were owned and used by the claimant for a minimum of 6
months
- The claimant has lived in Canada for a minimum of 12 continuous
months
- The shipment arrives within 12 months of the claimant taking up
residence in Montenegro
- The goods are not sold, loaned, or rented out for at least 12 months
after arriving in the country
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students entering Montenegro for purposes of their school studies are
allowed a duty-free exemption of their personal effects if they can
show proof of registration at an educational institution.
Duty exemption will be granted for items such as:
- Footwear and clothing
- Furniture required for a student's room
- Educational supplies
Non-students
Non-students who move temporarily to Montenegro are allowed duty
exemption on their personal effects if it can be shown that they have
received a certificate of registration for residence in Montenegro.
Moving Permanently
Individuals moving permanently to Montenegro with their household
items and personal effects are allowed a duty- and VAT-free entry of
said items under the following conditions:
- The goods arrive no later than 1 year after the arrival of the
goods' owner
- The owner of the goods has lived outside of Montenegro for at least
1 year continuously
- The personal effects have been used and owned for at least 6 months
- For at least 12 months, the items cannot be leant, rented, or sold
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- For temporary and permanent movers to Montenegro, a certificate of
registration of residence
Sources:
https://info.carina.co.me/faqs
https://wapi.gov.me/download/b6cbe617-8eb5-46e9-825b-da741fb06ecd
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Foodstuffs identified as GMOs (genetically modified organisms) may not
enter Montenegro. Other foodstuffs shipped to individuals may enter
duty-free up to a value of €150 (about $195 CAD) and VAT free up
to a value of €75 (about $100 CAD).
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- GMO foodstuffs (genetically modified organisms)
- Potatoes
- Dairy products - cheese, yogourt, etc.
- Perishables
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
Sources:
https://info.carina.co.me/carinski-kalkulator
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Samples
Samples are shipped to encourage sales and promote products; they are
not meant to be sold. Commercial samples that enter Montenegro from
Canada will be allowed a duty-free entry into the country as long as:
- They have been mutilated
- The goods are of little value
Samples sent for exhibition at trade fairs and other similar
gatherings will also be exempt from duties provided:
- They are distributed at no charge
- They are packaged in smaller containers than what is normally done
in the marketplace
- If consumables, they are opened and tasted at the event itself
- The amount imported is in line with the size and scope of the
exhibition
- They are of nominal value
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://wapi.gov.me/download/b6cbe617-8eb5-46e9-825b-da741fb06ecd
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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
Advertising material is allowed to enter Montenegro duty-free if it is
presented at a trade fair or exhibition and it is given away at no
charge.
Advertising may include any of the following:
- Printed material like advertising posters
- Catalogues and brochures
- Calendars
- Unframed photographs
- Price lists
The following events are legitimate venues to display advertising
materials:
- Scientific, technical, and trade meetings
- Educational, cultural, and craft forums
- Sports competitions and tours
- Humanitarian, religious, or other similar conferences or gatherings
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://wapi.gov.me/download/b6cbe617-8eb5-46e9-825b-da741fb06ecd
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Repairs
Goods exported from Montenegro for repair - known as outward
processing - will be exempt from duty if the work was done for free
under a warranty obligation.
Items Under Warranty
Machinery and equipment shipped to Canada from Montenegro for repairs
under a warranty may re-enter the country duty-free as long as they
were repaired at no charge.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Goods repaired in Canada that are no longer under warranty will incur
duties and taxes when they re-enter Montenegro.
Sending Product for Repair to Montenegro
No information is available at this time concerning goods shipped to
Montenegro from Canada for repairs.
Returning Repaired Product to Montenegro
Equipment and machinery repaired in Canada free of charge as a result
of a warranty will be allowed a duty-free re-entry into Montenegro.
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 Montenegro or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://wipolex-res.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/me/me017en.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 Imports
Temporary importation of goods into Montenegro will be duty and VAT
free as long as:
- They exit the country within 2 years of their entry
- They remain unchanged save for routine wear-and-tear
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Montenegro, 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. More details
are shown in the table.
| 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 choosing option 1 or 2, 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, i.e., they undergo
no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than 24 months in Montenegro
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://wipolex-res.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/me/me017en.pdf
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/cgr_e/wtacccgr5_leg_1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Shipments of goods sold online from Canada to Montenegro will be
duty-free up to €150 (about $95 CAD) and VAT free up to
€75 (about $100 CAD). So, shipments valued over €150 will
be liable to both duty and VAT.
Occasional Shipper
Goods sold to someone in Montenegro on an occasional basis, for
example through eBay, will be exempt from duty up to a value of
€150 (about $95 CAD) and VAT free up to €75 (about $100
CAD).
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods are recommended to use the services of
a licenced Montenegrin customs broker.
Sources:
https://e-carina.me/taricg/Uredba%20o%20Carinskoj%20tarifi%20za%202022.%20(SLCG%20142-2021).pdf
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S369R1.pdf&Open=%20True
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Montenegro
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Duty &
Taxes
The amount of duty and VAT applied to imports entering Montenegro is
calculated using the CIF value of the shipment: the sum of the customs
value plus insurance amount plus freight charges.
By calculating the CIF value of your parcel to Montenegro before
shipping it, you will have an estimate of the duties and taxes owed by
the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold on imported goods (also known as the de minimis value)
is the amount below which no duties or taxes are incurred.
For Montenegro, those values are:
- Duty - €150 (about $95 CAD)
- VAT - €75 (about $100 CAD)
Therefore, shipments valued over €150 will be liable to both
duty and VAT.
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | €150 (about $195 CAD) |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 21% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | €75 (about $100 CAD) |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties and Other Taxes
Montenegrin customs applies excise duties and other taxes on the
following goods, details of which can be found
here
- Alcoholic beverages
- Energy drinks
- Tobacco products
- E-cigarettes
- Coffee as well as beverages and products that contain coffee
(specific details
here)
- Candy10%
- Chocolate18%
- Spirits and winesVariable
- TobaccoVariable
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles0%
- Computers & laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras5%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats10%
- Beauty products & cosmetics0% - 6.5%
- Jewellery7% - 20%
- Shirts & pants10%
- Home appliances5% - 10%
- Toys0%
- Sports equipment5%
Sources:
https://www.macmap.org/
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S369R1.pdf&Open=True
https://info.carina.co.me/carinski-kalkulator
https://wapi.gov.me/download/c3a47f74-dab6-4f78-a6c3-95b0ba00152a
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/montenegro/corporate/other-taxes
Questions
about Shipping to Montenegro
Can I ship to Montenegro?
Shipping to Montenegro 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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Montenegro by getting a quote now.
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