🇧🇦 Import Customs & Duties: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$40
Packages under $40, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
17%
CIF value + duty. Flat 17% VAT rate, one of the simplest VAT systems in Europe with no reduced rates.
Clearance Time
2-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-5% | 85 |
| Clothing | 5-15% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-15% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-15% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5-15% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $40 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA) manages customs. ASYCUDA World electronic system. SAA with EU provides duty preferences for EU goods. Complex administrative structure (Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska have separate oversight). Customs processing at Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and border crossings.
What to Actually Expect
Non-EU Western Balkans country. Full customs declarations required. Bureaucratic, two-entity administrative structure complicates processes. Postal parcels can take 1-3 weeks. Limited courier options outside major cities. Improving under EU integration path but remains slow.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for: weapons, explosives, pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals, certain agricultural products. Phytosanitary and veterinary certificates for food imports.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina. EUR.1 for SAA preferential trade with EU. CEFTA certificates for Western Balkans trade.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Bosnia and Herzegovina:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $1 | $9 | $10 |
| $100 | $6 | $18 | $24 |
| $200 | $16 | $37 | $53 |
| $500 | $46 | $93 | $139 |
| $1000 | $96 | $186 | $282 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Bosnia and Herzegovina is $40. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina is 17%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Flat 17% VAT rate, one of the simplest VAT systems in Europe with no reduced rates.
How long does customs clearance take in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Typical customs clearance in Bosnia and Herzegovina takes 2-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Bosnia and Herzegovina?
To import into Bosnia and Herzegovina, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.