Learn about barriers to market entry and local requirements, i.e., things to be aware of when entering the market for this country.
Last Published: 2/26/2018
Every sector in Serbia is open to foreign investors and there are no legal barriers to market entry. Trade is liberalized and there are no barriers to exporting to Serbia. The government has made significant reforms to make trade easier and foreign investment more attractive. Ongoing improvements in administrative procedures, such as customs procedures, business registration, licensing, and, e-procurement are some examples. However, companies and investors are advised to monitor the government’s implementation of these laws.  Implementation will signal the state’s seriousness about opening the economy to private investment. New Law on Inspection Oversight (2015) started to bring some positive results by improvement of coordination between different inspections and implementation of additional instruments in combating grey economy and malpractices.

Access to adequate financial resources for Serbian consumers and importers remains a problem.  Non-performing loans (NPLs) account for 20 percent of all loans in Serbia. 

Nonetheless, major challenges remain: Corruption: Corruption is pervasive at all levels of Serbian society, but its undermining of the judicial system is especially detrimental to Serbia’s business climate. Weak judicial system and poor enforcement of contracts: While significant reforms of the judicial system are underway, the courts are slow, inefficient, and subject to political pressure and corruption. Non-transparent public procurement procedures are a major source of corruption.  Government contracts remain the most widespread currency in corrupt political spheres, and corrupt officials commonly have abused contracting procedures to drain government funds for personal benefit.  The government is taking measures to combat bribery, theft, and fraudulent business practices, which have resulted in numerous highly publicized arrests of prominent political figures and businessmen. As of January 1, 2016, system of electronic construction permits was introduced, however it remains to be seen if the the implementation will be enough efficient.

 
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.


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Serbia Trade Development and Promotion