Country profile
North Macedonia
MK · MKDAs of: 6/26/2026Inland transit market in the Balkans, Corridors X and VIII
North Macedonia is a landlocked country in the central Balkans and a regionally important transit country between Central and Southeastern Europe. It is not an EU member but an EU accession candidate (Stabilisation and Association Agreement since 2004), a CEFTA member and linked through an EFTA free trade agreement. Customs are handled by the Customs Administration (Carinska uprava) using the Single Administrative Document; since 1 July 2015 North Macedonia has been a member of the Common Transit Convention and uses NCTS (Phase 5 since 13 January 2025). Import VAT is generally 18 percent (reduced rates of 10 and 5 percent). As the country has no seaport, overseas traffic mainly runs through the ports of Thessaloniki (Greece) and Durres (Albania). Inland transport is centred on the Pan-European Corridor X (Tabanovce - Skopje - Gevgelija) running north-south and Corridor VIII running east-west. Air freight is handled at Skopje (SKP) and Ohrid (OHD) airports. The national currency is the Denar (MKD).
Overview
North Macedonia (ISO code: MK) is a landlocked country in the central Balkans, bordering Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo and Serbia. It is a parliamentary republic, not an EU member but an EU accession candidate (Stabilisation and Association Agreement in force since 2004) as well as a member of CEFTA and party to an EFTA free trade agreement. Customs are handled by the Customs Administration (Carinska uprava) using the Single Administrative Document; since 1 July 2015 the country has been a member of the Common Transit Convention and uses the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS, Phase 5 since 13 January 2025). Import VAT is generally 18 percent, with reduced rates of 10 and 5 percent. Its export-oriented economy is shaped by metals and ferro-alloys, textiles and clothing, machinery and vehicle parts as well as agricultural products such as wine, vegetables and tobacco, with Germany as the main trading partner. As the country has no seaport, overseas trade mainly runs through Thessaloniki (Greece) and Durres (Albania). Inland transport centres on the Pan-European Corridor X (Tabanovce - Skopje - Gevgelija) and the east-west Corridor VIII, while air freight is handled at Skopje (SKP) and Ohrid (OHD) airports. The national currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD).
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Customs Administration of the Republic of North Macedonia (Carinska uprava / Customs Administration)Import system
Electronic import processing by the customs administration using the single administrative document (SAD). North Macedonia has been a member of the Common Transit Procedure since 1.7.2015 and uses NCTS (Phase 5 since 13.1.2025).
Export system
Export by single administrative document (SAD); common transit procedure via NCTS. Preferential trade with the EU (SAA), EFTA and within CEFTA.
Import VAT
- 18 percent (standard rate)
- reduced 10 and 5 percent. Collected by the Public Revenue Office (UJP).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Single administrative document (SAD)
- Transport document (CMR, AWB)
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / origin declaration) for preference
- Import licences, if applicable
Export documents
- Export declaration (SAD)
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / EUR-MED)
- Transport document (CMR)
- Export licence if applicable (dual-use / military goods)
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1, EUR-MED and origin declaration on the invoice. PEM Convention with revised rules of origin since 1.1.2025. Agreements: SAA with the EU, EFTA free trade agreement, CEFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Licensing requirements apply, among others, to weapons and military goods, dual-use goods, narcotic substances, protected species (CITES), cultural property, and goods subject to veterinary and phytosanitary controls.
Export controls & sanctions
As an EU accession candidate, North Macedonia aligns with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy and adopts EU sanctions, including measures relating to Russia; national dual-use export control.
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
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
- SKP - Flughafen Skopje
- OHD - Flughafen Ohrid St. Paul
Road corridors & border crossings
- Corridor X / Motorway A1: Tabanovce (border RS) - Skopje - Gevgelija (border GR)
- Corridor VIII: Albanian border (Kjafasan) - Skopje - Bulgarian border (Deve Bair)
- Sea port connections via Thessaloniki (GR) and Durres (AL)
Rail corridors
- Corridor X (electrified): Tabanovce - Skopje - Gevgelija (Makedonski Zeleznici)
- Corridor VIII (east-west, partly under development towards Bulgaria)
Top trade lanes
- Germany - North Macedonia
- Greece - North Macedonia (via Gevgelija / Thessaloniki)
- Serbia - North Macedonia (via Tabanovce)
- Bulgaria - North Macedonia
- Kosovo - North Macedonia
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Main risks are border and customs congestion at crossings (e.g., Tabanovce to Serbia, Bogorodica/Gevgelija to Greece), dependence on transit via third-country ports, and winter weather on Corridor X.
Seasonal & weather risks
Continental climate: cold, partly snowy winters can affect mountain passes and corridor routes; hot, dry summers.
Current logistics notes
NCTS Phase 5 active since 13.1.2025; revised PEM rules of origin since 1.1.2025. EU accession candidate with ongoing alignment of customs law. No nationwide disruption verified (as of 2026-06-26).
As of: 2026-06-26
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
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Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is North Macedonia part of the EU or the EU customs union?
No. North Macedonia is not an EU member but an EU accession candidate. Since 2004, a Stabilisation and Association Agreement has been in place with the EU; the country is also a member of CEFTA and linked through an EFTA free trade agreement.
What is the import tax (VAT) in North Macedonia?
The standard rate is 18 percent. In addition, reduced rates of 10 and 5 percent apply to certain goods and services (e.g. basic foodstuffs, medicines). VAT is collected by the Public Revenue Office (UJP).
Which customs system does North Macedonia use?
The customs administration (Carinska uprava) processes declarations electronically via the single administrative document (SAD). For transit, North Macedonia has been a member of the Common Transit Procedure since 1. July 2015 and uses the NCTS (Phase 5 since 13. January 2025).
Does North Macedonia have a seaport?
No, North Macedonia is a landlocked country without its own seaport. Overseas shipments mainly run via the ports of Thessaloniki (Greece) and Durres (Albania) and are then transported onward by road or rail.
Which transport corridors are central to the transport of goods?
The most important axis is the Pan-European Corridor X (Tabanovce - Skopje - Gevgelija) running north-south, which connects Serbia with Greece. In the east-west direction, Corridor VIII runs from Albania via Skopje to Bulgaria.
Which proof of origin applies in preferential trade?
The usual documents are the movement certificate EUR.1, EUR-MED and the origin declaration on the invoice. Since 1. January 2025, the revised rules of origin of the PEM Convention apply, which allow cumulation with the EU, EFTA and CEFTA.
Are there export controls or sanctions in North Macedonia?
Yes. As an EU accession candidate, North Macedonia follows the EU's common foreign and security policy and adopts EU sanctions, for example against Russia. Dual-use and military goods are subject to national export control.
Which currency does North Macedonia use?
The national currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD). It is de facto pegged to the euro; the euro is widely used in trade but is not legal tender.
Which trade partners are important for North Macedonia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for North Macedonia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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