Import/Export

Certificate of Origin

Certain commodities, depending on the harmonized tariff code, (for example, food stuff, medical instruments, seeds, etc.) require a Certificate of Origin from the shipper.

The Certificate of Origin must meet the following Customs stipulations:

Must be an original form

Must contain the shipper's original signature in ink

Must be issued by the Chamber of Commerce

Must contain a seal or watermark in the paper

Must provide a detailed description of the goods. General descriptions of the goods will not be accepted.

Company License

The following documents are required from a consignee to make Customs clearance:

• A photocopy of the Company license and their NIPT (tax number registration) document.
• Authoriztion from the company allowing someone else other than whom is listed on the license to accept the shipment on their behalf, if necessary.

EUR1 Certificate

The EUR1 certificate shall be issued by the customs authorities of the exporting country or territory on application having been made by the exporter. The exporter must be able to proof at any time the originating status of his products concerned. This form is valid for products of any value and must accompany the shipment in original.

Details of the preferential agreements the EU has in place could be found on the EU website: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/customs_duties/rules_origin/preferential/article_779_en.htm

Invoice Declaration (EUR1)

An invoice declaration can be made out by a so called approved exporter for originating products of any value or by any exporter limited to originating products whose value does not exceed EUR 6,000.

The customs authorities of the exporting country or territory can authorised exporters who frequently exports products under the Agreement to make out invoice declarations irrespective of the value of the products concerned. Exporters granted with such an authorisation are referred to as approved exporter. The customs authorities grant him with a customs authorisation number which shall appear on the invoice declaration.

The exporter making out an invoice declaration must be able to proof the originating status of the products to the customs authorities of the exporting country or territory at any time.

An invoice declaration has to be made out by the exporter by typing, stamping or printing on an invoice, the delivery note or another commercial document. An invoice declaration shall bear the original signature of the exporter. An approved exporter shall not be required to sign such declarations provided he accepts full responsibility for any invoice declaration identifying him as exporter.

The text of the invoice declaration is laid down in the preferential trade agreement. Details of the preferential agreements the EU has in place could be found on the EU website: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/customs_duties/rules_origin/preferential/article_779_en.htm

For more information,please refer to Free Trade Agreements

Free Trade Agreements

Bilateral free trade agreements or unilateral autonomous preferential agreements allow the import clearance of certain products with a reduced duty rate or with a full duty exemption. The products benefiting from the preferential treatment must fulfil the necessary rules of originating in a country or territory covered by the preferential trade agreement.

An exporter who wants his products to benefit from the preferential treatment must be able to proof that his products fulfil the rules to be originating in a country or territory covered by the preferential trade agreement and they must provide a preferential document validated by the customs authorities or document with a valid preferential statement issued by themselves.

The preferential trade agreement foresees the following preferential proofs above.

Import Declaration

Import declaration (SAD Import)

All shipments exceeding the deminimis value are subject to formal import declarations.

The customs import declaration form is a general administrative document approved in Albania. You may obtain this declaration form and detailed information including, instructions for filling it out, directly from the customs agency offices, or you may find them on the internet by accessing the on-line ASYCUDA WORLD declaration system. Each element contained in this declaration must be completed to begin the clearance procedure for imported goods.

Import License

In general, imports to Albania do not entail an import license.

However, in specific cases involving the import of scrap and waste material suitable for reprocessing, recycling and destruction, import is limited to holders of import licenses.

Miscellaneous

For charges made for Export Shipments from United Kingdom to the destination country or territory, please refer to Brokerage Services and Charges-Export Shipments with United Kingdom as the destination.

Driving Licenses

Valid Driving Licenses can be shipped as documents. The description must clearly state 'driving license'. Shipping driving licenses require the approval of the UK customs authorities. A delay of minimum one day has to be calculated.

Please check the import related information if driving licenses are allowed for importation.

Mobile phones to all destinations from United Kingdom can be delayed on export due to security checks from government bodies.

