Serbia Post tracking

What is Serbia Post?

Serbia Post, known in Serbian as Pošta Srbije, is the national postal operator of the Republic of Serbia and functions as a state-owned limited liability company under majority ownership of the Government of Serbia. As the designated universal service provider, the company is legally obligated to deliver mail to every address in the country within defined timeframes, regardless of geographic location or commercial viability. Its operations span the full range of postal activity, from letter and parcel delivery and express courier services to international mail, financial services, digital identity solutions, and logistics. With over 1,500 post offices and more than 3,646 delivery zones, Serbia Post operates the most extensive postal network in the country.

The origins of postal service in Serbia trace back to the early 19th century. In 1805, the Governing Council established a basic letter conveyance network for state communications, and by 1811 the first relay stations for official correspondence had opened. A decisive step came in 1830 when Serbia received imperial authorization from the Ottoman Empire to organize its own sovereign postal network. In 1835, Prince Miloš Obrenović issued a formal decree to establish and regulate post offices, and the first postal legislation was published in 1843. The definitive founding moment is recognized as May 25 / June 7, 1840, when public postal traffic formally commenced and the first post offices opened in Belgrade and Kragujevac, allowing ordinary citizens to send letters for the first time. Serbia was among the 22 founding nations that established the Universal Postal Union in Bern in 1874.

The 20th century brought a series of structural changes reflecting Yugoslavia's shifting political landscape. After World War II, a General Directorate of PTT was established, consolidating postal, telegraph, and telephone services under one administration. The most significant structural change came in 1997, when Telekom Srbija was spun off as an independent company, leaving Pošta Srbije to focus exclusively on postal and financial services. In the 21st century, the company progressively modernized its infrastructure, implementing an SAP enterprise resource planning system in 2010 and activating an automatic mail sorting system in 2015. Between 2023 and 2025, Serbia Post deployed over 420 Paketomat parcel lockers, introduced electric delivery vehicles, and installed robotic sorting equipment in its main processing centers, posting a record net profit in 2023.

• Founded: 1840, when the first post offices opened in Belgrade and Kragujevac on May 25 / June 7, allowing public postal traffic to commence for ordinary citizens
• Headquarters: Takovska 2, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia
• Legal form: Limited liability company (d.o.o.) under majority state ownership by the Government of Serbia
• Post offices: Over 1,500 nationwide, covering both urban centers and rural communities
• Postal centers: 17 regional centers, supported by 3 main sorting facilities and 3 customs offices
• Parcel lockers: Over 420 Paketomat units deployed in major Serbian cities, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Delivery zones: More than 3,646 across the entire territory of Serbia
• UPU membership: Founding member since 1874, one of the 22 nations that established the Universal Postal Union in Bern
• International coverage: More than 220 countries and territories through the UPU network
• Awards: "My Choice" 2020 award as the preferred domestic logistics company in Serbia

Serbia Post holds a dominant position in the domestic postal market through the most extensive post office network in the country. This physical footprint allows it to serve not only urban centers but also rural and remote communities across Serbia, a key differentiator from private courier competitors. The company also operates one of Serbia's largest national internet service providers under the PostNet brand and manages the PTT Museum in Belgrade, reflecting its role as a national institution that extends well beyond pure logistics.

Which countries does Serbia Post deliver to?

Serbia Post covers the entire territory of Serbia domestically through a network of more than 1,500 post offices and over 3,646 delivery zones. The company maintains 17 regional postal centers that handle distribution at an intermediate level, backed by 3 main sorting centers at the top of the processing hierarchy. Post Express, the company's domestic express courier service, has over 1,100 submission points across Serbia, and pickup on demand is available from more than 140 settlements by telephone request. This infrastructure makes Serbia Post the only carrier with genuine nationwide coverage, reaching rural and remote communities that private competitors do not serve.

Internationally, Serbia Post participates in the Universal Postal Union network, providing access to more than 220 countries and territories through a combination of air, sea, and land transport routes. The company's EMS product covers over 60 countries under Serbia Post's direct commercial agreements, while through the broader UPU EMS network, express delivery reaches over 190 countries, and for certain value-added services, coverage is more restricted. International Cash on Delivery applies only to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, reflecting the operational complexity of cross-border payment collection in those specific bilateral arrangements. Western Union money transfers, by contrast, are available to virtually all worldwide destinations through Serbia Post's 1,500+ office network.

