Bar, the port of entry for Montenegro
Containers from China arrive at the terminal in Bar, with no overland transit through another country. From Bar the goods continue by truck to Podgorica, about 50 to 60 km away, and to coastal towns such as Budva, Kotor and Herceg Novi. The route is the same for full containers and for consolidated shipments.
A full container leaves from the Chinese port nearest the goods. Consolidated shipments (LCL) are collected in our warehouse and leave from Ningbo. Goods for Bar often transship in Koper or Piraeus.
How long shipping from China to Montenegro takes
In 2026 only a small share of ships have started using Suez again, and most still sail around Africa. Once the goods are ready in China, allow 60 to 75 days via Suez or 70 to 90 days around Africa for delivery to your warehouse.
Transit times are approximate. We confirm the exact time and route for each shipment, based on the current situation on the sea lanes. Production time is not included. See the guide how long shipping from China takes.
Customs clearance is handled by your forwarder
We do not carry out customs clearance. A forwarder handles clearance, duty and VAT, your own or one we recommend. We deliver the goods to the customs warehouse and hand over the export documents and the documents needed for clearance. Many clients already have their own forwarder. After clearance, if agreed, we also deliver to your warehouse. See also customs documents and delivery.
Compliance
Montenegro's toy safety rules are aligned with those of the EU. Toys from China therefore need CE marking, EN 71 test reports and a declaration of conformity. Electrical goods need LVD, EMC and RoHS documentation. We check that the documents exist and that they relate to your product. We ask the supplier for the documents before the deposit is paid. For other product groups, confirm the requirements with your forwarder before you order.
Seasonal stock for the coast
For shops on the coast, demand peaks in summer. As an approximate plan, to have stock on the shelves by early June, with about a week for shop set-up, you need delivery to your warehouse by late May. At 75 days via Suez, the goods must be ready in China by early March; at 90 days around Africa, by late February. With about six weeks of production, the order is placed in January and samples start around the turn of the year. Plan production and shipping around Chinese New Year and China's National Day holiday from 1 to 8 October (Golden Week), and avoid buying trips in both periods.
How we run an import to Montenegro
Four agents employed by Transcont work for you in China, in English and Chinese, and we have our own warehouses in Yiwu and Ningbo. Our strongest operational presence is in Yiwu.
- Sourcing. For a wide assortment we organise a buying trip to Yiwu, where our agent goes through the market with you and translates. For goods with little variety and clear specifications, our agent in China collects and compares factory offers.
- Collection and checks. We collect goods from several suppliers in our warehouses, where we check consolidated shipments and goods from Yiwu for quantity and quality. A full container loaded at a factory is checked on site by our agent, anywhere in China. After every check you get a photo and video report.
- Transport. We issue our own bills of lading, and in Bar we have a direct presence and annual shipping contracts.
Bar also serves western and south-western Serbia, with trucks running north through Montenegro. Goods for Bosnia and Herzegovina go through the port of Bar as well.
Get a quote
Send us your request with a link or photo of the product, the quantity, the supplier's location and the city in Montenegro where the goods should arrive. We prepare a separate quote for each shipment, with the route and the transit time. The CBM calculator gives you the volume of the shipment.