MSDS-NON DG

Goods under IATA Special Provisions A67 require a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

It is not required for all, however shipments can be held by local authority in United Arab Emirates after screening due to lack of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or NON DG (Dangerous Goods) declaration letter from the shipper resulting to misconnections and impacting end-to-end service.

It would be advisable for all shipments originating, transiting and terminating for UAE to have MSDS or NON DG declaration from shipper enclosed in the shipment and copies to be uploaded in IDIS.

Packing List

A Packing list is mandatory for Albania and needs to include country or territory of origin, HS Code and and all information requiring the contents of the shipment.

SED-(New Electronic Export System)

Export procedure ex United Kingdom

A formal electronic export declaration must be sent to customs authorities by the exporter or their representative. Customs authorities grant the release for export and issue an Export Accompanying Document (EAD) with a unique Movement Reference Number (MRN). UPS operated simplified procedures allowing export formalities to be completed upto 14 days after export.

Informal Declarations
An informal declaration is possible for shipments up to a national threshold. The informal declaration is based on the invoice value and is restricted to shipments not subject to prohibitions and restrictions (for example, embargo regulations) or special export procedures (for example, temporary export). The informal clearance will be done by UPS at the point of exit.

National Requirements
Shipments up to a value of 873.00 GBP can be declared informally on the basis of the invoice.

The EORI (European Union Registration and Identification) number needs to be included with the Invoice for any shipment with value exceeding 873.00 GBP. The EORI number can be obtained by the shipper using website link: www.gov.uk/EORI

UPS service
UPS offers the service to prepare export declarations on behalf of the exporter without additional fees.

Passports

Valid passports can be shipped as documents. The description must clearly state 'passport'. Shipping passports require the approval of the UK customs authorities. A delay of minimum one day has to be calculated.

Please check the import related information if passports are allowed for importation.

Classifications for Non-Documents

Non-documents are divided into 2 categories for the purpose of Customs duties:

Commercial goods

Personal goods

Duty and Taxes

Please note that not only the value(s) of the commodity/commodities have to be considered when calculating duty and tax, but also the freight charge and other fees.

Package Delivery

There are no postal codes in Albania, therefore addresses and telephone numbers must be accurate and legible. UPS requires consignee contact name or company name for delivery.

Post Office Boxes

UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number should be provided if known.

Service is provided to and from certain cities.

UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number should be provided if known.

Rest Days:

Saturday, Sunday, and official holidays.

GMT:

Spring +0200/ Fall +0100

Language:

Albanian

Currency:

Lek(ALL)

Shipping Charges

• Shipping charges can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing the receiver, either the shipper or receiver's account number is required.
• When billing to a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.

Duties and Taxes

• Duties and taxes can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.
• If the duties and taxes are billed to an account outside of the destination country or territory, a "Duty and Tax Forwarding" surcharge will be applied.

Third-Party Billing

• Please note the following third party billing exceptions:
  • Shipments to and from the same country or territory (domestic shipments) cannot be billed to third party payors in other countries or territories. For example, shipments from Mexico to Mexico or Canada to Canada cannot be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. This rule does not apply to UPS domestic services in European Union countries or territories as well as to UPS domestic services in the United Kingdom.For example, shipments from Germany to Germany can be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. (as long as the payor is a business and has a VAT or Tax/EIN ID on file with UPS).

Payment Methods

• When paying by credit card, check, or cash, only the shipper can be billed the shipping charges

There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to Albania. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.

Animal Products

Cows, goats, sheep, and pigs are considered domesticated animals. All other animals are considered non-domesticated animals. Items or products made from non-domesticated animals are restricted in the UPS system and only allowed with a UPS ISC contract-CITES permit and additional restrictions may apply,please check with your local ISC Coordinator.

The import of animal products and by-products containing animal products require an Animal Health Certificate provided by the exporter of the goods. Each consignment of animal products or live animals is subject to veterinary inspections when being imported to Albania from a third country or territory. A reference list of products requiring veterinary inspections is presented in the Commission Decision 2007/275/EC. In addition to the products included in this list, other products shall be inspected, including hay, straw and plant products for animal feed.

