The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia has launched a public consultation on two key laws supporting Serbia’s green transition: the Law on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Tax and the Law on Import Tax for Carbon-Intensive Products. These laws aim to reduce pollution, improve energy efficiency, and ensure a level playing field for Serbian industry both domestically and internationally.
The new regulations introduce mechanisms encouraging companies to invest in renewable energy, green construction, and industrial decarbonization, resulting in cleaner air, lower health risks for citizens, and alignment with European climate policies and the EU market. The Ministry emphasizes that this is not a new tax burden but a supportive measure for cleaner, modern production.
Key points include:
- GHG emissions tax: Applies to major industrial emitters, including cement, fertilizers, iron and steel, aluminum, and energy sectors. Energy companies investing in green projects can claim a tax credit of up to 80% of their liability.
- Import tax for carbon-intensive products: Applies to imported iron, steel, cement, fertilizers, and aluminum. Importers must pay based on the emissions embedded in the production of imported goods but can use tax credits if emissions charges were already paid in the country of origin. The obligation applies only to importers bringing in more than five tons of covered products.
The Ministry highlights the benefits for citizens and the economy. Since these obligations are already defined under EU regulations, funds that would have gone to the EU budget remain in Serbia and will be used to support cleaner environments, healthier lives, increased investment in green projects, energy efficiency, and the competitiveness of Serbian industry while protecting domestic producers from unfair foreign competition.
The public consultation will last 20 days and include two roundtables and two online meetings with stakeholders. The laws are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026.
