How to send IT equipment to Slovenia

Slovenia, centrally located in Europe, is quickly becoming a key player in technology and innovation. The country boasts a vibrant economy and a strong IT infrastructure, providing an ideal environment for businesses seeking efficient, high-quality solutions. With its expanding tech scene, Slovenia offers access to a highly skilled workforce and a business-friendly atmosphere, making it a prime destination for innovation and growth.

CURRENCY

Euro (€)

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Slovene

TIME ZONE

Central European Time (CET) GMT+01:00

Central European Summer Time (CEST) GMT+02:00 during daylight saving time

CUSTOMS DUTY ON ELECTRONICS

0-5% + 22% VAT

Typically 0-5% customs duties and 22% VAT, with possible exemptions for certain goods within the EU

SHIPPING LEAD TIME

2-4 days

(depending on location and shipping method)

IT OUTSOURCING MARKET

€2.6 billion

Projected to reach €2.6 billion in 2025, driven by the country’s highly skilled tech talent and business-friendly policies.

Digital innovation hub: Slovenia is embracing all things digital, with industries like fintech, e-commerce, and startups seeing rapid growth. Slovenia's internet access has reached a record high of 94.13%, creating the perfect environment for businesses looking to boost their digital footprint. Government incentives and private investment ensure this momentum keeps growing, pushing Slovenia toward a tech-driven future.

Top-notch IT infrastructure: With its reliable IT infrastructure, Slovenia is becoming a key player in Central Europe’s tech landscape. The country boasts high-speed internet and expanding data centers, making it an ideal location for cloud computing, hosting services, and digital operations. Slovenia’s infrastructure makes it an attractive option for scaling your business.

Strong focus on sustainability: Slovenia is committed to making tech more sustainable. The government is leading the charge with initiatives aimed at reducing the tech sector's carbon footprint. At the same time, businesses are increasingly adopting eco-friendly IT practices. This balance between progress and responsibility helps Slovenia maintain its forward-thinking tech environment without compromising environmental impact.

Skilled talent pool: Thanks to Slovenia’s strong focus on IT education, the country is home to a wealth of talented professionals in software development, cybersecurity, and network management. This highly skilled workforce drives innovation and business growth across the tech sector. Companies looking for top-tier talent can find plenty of options in Slovenia.

Business-friendly environment: Slovenia’s competitive tax rates, transparent regulations, and robust data protection laws make it an attractive location for international businesses. The country’s policies create a welcoming atmosphere for foreign investment, making it a prime spot for companies looking to expand in Central Europe.

Cybersecurity at the forefront: With cyber threats on the rise globally, Slovenia is stepping up to protect its digital infrastructure. Strong cybersecurity regulations and measures safeguard infrastructure, data, and online services from potential risks, ensuring that businesses and users can navigate the digital space with confidence.

Thriving tech ecosystem: Slovenia’s tech ecosystem is buzzing, especially in cities like Ljubljana, where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. The startup scene is particularly vibrant, thanks to government support, venture capital, and networking opportunities. As Slovenia’s tech landscape expands, it’s positioning itself as a key player in Central European tech innovation.

Customs regulations

Customs regulations: Slovenia, as a member of the European Union, adheres to the EU’s customs regulations for importing goods, including IT equipment. Before clearance, every shipment must meet Slovenian customs standards, with the proper documentation, classification, and payment of relevant duties and taxes.
Slovenian Customs Authority: The Slovenian Customs Administration (Carinska uprava Republike Slovenije) oversees the import process within Slovenia. This authority ensures that all shipments comply with EU and national regulations, including customs declarations and the payment of applicable duties.