The officer responsible for the imported consignment shall ensure that all animal products are presented at a Border Inspection Point (BIP) approved for those products.

The importer is responsible for notifying the BIP and for completing Part 1 of the VDIT (Veterinary Document for Import and Transit). Notification must occur before the arrival of the goods, for the consignment arriving by land, rail or air, and one working day in advance for all the types of consignment.

The consignment must be presented to the BIP without delay upon arrival in Albania.

BIP staff can perform a visual inspection of the consignments and of the goods manifest or other electronic means, by securing in writing that VS has confirmed that the main data related to the consignment are included in the Part 1 of VDIT.

After the arrival and preliminary acceptance of the VDIT, the veterinary inspectors shall carry out an examination of documents, a verification of the identity and a physical inspection. If needed, samples of the products can be examined in a laboratory.

The examination of documents focuses on the veterinary certificate, the VDIT and all other accompanying documents. The original certificate shall be examined for its accuracy and originality. After the VDIT documentation is examined, the VDIT number and the application of the reduced inspection regime are noted.

The VDIT will be kept at the BIP until inspection procedures are concluded.

The verification of identity must be performed in order to ensure that the data in the documentation accompanying the products correspond to the characteristics of the consignment. A verification of identity must be performed on 1% of the packaged units with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 units being examined. The amount of 1% is taken as a representation of the entire consignment. If the packages are opened, they should be resealed with the BIP inspection label.

Subsequent physical inspections are carried out by BIP staff.

The organoleptic examination includes odor, color, feel and taste. Frozen products must be defrosted in advance, gradually or in a microwave. The veterinary inspection focuses on compulsory and optional physical tests, the identification of the products and a check on the fulfilment of the import requirements.

If necessary, the physical inspection is supported by a laboratory inspection focused on residues, pathogenic microorganisms, contaminants or alteration or other types of residues.

For more detailed information regarding the veterinary check procedures in Border Crossing Points, refer to the following documents: the complete Veterinary Control manual and the Guidelines on procedures to be followed in border inspection posts.

Bank Cards

Bank Cards which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.

CD Roms

An invoice is required on all shipments containing a CD-Rom/Disk. Invoice should indicate the value of the Recording Media (eg. CDR/DVD) & the Intellectual/statistical value of the software/data separately

Food

Food products and samples of food products of a commercial nature require a Certificate of Origin and a Health Certificate provided by the shipper. If the goods are of EU (European Union) origin then an EUR 1 document may be provided by the shipper.

Medical Items

An Analysis Certificate is required for medical shipments intended for commercial use. Medical items also require a Certificate of Origin.

Medical Instruments

Medical instruments require a Certificate of Origin. If the goods are of EU (European Union) origin then an EUR 1 document may be provided by the shipper.

Medicine

Commercial shipments of medicine require a Certificate of Origin provided by the shipper. If the goods are of EU (European Union) origin then an EUR 1 document may be provided by the shipper. The importer must provide an import license issued by the Ministry of Health.

Private importers are allowed to import medicine. If the total invoice value exceeds US$300.00 an import license issued by the Ministry of Health must be provided by the importer.

Passports

Passports which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.

Plants

Living plants, part of plants, fruits, nuts and seeds are considered to be plants. All plants have to accompanied by a Phytosanitary Health Certificate.All obligatory provisions on the sanitary procedures are applied at national level. If you want to learn more about the sanitary service within the country or territory, please refer to the Law No. 7643 dated 2.12.1992-On Sanitary Service.

The sanitary regulations with regard to the import of plant products are included in the Phytosanitary regulations or in the relevant specific legislation. The import, export and transit of plants, plant products and other related articles in Albania is subject to phytosanitary inspection and carried out at the customs entry points.

The plants, plant products and other articles subject to sanitary control requires a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the phytosanitary authority of the country or territory of origin. Plant materials for propagation or planting are always allowed for use only after they undergo phytosanitary inspection and receive a phytosanitary certificate. The certificate must be raised in English or at least in an official language of the European Community. The botanical name of the plant(s) must be presented in Latin.

