Sending a package to Montenegro: Customs, EUR.1 and delivery time
From Germany to Podgorica, Bar or Budva: How to properly prepare business shipments
Montenegro lies on the Adriatic coast in southeastern Europe and has close economic ties to the European Union. Despite its proximity to the EU, shipments from Germany to Montenegro are considered exports to a third country. Therefore, goods must be properly prepared for both export and import into Montenegro.
- Shipping from Germany to Montenegro
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Podgorica and other regions
- Prepare customs and shipping data digitally
- 21% PDV taken into account
- Check EU preferential origin
- Using EUR.1 correctly
- Calculate import costs in advance.
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In Montenegro, the origin of goods can save on import duties.
Montenegro is not a member of the European Union. Nevertheless, it has a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which includes extensive tariff preferences.
Therefore, in addition to the HS code, it should always be checked whether the goods actually have a preferential EU origin.
21% PDV taken into account
The standard VAT rate in Montenegro is 21 percent. This tax is generally also levied on imported goods.
EU origin can reduce customs duties
For many goods with proven preferential origin, more favorable or waived import duties may apply due to the agreement with the EU.
EUR.1 only with verified origin
Shipping from Germany alone is not enough. For customs preference, the goods must actually meet the applicable rules of origin.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Montenegro: Clarify import costs before shipping
When making a delivery to Montenegro, it should be arranged before booking who will handle import clearance and any applicable duties.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
Import clearance and the agreed import costs are generally the responsibility of the recipient.
This can include:
- Import duty
- 21% PDV
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
- other product-specific costs
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import costs and further obligations, provided that the carrier and import situation support the procedure.
This can be particularly interesting for online shops and deliveries with a fixed agreed final price.
Before a binding DDP calculation is made, at least the following should be checked:
- HS code
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Preferential origin
- regular and preferential customs duty rates
- 21% PDV
- further import duties
- Carrier and handling costs
A Landed Cost Calculation This helps to consider transport and import costs together.
What is the import duty in Montenegro?
The import duty depends on the specific type of goods and their origin.
Montenegro uses a customs tariff nomenclature that is closely based on the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union.
Therefore, the correct customs tariff number is needed first for the calculation.
This is particularly interesting for German companies:
Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Montenegro and the European Union.
This allows many goods with EU preferential origin to be imported into Montenegro at a reduced customs duty rate or duty-free.
However, this does not mean:
Shipping from Germany = automatically duty-free.
For example, goods can originate in China, be stored in Germany and then sold to Montenegro.
This does not yet give it EU preferential treatment.
Therefore, the following should be checked for customs calculation:
- Customs tariff number
- regular customs duty
- Country of origin
- Preferential origin
- valid proof of origin
- Customs value
Determine customs value correctly
The basis for import duties is not always solely the pure product price.
Depending on the delivery conditions, the following may also be possible, for example:
- Transport costs
- Insurance costs
- Packaging costs
- further costs until import
be relevant for the assessment basis.
You can find out more at Calculate customs value correctly.
What is the VAT rate in Montenegro?
The Montenegrin value added tax is called:
Porez na dodatu vrijednost, PDV for short.
The standard tax rate is:
21%.
The PDV (Personal Tax on Importation) is generally also levied on the import of goods.
In addition, there are reduced tax rates and tax exemptions for certain products and services.
In addition to the PDV (Price Deduction Ordinance), the following additional costs may arise during a normal commercial import:
- Import duty
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
A possible customs preference due to EU origin does not automatically eliminate import VAT.
A product can therefore, for example:
0% preferential tariff
have and yet:
21% PDV
trigger.
Especially with DDP offers, customs duties and PDV must therefore be calculated separately.
Regular PDV: 21%
Montenegro has been using the common European NCTS procedure since 2025.
Montenegro remains a third country for customs purposes.
However, in transit procedures, the country is now much more closely integrated with the European customs system.
Since then:
1 November 2025
Montenegro participates in the common transit procedure.
This also makes the country part of Europe:
New Computerized Transit System, NCTS for short.
For suitable goods movements, an electronic transit declaration can therefore be used for transport between the participating states.