• Domestic coverage: Full territory of Serbia across more than 3,646 delivery zones and 1,500+ post offices
• Western Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland Portugal, and other EU and non-EU European countries
• Northern and Eastern Europe: United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Poland Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and other countries
• Balkans region: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Albania, and neighboring Balkan states
• North America: United States and Canada
• Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand Singapore, and other destinations across the region
• Middle East and Africa: Multiple destinations accessible through the UPU network
• EMS express: Direct commercial coverage to over 60 countries, with broader UPU EMS access to over 190 countries

International shipments from Serbia operate through the standard UPU inter-operator collaboration model. A parcel sent via Serbia Post is handled by the Serbian operator until it exits the country, then transferred to the postal service of the destination country for final delivery. A parcel destined for the United States is distributed by USPS, a shipment to Germany is handed over to Deutsche Post, and a parcel to the United Kingdom is handled by Royal Mail. This collaboration covers the full delivery chain and typically includes end-to-end tracking at each scan point along the route.

Serbia Post routes international shipments through its 3 customs offices, which are integrated with the company's sorting infrastructure. Parcels destined for Western European countries typically travel by air, while surface routes serve regional Balkan neighbors. The company works with partner postal operators in each destination country to complete the final delivery mile. Under the electronic pre-clearance system implemented in partnership with Serbian customs authorities, shipment data is transmitted before the physical parcel arrives at the customs terminal, which reduces processing time and improves delivery predictability for recipients.

What are the Serbia Post services and delivery times?

Serbia Post's domestic service range spans from unregistered bulk mail to same-day express delivery within Serbian cities. Standard letter services include letters, postcards, and printed matter in both unregistered and registered formats. Registered items receive a tracking number and require a signature or delivery acknowledgment at the point of handover. Insured letters add a declared value component with compensation coverage. Standard domestic parcels accept items up to approximately 31.5 kg and are delivered within 5 working days from submission under the universal service commitment, though transit between major cities is often completed faster in practice.

Post Express is Serbia Post's flagship domestic express courier product, available at over 1,100 submission points across the country. The service operates across three delivery tiers. Next Day Delivery guarantees arrival by 19:00 on the following working day, with free SMS notification included as standard. Same Day Delivery operates between cities on the same calendar day, with submission in the morning and delivery between 16:00 and 20:00 the same afternoon. Instant Delivery achieves a 4-hour delivery window from submission in Belgrade and a 3-hour window in other supported cities. Post Express handles items up to 50 kg, and a standardized packaging option called Post Express BOX is available in two formats for smaller shipments.

For international shipments, Serbia Post offers several distinct products, with priority air mail to European destinations typically arriving in 2 to 5 days and priority air mail to other world regions taking 5 to 10 days. EMS, the express mail service for time-sensitive international deliveries, accepts documents up to 0.5 kg for sender pickup and goods packages up to 30 kg, with estimated delivery in 3 to 7 days to most destinations. Standard international parcels carry an estimated transit range of 7 to 30 days depending on destination, with 9 to 12 days quoted for the United States and 5 to 9 business days for the United Kingdom and France. Quoted international delivery times do not include any delays caused by customs inspection in the destination country.

• Standard domestic letter (registered): Tracked, signature required at delivery, within the 5 working day universal service commitment
• Standard domestic parcel: Up to approximately 31.5 kg, delivered within 5 working days
• Post Express Next Day: Delivered by 19:00 the following working day, free SMS notification included, items up to 50 kg
• Post Express Same Day: Between cities on the same calendar day, delivered between 16:00 and 20:00
• Instant Delivery: Within 4 hours of submission in Belgrade, within 3 hours in other supported cities, up to 15 kg
• Post Express BOX envelope: Up to 2 kg, 28x44 cm format
• Post Express BOX: Up to 5 kg, 35x25x10 cm format
• International priority air mail to Europe: Typically 2 to 5 days
• International priority air mail to other regions: Typically 5 to 10 days
• EMS international express: Typically 3 to 7 days, up to 30 kg for goods and 0.5 kg for documents with sender pickup
• Standard international parcel: 7 to 30 days estimated range, with 9 to 12 days quoted for the United States and 5 to 9 business days for the United Kingdom and France
• Paketomat locker delivery: Items available for collection within 2 working days of arrival, held for 2 business days before transfer to the nearest delivery office

The Paketomat parcel locker network provides an additional delivery channel for domestic recipients who prefer self-service collection. Over 420 locker units are deployed in major Serbian cities and operate around the clock every day of the week. Senders drop off pre-labeled parcels at a locker location, and recipients receive a PIN code via SMS or email granting access to the compartment. Items held in a Paketomat unit remain available for 2 business days before being transferred to the nearest delivery office for further processing.