Importers of plants, plant products or other articles are obliged to inform 48 hours before the arrival of the consignment at the customs entry point, the offices of the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF) in the district where the consignment will enter the following: country or territory of origin, type, intended use, destination, and other specifications that may be requested. After an inspection required by law has been concluded, the inspector of the customs entry point will submit to the customs authorities a report on the phytosanitary inspection of the consignment.

If phytosanitary inspection reveals that legal requirements are not met, the following measures shall be taken, depending on the case:

• phytosanitary treatment with methods that guarantee the disinfection of the consignment
• separation of infested or contaminated parts of the consignment and their elimination with methods that guarantee the complete extermination of the parasite and its potential for spreading in the country or territory
• placement of the consignment under quarantine until the official test results are available
• permission to transport the cargo under the surveillance of inspectors to the industrial processing site, when the industrial processing guarantees a complete elimination of the parasite and its potential for spreading in the country or territory
• return of the consignment
• the elimination of the consignment with methods that guarantee the complete extermination of the parasite and its potential for spreading in the country or territory

All the costs related to these measures are to be paid by the owner of the shipment. If the importer refuses to take the measures mentioned above, the inspector shall stamp the Phytosanitary Certificate with a red triangular stamp with the writing-Certificate Cancelled-noting the name of inspector and date of refusal.

Plant Protection Products (PPP)

All Plant Protection Products (PPP) imported into Albania must be registered. Only PPPs registered in European Union countries or territories are registered in Albania. The import of registered PPPs, classified as-Hazardous PPPs-and-High Risk PPPs-require import permits issued by the head of the plant protection department while the import of other PPPs is done based on the self-declaration principle.

The marketing of registered PPPs, classified as Hazardous PPPs" and High Risk PPPs requires marketing permits issued by the director of the regional Department for Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection (DAFCP), while the marketing of other PPPs is based on self declaration.

Samples

Samples are considered dutiable if the declared value is higher than US$90.00.

Shipment value amount:

45.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro) EUR

Shipment type:

individual-to-individual

Exemption rule:

per person

In addition to a detailed description of each item, write additional comments of "gift shipment" on the invoice and in the Special Instructions box of the UPS Waybill to insure a proper assessment of duties and taxes.

Invoice

Non-document shipments to Albania must include 1 original and 2 copies of an invoice. Shipments of documents do not require an invoice. The consignee's telephone number, mobile number and e-mail address, if available, should appear on the invoice.

The invoice must contain the basic elements of the selling and purchasing transaction, including the date of transaction, the date of delivery of goods, the correct name and address of the purchaser in Albania, the correct name and address of the seller abroad, the number of parcels or other similar packaging, an accurate description of the goods, the quantity, price per unit and the total value of transaction, discounts in prices. If the sale invoice does not contain any of the afore-mentioned elements, then it may be rejected by the Albanian customs authorities, or may provide grounds for further inspection and investigation.

Invoices not made up in English need to be translated by an official translator.

The destination country or territory considers the following items as document shipments. If criteria are listed, the shipment must meet the criteria to be considered a document shipment.

Annual Reports

Bids

Business Cards

Calendars

Diplomas

Drawings

Drivers License

Event Tickets

Tickets for events like stage performances, football matches or concerts can be sent as documents up to a limit of 3 kgs per shipment and a declared value for customs purposes not exceeding US$20.00.

Event Tickets coming from a printing company and sent to the organizer of the event or ticket sales offices can not be sent as documents.

Examination Papers

Gift Cards

Intercompany Data on CD-Rom/Disk

Intercompany Mail

Newsletters (Company)

Pamphlets

Proposals

Specifications Sheets

Visa Applications

UPS can recommend which forms you need based on a few simple criteria. Forms can be completed online or printed. See which forms you need.

In addition to the prohibited commodities listed here, it is prohibited to ship the following commodities to Albania.

Antiques

Antique shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract. Antiques are defined as a work of art, piece of furniture, decorative object, or silverware that is 100 years old or older.

Artwork

Artwork shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract.