Participants include, among others:
- European Union
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- Northern Macedonia
- United Kingdom
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Moldavia
This simplifies the transit process, especially for road transport from Germany via the EU to Montenegro.
For a normal parcel sender, this does not mean that they have to create an NCTS registration themselves.
However, it shows how closely Montenegrin customs procedures are now linked to European procedures.
Digital and consistent shipping data is therefore becoming increasingly important.
You can find out more at Paperless trade in international shipping.
Sending a package to Montenegro: What companies should know
Montenegro is located on the Adriatic coast and borders, among others, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania.
The most important economic and administrative center is:
Podgorica.
Other important shipping destinations include:
- Bar
- Budva
- Kotor
- Niksic
- Herceg Novi
- Tivat
Due to its geographical proximity to Central Europe, goods can be easily transported from Germany to Montenegro by road.
For smaller and time-critical shipments, additional international parcel and express services are available.
Is Montenegro in the EU?
No.
Although Montenegro is closely linked to the European Union, it is not part of the EU customs territory.
Therefore, shipments of goods from Germany must be treated as exports under customs law.
This is sometimes confused because Montenegro already has:
Euro
used as currency.
However, the use of the Euro does not mean that Montenegro is part of the EU or the EU customs territory.
For parcel shipping purposes, Montenegro therefore remains a third country.
What documents do I need for Montenegro?
For commercial goods deliveries, the following information and documents should typically be available:
- Commercial invoice
- precise product description
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- Quantity
- Weight
- Country of origin
- Sender and recipient data
- Proof of preference, if applicable
- packing list (if applicable)
- If applicable, permits or certificates
A commercial invoice is used for a normal sale.
For free samples, warranty replacements, or other goods movements without regular sales, a pro forma invoice may be useful, depending on the transaction.
Further information can be found at How to correctly use a pro forma invoice at customs.
Do I need a EUR.1 currency for Montenegro?
A EUR.1 note can be particularly interesting when shipping to Montenegro.
The agreement between Montenegro and the European Union allows goods with proven preferential origin to benefit from reduced or waived import duties.
Since then:
1 January 2026
Between the EU and Montenegro, only the revised rules of origin of the Pan-Euro-Med Convention will be applied.
According to these rules, the following in particular qualify as proof of preferential origin:
- EUR.1 movement certificate
- Declaration of origin on a commercial document
Which proof can be used depends, among other things, on the value of the goods and the exporter's status.
Important is:
An EUR.1 certificate may only be used if the goods actually meet the applicable preferential rules of origin.
Purchasing from a German supplier is not automatically sufficient.
The origin should therefore be checked before booking the shipment.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Montenegro?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
6 to 10 working days.
Express shipments can be delivered much faster.
DHL Express currently states the following for key destination areas:
2 business days
for DHL Express Worldwide.
For shipments subject to customs duties, an additional working day is indicated as a guideline.
The actual runtime also depends on:
- Destination location
- Shipping service
- Type of goods
- Customs clearance
- necessary checks
For remote destinations, additional time should be allowed.
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL accepts the following for online postage to Montenegro:
- English
- French
For certain in-store products, the local language is also available.
For international business shipments, a precise English product description is therefore suitable.
Not:
"Parts"
but for example:
“Aluminum mounting bracket for industrial ventilation system”
This makes the type of goods, material, and use much clearer.
Write the correct address for Montenegro
Addresses should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible format is:
PETAR PETROVIĆ
UL. SLOBODE BR. 1
81000 PODGORICA
MONTENEGRO
The recipient's phone number and email address should also be provided.
This makes it easier to get in touch if you have questions about customs clearance or delivery.
Automatically import recurring customs information
Companies that regularly ship spare parts, technical components or merchandise to Montenegro often need to use the same data.
These include:
- item Description
- HS code
- Origin
- Weight
- cart value
This information should be maintained centrally whenever possible.
Over a ERP or SAP shipping interface Product data can be directly transferred into the shipping process.
These errors are delaying shipments to Montenegro
Montenegro is geographically close to the EU. This is precisely why customs formalities are sometimes underestimated.
