Market
Albania is a meaningful domestic grape-producing country, with INSTAT reporting 179,705 tonnes of grapes harvested in 2023 and production concentrated in Fier and Elbasan prefectures. In fresh-grape trade (HS 080610), Albania is a net importer: WITS/UN Comtrade reports imports of about USD 2.86 million in 2024 versus exports of about USD 0.60 million. Import supply is largely sourced from nearby European origins (notably EU/Italy, Moldova, Greece, and North Macedonia), indicating a role for imports in supplementing domestic seasonal availability. Market access is sensitive to phytosanitary inspection and documentation (including phytosanitary certificates) at entry points, and food-safety enforcement can include blocking and destroying non-compliant shipments.
Market RoleDomestic producer with seasonal imports (net importer in fresh grapes trade)
Domestic RoleSignificant domestic grape production base with both vineyard and pergola production structure reported in official statistics
Market GrowthStable (2023–2024 trade snapshot)imports slightly higher in 2024 vs 2023 based on HS 080610 trade value
Risks
Phytosanitary HighFresh grapes entering Albania can be subject to phytosanitary control at designated customs offices; CEFTA Albania guidance indicates import consignments in scope require a valid phytosanitary certificate from the origin authority and may face treatment, quarantine, return, or complete elimination if legal requirements are not met—at the shipment owner’s cost.Confirm whether the consignment falls under Albania’s phytosanitary inspection scope and prepare the phytosanitary certificate per CEFTA/IPPC guidance (including Latin botanical name); coordinate 48-hour pre-arrival notification with the relevant district office and maintain cold-chain integrity during potential inspection dwell time.
Food Safety MediumAlbanian enforcement actions have included blocking and initiating destruction procedures for imported grape consignments found with pesticide residues above permitted norms (examples reported in September 2025, including Propamocarb and Bitertanol in grape shipments).Use supplier-side residue management and pre-shipment laboratory testing aligned to the target market’s MRL expectations; maintain robust lot/batch traceability to support rapid withdrawal if required.
Documentation Gap MediumCustoms clearance can be delayed if baseline documentation (customs declaration, invoice, transport document, packing list) or any additional documents required for preferential regimes/market placement measures are incomplete or inconsistent.Run a pre-shipment document reconciliation against Albania Customs’ stated document set and any importer-specific checklist, including origin documentation if a preferential regime is being claimed.
Logistics MediumFresh grapes are quality-sensitive to temperature and handling; inspection and border dwell time can increase the risk of temperature abuse and berry shatter, especially for refrigerated road shipments that dominate nearby-origin trade flows into Albania.Plan routing and appointment windows to reduce dwell time, use temperature monitoring, and specify cold-chain set points consistent with postharvest guidance for table grapes.
FAQ
Which documents are commonly required to import fresh grapes into Albania?For plant products subject to phytosanitary inspection, CEFTA Albania guidance indicates a phytosanitary certificate from the origin authority is required. Albania Customs also lists baseline import documentation such as a customs declaration, invoice, transport document, and packing list, with additional documents potentially needed if a preferential tariff regime is claimed.
Is Albania a net importer or net exporter of fresh grapes?Albania is a net importer in HS 080610 (fresh grapes). WITS/UN Comtrade reports Albania’s 2024 imports at about USD 2.86 million versus exports at about USD 0.60 million.
What is a key compliance step to avoid border problems for fresh grapes entering Albania?CEFTA Albania phytosanitary guidance states that for consignments subject to phytosanitary inspection, applicants should notify the relevant district Department of Agriculture and Food office 48 hours before arrival, and the shipment must have an appropriate phytosanitary certificate; failure to meet requirements can result in measures such as treatment, quarantine, return, or destruction at the shipment owner’s cost.