What are the Serbia Post rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Serbia Post calculates pricing based on a combination of service type, item weight, destination, declared value, and any optional add-on services such as SMS delivery notification, special handling, or return receipt. Domestic services are priced significantly lower than international equivalents, consistent with universal service pricing obligations. An official price calculator is available on the Serbia Post website where senders can estimate the cost of domestic and international shipments before visiting a post office. Post Express Next Day includes free SMS notification as a standard feature, while for other service categories this notification is an optional paid add-on.

For international shipments containing goods, Serbia Post applies the CIF method for customs valuation purposes. This means the customs value used by destination country authorities includes the price of the goods, the cost of shipping, and any insurance charges combined. Senders shipping goods internationally should factor this into their declared values, as it directly affects whether the recipient will be subject to import duties and taxes. The CIF basis tends to produce a higher taxable amount than the item price alone, particularly for heavier shipments with significant freight costs.

• Standard domestic parcel: Up to approximately 31.5 kg per shipment
• Post Express: Up to 50 kg per shipment
• Instant Delivery: Up to 15 kg per shipment
• Post Express BOX envelope: Up to 2 kg, dimensions 28x44 cm
• Post Express BOX: Up to 5 kg, dimensions 35x25x10 cm
• EMS international (goods): Up to 30 kg per shipment
• EMS international (documents with sender pickup service): Up to 0.5 kg
• Standard international parcel (UPU product): Maximum weight and dimensions set by each receiving country's postal administration, with the UPU general maximum typically at 30 kg
• Small packets: Up to 2 kg, available as a lightweight goods format within international letter mail
• Pricing factors: Service type, weight, destination, declared value, and optional services including SMS notification, special handling, and return receipt

For inbound shipments arriving into Serbia, a duty and tax exemption threshold of $50 calculated on the CIF basis applies. Above this amount, VAT at 20% is charged alongside import duties that vary by product category. Electronics attract duties between 1% and 5%, clothing and fashion between 15% and 22%, food and supplements up to 25%, home appliances around 15%, jewelry 1%, and books 1%. Items in general categories typically fall within the 5% to 15% range, depending on the product's customs tariff classification.

What are the Serbia Post delivery options?

The primary delivery method for Serbia Post is home delivery by a uniformed postal carrier to the address printed on the label, carried out during standard working hours on weekdays. If no one is present at the time of delivery, the carrier leaves a notification slip known as an Izvešten slip, and the recipient can arrange redelivery or collect the item in person at the designated post office. Domestic items held at a delivery office are kept for 5 working days before being returned to the sender. International items are held for a longer period of 20 days before return.

The Paketomat parcel locker network offers an alternative for recipients who prefer not to wait for home delivery. Over 420 locker units are positioned in major Serbian cities and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a parcel is routed to a locker, the recipient is notified by SMS or email with a PIN code granting access to the compartment. Items remain available in the locker for 2 business days before being moved to the nearest delivery office.

• Home delivery: Delivery to the recipient's address by a postal carrier during working hours on weekdays; signature required for registered mail, insured items, parcels, and Post Express
• Paketomat locker: Self-service collection at over 420 automated locker units available 24/7, with PIN code notification by SMS or email
• Post office collection: In-person pickup at any Serbia Post office using the delivery notification slip and a valid ID
• Poste Restante: Items held at a specified post office for up to 30 days from arrival for collection at the recipient's convenience
• Third-party collection: Available via power of attorney form allowing a designated representative to collect a parcel on behalf of the original addressee
• Holding period (domestic): 5 working days at the delivery office before return to sender
• Holding period (international): 20 days at the delivery office before return to sender

Collection rules vary by recipient profile and item type, with standard unregistered letters deposited directly in the recipient's mailbox without a signature, while all other registered formats require a signature at the point of handover. For parcels collected by a minor under 16 years old, a parent or guardian must be present. Minors aged 16 and above may collect items using a valid personal ID. For third-party collection, a signed power of attorney form issued by the original addressee is required before Serbia Post staff will hand over the item.

What should I do if my Serbia Post parcel is lost or damaged?

Serbia Post provides multiple channels for submitting claims and complaints. Claims can be filed online via a form on the Serbia Post website, in person at any of the 1,500+ post offices, by post, or by email. The online form requires the claimant's full name, email address, the claim category, including postal services, financial services, Post Express, or staff conduct, service type, a description of the issue up to 500 characters, and an optional file attachment up to 15 MB. The Contact Centre operates Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 20:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 08:00 to 15:00.

For damage or reduced content claims, the timeline for reporting is strict. The recipient must report the issue on the same day as delivery or by the end of the next business day at the latest. The item must be presented intact with all original packaging so that postal staff can conduct a physical inspection at the delivery office. Claims submitted after this window, or without the item and original packaging, may not be accepted for processing.