Typical problems include:
- Mistakenly treating Montenegro as an EU destination country
- Customs information is missing.
- The product description is too general.
- HS code was incorrectly determined
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- The origin was not specified.
- EU preferential origin is assumed without proof.
- EUR.1 is being applied for without sufficient documentation of origin.
- The invoice and shipping information do not match.
- Recipient's contact details are missing
Origin is particularly often confused with provenance.
A product is shipped from Germany and therefore simply treated as being of German origin. Customs officials are usually less than thrilled with this creative shortcut.
Therefore, preferential origin should be checked separately for the country of dispatch and the country of purchase.
Regular exports can reduce errors through standardized processes.
You can find out more at Automate shipping documents and reduce errors.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Montenegro?
Montenegro is a relatively small market. At the same time, it has close economic ties with European companies.
For German exporters, technical products, capital goods and goods for tourism, construction and infrastructure may be of particular interest.
Typical business mailings may contain, for example:
- Machines and spare parts
- Tools
- Electrical Engineering
- Building and installation technology
- car parts
- IT and communication technology
- Hotel and catering equipment
- medical devices and accessories
- Measurement and testing technology
- Online shop orders
Especially with technical products, the customs tariff number should be clearly established before shipment.
It affects the regular customs duty rate and is also important when considering a possible customs preference.
You can find out more at Determine the correct customs tariff number.
Shipping information: Montenegro
Standard, express or freight to Montenegro.
Due to its location in Southeast Europe, various shipping methods are available for Montenegro.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical shipments, a classic parcel service is suitable.
DHL Parcel currently states:
6 to 10 working days.
Express Shipping
Express shipping is available for spare parts, documents, or urgent production materials.
Significantly shorter transit times are possible for key target areas.
Freight shipping
Road freight transport is particularly interesting for pallets, machinery and larger quantities of goods.
Air and sea freight are also options.
For more information, please visit international freight shipping.
How do goods get from Germany to Montenegro?
Montenegro is easily accessible from Germany via European road corridors.
For many B2B shipments, the main transport is therefore carried out via:
Truck.
Depending on the route and carrier, transport may pass through several EU and Balkan countries.
Since Montenegro joined the common transit procedure, suitable goods movements can be processed via the NCTS with an electronic transit declaration.
Besides road transport, Montenegro has important access to the Adriatic Sea.
The port of:
Bar
is the country's most important seaport and particularly relevant for containers, machinery and larger quantities of goods.
For time-critical goods, air freight via Podgorica or the regional air transport networks can also be used.
This means that several transport routes are available, depending on the shipment size and urgency.
What import costs might arise in Montenegro?
Import costs can consist of several components.
Depending on the goods, the following may occur:
- Import duty
- 21% PDV
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
- other product-specific costs
If the goods have a recognized EU preferential origin, the import duty can be reduced or completely waived for numerous products.
However, this requires valid proof of preferential origin.
The PDV (Privileged Direct Debit) is not automatically revoked by a customs preference.
Therefore, when calculating costs, a distinction should be made between:
tariff
and:
Import sales tax
be distinguished.
How much does a package to Montenegro cost?
The shipping cost depends on several factors, including:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Shipping service
- Shipping method
- destination
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
For larger but lighter packages, the volumetric weight can be more important than the actual weight.
This means, for example, that a lightweight cardboard box with large dimensions can be treated as a significantly heavier shipment for tariff purposes.
We explain how carriers determine this value below. Understanding and calculating volumetric weight.
In addition to transport costs, any import duties should also be taken into account.
Online trade to Montenegro: Since 2025, VAT also applies to small shipments.
The handling of small shipments to Montenegro has changed for online shops.
Since then:
1 January 2025
This also applies to shipments with a value of up to:
EUR 150
PDV calculated and collected.
Therefore, a previous VAT exemption for small shipment values should no longer be used in price calculations.
For shipments up to 150 euros, simplified procedures via postal and express operators can be used.
For shipments exceeding 150 euros that private individuals receive from companies, a regular customs declaration is generally carried out.
Transparent communication is therefore particularly important for online retailers.
