BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Bosnia and Herzegovina

Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina maintain close political relations. Switzerland is committed to strengthening good governance, justice, the market economy and health services in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Economic cooperation

Switzerland is an important partner for Bosnia and Herzegovina, both in terms of trade and direct investments, although these are relatively small from the Swiss point of view.   The large Bosnian diaspora in Switzerland and the remittances they send home are an important aspect of the economic relations between the two countries.

Business language

German, English, French

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

Convertible mark (KM)
ISO code: BAM

Customs tariff

Harmonised system. Customs clearance based on the transaction value.

Import control

Import is broadly liberalised. There is a certification/registration obligation for animal products, pesticides and medicinal products. Various authorities are responsible for this. There are authorisation obligations for dual use goods subject to the customs regime “D”. There are certification procedures as part of standardisation for construction materials, electronic devices, measurement tools, CI (consulate invoices) Z and foods.
Standard VAT rate: 17%.

Terms of payment and tenders

Improvements in the banking sector. In the case of high order values, banks in a third country very rarely have to be engaged for credit transactions, letters of credit and bank guarantees. Hermes cover is only possible for short-term business up to 360 days. Cover for medium-term and long-term business is granted on a case-by-case basis for smaller projects.

Designations of origin

Designations of origin recommended

Marking/labelling

Special marking regulations apply to foods, among other things. The conformity mark (CE or C) applies for goods, the European standard of which has been proven. In the case of medications, the package insert must be translated into Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian.

Packaging

When using hay and straw as packaging materials, a certificate from the competent veterinarian must be presented. Use of the IPPC standard ISPM no. 15.

Product samples

Samples with no retail value are duty free. Printed and graphical material up to a weight of 1 kg is deemed to be a sample.

The ATA Carnet procedure can be used for fair and exhibition goods.

Shipping and accompanying documents

a) Commercial invoices, 3 copies, with the standard information, uncertified.

b) As evidence of the preferential origin: movement certificate EUR. 1 for shipments where the products come under the free trade agreement with the EU. For shipments up to a value of EUR 6000: indicate the UE as follows: “The exporter of the goods to which this commercial document refers states that these goods, unless otherwise indicated, are … preferential origin goods”.

c) Certificates of origin are not required.

d) Bills of lading uncertified.

e) Rail shipments: 1 international consignment note.

f) Postal shipments: maximum weight 20 kg, 1 customs declaration (English, French or national language).