If you plan to ship your personal vehicle to Albania in 2025, here are the essential points you must know, all grounded in official guidelines and reliable sources.
Eligibility and Compliance
Albania prohibits importing vehicles older than 10 years for private use (under 15 years for commercial vehicles). Vehicles must meet at least Euro 4 emission standards, and newly manufactured cars must conform to Euro 5 or 6.
Required Documentation
To clear customs, you must complete registration in the “Asycuda World” system. Documentation includes the original vehicle title, bill of sale or invoice, certificate of conformity to EU emission standards, technical inspection report, valid ID (passport or ID card), insurance proof, and customs declaration.
Taxes and Duties
Customs duty is set at 0% for vehicles .
Value‑Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 20%, calculated on the customs value or the minimum tariff value whichever is higher .
Excise duty varies depending on engine size and fuel type, and a specific tax of 27 ALL per liter applies to petrol and diesel .
Shipping and Import Costs
Sea freight via RoRo or container typically takes 4–6 weeks from the U.S. to the Port of Durrës, costing approximately $1,500–4,000 depending on vehicle type and shipping option. You should also expect port handling, inland transport, customs broker fees, and insurance to add several hundred euros.
Exemptions
Tax relief is available in specific situations:
- If you move your residence to Albania and have owned the vehicle for at least 12 months, you can import it duty‑free.
- Tourists with foreign registrations may bring a vehicle temporarily for up to six months per year, without import duty or taxes.
- Diplomats and international organization staff often qualify for reduced rates or full exemptions, depending on their status .
Post-Import Steps
Upon arrival and clearance, you must:
- Pay road tax and receive certification from customs
- Pass a technical inspection to confirm compliance with Euro 4/5/6 standards
- Complete vehicle registration with the Road Transport Authority, including issuing license plates and paying a service fee of approximately 7,500 ALL (€75).
Practical Advice
Begin by verifying vehicle age and emission compliance before shipping, as Albania strictly enforces these criteria. Prepare all required documents in advance and register in the Asycuda system early. Because VAT and excise duties can significantly increase costs, consider speaking with a licensed customs broker. Finally, if you qualify for exemptions, especially under relocation or diplomatic status—ensure your paperwork clearly demonstrates eligibility.
When preparing your budget, set aside funds for shipping (US$1,500–4,000), VAT (20%), excise duties, port and inland handling fees (several hundred euros), inspection/registration fees (around €75), and road tax.
Kilder
https://eurofast.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Albania-Tax-Card-2025.pdf
https://cfrclassic.com/international-car-shipping/shipping-car-to-albania
https://www.auto4export.com/blog/importing-cars-from-the-usa-to-albania-with-auto4export
