Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.

All goods imported into the customs territory of BiH are subject to customs procedures contained in the Law on Customs policy, which applies uniformly throughout the customs territory of BiH.  USDA has additional agriculture-related information at the following two websites: Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards and Exporter Guide.

Imports must be accompanied by a customs declaration, completed in one of the three official languages of BiH (Bosnian, Serbian, or Croatian), and submitted by the person named on the waybill or an authorized representative.  The declaration must be accompanied by any relevant documents (invoice, shipping documents, and quality control certificates).  The customs office may inspect the goods and take samples to determine that the goods correspond to the information on the customs declaration.

Once the customs office determines the amount of customs duty, the importer is required to obtain a guarantee covering the customs duty with the Customs Authority in the form of a cash deposit or a bank guarantee.  The goods cannot be placed in circulation until customs duties have been paid or the payment has been guaranteed.
 

Bill of Lading

May be direct or to order.  Mail and parcel shipments require postal documentation in place of bills of lading.  Packages containing merchandise for which the senders are to receive payment must enclose the original invoice in the package (marked “Original Invoice”) and the wrapper of the package must be marked to indicate that the original invoice is enclosed.  Senders are recommended to post a signed copy of the invoice giving notice to the addressees that the packages are en route.  Air cargo shipments require airway bills with the number of copies issued based on requirements of the importer and the airline.
 

Certificate of Origin

Certificates of origin should be issued in a minimum of two copies (the certifying organization will require an additional notarized file copy) made out by a reliable authority or agency duly authorized for that purpose by the country of issue.  Certificates of origin are not required for imports for long-term production ventures with foreign partners, for the purchase of capital goods for investment projects abroad and for the return of goods to BiH, or for imports without payment of equivalent value.
 

Commercial Invoice

There is no prescribed format.  Invoices should be issued in a minimum of two copies; additional copies may be requested.  They must contain the usual particulars, including a full description of goods, marks and numbers, gross and net weights, number of packages, country of origin, plus any information that must be furnished to conform to contract.
 

Insurance Certificate

Normal commercial practices. Follow the importer’s and/or the insurance company’s instructions/advice.


Packing List

Not mandatory, but its use will facilitate clearance of goods.
 

Pre-shipment Inspection

May be requested by the importer.
 

Pro-Forma Invoice

May be requested by the importer.
 

U.S. Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

Required if the value is more than $2,500 ($500 for shipments through the U.S. postal system).  SEDs are required for all shipments requiring an export license. For specific information on import requirements and documentation for food and agricultural products, please see the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards and Exporter Guide.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.