Discusses pricing formula and other fees, value-added tax (VAT), etc.
Consumers in Albania are price sensitive and reliably seek bargains. Imports into Albania are subject to a 20% VAT (drugs are exempted), which is assessed on the cost insurance freight (CIF) and value of the import plus applicable duties, which vary from 0 to 15%. When pricing products, U.S. companies should take into account competition from the EU market. Albania has a free trade agreement with the EU, resulting in no tariffs on commodity imports from EU countries.
Prices are set by the market with a few exceptions, including electricity, which is regulated primarily by the Energy Regulatory Authority. The government also defines the margin of various entities in the distribution chain of pharmaceuticals. Commodities like tobacco, fuels, coffee, spirits, beer, wine, alcohol, tires, fireworks, and batteries incur excise tax, which varies depending on the product.
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