Serbia Importer of Record at a Glance:
Importer of Record
- Imports of telecommunication equipment are regulated by the Ministry of Telecommunications (MoT)
- Serbia requires additional documents and agreements between importers and exporters to properly explain the transaction
IT Shipping & Logistics
- Serbian individuals display high internet usage but their public and corporate entities have been slow to digitize
Importer of Record and Pre-Shipment Documentation
Basic Documentation
Electronic and telecommunications imports into Serbia are regulated by the Ministry of Telecommunications. For most telecommunications equipment, existing registrations and certifications, may be available. However, if the registrations/certificates are not previously completed, FGX can help facilitate the certificate of conformity registration process.
Other than the MoT approval, shipments into Serbia will require documentation like – air waybill, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, packing list, etc. Additionally an agreement between the shipper and Serbian importer may be required to explain the details of the transaction and the end-use of the equipment.
Importer of Record
While Serbia is projected to finish its EU contract in 2025, Serbia is not yet a part of the European Union. Clients that wish to act as their own Importer of Record cannot rely on a European entity to do so. Their entity must be local to Serbia to act as their own Importer of Record.
Serbia’s Importer of Record service requirements are unique because Serbian customs must review the nature and details of the transaction prior to issuing approval to import. Specifically “Free of Charge” shipments may come under increased scrutiny as these are shipments of products that the receiving entity did not directly pay for. Even if you are purchasing the equipment in the EU or USA – but you need to place it in a data center in Serbia – because the data center is not buying the hardware from you, it will be considered a “Free of Charge” shipment.
IT Shipping & Logistics
Serbia internet use is high above the European average. However, their government and corporate entities have been slow to digitize. This makes it a lucrative location to establish and maintain tech infrastructure for some tech-core companies.
Lastly, wide-body aircraft services are more scarce than in other European countries but can be booked via a connecting airport within the EU. We rarely expect long delays in air freight and transit can usually be accomplished within a week or less.
FGX manages all of our client’s shipments door-to-door (or door-to-data center). This case study showcases how we navigated IT logistics and importation into Serbia at the time that it was written. Regulations and challenges are constantly changing and exact shipping requirements may have changed. To learn more about FGX and how our global shipping platform can help your company, reach out here.
