Table of Contents
1. Regulations and Policies
1.1 Trade Regulations and Policies
1.1.1 Principal Authority Governing Trade
1.1.2 Trade Regulation System
1.1.3 Relevant Provisions on Trade Administration
1.1.4 Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Commodities
1.1.5 Customs Administration Rules and Regulations
1. Regulations and Policies
1.1 Trade Regulations and Policies
1.1.1 Principal Authority Governing Trade
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Republic of North Macedonia (hereinafter referred to as North Macedonia) is the principal authority governing the country's foreign trade affairs. Its primary responsibilities include drafting trade laws and regulations, formulating and implementing trade policies; engaging in both multilateral and bilateral consultations with other states and international economic and trade organizations on pertinent economic and trade matters; making determinations regarding import bans; conducting negotiations with foreign countries and international organizations, and resolving trade disputes alongside other existing issues.
1.1.2 Trade Regulation System
North Macedonia became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in April 2003 and is actively pursuing EU membership. Consequently, North Macedonia aligns its economic policies with EU standards to create a more favorable investment environment for foreign enterprises. In recent years, the Government of North Macedonia has issued several significant laws regarding trade and investment, such as the Law on Prohibition of Unfair Trade Practices in Agricultural Products and Food Supply Chains, Sanitary, and Phytosanitary Measures, the Law on Technology Industrial Development Zones, the Law on Trading Companies, and the Export Control Law on Dual-Use Technologies and Products.
The inquiries regarding principal economic and trade regulations can be accessed at: economy.gov.mk/zakoni.nspx.
1.1.3 Relevant Provisions on Trade Administration
[Tariff System]. North Macedonia has established a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union (EU), alongside Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Türkiye, Ukraine, European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of North Macedonia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and membership in the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), as well as Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean on preferential rules of origin. Under these agreements, the vast majority of goods involved in bilateral trade are exempt from tariffs
The tariff system can be accessed at:
https://customs.gov.mk/en-GB/pocetna/biznis-zaednica/tarifa-vrednost-i-poteklo/carinska-tarifa.nspx
[Export Management] North Macedonia implements a liberal trade policy for general goods, without the imposition of quantitative or price restrictions, except in particular cases for specific commodities. In 2023, the cumulative value of exports on a national scale reached 9 billion dollars, marking a 3.1% increase compared to the previous year.
The import and export management system can be accessed at:
https://www.customs.gov.mk/mk-MK/pocetna/biznis-zaednica/zabrani-i-ogranicuvanja.nspx
[Foreign Exchange Management] The National Bank of North Macedonia has established regulations that stipulate the limits on daily deposits and withdrawals of foreign currency. The foreign exchange fee is established at 1% of the total amount.
1.1.4 Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Commodities
The Customs Administration of North Macedonia bears the responsibility of ensuring that imported goods meet national standards. This includes the majority of agricultural products, motor vehicles, home appliances, and products which, in the case of non-compliance, could endanger consumer health. In addition, goods must undergo sanitary management inspections as well as checks for animal and plant epidemics.
The Customs Administration of North Macedonia can be accessed at:
https://customs.gov.mk/en
To obtain information on sanitary standards, kindly consult the Ministry of Health of North Macedonia (website: zdravstvo.gov.mk/). To understand the requirements for checks for animal and plant epidemics, please contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy (website: www.mzsv.gov.mk/).
1.1.5 Customs Administration Rules and Regulations
The Customs Law of North Macedonia took effect on January 1, 2006, harmonizing customs regulations more closely with EU norms. This law encompasses provisions for the governance and operation of free economic zones. Furthermore, new regulations for the simplification of domestic procedures have been enacted.
Most imported goods from countries and regions that do not have free trade agreements with North Macedonia are subject to tariffs ranging from 0% to 30%, with an average tariff rate of less than 7%. Additionally, the Customs Administration of North Macedonia conducts annual adjustments to these rates to ensure consistency with EU standards. At present, certain vegetables and fruits are subject to a tariff rate of 65%, while tobacco and other designated products incur rates between 10% and 60%. Items such as textile raw materials are subject to a tariff rate of 0%.
Overview of the tariff structure of North Macedonia:
https://customs.gov.mk/en-GB/pocetna/biznis-zaednica/tarifa-vrednost-i-poteklo/carinska-tarifa.nspx
Export licenses are required for transactions related to the protection of the environment, public health, flora and fauna, cultural heritage, as well as arms and equipment.
