IT Equipment Import Requirements in Kosovo

Kosovo’s expanding digital infrastructure and planned 5G rollout present an ideal opportunity for IT equipment importers.

The government is investing in next-generation networks, aiming to launch 5G in key urban areas.

Such developments are increasing the demand for ICT equipment, including data centre hardware and networking devices.

This article discusses the import requirements for IT equipment destined for Kosovo and how Blackthorne IOR can help.

5 Requirements for Importing IT Equipment to Kosovo

Here are the five key requirements to comply with when importing IT equipment to Kosovo:

1. Technical Compliance and CE Marking

Kosovo aligns its technical regulations with those of the European Union, which require CE marking as proof of conformity to standards.

When importing IT and telecom equipment, you must:

Prepare and retain technical documentation, including test reports and the Declaration of Conformity (DoC), to justify compliance with EU standards, including EMC, LVD, and RED directives
Ensure IT equipment is labelled with a valid CE mark
Keep records of compliance for future compliance audits

2. Telecom and Radio Equipment Compliance

Telecom and wireless devices require type approval from Kosovo’s Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (ARKEP).

As the importer, you must:

Apply to ARKEP for telecom or RF type approval before importing
Submit relevant compliance documentation, including DoC, CE test reports, and product specifications to expedite evaluation
Label equipment according to Kosovo’s labelling requirements

3. Product Safety Standards

Kosovo’s Law on Standardization incorporates EU and international standards into national regulations, with most standards being voluntary, unless mandated.

Your responsibility as the importer entails:

Confirming imported IT equipment aligns with applicable Kosovo (SK EN ISO) standards, especially for electrical and environmental safety
Obtaining accredited lab certificates from ILAC or EA-recognised labs
Monitoring regulatory updates from KSA and relevant authorities for changes to technical requirements

4. Customs Procedures

For a seamless customs clearance, you must:

Submit an import declaration (the Single Administrative Document)
Have a physical entity or representative in Kosovo
Process and submit transport, technical, and sales paperwork
Pay applicable duties and taxes
Ensure compliance with all import requirements and regulations

5. Documentation, Duties, and Taxes

Documentation

Here are the essential documents to submit when importing to Kosovo:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill
Certificate of Origin
Import Declaration Form
CE Declaration of Conformity
Import permits/ approvals and certifications
Warranty and user manuals in Albanian and/or Serbian
Product test reports

Duties and Taxes

The following import charges apply to IT equipment imports to Kosovo:

Import duties: The standard customs duty rate is 10%
VAT: The standard VAT rate is 18%, calculated on CIF (cost + Insurance + Freight) plus duties.

A reduced 8% VAT applies to essential goods and services, including imported IT equipment

Import with an IOR

Use our online calculator to see how much it costs to ship to the USA with Blackthorne IT

Why Blackthorne IOR When Importing to Kosovo

Here are the three main reasons why Blackthorne IOR is helpful when importing to Kosovo:

360 compliance: we ensure technical, customs, and logistics management compliance for a safe, timely, and risk-free import transaction.
Door-to-door logistics: Transporting equipment into Kosovo is challenging, as the delivery routes are long with a few direct flight options. Blackthorne’s accredited freight forwarding operations, coupled with established partnerships in Kosovo, simplify logistics and ensure timely door-to-door delivery.
Entity representation: With an established local presence, we can handle all paperwork, duties and taxes, and customs clearance on your behalf.

Import into Kosovo with Blackthorne IOR Services

Need assistance importing to Kosovo?

Let’s chat further via call or email (sales@blackthorneit.com) so we can hit those business targets

Kosovo