Customs
Customs measures for trademarks in Kosovo
How customs border protection for trademarks works in Kosovo — the application, the detention of counterfeits and the legal prerequisites.
How customs protection works
What does Kosovo Customs do for trademarks?
It detains and inspects shipments suspected of counterfeiting or pirating registered trademarks — on import, export, re-export and transit — before the goods reach the market.
How is border protection activated?
Through an application for action filed with Kosovo Customs, containing the trademark details, the classes of goods and the criteria for identifying authentic products.
What happens to detained goods?
The rights holder is notified and confirms the counterfeiting. Confirmed counterfeits are destroyed and the importer is held legally liable — without your response within the deadline, the shipment is released.
The prerequisite: a registered trademark
Customs measures apply only to registered trademarks or valid pending applications. Registering your mark with API is the irreplaceable first step.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file for customs measures in Kosovo?
With Kosovo Customs, through an official application containing the trademark certificate, holder details, classes of goods and identification criteria. We prepare and file the application on your behalf.
How long does a customs measure remain valid?
The decision has a limited validity period and is renewed with a new request before expiry. We manage the renewal calendar for our clients so the customs alert never lapses.
Can customs act without a request (ex officio)?
In certain cases customs can detain suspicious goods even without a prior application, but a formal application for action guarantees systematic protection and coordinated response.
Are there costs or guarantees involved?
Costs are moderate compared to the damage counterfeiting causes. In certain cases a guarantee may be required for storage of detained goods — we assess this with you in advance.
Are export and transit covered as well?
Yes. Customs measures can apply to import, export, re-export, transit and customs warehousing, depending on the legal basis and the circumstances of the case.
Read more: customs measures for trademarks in Kosovo (full guide) and our customs protection services.
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Registration is the first step
No registered trademark, no customs measure. Start your registration online today — filing within 48 hours.
Register your trademark