e-Delivery in Serbia Becomes Mandatory by 2026: What Every Business Must Know

Serbia e-delivery becomes mandatory from 2026

Serbia is embarking on a significant digital transformation in the logistics and transport sector by introducing a mandatory electronic delivery note system, commonly known as the e-Delivery or E-Transport system. Set to take effect on January 1, 2026, this initiative aims to modernize the way goods transportation is documented and monitored across the country. For businesses operating in Serbia, understanding the system’s purpose, technical requirements, and implementation timeline is critical to ensuring compliance and operational continuity.

Purpose and Role of the e-Delivery System

At its core, Serbia’s e-Delivery system digitizes the traditional paper-based consignment note, replacing it with an electronic delivery note that records essential shipment details. This digital consignment note captures information such as sender and recipient data, product descriptions, quantities, transport details, and unique identifiers. The system is designed to:

• Enhance transparency and traceability of goods in transit within Serbia’s borders.

• Improve regulatory oversight by enabling tax authorities and other regulators to monitor shipments in real-time.

• Support VAT compliance and reduce fraud through accurate, timely documentation.

• Streamline logistics and administrative processes by integrating digital workflows.

By mandating electronic delivery notes, Serbia aligns with broader global trends toward digital logistics management and tax administration, facilitating faster, more reliable data exchange among businesses, carriers, and government bodies.

Key Phases and Deadlines: What Businesses Need to Know

The implementation of Serbia’s e-Delivery system is structured in two main phases, with clear deadlines.

• January 1, 2026: The system becomes mandatory for all business-to-government (B2G) transactions. This means private companies transporting goods to public sector entities must issue electronic delivery notes. Additionally, excise goods transported in business-to-business (B2B) transactions are also subject to mandatory e-Delivery from this date.

• October 1, 2027: The mandate extends to cover all B2B transactions, requiring all private companies engaged in goods transportation to issue and receive electronic delivery notes.

This phased approach allows businesses time to adapt their IT systems and operational processes, starting with public sector transactions and excise goods, before moving to full B2B compliance.

Technical Requirements: Standardization and Centralization

Serbia’s e-Delivery system is built on a centralized clearance platform concept, similar to the existing SEF Portal used for electronic invoicing and VAT reporting. This platform acts as a single point for registering, submitting, and validating electronic delivery notes.

Key technical features include:

• UBL 2.1 XML Format: All electronic delivery notes must be submitted in XML format adhering to the Universal Business Language (UBL) 2.1 standard — the same standard used for Serbia’s e-invoicing system. This ensures interoperability and facilitates automated processing by both businesses and authorities.

Serbia edelivery formats

• Centralized Platform Access: Businesses must register through Serbia’s national electronic identification portal (eID) to access the platform. Once registered, users can interact with the system via a web interface, API integration, or a mobile app, enabling seamless submission and receipt of electronic delivery notes.

The first version of the e-Delivery Note System is now publicly accessible for all future users and interested parties through the DEMO environment.

You can access the DEMO environment in two ways:

• Via the DEMO version of the SEF (System for Electronic Invoicing), or

• Directly through the following link: https://demoeotpremnica.mfin.gov.rs

This DEMO version is intended to provide early insight and hands-on experience with the functionalities of the system before its official launch.

• Data Integrity and Compliance: The system requires detailed shipment data, including unique consignment numbers, sender and recipient identification, product codes, quantities, transport details, and timestamps. The platform also manages confirmations of physical receipt and acceptance or rejection of shipments electronically.

  
  

• Oversight and Support: A Central Information Intermediary oversees the platform’s operation, ensuring data security, system availability, and user support. The platform also facilitates rapid sharing of records for inspections and audits.

Practical Implications for Companies Operating in Serbia

For compliance managers, IT teams, and logistics professionals, the introduction of the e-Delivery system will have tangible impacts on daily operations:

• IT System Integration: Companies must update or develop software capable of generating UBL 2.1-compliant XML delivery notes and integrate with the centralized platform via APIs or web portals. This may require collaboration with software vendors or internal development teams.

  
  

• Process and Workflow Adjustments: Logistics and transport workflows will need revision to incorporate electronic document generation, submission prior to shipment, and receipt confirmation processes. Staff training on new procedures and system usage is essential.

  
  

• Partner Coordination: Collaboration with carriers, suppliers, and customers is critical to ensure all parties are prepared for electronic delivery note exchange. This includes aligning on timelines, data accuracy, and communication protocols.

  
  

• Compliance and Record-Keeping: Companies must implement robust archiving solutions to store electronic delivery notes and related confirmations securely, as these documents are subject to regulatory inspection.

  
  

• Risk of Penalties: Failure to comply with the e-Delivery mandate can result in fines ranging from approximately €430 to €17,100, depending on the severity of the violation. Proactive compliance reduces legal and financial risks.

Serbia e-delivery implementation process

Actionable Recommendations for Effective Preparation

To navigate the transition smoothly, businesses should consider the following steps:

1. Early Registration: Register on Serbia’s national eID portal promptly to gain access to the e-Delivery platform.

   
   

2. Gap Analysis: Conduct a thorough review of current logistics documentation processes and IT capabilities to identify gaps relative to the e-Delivery requirements.

   
   

3. Engage IT and Software Vendors: Collaborate with technology partners to develop or upgrade systems for UBL 2.1 XML generation and platform integration.

   
   

4. Pilot Testing: Before the January 2026 deadline, run pilot shipments using electronic delivery notes to identify and resolve technical or operational issues.

   
   

5. Train Staff and Partners: Provide comprehensive training to internal teams and communicate with external partners to ensure readiness.

   
   

6. Update Contracts and Procedures: Reflect the new e-Delivery requirements in contracts and standard operating procedures with carriers and customers.

   
   

7. Monitor Regulatory Updates: Stay informed about any changes or clarifications issued by Serbian authorities, especially regarding exceptions or technical guidelines.

How Melasoft Can Support Your e-Delivery Implementation

Navigating the complexities of Serbia’s mandatory e-Delivery system requires expertise in both regulatory compliance and technical integration. Melasoft stands out as a trusted partner with extensive experience in digital transformation projects, including electronic invoicing and logistics solutions across Europe. Our team specializes in developing tailored software that seamlessly generates UBL 2.1-compliant XML documents and integrates with centralized clearance platforms like Serbia’s e-Delivery system.

Melasoft offers end-to-end support from initial gap analysis and system design to implementation, staff training, and ongoing compliance monitoring. By leveraging our proven methodologies and deep understanding of Serbia’s regulatory framework, your company can accelerate readiness, reduce risks of non-compliance, and optimize logistics workflows. Whether you need API integration, secure archiving solutions, or user-friendly interfaces for your teams and partners, Melasoft provides scalable, reliable technology and consulting services to ensure a smooth transition into Serbia’s digital logistics future.

Partnering with Melasoft means gaining a proactive ally committed to transforming your e-Delivery challenges into operational advantages.

Conclusion

Serbia’s mandatory e-Delivery system represents a transformative shift in how goods transportation is documented and monitored, offering benefits in transparency, compliance, and operational efficiency. For businesses, early preparation, technical readiness, and stakeholder coordination are key to meeting the January 2026 and October 2027 deadlines successfully. By embracing this digital logistics framework, companies can not only ensure regulatory compliance but also position themselves advantageously in Serbia’s evolving trade landscape.