After a difficult period of ten years of privatisation, structural reforms and the adoption of a market-oriented economy, Albania is starting to improve in macro-economic and fiscal sustainability with a substantial strengthening of customs and tax administrations. Privatisation is progressing. In the area of trade liberalisation, Albania is implementing its WTO accession commitments and has completed the negotiations on bilateral free trade agreements with the neighbouring countries under the Stability Pact Memorandum of Understanding on trade liberalisation and facilitation.

Government

Consumer Protection Department

For more information please click Consumer Protection Department

Independent Organisations in Albania

Albanian Consumer Association

For more information please click  Albanian Consumer Association

Union of Trade and Industry Chambers
The union was founded in 1926. It was state institution in 1958. In 1994, it was re-convened as an independent non-profit organisation in compliance with the Law no. 7804 for Chambers of Commerce and Industry, 1994 and as amended by Law no. 8281, 1998. Activities of the chamber are monitored by the Ministry of Economy.
Membership is compulsory for economic operators (legal units in the taxation registry) by law. Only about 10 % of the nearly 60000 economic operators in Albania are members of the chambers and they are mostly the big entities and those in import and export business.
The chamber issues the certificate of origin for exports by members. Another important function is to provide information about business opportunities with foreign businesses in the “Biznesi” newsletter that is distributed to members.
The chambers are active in reviewing laws and other enactments. Within a consultative council the business community is represented together with consumer associations and the government for review of how best to promote consumer interests in Albania. The chambers organise trade fairs regularly.

Contact:edmond_karaxho@cci.gov.al  
 

Others

Customs
The Customs is responsible for controlling food and consumer goods for import. The control is focused on type of product, status of origin e.g. risk analysis reveal there is reason to believe problem goods. Examination required by the food inspectorate is done by 2 inspectors from the Food Inspectorate. Sampling is done by the inspectors at the points of entry into Albania. In order to prohibit items that violate regulations a restraint is imposed on the items to be examined by the laboratory.
Toys are especially important for customs control since they are used by youngsters who are considered by all standards to be a vulnerable group of consumers. The controls are about missing warning labels and safety warnings.
The free movement of goods is of special attention for the Customs. However, with limited resources it is only possible to check only a small fraction of imported goods but the experience and expertise gathered during recent years provides the Customs with a possibility to develop more efficient controls. The EU Programme foresees the procurement and installation of an advanced computer system that will enable entry of examination results and access to information from foreign customs offices more rapidly than now.
The knowledge that the Customs has efficient control system and exchange of information with foreign countries has a favourable effect on the quality of imported goods.