Sending a package to North Macedonia: Customs, VAT and EUR.1
From Germany to Skopje, Bitola or Tetovo: How to properly prepare business shipments
North Macedonia is located in the southern Balkans and has close economic ties with the European Union. However, shipments from Germany are considered exports to a third country. Therefore, goods shipments require complete customs information and must be processed upon import into North Macedonia.
- Shipping from Germany to North Macedonia
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Skopje and other regions
- Prepare customs and shipping data digitally
- 18% import VAT must be taken into account.
- Check EU preferential origin
- Insert EUR.1 correctly
- Check import permits via EXIM
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Proximity to the EU does not automatically mean EU customs exemption.
North Macedonia is closely integrated into European trade and transit procedures, but is not part of the EU customs territory.
For business shipments, the customs tariff number, value of goods, origin and any import permits should therefore be clarified before collection.
18% VAT included
The standard VAT rate is 18 percent. Reduced rates of 5 or 10 percent apply to certain goods.
Check preferential origin
The trade agreement with the EU allows for tariff advantages for products of qualifying origin. However, the decisive factor is the actual preferential origin and not solely the country of shipment, Germany.
Use EXIM before shipping
The North Macedonian EXIM system allows you to check, using the tariff number, whether a special permit is required for import, export, or transit. North Macedonian Customs Authority
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to North Macedonia: Who handles the import?
Before a business shipment, it should be determined who will handle the import formalities 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
- 18% VAT or reduced tax rate
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- Import permits
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes further import obligations and agreed duties, provided that the carrier and the specific import structure allow this.
Therefore, at least the following should be checked before making a DDP offer:
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- regular customs duty
- possible preferential tariff
- Preferential origin
- VAT rate
- possible permits
- Carrier and handling costs
Especially in the case of North Macedonia, a correct proof of preferential origin can make a significant difference in import duties.
What is the import duty in North Macedonia?
The import duty depends on the specific tariff classification and the origin of the goods.
North Macedonia has its own customs tariff, the nomenclature of which is adapted annually to changes in the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union. Customs Authority of North Macedonia
Therefore, the following should be checked for customs calculation:
- Customs tariff number
- Type of goods
- Customs value
- Country of origin
- Preferential origin
- applicable trade agreement
EU origin can reduce customs duties.
There is a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and North Macedonia.
The preferential trade agreement has been in effect since 2001 and is based on the Pan-Euro-Med system for the origin of goods. Taxation and Customs Union
For many qualifying originating products, this can result in a reduced or waived import duty.
Important is:
Germany as the shipping country is not sufficient.
A product that is produced in China, for example, and sold only through a German warehouse, does not thereby acquire EU preferential origin.
What is the VAT rate in North Macedonia?
The value added tax is internationally known as:
Value Added Tax, VAT.
The regular rate is:
18%.
This also generally applies to the import of taxable goods. Ministry of Finance
A reduced rate applies to certain goods:
5%.
According to the Treasury Department, this includes, among other things, certain foodstuffs, books, computers, pharmaceuticals, certain medical supplies, and agricultural products.
In addition, there exists a set of:
10%.
This includes, among other things, certain energy products as well as other legally defined services and imports. Ministry of Finance
However, for most normal commercial goods, the regular rate of 18 percent remains relevant.
Therefore, the specific goods should always be checked before calculating DDP or Landed Cost.
NCTS 6 and EXIM: North Macedonia is closely linked to European customs systems
Although North Macedonia is not an EU member, it has been participating since:
July 1, 2015
participates in the common European transit procedure. Taxation and Customs Union
This allows goods to be moved between the EU, North Macedonia and other participating states under a common transit procedure.
A key technical platform for this is:
New Computerized Transit System, NCTS.
NCTS 6 since June 2026
Since then:
June 1, 2026
The North Macedonian customs administration is gradually introducing NCTS 6.