• Domestic claim deadline: 60 days from the date of submission
• Domestic response time: Serbia Post is required to respond within 8 days
• International claim deadline: 6 months from the date of submission
• International response time: Up to 2 months, reflecting the complexity of investigations involving foreign postal operators
• Damage claim reporting window: Same day as delivery or by the end of the following business day at the latest; item must be presented intact with original packaging
• Claimable issues: Non-delivery, partial performance of service, damage or loss of recorded items, delayed delivery, incorrectly charged prices, and staff misconduct
• Telephone support (general inquiries): 0700 100 300 from the Telekom Srbija fixed-line network, or +381 11 3607 788 from other networks or from abroad
• Telephone support (Post Express and EMS): 0800 100 808 or +381 11 3607 607
• Force majeure exclusions: Serbia Post is not liable for losses caused by natural disasters, accidents, strikes, or other events beyond its operational control

The claims process differs between domestic and international shipments primarily due to the time required when a foreign postal administration must be contacted for information. For international claims, Serbia Post must coordinate with the postal operator in the origin or destination country, which explains the extended 2-month response window. Senders are advised to retain proof of submission, declared value documentation, and any receipts related to the shipment's contents for the full duration of the applicable claim filing period.

Does Serbia Post handle international shipments and customs formalities?

For outbound international shipments containing goods, customs declaration forms are mandatory. The CN 23 Customs Declaration form is required for EMS items containing gifts with more than 4 articles, commercial samples, advertising material, and commercial goods. The form must be completed legibly with a specific description of each article by type, weight, and declared value. General or vague descriptions are not accepted by customs authorities. Completing the form in English, French, or the language of the destination country is the standard recommendation to avoid handling delays at foreign customs facilities.

For insured international parcels, the CP 72 Parcel Label accompanies the shipment. For commercial exports, a Proforma Invoice, export statement, or Jedinstvena Carinska Isprava, known as the Unique Customs Document, may also be required depending on the nature of the goods and the regulations of the destination country. Serbia Post offers Post Sped, a customs brokerage intermediation service that manages the interface between the customer and customs authorities for both import and export formalities. This service is particularly useful for commercial senders who ship internationally on a regular basis.

For inbound international parcels arriving in Serbia, Serbia Post has implemented an electronic pre-clearance process in partnership with Serbian customs authorities. Shipment data is transmitted electronically before the physical parcel arrives at the customs terminal, allowing clearance procedures to begin upon data receipt rather than upon physical arrival. This reduces the time parcels spend at the customs facility. The duty exemption threshold for inbound goods is $50 calculated on the CIF basis, and VAT at 20% applies above this amount alongside product-specific import duties.

• Mandatory customs form (EMS goods): CN 23 Customs Declaration, completed legibly with specific item descriptions, individual weights, and declared values for each article
• Customs form (insured international parcels): CP 72 Parcel Label
• Commercial export documents: Proforma Invoice, export statement, or Unique Customs Document (JCI) may be required depending on goods type and destination country regulations
• Customs brokerage service: Post Sped handles customs interface for import and export formalities on behalf of senders
• Prohibited outbound items: Narcotics, explosives, radioactive materials, counterfeit or pirated goods, live animals, firearms, ammunition, unauthorized cash currency, and items prohibited by destination country laws
• Prohibited medications: Medications are generally prohibited for international postal shipment, except pharmaceutical samples, which are themselves restricted in many destination countries by local law
• Inbound duty exemption threshold: $50 (CIF basis), with 20% VAT and product-specific import duties applied above this amount

Understanding tracking statuses

Serbia Post's tracking system follows the Universal Postal Union standard and assigns a timestamped scan event at each processing point along the parcel's journey, from initial acceptance through sorting, international dispatch, and final delivery. Tracking is available for all registered, insured, parcel, EMS, and Post Express items. Standard unregistered letters do not carry a tracking number and cannot be monitored. The tracking system is also integrated with global aggregators including allowing international recipients to follow inbound shipments from Serbia through their preferred platform.

Serbia Post uses the standard UPU 13-character alphanumeric tracking number format, consisting of a 2-letter service prefix, 8 digits, and the "RS" country suffix for Serbia. Examples include CE564821320RS for a parcel, RR002146963RS for a registered international item, and ED485467211RS for an EMS shipment. RE prefixes indicate registered domestic items, PE and PX prefixes are assigned to Post Express shipments, EE and ED prefixes indicate EMS items, and V-series prefixes correspond to insured letters. When tracking a shipment, both the Serbian carrier's portal and the receiving country's postal tracking system may be needed to see the complete delivery chain once the parcel has crossed the border.