Importing from China to Montenegro via the Port of Bar: a step-by-step guide
What to prepare, how customs duty and VAT are calculated and how clearance works in Bar. Regulations as of November 2026.
Updated: 13 November 2026
Goods from China usually reach Montenegro by sea, in a container to the Port of Bar. For the buyer, the most important thing is that the documents are correct before the ship arrives, because every day of waiting in the port costs money. This guide follows the steps we go through with our clients.
1. Full container or groupage
- A full container (FCL) pays off when you have enough goods to fill a 20 or 40 ft container.
- Groupage (LCL) is for smaller quantities. Your goods travel together with other buyers’ goods, and you pay only for the space they take. Nexus Logistics runs groupage containers China–Bar for Montenegro and the former Yugoslav countries.
If you are not sure which is cheaper, send us the number of cartons, the weight and the volume, and we will compare.
2. Documents to request from the supplier
- Commercial invoice: description of goods, quantity, unit price, total value, currency and Incoterms (e.g. FOB Shanghai or CIF Bar).
- Packing list: number of cartons, gross and net weight and volume, per item.
- Bill of Lading: issued by the shipping line; for groupage, a house bill of lading.
- Special certificates where the goods require them: for example for food, medicines, cosmetics or controlled goods.
The figures on the invoice, packing list and bill of lading must match: cartons, weights, container number and seals. Mismatches are the most common reason for delays at customs. We check the documents before the goods arrive.
3. Tariff code and customs duty
Montenegro has no free trade agreement with China. Goods of Chinese origin therefore get no preferential treatment, and full duty is paid under Montenegro’s Decree on the Customs Tariff for 2026 (Official Gazette of Montenegro no. 157/25).
The rate depends on the tariff code of the goods. You can look up the code and rate in the public search of the Montenegrin Customs Administration, TARIC CG (taric.carina.co.me). The same product can have different codes depending on its material and use, so it is wise to confirm the code before ordering.
4. How duty and VAT are calculated
- Customs value is the value of the goods plus transport and insurance up to entry into Montenegro.
- Customs duty is calculated on the customs value, at the tariff rate.
- The VAT base is the customs value, plus duty and other charges, plus incidental costs up to the first destination in Montenegro (transport, packing, insurance, commission).
- VAT is 21 %, or 15 % or 7 % for some goods. Import VAT is calculated and collected by the Customs Administration.
Example with made-up figures (duty rate 5 %, VAT 21 %):
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Goods per invoice (FOB) | €10,000.00 |
| Transport and insurance up to entry into Montenegro | €1,200.00 |
| Customs value | €11,200.00 |
| Customs duty 5 % | €560.00 |
| Costs from the port to the first destination | €300.00 |
| VAT base | €12,060.00 |
| VAT 21 % | €2,532.60 |
| Total duty and VAT | €3,092.60 |
For your actual goods, send us the invoice and packing list and you will get an estimate of the charges before the goods are shipped.
5. Customs clearance in Bar
- The declaration is electronic. According to a notice of the Customs Administration, since 1 September 2026 import declarations are lodged only by electronic data exchange.
- Only a licensed customs representative may sign a declaration on behalf of someone else (Montenegrin Customs Law, Official Gazette of Montenegro nos. 86/22 and 160/25, Article 15).
- Representation can be direct or indirect. In direct representation the representative acts in your name and on your behalf. In indirect representation it acts in its own name but on your behalf, and is therefore jointly liable with you for the customs debt.
- The customs debt must be paid within 10 days of notification.
6. How to avoid extra costs and delays
- Send the documents before the ship arrives. At the container terminal, storage is charged per started day.
- Check that the documents match before shipment: invoice, packing list and bill of lading.
- Declare lithium batteries and other dangerous goods in advance. Special rules apply to their packing, labelling and carriage by sea, so they must be announced at booking.
- Do not promise your customers a delivery date before the goods clear customs. It depends on the ship, the documents and inspections.
This text is for information only and is not legal advice. Rules change; for specific goods we always check the current regulations and tariff.
Have goods to import?
Send us the invoice and packing list, or just a description of the goods, the quantity and the pick-up place. We will reply with a quote and an estimate of duties.