Customs Valuation in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges and Obstacles

Abstract

As a country in transition, Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) is facing many challenges on the road to the European Union, including the creation of a modern and well-organized Customs administration. Determining the Customs value is emerging as a primary challenge because it affects the calculation of indirect taxes and hence government revenue. Despite existing methods for determining the Customs value, customs officials are often unable to reach a clear answer in some cases. Practical assessment and guidance is needed. Attention should turn to the problem of obtaining information needed to support the assessment, controls in customs procedures, human resources, the discretionary powers of Customs officers, database (risk management), court decisions, and the international exchange of information on Customs valuation. The responsibility for finding an adequate balance in each case, taking into account the rights and obligations of the customs administration, on the one hand and economic entity, on the other hand, is always imperative.