The new version includes, among other things:
- extended data structures
- additional checks
- improved electronic data exchange
- further adjustments to the EU Customs Code
with itself. Customs authority of North Macedonia
This common transit procedure is particularly relevant for road freight transport from Germany to North Macedonia.
EXIM for import permits
In addition to NCTS, the customs administration operates the following:
EXIM Single Window.
The system is used by 16 government institutions and serves for the electronic application of import, export, and transit permits. Customs Authority of North Macedonia
Especially practical:
EXIM allows you to check which permits are required for a specific good based on the customs tariff number.
This makes it possible to see before sending whether the recipient needs additional documents.
Sending a package to North Macedonia: What companies should know beforehand
North Macedonia is located in the southern Balkans and borders, among others, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Albania and Kosovo.
The most important economic and logistics center is:
Skopje.
Other important cities include:
- Bitola
- Tetovo
- Kumanovo
- Prilep
- Ohrid
- Pin
Due to its geographical location, road transport is particularly suitable for goods from Germany.
For smaller and urgent shipments, additional international parcel and express services are available.
What documents do I need for North Macedonia?
For a commercial delivery of goods, the following information and/or documents should typically be prepared:
- Commercial invoice
- precise product description
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- Quantity and weight
- Country of origin
- Transport document
- packing list (if applicable)
- if applicable EUR.1 or declaration of origin
- Import permit (if applicable)
A commercial invoice is used for a normal sale of goods.
For samples, warranty replacements or other goods movements without a classic sale, a pro forma invoice may be useful depending on the process.
Further information can be found at How to correctly use a pro forma invoice at customs.
Do I need a EUR.1 certificate for North Macedonia?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used if the goods have a corresponding preferential origin and a customs reduction is to be claimed.
Trade between the EU and North Macedonia is governed by the rules of the Pan-Euro-Med zone. Taxation and Customs Union
The revised PEM rules have been particularly relevant since 2026.
The North Macedonian Customs Administration confirms that the dynamic reference to the revised PEM Convention has now been implemented in the agreements with the EU. This means that the revised rules of origin apply to trade with the EU. North Macedonian Customs Authority
The following are particularly suitable as proof of preference:
- EUR.1 movement certificate
- Declaration of origin on a commercial document
Under the revised PEM system, a declaration of origin can generally be issued by an authorized exporter or, in the case of originating products, by:
EUR 6.000
to be created by each exporter. European Commission
EUR-MED is no longer needed under the revised rules.
Since 2026, the revised PEM rules generally only require one EUR.1 or origin declaration.
The previous EUR-MED certification will not be continued in the revised regulations. GTAI
This simplifies the documentation, but does not change the fact that preferential origin must actually be proven.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in North Macedonia?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
10 to 18 working days.
The storage period is:
30 days. DHL
Express shipments can be significantly faster.
The actual duration also depends on:
- Destination location
- Carrier
- Type of goods
- Customs clearance
- possible approvals
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL currently accepts the following for North Macedonia:
- English
- French
For the customs declaration. DHL
For business shipments, a precise English description of the goods is usually advisable.
Not:
“Machine Parts”
but for example:
“Stainless steel mounting bracket for automotive production line”
This makes the product, material, and intended use much easier to identify.
How to correctly write an address for North Macedonia
DHL requires Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible address format is:
ALEKSANDAR PETROVSKI
UL. PARTIZANSKA BR. 25
1000 SKOPJE
NORTH MACEDONIA
The recipient's phone number and email address should also be provided.
This makes it easier to ask questions during customs clearance and delivery.
These errors are delaying shipments to North Macedonia.
The geographical proximity to the EU occasionally leads to an underestimation of customs formalities.
Typical errors are:
- North Macedonia is mistakenly being treated like an EU destination country.
- Commercial invoice is missing
- The product description is too general.
- The customs tariff number was incorrectly determined.
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- Country of origin missing
- EU preferential origin is assumed without proof.
- EUR.1 is being applied for without sufficient documentation of origin.
- EXIM authorization was not verified.
