Customs regulations for your trip to Albania

Regulation and customs in Albania

Non-Tariff Barriers

There are no non-tariff barriers to import in Albania except quotas or controls linked to certain multilateral or bilateral agreements with other countries.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

Since December 2006, most agricultural and industrial goods from the EU have been exempt from Customs duties. The maximum rate is 15%; it is applied to textiles, jewellery, and some luxury products. In Albania there are 6 types of Customs rates: 0%, 2%, 5%, 6.5%, 10% and 15%. To calculate the Customs rate: VAT is indexed on the CIF (cost, insurance, freight), i.e., the value of the goods added to the duties on these goods.

Click here to view : Regulation Customs

Import documents to customs

• Certificate of the quality of goods.
• Certificate of the analysis of goods.
• Certificate of the origin of goods.
• Original purchase invoice and terms of delivery (sales contract for the good is optional);
• Transportation documents (CMR, BL, AWB);
• VAT number of importer;
• Import authorization for certain goods.

Note: It is obligatory to describe the sanitary characteristics of food or medical products. Drugs and medical equipment must be registered with the National Centre of Drugs and Medical Equipment to be imported into the country. Certain products require import permits.

Click here to view : Import requirements and documentation

Free import of:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
• 1 litter of spirits and 2 litters of wine;
• 3. 250 millilitres of eau de cologne or 50 grams of perfume.

Click here to view : Imports requirements and documentation

Dutiable Items

Commodities coming from the U.S.

All customs declarations with a value of more than 1,000 euros pay a scanning fee of 22 euros per declaration, while fewer than 1,000 euros incurs a 5 euro scanning fee. Generally, the VAT for imported commodities is 20%, with a few exceptions.

Prohibited Items in Albania

Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing.

Import prohibitions

The only import prohibitions relate to products considered to be hazardous or to threaten public health. The importation of dangerous waste is prohibited, unless it may be used, processed, or recycled, in which case an import licence is required (see below) Import prohibitions also apply to import strong poisons, chemical weapons, and narcotics and, to animal products from certain countries.

The Law on Veterinary Service and Inspectorate prohibits the importation of bio-products and veterinary drugs recognized as dangerous to human and animal health by relevant international organizations; imports from countries or areas within a country infected by a contagious disease; and live micro-organisms that are pathogenic to animals. The Law on Plant Protection Service prohibits the importation of plants, plant products, and other objects that are carrying pests.

There are no specific prohibited imports. Certain categories of products require licenses and registration before their importation to Albania, including but not limited to, insecticides, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Special import provisions are enforced for strategic sectors such as weapons, munitions, and dual-use items.

Click here to view : Prohibited andrestricted items

Import licensing

Albania requires importers of certain products to be licensed, for reasons including SPS objectives, security, protection of the environment, and compliance with obligations under international conventions. In addition, in some cases, the respective products to be imported are subject to further restrictions. Most import licences are granted by the newly established National Licences Centre

Miscellaneous

Wild Fauna and Flora

The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES.

Pets

Cats and dogs must be accompanied by a veterinarian health certificate issued at the point of origin. Pets may enter as passenger’s checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo.

Baggage Clearance regulations:

Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry into Albania.
Exempt: baggage of passengers transiting to a third country and not leaving the transit area.

Currency

Currency Import regulations:
Local currency (Albanian Lek-ALL): prohibited.
Foreign currencies: no restrictions.

Airport Tax

No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.

Click here to view : Customs currency airport tax regulations