Paintings or other works of art can be accepted if the artist is still alive, the artwork is replaceable and an art dealer or gallery has appraised the artwork within the last year. If the declared value of the artwork is greater than $100.00 and there is a claim, the shipper must provide a copy of the original invoice, a bill of sale, or other proof certifying in writing the actual cost or replacement cost of the item.

Artwork includes the following: Original engravings, prints, lithographs, original sculptures, statuary.

The term "Artwork" does not apply to: architectural, engineering, industrial, topographical, commercial drawings, hand-painted or hand-decorated manufactured articles.

Lithium Batteries

Austrian Airlines (used by UPS to ship to and from Albania) have an embargo on Lithium Ion Battery type UN3480 (PI 965 ).

Mobile Telephones

Mobile phones to all destination countries from United Kingdom can be delayed on export due to security checks from government bodies.

Personal Effects

Personal Effects cannot be shipped between these countries or territories

Saturday Delivery Available: Yes

Not available in all areas. Always check the international time in transit system for details of service availability within a country or territory.

Always check Calculate Time and Cost for details of service availability and guarantee information within a country or territory. All Service Levels may not be available to or from every address within a country or territory.

United Kingdom to Albania

• UPS Worldwide Expedited
  ((England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland))

• UPS Worldwide Express

• UPS Worldwide Express Plus

• UPS Worldwide Express Saver

Outward Processing (after repair)

Outward Processing Relief (goods exported from the UK for the purpose of repair)

The outward processing relief starts with the export from the UK and will be discharged with the re-importation of the repaired goods. Both steps need to be identified by UPS export or import operation. Repair Goods: Goods requiring Export from the UK for repair Invoice requirements:

• Statement stating "Goods being sent for repair under Outward Processing Relief" should be clearly marked on the commercial invoice
• Provide serial number of goods being sent for repair. If the goods are not serialized a statement to this effect must be made on the commercial invoice
• Exporters authorized to export under OPR must include their authority number on all paperwork
• Provide correct commercial value of goods as originally paid for not a nominal value for the goods.

Failure to provide any of the above information will result in shipments being delayed.

Repaired goods: Goods being re-exported returned after repair in the UK Invoice requirements:

• Invoice should clearly state "Goods have been repaired under IPR"
• Provide either IP authorization number or Import entry details
• Provide full commercial value of goods plus cost of repair

Failure to provide any of the above information will result in shipments being delayed.

Solid Wood Packing Material

New requirements have been implemented for small package shipments and are based on the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, which is entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade". ISPM 15 was adopted internationally in 2002, and is gradually being introduced by countries or territories worldwide. Wood or wood products covered by ISPM 15 include items such as packing cases, boxes, crates, drums or similar packing, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars and skids, but exclude such processed woods as orientated strand board, particle board, plywood or veneer, created using glue, heat and pressure or a combinations thereof, and, raw wood which is 6mm or less thick. It is recommended that if a question arises on this issue, please check with the authority that issues the Phytosanitary certificates in your country or territory.

Import value limits to Albania

Deminimis Value

Private Shipments

• 22.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro) (EUR)

All non-document shipments may be assessed duty or tax or both if the value of the shipment is greater than 22.00 EUR.

If the goods imported are of a value greater than 22.00 EUR, automatically packages are hold for clearance. There are however physical inspections on shipments. Formal entry can be required after the physical inspection determined by the type of commodity, quantities etc. Customs has the right to hold a low value shipment as a formal entry.

Commercial Shipments

• 22.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro) (EUR)

All non-document shipments may be assessed duty or tax or both if the value of the shipment is greater than 22.00 EUR.

If the goods imported are of a value greater than 22.00 EUR, automatically packages are hold for clearance. There are however physical inspections on shipments. Formal entry can be required after the physical inspection determined by the type of commodity, quantities, etc. Customs has the right to hold a low value shipment as a formal entry.

Maximum weight:

70 kg (150 lbs.) per package

Maximum length:

274.00 cm (107.9 in.)  per package

Maximum dimensions:

400.00 cm (157.5 in.)  per package
Length and girth combined

Convert metric quantity for weight, length, and area.