Foreign individuals may import narcotics-based medications into Bulgaria, as per Article 58 of the Bulgarian Drugs and Precursors Control Act:
– Individuals temporarily living in or transiting through the country can possess medicines with narcotics from the categories specified under Art. 3, para. 2, items 2 and 3. However, these should be strictly for personal treatment and not exceed a 30-day supply. Notably, tetrahydrocannabinol is not permitted in these medicines.
– Foreign nationals must provide a document issued by the competent authority in their home country detailing the prescribed treatment.
The possession of herbal cannabis, or marijuana, is entirely prohibited in Bulgaria, as outlined in Art. 3, para. 2, item 1 of the Law on Control of Narcotic Substances and Precursors (refer to Appendix No. 1 to Article 3, Item 1 of the Ordinance on the Procedure for Classifying Plants and Substances as Narcotic).
In Bulgaria, cannabidiols and preparations containing them are not regulated. However, these preparations must not have tetrahydrocannabinol. If they do, their possession or importation is prohibited. Learn more about various types of CBD products here.
Tobacco Products for Passengers Arriving in the EU via Bulgaria from Third Countries – travelers above 17 years of age may import the following tobacco products:
– Air travelers: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos, and 250g smoking tobacco.
– Other travelers: 40 cigarettes, 10 cigars, 20 cigarillos, and 50g smoking tobacco.
For the transportation crew arriving from third countries – permitted quantities are 40 cigarettes, 10 cigars, 20 cigarillos, and 50g smoking tobacco.
Note: Exemptions apply to any mixture of tobacco products as long as the total percentage of the individual allowances doesn’t surpass 100%.
Alcohol and Alcoholic Beverages for Passengers Arriving in the EU via Bulgaria from Third Countries
Travelers above 17 years of age may import:
– A total of 1 liter of alcohol and alcoholic beverages with strength exceeding 22% vol, or undenatured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol and over;
– A total of 2 liters of alcohol and alcoholic beverages not exceeding 22% vol;
Plus, 4 liters of still wine and 16 liters of beer.
For the transportation crew arriving from third countries:
– Permitted quantities are 1 liter of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of a strength exceeding 22% vol or undenatured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol and over;
– A total of 1 liter of alcohol and alcoholic beverages not exceeding 22% vol;
Plus, 2 liters of still wine and 4 liters of beer.
Note: Exemptions apply to any mixture of types of alcohol and alcoholic beverage, excluding still wine and beer, provided the total percentage of the individual allowances doesn’t surpass 100%.
Fuel for Passengers Arriving in the EU via Bulgaria from Third Countries
Travelers arriving from a third country or territory can bring fuel contained in the standard tank of their motor transport and an additional quantity not exceeding 10 liters stored in a portable container.
Personal exportation of excisable goods (tobacco products, alcohol, fuels) from Bulgaria to third countries is permissible, given the items are for personal use and not commercial. If the goods require a tax stamp, it should be valid.
The determining factor for permissible quantities is the import limit of the third country destination. Specifically, the minor limit among transit countries and the final destination is considered if the trip involves crossing borders of countries with varying limits.
Passengers must remember that regulations differ by country. For instance, some countries define other items as excisable goods, and even items for personal use may be prohibited from import.
When going on a planned trip, the tour operator usually offers the latest updates on any local restrictions.
According to Art. 21, para 1, p.5 of the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act, excise duty exemption applies to tobacco products, alcohol, and alcoholic beverages. These items, purchased in another EU Member State for personal use and transported in quantities defined by the Implementing Provisions to the Act, are exempt.
Per Art. 4c, para 1 of the Implementing Provisions to the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act, allowable quantities of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages from another EU Member State bought for personal use and transported by individuals should not exceed.
For Tobacco Products:
– Cigarettes: 800 pieces
– Cigars: 200 pieces
– Cigarillos: 400 pieces
– Smoking Tobacco: 1 kilogram
For Alcoholic Beverages:
– Alcoholic Beverages (CN 2208 Code): 10 liters
– Intermediate Products: 20 liters
– Wines: 90 liters (Sparkling Wines not more than 60 liters)
– Beer: 110 liters.
According to 112a, para 4 of the Law on Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses, passengers face penalties if they transfer excise goods from Bulgaria to another EU Member State in quantities exceeding the limits specified for personal consumption under Art. 4c, para. 1 of the Implementing Provisions to the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act. These quantities are as follows.