Duties and taxes

Customs duties: The import duties for IT equipment in Slovenia are determined by the classification and value of the product. In general, products such as laptops, tablets, and peripherals are subject to customs duties ranging from 0% to 5%. However, the duty rate may vary for specific products depending on their classification under the Harmonized System (HS) Codes.
HS Codes: Every item of IT equipment is classified under a specific HS Code, which dictates the applicable duty rate. For example, laptops may be exempt from customs duties, while accessories and peripheral devices may incur a modest charge. Ensuring the accurate classification of each item is essential to avoid overpaying duties.
VAT: Slovenia applies a standard VAT rate of 22% on most goods, including IT equipment. VAT is calculated based on the total cost of the goods, including the product's price, shipping, and any applicable duties. This VAT must be settled before the goods are cleared through customs.
VAT exemptions: IT products typically do not qualify for VAT exemptions, except in specific cases such as medical devices or certain energy-efficient products.

Required documentation

Commercial Invoice: Detailing the goods’ value and description.
Packing List: Lists shipment contents, including quantities and packaging details.
Bill of Lading (BOL): Shipping confirmation document.
Customs Declaration Form: Necessary for non-EU imports.
Certificate of Origin: May be required to verify the origin of the goods.
Import License: Required for restricted items (e.g., military equipment or sensitive technologies).

Import restrictions

Export control regulations: While Slovenia adheres to EU export control regulations, certain items, such as encryption software or military-grade equipment, may require an export license. It is important to obtain any necessary permits before shipping these items.
WEEE regulations: Under the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, Slovenia mandates proper recycling of e-waste, including used or refurbished IT equipment.
Battery regulations: IT equipment with lithium-ion batteries must comply with specific shipping regulations, such as labeling and packaging requirements. Ensure you check the latest guidelines with your shipping provider.

New vs. Used equipment

New IT equipment: Shipping new IT equipment to Slovenia is typically uncomplicated. VAT (22%) and customs duties (ranging from 0% to 5%) are applied based on the product type and value. To avoid customs complications, it is essential to declare the total value, including shipping fees.
Used or refurbished equipment: When shipping used or refurbished IT equipment to Slovenia, compliance with the WEEE regulations regarding recycling and disposal is crucial. Additionally, ensure that all items are properly documented for compliance, and be prepared to provide evidence of participation in recycling programs, especially for older or previously used equipment.

Customs clearance process

Customs declarations: Shipments from both EU and non-EU countries must undergo customs declarations in Slovenia. The shipper or a customs broker can manage this process. The declaration will include the goods' value, origin, and description.
Customs clearance: Upon arrival, IT equipment must undergo customs clearance. This involves submitting the necessary documentation, settling duties and taxes, and possibly undergoing an inspection. Clearance must be completed before the shipment is delivered.

Penalties or fines for non-compliance

Fines: Failure to comply with e-waste disposal regulations may result in substantial fines. Improper disposal of IT equipment or failure to use certified recycling services can incur penalties ranging from €4000.
Legal consequences: Mishandling IT equipment, particularly when it involves data breaches or improper device wiping, can lead to serious legal repercussions and civil penalties. Violations of data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), could result in fines of €4,170 to €12,510 or higher.
Environmental impact: Improper disposal of electronic waste can harm the environment. Slovenia enforces strict laws regarding the management of e-waste, with environmental fines issued for violations, particularly those involving hazardous substances or improper disposal practices.

Select trusted couriers: Choose reliable couriers such as GroWrk, DHL, UPS, FedEx, or Pošta Slovenije for international shipping. These carriers offer tracking services and are familiar with Slovenian customs procedures.
Check service levels: Select the appropriate shipping option based on urgency. Express shipping (2-5 days) for high-priority deliveries. Standard shipping (5-10 days) for cost-effective options.
Use high-quality packaging: Secure laptops with sturdy, padded boxes and protective materials like bubble wrap, foam inserts, or air cushions to prevent damage during transit.
Disassemble where possible: If shipping accessories like chargers, docking stations, or monitors, package them separately to prevent damage. Remove detachable components if applicable.
Label clearly: Ensure the recipient’s name, address, and contact details are correctly labeled. Mark the package as "fragile" to encourage careful handling.
Accurate product descriptions: On the commercial invoice, provide a detailed and accurate description of the laptop, including its brand, model, and serial number. Inaccurate descriptions may cause customs delays.
Value declaration: Declare the correct value of the laptop to avoid under- or over-declaring, which could lead to customs inspections or fines. The declared value determines any applicable duties and taxes.
Customs declarations: Since Slovenia is in the EU, shipments from within the EU do not require customs clearance. However, for shipments from outside the EU, include: EU Single Administrative Document (SAD), commercial invoice, and packing list
Proof of origin: If applicable, include a certificate of origin to determine eligibility for preferential trade agreements, which may reduce duties.

