Skopje, 28 May 2026 (MIA) – The government at its session on Thursday approved the proposal for amending the Law on Customs Tariff, providing for an additional reduction in customs tariffs and their full harmonization with the rates applied by the European Union for the same goods. These amendments, according to the Ministry of Finance, are a continuation of last year’s legislative changes that entered into force on July 1, 2025, when customs duty rates were reduced by up to 50 percent of the rates applied in the European Union.

The reduction of customs duties covers 70 raw materials, production inputs and components used in domestic production plants for high value-added manufacturing, to strengthen the export competitiveness of Macedonian industry.

“This legislative amendment reflects the government’s commitments under its 2024–2028 Work Program, pertaining to gradual harmonization of customs tariffs with those applied in the European Union, tailored to the export and import needs of Macedonian economy. The amendments were prepared in consultation with the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and reflect the further implementation of a customs policy aimed at supporting the domestic business community and boosting the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. The draft law stipulates full alignment of certain customs tariffs with those applied in the European Union, thereby ensuring closer alignment with the EU customs tariffs, while also considering the rules of the World Trade Organization. The measure is set to directly benefit the automotive, metalworking and metallurgy sectors, with positive effects anticipated on export growth, foreign currency inflows, investments and job creation," the Ministry of Finance said in a press release.

Photo: MIA archive