- Recipient data is incomplete
The distinction between the following is particularly important:
Country of origin
and:
Shipping country.
The fact that a product is shipped from a warehouse in Germany does not automatically make it an EU product of origin. Bureaucracy may do many strange things, but spontaneous changes of nationality for machinery are certainly not among them.
What goods are shipped from Germany to North Macedonia?
North Macedonia has a comparatively strong export-oriented industry and is integrated into European production and supply chains.
Technical and industrial products may be of particular interest to German companies.
Typical business shipments include, for example:
- Machines and production facilities
- Machine spare parts
- Automation and control technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Vehicle and automotive components
- Tools
- Measurement and testing technology
- IT and communication technology
- medical devices and accessories
- Production and packaging technology
For technical goods, the customs tariff number should be determined before the shipment is booked.
The North Macedonian customs tariff is aligned with the Harmonised System and the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union and is updated annually. The customs administration is already preparing its own customs tariff for 2026. Customs Authority of North Macedonia
Especially when dealing with many different items, the classification of goods should therefore not be improvised during import clearance.
Shipping information: North Macedonia
Standard, express or freight to North Macedonia?
Due to the relatively short distance to Germany, various shipping methods are available.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical shipments, a traditional parcel service can be used.
DHL Parcel currently states:
10 to 18 working days. DHL
For smaller shipments, you can find additional information at DHL Small Parcel and international shipping options.
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts or production materials, express delivery is significantly faster.
The specific delivery time should be checked based on the recipient's address and the chosen carrier.
Freight shipping
Road freight transport is particularly interesting for pallets, machinery and larger quantities of goods.
By participating in the common transit procedure, transport via several European states can be handled within the NCTS.
Why road transport to North Macedonia is particularly important
North Macedonia does not have its own seaport.
At the same time, however, the country is relatively close to the major European transport routes.
Therefore, the following plays a crucial role in German B2B deliveries:
Road freight transport
a particularly important role.
Typical transport routes lead from Central Europe through the states of the western Balkans to North Macedonia.
Participation in the common transit procedure since 2015 allows transit movements to be tracked electronically via NCTS without having to initiate a completely new transit procedure at each individual border crossing. Taxation and Customs Union
This is especially true for:
- Pallets
- Machine
- Automotive components
- Production material
- larger spare parts deliveries
interesting.
Other Balkan destinations may also be relevant for further deliveries to the region.
Further information can be found, for example, at Send a package to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What import costs might arise in North Macedonia?
The actual import costs depend on the goods and their origin.
Possible components include:
- Import duty
- 18% VAT or reduced rate
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- Import license costs
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
For goods with preferential EU origin, import duties may be reduced or waived due to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Taxation and Customs Union
However, VAT and customs duties should be considered separately.
A product can:
0% preferential tariff
have and yet:
18% VAT
trigger.
How much does a parcel to North Macedonia cost?
The shipping cost depends on several factors, including:
- Weight
- Package dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Carrier
- Standard or express shipping
- Target region
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
Due to its location in Europe, the transport routes are relatively manageable.
Nevertheless, carrier surcharges can apply, for example, for:
- outsize
- Special handling
- Fuel
- Outlying areas
arise.
Therefore, comparing different providers is particularly worthwhile for regular shipping.
Online trade to North Macedonia: Observe the 22 and 90 euro limits
North Macedonia has an interesting feature for online retailers.
According to the latest information from the North Macedonian customs administration, the following limits currently apply to small commercial shipments:
Up to 22 euros:
Shipments from a company may be exempt from import duties and VAT.
Over 22 to 90 euros:
The shipment may be exempt from import duties, but VAT will be charged.
Over 90 euros:
In principle, both import duties and VAT may apply. Customs Authority of North Macedonia
These exemptions do not generally apply to:
- Alcohol
- Perfume and Eau de Toilette
- Tobacco
- Tobacco products
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For online shop shipments under €800, a simplified postal procedure can be used according to current customs information. Above €800, or at the recipient's request, a regular customs declaration is required. Customs Authority of North Macedonia
These limits should nevertheless be checked regularly before a binding shop calculation, as threshold values can be changed by law.
