# Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA)

**Capital:** Sarajevo  
**Currency:** Convertible Mark Bosnia and Herzegovina (BAM) (BAM)  
**Population:** 3,412,000 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 51,209 km²

> Bosnia and Herzegovina is a transit country on the pan-European Corridor Vc linking Budapest via Sarajevo to the Croatian Adriatic port of Ploče. It has about 20 km of coast at Neum but no commercial seaport; overseas traffic runs via Ploče (Croatia) and Bar (Montenegro). Road and rail are the main modes. Customs and VAT are handled by the Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA), which clears imports through the ASYCUDA system. The single VAT rate is 17 percent. Preferential trade applies under the SAA, CEFTA 2006 and EFTA, above all with the EU as the main trading partner.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (ISO Code: BA) is located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe and borders Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Politically, the country is a federal republic with a complex administration, consisting of two entities and a Brčko District. The climate varies regionally: continental inland with cold winters and warm summers, Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast. Economically, Bosnia and Herzegovina relies on manufacturing, mining, energy production, and agriculture. The country is import-dependent, particularly for machinery, energy, and consumer goods. In foreign trade, the EU plays a central role as the main buyer and supplier, while the transit function is supported by well-developed road and rail connections. The national currency is the Convertible Mark (BAM), which is pegged to the Euro and enables stable trade and payment flows. Strategically, Bosnia and Herzegovina benefits from its position as a link between Central and Southeastern Europe, with logistics and transportation gaining increasing importance.

**Top Import Partners:** IT, DE, RS, CN, HR

**Top Export Partners:** DE, HR, RS, AT, IT

**Top Import Goods:** Mineral oils, Machinery, Plastics, Vehicles. Electrical appliances

**Top Export Goods:** Mineral fuels, Electrical machinery, Machinery, Furniture, Iron/steel

**Key Airports:**
- [Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sarajevo-international-airport-sjj)
- [Banja Luka International Airport (BNX)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/banja-luka-international-airport-bnx)
- [Mostar International Airport (OMO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/mostar-international-airport-omo)
- [Tuzla International Airport (TZL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/tuzla-international-airport-tzl)
- [Banja Luka Zalužani Airfield](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/banja-luka-zaluzani-airport-lqbz)
- [Bihać Golubić Airfield](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bihac-golubic-airport-lqbi)
- [Brčko-Brod Airfield](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/brcko-brod-airport-4505)
- [Ciljuge Sport Airfield](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/ciljuge-sport-airport-lqcg)
- [Dragon Airfield](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/dragon-airport-32364)
- [Gorice Airfield](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/gorice-airport-12111)

**Key Seaports:**
- [Neum (BA NEM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/neum-port-ba-nem)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** Uniform VAT rate of 17 percent with no reduced rates, levied by the ITA. Import VAT is calculated on the customs value plus customs duties and excise duties.  
**Customs complexity:** medium  
**Customs system:** Import clearance by the ITA using the ASYCUDA system (e-Customs). The BiH customs tariff is aligned with the EU Combined Nomenclature.  
**Customs authority:** [Uprava za indirektno oporezivanje BiH (Indirect Taxation Authority, ITA)](https://www.uino.gov.ba)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Transit country on Corridor Vc; supplier industry, wood/furniture, metal and energy  
**Economic area:** CEFTA 2006; EU accession candidate (SAA)  
**Logistics risk:** medium  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### Which authority is responsible for customs and VAT?

The responsible body is the Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA, Uprava za indirektno oporezivanje BiH). It administers customs, VAT and excise duties nationwide and handles imports via the ASYCUDA system.

### What is the VAT rate on imports?

Bosnia and Herzegovina levies a uniform VAT rate of 17 percent with no reduced rates. On imports, VAT is calculated on the customs value plus customs duties and any applicable excise duties.

### Does Bosnia and Herzegovina have its own seaport?

No. The country has around 20 km of Adriatic coast near Neum, but no commercial deep-sea port. Overseas shipments generally run via Ploče in Croatia or Bar in Montenegro.

### Which free trade and preferential agreements apply?

The country has the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, CEFTA 2006 membership and an EFTA free trade agreement. Preference proofs are the EUR.1 or the origin declaration.

### Which transport corridors are the most important?

The central route is the Pan-European Corridor Vc, with the A1 motorway under construction from Budapest via Sarajevo to Ploče. The M17 main road and rail links to Croatia and Serbia are also important.

### Which documents are required for imports?

Common documents are the commercial invoice, CMR consignment note, packing list and the electronic import customs declaration in the ASYCUDA system. For preferences, a proof of origin (EUR.1 or origin declaration) is added; depending on the goods, import licences may also be required.

### Which currency applies and is it stable?

The currency is the Convertible Mark (BAM). It is firmly pegged to the euro through a currency board (1 EUR = 1,95583 BAM), which supports stable trade and payment flows.

### Which risks should shippers keep in mind?

The complex administration with two entities and the Brčko District, as well as border waiting times at the EU external border, can extend transit times. In winter, mountain routes are at risk of snow and ice, and flooding is possible in spring.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.uino.gov.ba](https://www.uino.gov.ba)
- [https://bhas.gov.ba](https://bhas.gov.ba)
- [https://www.uino.gov.ba/portal/en/customs/](https://www.uino.gov.ba/portal/en/customs/)
- [https://www.uino.gov.ba/portal/en/vat/](https://www.uino.gov.ba/portal/en/vat/)
- [https://www.uino.gov.ba/portal/en/e-services/e-customs/](https://www.uino.gov.ba/portal/en/e-services/e-customs/)
- [https://www.cbbh.ba](https://www.cbbh.ba)
- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina)

*Last verified: 2026-06-22*

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*Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ba](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ba)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/ba](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/ba)*