This document was submitted in response to a questionnaire distributed by Global Hand regarding humanitarian customs information. It provides regulations for importing humanitarian aid into Albania.

Required Documents

• bill of lading/airway bill
• packing list
• deed of donation
• certificate of origin, fumigation certificate and commercial invoice are optional requirements
• The request for exemption must first be submitted to the General Directorate, then the other documents have to be attached to the application.

Prohibited Goods

Alcoholic drinks, tobacco, coffee and tea are not prohibited but are not given exemptions.

Tax Exemption

Albania does offer tax exemption on humanitarian cargo. Goods for humanitarian purposes are exempted such such as: Food, clothes, covers, beds, mattresses, hospital equipment and medicines. More goods exemptions are given to religious foundations or churches supporting those activities effecting religion.

Pre-shipment Application

International pre-shipment application is required in advance to: General Directorate of Customs, Directorate of Origin, Valuation and Tariff, Rruga Sami Frasheri, Tirana, Albania.

Monetary Valuation

Customs require monetary valuation for the shipment on an individual item basis. Valuation should be included on documentation as a reference.

Restrictions

Restrictions are in place on expiry date for food and medicine. Also, medicine should have the import permission from Albanian Ministry of Health, the foundations (donors) should apply before the goods arrive.

Source:

General Directorate of Customs of Albania Date published: 14/08/2007