Customers should be able to see before purchasing whether additional costs will arise:
- 21% PDV
- Import duties may apply.
- Carrier handling fees
- additional import costs
Under current Montenegrin regulations, customs exemption may still apply to goods with an intrinsic value of up to €150. However, exceptions apply to certain goods such as alcohol, tobacco, perfume, and eau de toilette.
Important is:
Customs exemption does not automatically mean VAT exemption.
These two things are surprisingly reliably confused in cross-border online trade.
For more information, please visit Display shipping and import costs at checkout.
Montenegro combines EU preference, the euro, and third-country customs.
Montenegro is an interesting intermediate model for international shipping.
The country:
- is located directly adjacent to the European Union
- uses the Euro
- is economically closely linked to the EU
- has a preferential trade agreement with the EU
- participates in the common transit procedure
- It is nevertheless not part of the EU customs territory.
For German companies, this means:
Shipments are subject to customs duties, but European trade agreements can offer significant advantages.
The origin of preference is therefore particularly interesting.
For regular exports, it should be checked which products actually meet the EU rules of origin.
Those who neatly store this information in their article master data can handle customs processes in a much more structured manner.
Which carrier is suitable for Montenegro?
For shipping from Germany to Montenegro, various parcel, express and freight providers are available.
Depending on the program profile, offers may include:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS
- FedEx
- DPD or partner networks
- international freight partners
be eligible.
The comparison should not focus solely on the lowest base price.
Also important are:
- Runtime
- Customs clearance
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Weight limits
- maximum package dimensions
- Target region
- possible surcharges
Therefore, a different carrier may be more suitable for a standard delivery to Podgorica than for an urgent spare part to Kotor or a pallet for a business customer in cash.
With Paket International, companies can compare several shipping providers and select a suitable solution depending on the shipment and destination region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Montenegro?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Montenegro. Since Montenegro is not part of the EU customs territory, shipments require complete customs information.
Is Montenegro a member of the European Union?
No. Montenegro is not a member of the European Union and is not part of the EU customs territory. However, the country has close ties to the EU and a Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
Why does Montenegro use the Euro even though it is not in the EU?
Montenegro uses the euro as its currency, but is neither a member of the EU nor part of the euro area. Therefore, using the euro does not change the required customs formalities for shipping goods.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Montenegro?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 6 to 10 business days. Express shipments can be significantly faster. DHL Express estimates approximately two business days for central destinations and adds extra processing time for shipments subject to customs duties.
What is the VAT rate in Montenegro?
The standard VAT rate is 21 percent. Montenegrin VAT is called PDV and is generally also levied on imported goods.
Do I need a EUR.1 currency for Montenegro?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used if the goods meet the applicable preferential rules of origin and a customs preference is to be claimed. Shipment from Germany alone does not establish preferential EU origin.
Can I deliver goods to Montenegro duty-free?
For numerous goods with proven EU preferential origin, a reduced or waived import duty may apply due to the trade agreement. Whether the goods actually qualify for preferential treatment depends on the customs tariff number and origin. Import duties may still be incurred.
What rules of origin will apply to Montenegro in 2026?
Since January 1, 2026, only the revised rules of the Pan-Euro-Med Convention have been applied to preferential trade between the EU and Montenegro. The EUR.1 certificate and the declaration of origin are the primary forms of proof of origin.
Which language can I use for the customs declaration?
DHL currently accepts English and French for online postage. For certain in-store products, the local language can also be used.
What documents do I need for Montenegro?
For business shipments, a commercial invoice and complete details of the goods description, value, HS code, and origin are typically required. Depending on the product, additional proof of preferential origin, packing lists, permits, or certificates may be necessary.
Does the 150-euro limit apply to online shop shipments?
For shipments valued at up to €150, simplified customs procedures apply, and under certain conditions, customs duties may be waived. However, since January 1, 2025, even these low-value shipments are subject to customs duty (PDV). Therefore, customs duty exemption does not automatically mean tax exemption.
What does NCTS mean for shipments to Montenegro?
Montenegro has participated in the common transit procedure since November 1, 2025. Through NCTS, suitable goods movements between participating states can be processed using a single electronic transit declaration.
