It's always good to remember the basics. That is why today I am writing about the basic obligations for chemicals in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a specific state system. It consists of two entities: the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a special administrative unit – the Brčko District. Consequently, different regulations are often in force in different parts of the country. This is also the case with chemicals.
In the Republic of Srpska, regulations on chemicals and biocides based on European Union regulations have been in force since 2009.
In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this area was partially regulated only in 2020 with the adoption of the Law on Chemicals.
There are no adequate regulations on chemicals in the Brčko District, which further complicates the situation on the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What, then, are the obligations of entities trading in chemicals in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
If you are exporting to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you need an importer based in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let’s look at some details:
- In the Republic of Srpska, the importer must be entered in the Register of Manufacturers and Importers of Chemicals kept by the competent authority. Of course, for this purpose, the importer must meet the prescribed conditions. The importer must also appoint a qualified chemicals advisor.
- In the Federation of BiH, the importer of certain chemicals, i.e. poisons (a term from the old Law on Trade in Poisons that is still in force) must obtain a decision/permit from the competent authority to be able to perform such an activity, with prior verification of the fulfillment of conditions for that activity.
- If some of the chemicals imported into Bosnia and Herzegovina are considered precursors for the production of narcotics, additional permits are required in accordance with specific regulations.
Seems like a lot of permits?
Maybe, but we are still dealing with the importer only. We didn’t even touch the type of chemicals that are imported. Before going any further I have to remind you all the above conditions must also be met by domestic chemical producers.
Let that be enough for today. Next time I continue with the second (out of three) posts. I will tell you more about the requirements in BiH for specific chemicals.
If you realized while reading this you need help in BiH, then write to nina.pajovic@bens-consulting.eu.
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