Serbia occupies a large, central region of the Balkan Peninsula. From its fertile soils an abundance of varied produce is harvested, including their national fruit - plums; and grapes, which Serbians turn into 22 different types of wines.
The COVID-19 pandemic doubled Serbians' e-commerce activity. And with 75% of the population online, the yearly e-commerce growth rate for this country is projected to be a very healthy 21% until 2025. Shipping parcels to Serbia could become as juicy as one of their noted plums.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Serbia through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Serbia. 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 Serbia
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Subotica , SU, RS
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Zemun , ZE, RS
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Novi Sad , NS, RS
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Belgrade , BE, RS
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 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 Serbia 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:
As a Canadian citizen moving to Serbia, you may ship your personal effects and household goods exempt from duties. You are allowed this privilege up to 1 year from the date you have been granted permission to enter Serbia as a resident.
Serbian citizens living in Canada are also allowed to return to Serbia with their personal effects duty-free up to a value of €20,000 (about $27,825 CAD) only if they have worked continuously in Canada for at least 10 years.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving to Serbia with their personal effects for the purposes of studying in the country.
Non-students
No information is available concerning non-students shipping their personal effects for a temporary move to Serbia.
Moving Permanently
Serbian citizens who have been living abroad are allowed a duty-free entry of their personal effects provided they have been away from the country for a minimum of 2 years. Those that have worked abroad for a minimum of 10 years will be allowed to claim up to €20,000 (about $27,825 CAD).
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 (2 copies)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Serbia
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: 30 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
Commercial samples may enter Serbia exempt from duty fees provided:
Their individual value is not more than €100 (about $140 CAD)
They have been shipped for the sole purpose of soliciting sales
They will be displayed at an exhibition or commercial fair
They have been rendered unsaleable
NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, tobacco products, and cosmetics typically cannot be considered a duty-free sample. However, they will be allowed a duty-free entry if they are packaged for demonstration purposes.
Consumable samples will also be allowed duty-free entry to Serbia if:
There will be no charge for their distribution
They are packaged in small containers that are clearly smaller than normal retail boxes or cartons
They are of minimal monetary 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
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Serbia
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Warranty repairs done at no charge in Canada of Serbian machinery and equipment are exempt from duty and VAT when they re-enter Serbia.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Canada under warranty and at no charge will be allowed a duty- and tax-free re-entry into Serbia.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items repaired in Canada that are no longer under warranty will be liable to Serbian duties and taxes when they return to the country.
Sending Product for Repair to Serbia
Machinery and equipment sent to Serbia from Canada for repairs will be exempt from Serbian VAT charges.
Returning Repaired Product to Serbia
Products repaired in Canada - equipment and machinery - will be exempt from VAT and duty charges when returned to Serbia provided it can be shown that the work was done under a warranty guarantee at no cost to the owner of the goods.
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 Serbia or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Serbia
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: 30 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
Goods imported into Serbia for a temporary stay may enter the country duty-free to the country provided:
They remain unchanged during their time in Serbia (aside from normal wear-and-tear)
They stay no longer than 24 months in Serbia
The items can be identified
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into France, you can pick from either 1 or 2 of the 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). See 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.
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 methods 1 and 2 discussed 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, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 2 years in Serbia
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
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Serbia
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: 30 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
The threshold for the payment of duty and taxes on sold goods entering Serbia is €50 (about $70 CAD). This means shipments valued less than this amount will be exempt from duty and VAT.
Occasional Shipper
Provided your shipment of sold goods to Serbia is €50 or less (about $70 CAD), duty and VAT charges will be waived.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Serbia are recommended to use the services of a licenced Serbian customs broker
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Serbia
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: 30 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
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 Serbia. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Serbia, 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 on the prohibited list will not be allowed entry into Serbia; whereas those on the restricted may enter, but will require a licence or perhaps be limited in quantities.
Prohibited Items
Firearms and their parts
Materials of a political nature
Furs
Counterfeit trademarks
and those showing
provenance from Yugoslavia
The CIF method is used by Serbian authorities to calculate the duties and taxes on a shipment entering the country. The CIF value of a parcel is the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight charges.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you were to calculate the CIF of your parcel before shipping it, you will have an estimate of the duties and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold on shipments* (also known as the de minimis value) to Serbia is €50 (about $70 CAD). This means that a shipment valued at €50 or less, may enter duty and tax free.
*Does NOT apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, eau de toilette, and perfumes.
Currency
Serbian Dinar RSD
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€50 (about $70 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
20%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€50 (about $70 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
The following items will incur excise duties when they enter Serbia:
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 Serbia 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.