For retailers with fluctuating international shipping volumes, a usage-based shipping model may also be of interest.
You can find out more at Pay by label when shipping parcels.
North Macedonia is a third country, yet deeply integrated into European customs procedures.
From a customs law perspective, North Macedonia is an interesting intermediate model.
The country:
- is not an EU member
- does not belong to the EU customs territory
- has a preferential trade agreement with the EU
- belongs to the Pan-Euro-Med zone
- participates in the common transit procedure
- uses NCTS
- It bases its customs tariff on the EU nomenclature.
The current trend goes even further.
Since June 2026:
NCTS 6
imported. Customs authority of North Macedonia
In parallel, the customs administration works with electronic systems such as:
- CDEPS for customs declarations
- EXIM for permits
- ITE for tariff information
- PEC for electronic communication
The systems are integrated into the current e-customs platform of the North Macedonian Customs Administration. North Macedonian Customs Administration
This makes North Macedonia particularly suitable for companies that need to transmit recurring shipping and customs data in a structured digital format.
Which carrier is suitable for North Macedonia?
For shipments from Germany to North Macedonia, various international parcel, express and freight providers are available.
Depending on the program, the following are examples of possibilities:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS
- FedEx
- international road freight forwarders
- Air freight partner
When making a comparison, the base price should not be the only factor considered.
Other important criteria include:
- Runtime
- Customs clearance
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Weight limits
- maximum dimensions
- Recipient region
- possible surcharges
Therefore, a different carrier may be more suitable for a small package to Skopje than for a pallet of automotive components or an urgent spare parts delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to North Macedonia?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to North Macedonia. Since the country is not part of the EU customs territory, shipments require complete customs information.
Is North Macedonia a member of the European Union?
No. North Macedonia is an EU accession candidate, but it is not a member of the European Union and not part of the EU customs territory. Therefore, goods shipments from Germany must be treated as exports from a third country for customs purposes.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in North Macedonia?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 10 to 18 business days. The actual duration also depends on the shipping service, destination, and customs clearance.
What is the VAT rate in North Macedonia?
The standard VAT rate is 18 percent. Reduced tax rates of 5 or 10 percent apply to certain goods.
Do I need a EUR.1 certificate for North Macedonia?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used if the goods have a corresponding preferential origin and a customs duty reduction is to be claimed. Shipment from Germany alone is not sufficient for this.
Can I use a declaration of origin?
Yes. Under the revised PEM rules, an authorized exporter can use a declaration of origin. For consignments of originating products up to a value of €6.000, it can generally be issued by any exporter.
What is NCTS in North Macedonia?
NCTS is the electronic system for joint transit procedures. North Macedonia has participated in the joint transit procedure since July 1, 2015, and has been gradually implementing NCTS 6 since June 2026.
What is EXIM?
EXIM is the electronic single-window system for import, export, and transit permits. It is used by 16 government institutions and also allows users to search for required permits using the tariff number.
Is there a duty-free allowance for online orders?
According to currently published customs information, small commercial consignments up to €22 may be exempt from customs duties and VAT. Between €22 and €90, customs duties may apply, but VAT is still payable. Above €90, customs duties and VAT are generally applicable. Exceptions apply to certain goods.
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL lists English and French as acceptable languages for the customs declaration to North Macedonia.
What documents do I need for North Macedonia?
Typically, a commercial invoice, full product description, customs tariff number, product value, and origin information are required. Depending on the goods, a packing list, EUR.1 certificate, declaration of origin, or import licenses may also be necessary.
Can I ship DDP to North Macedonia?
DDP may be possible depending on the carrier and import situation. Beforehand, customs duties, potential preferential treatment, VAT, permits, and the recipient's import eligibility should be checked.
