Tariffs and regulations
Tariffs and duty rates are constantly revised and are subject to change without notice.
Austrade strongly recommends you reconfirm these prior to selling to the Slovak Republic.
For further information please see the Customs Administration of the Slovak Republic website.
Tariffs and non-tariff barriers
Tariff
A customs union between the Slovak and Czech Republics has been established (in accordance with GATT, Paragraph XXIV) which allows the duty free exchange of goods between the two countries free from other barriers to trade. A common external tariff (based on the previous Czechoslovakian tariff) is in place for imports from third countries entering both republics.
The external rate is a two column tariff based on the Harmonized System with most duties are ad valorem (%), based on the GATT Valuation Code (approximately CIF value - Incoterms 2000).
MFN rate applies to Australian goods.
Non-tariff barriers
Import restrictions
All monopoly on foreign trade and all price controls have been abolished.
Any firm or individual that is registered may now import goods from any country.
Administration of import registration and licensing is controlled by the License Office of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic.
Import licences are not required for most goods, although certain items are still subject to this requirement, these include crude oil, natural gas, black and brown coal and some other chemicals, poisons and narcotises, firearms and some agricultural products are subject to an automatic licensing system.
It is strictly forbidden to import poisons and sensitive chemicals.
Import of military material, poisons and narcotises is under special procedure of personal license.
All import deposits have been removed.
Product certification, labelling and packaging
Labelling and marking
Instructions for use, description of a product (especially food) and warranty manual has to be written in Slovak.
Price bar code has to be printed on the package.
Any specific requirements will be stipulated in the contract.
Special certificates
Health certificates, issued by the appropriate authority in the country of origin, are required for shipments of animals and their products and plant and vegetable products (see 'Public health requirements').
Since 1 September 1997, a new law covering general product safety, being identical with the law prevailing in the European Union (EU), has been launched: A special certificate issued by the Slovak State Testing Office is asked by customs officers at the Slovak border. Obtaining the mentioned certificate is in full responsibility of importer. A certificate from a country of origin serves to Slovak State Testing Office as a background.
The Slovak Republic follows EU rules.
Packaging
Goods should be securely packed, having due regard to the nature of the goods, means of transport and likely climatic conditions during transit and delivery. The outer containers should bear consignee's mark and port mark and should also be numbered (to accord with a packing list) unless their contents can be otherwise readily identified. The sales contract number and country of origin must be shown on containers.
Methods of quoting and payment
Quotations in Pound Sterling or US dollars FOB, C&F and CIF (Incoterms 2000). Method of payment will be stipulated in the contract - credit terms may be requested.
Documentary requirements
Commercial invoice
Note: Documentation requirements are normally detailed in each individual contract.
There is no prescribed form. A minimum of three copies is required, and must contain all details relevant to the shipment, including the sales contract number.
Bill of lading
The original is required for clearing goods through customs and issued in the number of copies requested by importer. 'To Order' bills acceptable.
Packing list
Not obligatory, but it facilitates clearance.
Certificate of origin
May be requested within the terms of the contract - otherwise, only required for wine and wine distillates cleared under the MFN tariff. Imported food including package has to be certified by the Slovak Testing Office prior distribution.
Public health requirements
After European Union (EU) accession import policy follows EU rules.
The Licence Authority of the Slovak Ministry of Economy must license imports of animals, animal products, plants and vegetable products. The individual items are subject to the Public Notice #15/98 and Act 576/2001 of Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic stipulating conditions to grant an official permit for import and exports of goods and services, and Act #147/96 of Collection.
These products from import administration point of view can be split into two groups. The first group covers live animals, foodstuffs and foodstuffs of animal origin and fodders, requires veterinary certificates by the State Veterinary Administration of the Slovak Republic. The second group, includes plants and seeds, requires phytopathological sanitary certificate and in some cases even additional declaration by FITO Service.
These certificates are issued by the approved authority in the country of origin, in Australia this is usually the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), Commonwealth Department of Primary Industries or the State Department of Agriculture.
Specific requirements are normally stated in the sales contract, and consignments undergo either a phytopathological or veterinary examination at the frontier station of entry.
Pharmaceuticals require an import licence issued by the Ministry of Health. At the same time any pharmaceutical is subject to the registration by the State Institute of Pharmaceutical Control prior to import.
Electrical appliances, toys, fireworks and cosmetics must conform to safety regulations being identical with those of EU.
Insurance
Depending on Incoterms (2000).
Weights and measures
The metric system.