Country profile
Bosnia and Herzegovina
BA · BIHAs of: 6/22/2026Transit country on Corridor Vc; supplier industry, wood/furniture, metal and energy
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.
Overview
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.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Import system
Import clearance by the ITA using the ASYCUDA system (e-Customs). The BiH customs tariff is aligned with the EU Combined Nomenclature.
Export system
Export clearance via the ITA in the ASYCUDA system; electronic export declaration. Preferential exports under SAA (EU), CEFTA 2006 and EFTA.
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.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- CMR consignment note
- Packing list
- Import customs declaration (ASYCUDA)
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / origin declaration)
- Import licences depending on the goods
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- CMR consignment note
- Packing list
- Export customs declaration (ASYCUDA)
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / origin declaration)
Origin proofs / FTA
Preference proofs EUR.1 or origin declaration under SAA (EU), CEFTA 2006 and EFTA; PEM cumulation of origin applicable.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import controls for, among others, weapons, narcotics, protected species (CITES), certain foodstuffs and plants, and goods subject to excise duty.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Europe) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Europe. Depending on the destination (customs union, VAT, product rules), steps and documents may differ.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- SJJ - Sarajevo
- TZL - Tuzla
- BNX - Banja Luka
- OMO - Mostar
Inland ports & terminals
- Brčko (port on the Sava)
- Bosanski Šamac (Sava)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Corridor Vc / A1 motorway: Budapest - Osijek - Sarajevo - Mostar - Ploče
- M17 main road along the Neretva
- Connections to Zagreb and Belgrade
Rail corridors
- Rail corridor Vc: Šamac - Doboj - Sarajevo - Čapljina - Ploče
- Banja Luka - Doboj - Tuzla
- Connection to the Croatian and Serbian networks
Top trade lanes
- BiH - Germany
- BiH - Croatia (port of Ploče)
- BiH - Serbia
- BiH - Italy
- BiH - Austria
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Complex administration with two entities plus the Brčko District. Around 20 km of Adriatic coast near Neum, but no commercial deep-sea port; overseas traffic runs via Ploče (HR) and Bar (ME).
Seasonal & weather risks
Continental inland climate with cold, snowy winters on passes and mountain routes; milder Mediterranean coast. Occasional flooding possible in spring and summer.
Current logistics notes
Expansion of the A1 motorway (Corridor Vc) is ongoing. EU accession candidate since end of 2022; in 2024 decision to open accession talks. As of June 2026.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
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.
Which trade partners are important for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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