Understand import duties & taxes: Laptops are duty-free under the EU tariff classification, but are subject to 22% VAT on the declared value, including shipping costs.
Pre-pay duties and taxes: Some couriers allow for pre-paid duties and taxes to simplify customs clearance and prevent the recipient from facing unexpected charges upon arrival.
Protect against loss or damage: Consider purchasing shipping insurance for high-value laptops to protect against loss, theft, or damage during transit.
Compliance with Slovenian regulations: Ensure compliance with EU electronic safety standards, including CE marking, WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) regulations before shipping.
Use tracking tools: Major couriers provide real-time tracking—monitor shipments closely to anticipate customs clearance updates and delivery progress.
Stay in touch with the recipient: Notify the recipient about the expected delivery timeline, tracking updates, and any customs-related requirements to avoid delays.
Expect weather and seasonal delays: Plan for potential delays during winter storms, public holidays, and peak periods like Christmas and Black Friday.
Slovenian domestic delivery options: For final delivery, consider Pošta Slovenije, GLS Slovenia, DPD Slovenia, or Express One Slovenia for reliable in-country distribution.

Laptops (Business Grade):

Mid-range: €1,200 - €2,500
High-end: €2,500 - €5,000
High-end models such as Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and Lenovo ThinkPad are priced on the higher end.

Monitors (Business Grade):

Standard: €350 - €800
Ultrawide/4K: €900 - €1,800
Monitors from trusted brands like Dell, Samsung, and LG typically range within these prices, with 4K or ultrawide models costing more.

Desktops (Business Grade):

Standard Desktop PC: €1,200 - €3,000
Workstation Desktop (for high-performance tasks): €3,000 - €8,000+
Prices depend on the brand and specifications, with options from HP, Lenovo, and Apple among the most common.

Printers (Laser):

Standard Office Printers: €300 - €850
High-Volume Printers: €1,500 - €4,000
Leading brands such as HP, Canon, and Brother offer a wide range of models for office environments.

Key public holidays in Slovenia:
1. New Year's Day: January 1
2. New Year Holiday: January 2
3. Prešeren Day (Cultural Holiday): February 8
4. Easter Sunday: April 20
5. Easter Monday: April 21
6. Resistance Day: April 27
7. May Day: May 1
8. Labour Day Holiday: May 2
9. Statehood Day: June 25
10. Assumption Day: August 15
11. Reformation Day: October 31
12. All Saints' Day: November 1
13. Remembrance Day: November 2
14. Christmas Day: December 25
15. Independence and Unity Day: December 26

Typical work hours for IT professionals

Standard workweek
- In Slovenia, the typical workweek spans 40 hours, with most employees working from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Many companies, especially in the IT field, now offer flexible working hours, allowing professionals to tailor their start and finish times to suit personal preferences, as long as they complete the required 40 hours.
Overtime
- Overtime in Slovenia is regulated by labor law, with strict limits on how much extra time can be worked. Employees are entitled to extra compensation when overtime is necessary through additional pay or time off. The total working time, including overtime, should not exceed 48 hours per week over a designated period.
- The usual overtime rate is 1.5 times the regular hourly wage, and for work performed on weekends or public holidays, this rate can rise further, depending on company policies and industry standards.
Public holiday work
- Slovenia observes various public holidays throughout the year, including New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. These days, many IT professionals take the opportunity to enjoy time off, as most offices are closed or operate with reduced hours.
- If an employee is called to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to extra compensation, which may come in the form of premium pay or additional time off, to ensure that holiday work is appropriately recognized and rewarded.

