Serbia
RS · SRB
As of: 7/21/2026
Transitland Korridor X / Donaukorridor VII
Capital: Belgrade
CEFTA / EU-Beitrittskandidat (SAA)LandlockedStrasseSchieneBinnenschiffLuftImport VAT: PDV: Normalsatz 20 Prozent, ermässigt 10 Prozent (Poreska uprava)Customs: mittelRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: mittelDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: mittel bis hoch
Overview
Serbia (RS) is a landlocked country in the Western Balkans and the region's central transit hub: Pan-European Corridor X links Central Europe via Belgrade and Nis to North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey, while the Danube (Corridor VII) carries inland-waterway traffic. As an EU candidate country under a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the Uprava carina clears goods electronically through the national ISCS system; NCTS common transit has applied since February 2016. Import VAT (PDV) is 20 percent (reduced 10 percent). The main gateways are Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) and Nis (INI), the Danube ports of Belgrade, Pancevo, Smederevo and Prahovo, and the seaports of Bar, Koper/Rijeka and Thessaloniki as maritime access points. Key axes are the E75 Subotica–Belgrade–Nis–Presevo, the Belgrade–Novi Sad–Budapest high-speed rail line and the Belgrade–Bar railway. Trade centres on vehicles and parts, machinery, metals and agricultural products; the main partners are Germany, Italy, China and the CEFTA neighbours.
Mentioned countries
Area88,361 km²
Population6,647,003
CurrencySerbian dinar (RSD)
Economic areaCEFTA / EU-Beitrittskandidat (SAA)
ContinentEurope
ReligionsOrthodox, Katholisch, Islam, Protestantisch
ISO codeRS / SRB
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Uprava carina (Zollverwaltung der Republik Serbien)Import system
Elektronische Abfertigung über das nationale Zollsystem ISCS; Versand über NCTS (Mitglied des Gemeinsamen Versandübereinkommens seit Februar 2016). Zollrecht an den EU-Zollkodex angeglichen.
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung elektronisch über die Zollverwaltung (Uprava carina); Versand über NCTS. Präferenzieller Ursprungsnachweis EUR.1 bzw. Ursprungserklärung im Rahmen von SAA und CEFTA.
Import VAT
- PDV: Normalsatz 20 Prozent, ermässigt 10 Prozent (Poreska uprava)
- Einfuhr-PDV auf Zollwert plus Zoll. Bestätigt 2026-07. VAT-Novelle mit SEF-E-Invoicing-Kopplung seit 1.4.2026.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief (CMR/CIM)
- Packliste
- Ursprungszeugnis
- Einfuhrzollanmeldung
- ggf. EUR.1
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Ausfuhranmeldung
- Frachtbrief (CMR/CIM)
- Packliste
- EUR.1 oder Ursprungserklärung
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1 und Ursprungserklärung im Rahmen von SAA (EU), CEFTA, EFTA, EAWU sowie der Freihandelsabkommen mit der Türkei, dem Vereinigten Königreich und China (in Kraft seit 1.7.2024).
Restricted & prohibited goods
Genehmigungspflichtig u.a. Waffen, Munition, Dual-Use-Güter, Suchtmittel, geschützte Arten (CITES); Veterinär- und Pflanzenschutzkontrollen für Lebensmittel und Agrargüter.
Export controls & sanctions
Serbien hat sich den EU-Sanktionen gegen Russland überwiegend NICHT angeschlossen (CFSP-Angleichung rückläufig). Eigene Exportkontrolle für Dual-Use- und Rüstungsgüter.
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
Air
mediumSea
n/aRoad
highRail
highInland Waterway
highCargo airports
- Belgrad Nikola Tesla (BEG)
- Nis Constantine the Great (INI)
Inland ports & terminals
- Belgrad
- Novi Sad
- Pancevo
- Smederevo
- Prahovo
- Bogojevo
Road corridors & border crossings
- Korridor X (E75 Subotica-Belgrad-Nis-Presevo)
- E70 Richtung Zagreb und Sofia
- E763 Belgrad-Cacak-Montenegro
Rail corridors
- Korridor X Schiene (Subotica-Belgrad-Nis-Presevo)
- Schnellbahn Belgrad-Novi Sad-Subotica-Budapest
- Belgrad-Bar (Seezugang Montenegro)
Top trade lanes
- Serbien-Deutschland
- Serbien-Italien
- Serbien-China
- Serbien-EU/CEFTA (Westbalkan)
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel
Port congestion riskniedrig
Risk notes
Hauptrisiken: Grenzwartezeiten an EU-Aussengrenzen und Westbalkan-Übergängen; fehlende Angleichung an EU-Russland-Sanktionen kann Compliance-Prüfungen auslösen. Kosovo-Frage politisch offen.