For Tobacco Products:
– Cigarettes: 800 pieces
– Cigars: 200 pieces
– Cigarillos: 400 pieces
– Smoking Tobacco: 1 kg
For Alcoholic Beverages:
– Alcoholic Beverages (with CN code 2208): 10 liters
– Intermediate Products: 20 liters
– Wines: 90 liters (Sparkling Wines: no more than 60 liters)
– Beer: 110 liters.
Suppose you’re traveling from or to third countries outside the EU and carrying cash of EUR 10,000 or more (or its equivalent in another currency). In that case, you must fill in a cash declaration and present it to a customs officer.
The amount to be declared should total EUR 10,000 or more (or its equivalent in another currency), comprising all the cash carried.
Specific Rules for Cash for Non-EU Countries
Suppose the cash is for a non-EU country and totals BGN 30,000 or more (or its equivalent in another currency). In that case, the carriers must have paid any debts to the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and have no overdue debts as of the departure date. If public receivables exceed BGN 5,000, customs authorities will not allow the cash to be carried.
Obligation for Carriers
Any carrier entering or leaving the EU territory carrying cash amounting to EUR 10,000 or more must declare this cash to the customs authorities at the entry or exit point and make it available for control. “Carrier” refers to any individual entering or leaving the EU with cash on their person, luggage, or transport.
Modes of Border Crossing
The carrier can cross the border in various ways – on foot or as a passenger (including crew member) by air, road, rail, or water transport.
The individual carrying the cash must declare it, regardless of whether they are the owner. If the carrier lacks the legal capacity to sign the declaration, it should be lodged by its legal representative.
Cash Declaration Procedure
Cash declarations should be filled in and presented to a customs officer at the customs point where the person enters or leaves the EU. If both “Green” and “Red” corridors are available, the declaration should be presented in the “Red” corridor. The declaration is also required for transit through the EU.
No fees are due upon presentation of a cash declaration.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Suppose the obligation to declare cash isn’t fulfilled. In that case, customs authorities may detain the cash if the reported information is incorrect or incomplete or if the money isn’t available for control. Penalties may be imposed according to national legislation.
Availability of Cash Declaration Forms
Forms for the cash declaration are available at any customs point in Bulgaria that serves as an entry or exit point to the Union territory.
If you’re traveling from or to EU member states and carrying cash of a value of EUR 10,000 or more (or its equivalent in another currency), you must declare it upon the request of customs officers. The total amount liable to declaration must sum to EUR 10,000 or more.
Obligation for Personnel
Any person entering or leaving the country’s territory and carrying cash of EUR 10,000 or more must declare this amount upon request from the customs authorities. This applies to persons crossing the border on foot or as passengers (including crew members) via air, road, rail, or water transport.
The individual carrying the cash must declare it, regardless of whether they are the owner. If the carrier lacks the legal capacity to sign the declaration, it should be lodged by its legal representative.
Cash Declaration Procedure
A cash declaration should be filled in and presented when crossing the border of the Republic of Bulgaria to or from another EU Member State upon request from a customs officer.
Cash Declaration Form
The template for the Cash Declaration is endorsed by the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Bulgaria. No fees are due upon presentation of a cash declaration. The form can be found here.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If cash isn’t declared upon request by a customs officer or the reported information is incorrect or incomplete, a penalty will be imposed according to national legislation.
By law, any person carrying precious metals that do not fall within the scope of cash, gemstones, and items of them or made with them must fill in and present a cash declaration to the customs authorities. This declaration is mandatory when entering or leaving the EU territory and is required upon request by the customs authorities when traveling to or from another EU Member State.
Quantitative Limits for Declaration
Precious metals, gemstones, or items made with them exceeding the following quantities must be declared:
– 37 grams of gold and platinum in unprocessed and semi-processed forms and coins, regardless of the gold or platinum content.
– 60 grams of jewels and accessories made from alloys of gold or platinum, regardless of the gold or platinum content.
– 300 grams of silver in unprocessed and semi-processed form and coins, as well as jewelry and accessories made from silver alloys, regardless of the silver content.
Gemstones are embedded in the above-mentioned products.
Declaration Form
The declaration form used when carrying precious metals that do not fall within the scope of cash, gemstones, and items made with them across the country’s borders is endorsed by the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Visit the Bulgarian National Customs Agency website for more information on business-related imports.
