Serbia continues to make progress with the elimination of import quotas, reductions in import licensing, and ongoing improvements in customs procedures. However, the 2024/2025 period saw new quantitative import restrictions on products like sunflower oil, margarine, and pellets, contrary to SAA obligations with the EU. These new trade barriers have drawn concern from the European Commission.
High import tariffs for certain U.S. products, such as dietary supplements, tractors, and heavy construction machinery remain a challenge when compared to EU competitors. Persistent issues include lack of transparency and “best value” criteria in public procurement, frequent and unanticipated legislative/regulatory changes, and insufficient private sector consultation or regulatory impact assessments.
Legal Framework
Serbia’s foreign trade is governed by the Law on Foreign Trade Transactions, Law on Customs, Law on Customs Tariffs, and updated regulations on imports, exports, and transit documentation. There have been no major changes to the legal basis since 2023, but ongoing reforms affect tariff exemptions and import requirements.
Any registered Serbian company can conduct foreign trade. No special approval is required for re-exports except for controlled goods (weapons, dual use, etc.).
The Customs Law—fully aligned with EU Customs Code—remains the foundation for procedures, digital clearance, and centralized control. The deadline for temporary storage is 90 days (unchanged from previous years), while goods in temporary importation can remain for up to 10 years. U.S. goods are subject to MFN tariffs—not the preferential rates offered to EU imports. The 2023 regulation on customs tariff nomenclature is still in effect for 2024 (Official Gazette Nos 132/22 and 14/22).