Seasonal & weather risks
Kontinentales Klima: kalte, schneereiche Winter (Glätte, Donau-Eisgang) und heisse Sommer. Donau-Niedrigwasser kann die Binnenschifffahrt im Spätsommer und Herbst einschränken.
Current logistics notes
Keine landesweite Störung verifiziert; Risiken: wiederkehrende Grenzblockaden der Westbalkan-Transporteure gegen die EU-Entry/Exit-90/180-Regel (zuletzt Januar 2026) und protestbedingte Bahnunterbrüche (landesweiter Stopp 23.5.2026). Ausbau Schnellbahn Belgrad–Budapest bis EXPO 2027 läuft. (Stand 2026-07-21)
As of: 2026-07-21
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
As of: Jul 21, 2026
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Jan 2, 2026 | New Year Holiday (2nd day) | National | |||
| Jan 7, 2026 | Orthodox Christmas | National | |||
| Feb 15, 2026observed on Feb 17, 2026 | Statehood Day (Sretenje) | National | Falls on a Sunday in 2026; substitute non-working day on Tuesday 17 Feb 2026 (statutory rule). | ||
| Feb 16, 2026 | Statehood Day (Sretenje, 2nd day) | National | |||
| Apr 10, 2026 | Orthodox Good Friday | National | |||
| Apr 11, 2026 | Orthodox Holy Saturday | National | |||
| Apr 12, 2026 | Orthodox Easter Sunday | National | |||
| Apr 13, 2026 | Orthodox Easter Monday | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| May 2, 2026 | Labour Day (2nd day) | National | |||
| Nov 11, 2026 | Armistice Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Customs closed
New Year Holiday (2nd day)
Jan 2, 2026
Customs closed
Orthodox Christmas
Jan 7, 2026
Customs closed
Statehood Day (Sretenje)
Feb 15, 2026 · observed on Feb 17, 2026
Customs closed
Falls on a Sunday in 2026; substitute non-working day on Tuesday 17 Feb 2026 (statutory rule).
Statehood Day (Sretenje, 2nd day)
Feb 16, 2026
Customs closed
Orthodox Good Friday
Apr 10, 2026
Customs closed
Orthodox Holy Saturday
Apr 11, 2026
Customs closed
Orthodox Easter Sunday
Apr 12, 2026
Customs closed
Orthodox Easter Monday
Apr 13, 2026
Customs closed
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Customs closed
Labour Day (2nd day)
May 2, 2026
Customs closed
Armistice Day
Nov 11, 2026
Customs closed
Airports in this country
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
BEG · Belgrade
Batajnica Air Base
BJY · Zemun
Morava Airport
KVO · Kraljevo
Niš Constantine the Great Airport
INI · Niš
Ponikve Airport
UZC · Stapari
Bački Jarak Airfield
Bački Jarak
Bački Monoštor Airfield
Sombor
Bela Crkva Airfield
Bela Crkva
Bogatić Airfield
Bogatić
Ečka Airfield
Zrenjanin
Golubinci Airstrip
Golubinci
Jagodina-Barutana Airfield
Jagodina
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-21
Official sources
- carina.rs
- purs.gov.rs
- stat.gov.rs
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT (PDV) rate in Serbia?
Serbia's standard VAT (PDV) rate is 20 percent and the reduced rate is 10 percent. Import VAT is charged on the customs value plus duty.
Is Serbia part of the EU customs union?
No. Serbia is an EU candidate country with a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (in force since 2013) but is not an EU member or part of the EU customs union. Tariff preferences apply under the SAA and other free trade agreements.
Which free trade agreements does Serbia have?
Serbia has free trade agreements with the EU (SAA), CEFTA, EFTA, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Turkey, the United Kingdom and, since 1 July 2024, China.
Does Serbia have a seaport?
No, Serbia is landlocked. Trade moves via the Danube river ports (Belgrade, Pancevo, Smederevo, Prahovo) and through the seaports of Bar (Montenegro), Rijeka/Koper and Thessaloniki.
What is the role of Corridor X?
Pan-European Corridor X is Serbia's most important transport axis. The E75 motorway and the railway connect Central Europe via Belgrade and Nis with North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey.
How is customs clearance handled in Serbia?
The Customs Administration (Uprava carina) processes clearance electronically. Serbia has been a member of the Common Transit Convention since February 2016 and uses the NCTS transit system.
Does Serbia apply the EU sanctions against Russia?
Largely no. Serbia has not aligned with most EU sanctions against Russia. Companies should take this into account in compliance and origin matters.
Which trade partners are important for Serbia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Serbia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Last updated: