Import Requirements for Machinery and Equipment into Albania
The Albanian government promotes foreign investment in the manufacturing and ICT sectors through incentives, encouraging importers and suppliers to import IT equipment into the country.
Such incentives include a 15% profit tax reduction to 5% for software development companies and a 20% VAT exemption on the imports of machinery and equipment.
However, you need a technology importer of record like Blackthorne to take advantage of foreign investment benefits by navigating Albania’s customs procedures and dual-use requirements.
Let’s discuss what you need to know before importing IT equipment into the country.
Import Requirements for IT Equipment into Albania
You need to fulfill various technical, customs, and documentation requirements for a compliant and cost-effective tech equipment import transaction.
Here are the key requirements to fulfill:
Duties and Taxes
- Value Added Tax (VAT): The standard VAT rate is 20% with a machinery and equipment VAT exemption for imports meant for investment contracts.
- Customs duties: Ranges from 0% to 15%, with imports of machinery and equipment for direct business 0% rated.
Customs Requirements
- Customs declaration: Every import requires a customs declaration detailing descriptions and quantity of the goods, customs value, HS codes, country of origin, and VAT number.
- Scanning fee: Customs declarations valued at less than 1000 euros incur a scanning fee of 5 euros, while those exceeding 1,000 euros incur a scanning fee of 22 euros per declaration.
- Import documentation: Includes certificate of origin, quality analysis certificates (where applicable), commercial invoice, packing list, VAT registration, and import licences (where applicable).
Compliance Requirements
In Albania, any import of dual-use goods, including software and hardware equipment, requires a licence from the Export State Control Authority at the Ministry of Defence.
Importers of equipment classified as dual-use must also:
- Submit end-user certificates
- Verify delivery and end-use of goods post-import
- Cooperate for product quality inspections during and after delivery
- Provide certificate of conformity (CE Mark certification) for compliance with EU regulations
- Contribute to ongoing monitoring, including participating in selective audits
Import with an IOR
Use our online calculator to see how much it costs to ship to the USA with Blackthorne IT
The Role of an IOR When Importing into Albania
Non-compliance with Albania import requirements can result in penalties of up to $50, 000, revocation of licences, or criminal charges.
An importer of record lowers the risk of non-compliance through:
- Fulfilling all customs, documentation, and compliance requirements during and after delivery
- Handling customs procedures, including payment of duties and taxes for timely clearance
- Addressing any compliance issues that may arise during and after importation on behalf of the importer
Why Blackthorne IOR When Importing into Albania
Blackthorne has a fully functional IOR office in Albania, so you don’t have to worry about establishing a local presence to start importing.
Also, in addition to the IOR roles earlier mentioned, we offer a suite of international trade compliance services, including
- Import and export licensing compliance for IT equipment
- Freight forwarding and logistics management to avoid transshipment and diversion
- Post delivery best practices, including record keeping, equipment maintenance and support, licensing and certification management, and compliance audits for ongoing compliance
Import Compliantly with Blackthorne IOR
Blackthorne has been Albania’s trusted IOR service provider for over 20 years. We work with importers, manufacturers, and IT equipment suppliers to ensure a cost-efficient, reliable, and timely import transaction.
Call or email us today at sales@blackthorneit.com to start importing your equipment into Albania!
