How to Ship from the US to Croatia: Complete 2026 Guide

Croatia's integration into the European Union in 2013 and its adoption of the Euro in 2023 have made it a more accessible and attractive destination for international commerce. This guide provides detailed insights into carrier options, customs requirements, duty rates, and delivery timelines for shipping from the US to Croatia.

Why Ship to Croatia?

Croatia's economy is on the rise, driven significantly by its flourishing tourism industry. As more Croatians adopt online shopping, the demand for international products is growing. This presents a ripe opportunity for businesses to expand their reach into this European market.

Key Facts

Croatia, located approximately 5,200 miles from the US East Coast, operates in the Central European Time Zone (UTC+1 during standard time and UTC+2 during daylight saving time). As of January 2023, the country uses the Euro, aligning it more closely with other Eurozone countries. Croatian is the official language, but English is widely understood, especially in business contexts. Importantly, goods valued under EUR 150 are exempt from customs duties, although VAT still applies.

Carrier Options & Transit Times

Choosing the right shipping carrier and service can significantly impact your shipping costs and delivery times. Here’s a breakdown of the shipping options available:

Express Shipping (3-5 Business Days)

For time-sensitive shipments, express services from major carriers are the best choice. FedEx International Priority, UPS Worldwide Express, DHL Express Worldwide, and USPS Priority Mail Express International offer delivery within 3 to 5 business days. Rates for a one-pound package range from $48 to $78, depending on the carrier.

Standard Shipping (8-16 Business Days)

For less urgent shipments, standard services provide a balance between cost and speed. USPS Priority Mail International, FedEx International Economy, and UPS Worldwide Expedited deliver within 8 to 16 business days. Rates start at $35, making this a cost-effective option for non-urgent deliveries.

Economy Shipping (14-30 Business Days)

Economy shipping is the most cost-effective option for non-time-sensitive deliveries. USPS First-Class Package International and DHL eCommerce Packet offer delivery between 14 and 30 business days, with rates as low as $12 for a one-pound package. This option is ideal for lightweight and less urgent shipments.

Customs & Duties (EU Rules)

Understanding Croatia's customs and duties regulations is crucial for successful shipping. Goods valued under EUR 150 are not subject to customs duties, but VAT is applicable. Croatia applies a standard VAT rate of 25%, with reduced rates of 13% for certain foods and tourism services, and 5% for essential goods like bread, milk, books, and medicine.

Common Duty Rates

Duty rates vary by product category. Electronics have low rates, ranging from 0% to 3.7%. Clothing is subject to a 12% duty, while footwear rates range from 8% to 17%. Cosmetics and supplements face duties of 0% to 6.5%, and sports equipment ranges from 2.7% to 4.7%.

Required Documentation

Shipping to Croatia requires specific documentation. A commercial invoice is needed for value and content declaration, along with a packing list detailing the shipment contents. USPS shipments require a CN22 or CN23 customs form. For commercial imports, an EORI number is necessary.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Certain items are prohibited or restricted from entering Croatia. Prohibited items include narcotics, counterfeit goods, and weapons. Meat and dairy products, plants, seeds, medications, and cultural items face restrictions and may require special permits or documentation.

Packaging Tips

Proper packaging is essential to ensure your goods arrive safely. Use sturdy, double-wall boxes and cushion contents with bubble wrap and void fill. For coastal shipments, protect against humidity. Labeling in English is accepted, and fragile items should have extra cushioning and clear labeling to prevent damage.

DIM Weight

Carriers calculate shipping costs based on the greater of the actual weight or dimensional (DIM) weight, determined by the package's size. For FedEx and UPS, DIM weight is calculated using the formula: Length x Width x Height (in inches) / 139. For USPS, the divisor is 166. Optimizing packaging to minimize DIM weight can help reduce shipping costs.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Reducing shipping costs can enhance your profit margins. Use atoship's discounted rates, offering savings of up to 89% off retail prices. USPS is a cost-effective option for packages under 4 pounds. Keeping shipment values under EUR 150 can avoid customs duties. Economy shipping options can save 40% to 60%, and optimizing packaging reduces DIM charges. Batch processing can also lead to volume efficiencies.

Croatia-Specific Tips

Shipping to Croatia presents unique challenges. Deliveries to one of Croatia's 1,200+ islands may require extra time. USPS shipments are handed off to Hrvatska Posta for local delivery. Use the 5-digit postal code format starting with "HR-" (e.g., HR-10000 for Zagreb). Include a Croatian phone number with the +385 country code for customs and delivery purposes. Be aware of potential delays during the busy tourist season from June to September.

Address Format

A correct address format ensures successful delivery:

Recipient Name
Street Name and Number
HR-Postal Code City
CROATIA
Phone: +385 XX XXX XXXX

Tracking & Delivery

All major carriers offer international tracking services. USPS shipments are tracked locally by Hrvatska Posta. Express delivery provides door-to-door service, while standard delivery may require pickup from a local post office. Island deliveries can take an additional 2 to 5 days.

Ship to Croatia with atoship

Streamline your shipping process to Croatia with atoship. Compare all carrier options at a glance and benefit from discounted rates of up to 89% off retail prices. atoship simplifies customs with auto-generated EU forms and handles IOSS VAT for smoother tax management. Enjoy full tracking from the US to Croatia for a seamless shipping experience.

Croatia's growing e-commerce market and EU-standard logistics make it an appealing destination for international shipping. By understanding customs regulations and optimizing shipping strategies, businesses can efficiently tap into this vibrant market. Use atoship for competitive rates and streamlined shipping solutions to ensure successful deliveries to Croatia.