Doing Business with Serbia

Exporting goods to Serbia involves several key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

     

1. Research Market Requirements

        
   • Understand Serbia’s import regulations and technical standards.

     

2. Identify Your Product’s HS Code

        
   • Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code for specific customs duties and VAT rates.

     

3. Prepare Documentation

        
   • Gather necessary documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and transport documents (CMR, bill of lading).

     

4. Check Trade Agreements

        
   • Verify if your country has a Free Trade Agreement with Serbia (e.g., EU-Serbia SAA, CEFTA, EFTA) for duty-free access.

     

5. Select a Reliable Freight Forwarder

        
   • Choose a logistics provider experienced in Balkan transit and customs handling.

     

6. Comply with Labeling Standards

        
   • Ensure products are labeled according to Serbian regulations, typically requiring Serbian language translations.

     

7. Submit Customs Declaration

        
   • Electronic customs declarations are mandatory via the Customs Administration of Serbia.

Key Contacts

     
• Customs Administration of Serbia
       
  • Website: www.carina.rs

     

• Serbian Development Agency (RAS)
       
  • Website: www.ras.gov.rs

Importing goods into Serbia involves compliance with national trade laws. Here’s a guide:

     

1. Check Import Restrictions

        
   • Familiarize yourself with Serbian import quotas or prohibitions on specific items.

     

2. Obtain Necessary Certificates

        
   • Determine if products require sanitary, phytosanitary, or veterinary certificates.

     

3. Classify Your Goods

        
   • Accurate HS classification is vital for determining the customs duty rate (ranging from 0% to 30%).

     

4. Submit Customs Declaration

        
   • File a declaration with Serbian Customs and pay applicable Import VAT (standard rate 20%).

Key Contacts

     
• Customs Administration of Serbia
       
  • Website: www.carina.rs

     

• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS)
       
  • Website: www.pks.rs

Incorporating a company in Serbia is streamlined through the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR). Here’s a guide:

     

1. Choose a Legal Form

        
   • Limited Liability Company (DOO) is the most common for foreign investors.

     

2. Register the Company

        
   • Application is submitted to the APR. Registration is typically completed within 5 business days.

     

3. Minimum Share Capital

        
   • The minimum capital for a DOO is only 100 RSD (approx. 1 USD).

     

4. Obtain a TIN and VAT Number

        
   • Tax identification is issued simultaneously with the APR registration.

Key Contacts

     
• Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR)
       
  • Website: www.apr.gov.rs

     

• Ministry of Economy of Serbia
       
  • Website: www.privreda.gov.rs

Serbia offers significant advantages for manufacturing due to its strategic location and competitive labor costs.

     

1. Identify Incentives

        
   • Serbia offers cash grants and tax holidays for large-scale manufacturing investments.

     

2. Free Zones

        
   • Manufacturing within one of Serbia’s 15 Free Zones allows for VAT and customs duty exemptions on raw materials.

Key Contacts

     
• Serbian Development Agency (RAS)
       
  • Website: www.ras.gov.rs

Trademarks are protected via the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia.

     

1. Application

        
   • File with the national Intellectual Property Office or via the Madrid System.

     

2. Protection Term

        
   • Trademarks are valid for 10 years and are renewable indefinitely.

Key Contacts

     
• Intellectual Property Office
       
  • Website: www.zis.gov.rs

Commercial disputes are handled by the specialized Commercial Courts.

     

1. Arbitration

        
   • The Permanent Arbitration at the Chamber of Commerce is a common venue for alternative dispute resolution.

Key Contacts

     
• Commercial Court of Belgrade
       
  • Website: bg.so.sud.rs

Serbia has a highly skilled workforce and an extensive network of Free Trade Agreements covering over 1 billion consumers.

Social and Cultural Factors

     
• Language: Serbian is official; English is widely used in business.

     

• Business Etiquette: Professionalism is valued; direct communication is preferred.

Economic Factors

     
• Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD).

     

• Banking: Modern banking system with many international banks present.