Local delivery and logistics services

GroWrk: GroWrk provides a trusted global logistics solution for retrieving IT equipment in Slovenia. By collaborating with top-tier shipping providers, GroWrk ensures a smooth and efficient process for retrieving and delivering IT assets throughout Slovenia. Their services include adherence to local regulations, real-time tracking, and comprehensive logistics management, guaranteeing that your equipment is handled safely and delivered on time.
DHL Express Slovenia: DHL Express offers fast, reliable shipping across Slovenia. Their services include same-day and next-day delivery, secure packaging for sensitive IT gear, and real-time tracking to keep you updated throughout the process. It’s a great option if you need your equipment delivered quickly and safely.
UPS Slovenia: Known for its international network, UPS provides various shipping services, from standard to expedited, with secure packaging and full tracking options. UPS is a solid choice for businesses that need to handle valuable IT assets and want the assurance of safe and timely deliveries.
GLS Slovenia: GLS is a trusted name in delivery services across Slovenia, offering standard and express options. Their real-time tracking system and flexible delivery schedules make them a strong option when you need reliable and secure retrieval of IT equipment.

Inventory management

Update asset records: As IT equipment is retrieved, update your inventory management system to reflect the return of assets. This allows for accurate tracking and reporting of company property.
Use barcodes/asset tags: If possible, use barcode labels or RFID tags for easy identification and tracking of returned assets.

Logistics challenges for remote locations

Shipping IT equipment to remote parts of Slovenia can come with challenges, mainly due to varying infrastructure and access to transport routes. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when planning shipments to more distant or hard-to-reach areas:

Longer delivery times: Deliveries to Slovenia’s remote locations often take longer due to less developed infrastructure, fewer local distribution centers, and fewer shipping routes that pass through these areas. This can lead to unexpected delays in the delivery process.
Increased shipping costs: Shipping costs in rural or remote regions are higher. This is mainly due to the extra distance, limited delivery routes, and special handling required to reach these more isolated areas.
Limited service availability: Not every logistics company offers services to Slovenia's more remote areas. If they do, delivery schedules might be less frequent, making it harder to guarantee that shipments arrive on time.
Customs and regulatory hurdles: Although Slovenia is part of the European Union, some remote areas might have additional local rules or clearance processes. You might need to provide specific documentation or comply with local regulations to ensure smooth and timely delivery.
Less frequent tracking updates: Shipments to far-flung regions might not have real-time tracking updates or may experience less frequent tracking information, which can make it harder to stay on top of the delivery's progress.

Equipment agreement with employees

Ownership and usage: Clearly state that the equipment is the company's property and is to be used exclusively for work-related tasks.
Maintenance and care: Outline the employee's duty to maintain the equipment in good condition, including guidelines for regular upkeep and proper handling.
Data security: Specify protocols for data protection, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and adhering to company security policies.
Return procedures: Define the process for returning equipment upon termination or when it's no longer needed, including timelines and the conditions in which items should be returned.
Liability for damage or loss: Detail the consequences for damage beyond normal wear and tear or failure to return equipment, which may include financial responsibility or other disciplinary actions.

Data wiping

Data wiping: To ensure sensitive data is securely erased, use certified software to completely wipe data from hard drives, SSDs, and other storage devices. This step is crucial to protect confidential information from being recovered by unauthorized individuals.
Shredding and destruction: Physical destruction of storage devices is the most secure option for higher-security needs. This can include methods like shredding or other forms of destruction that make it impossible to recover any data.

WEEE compliance (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)

Certified e-waste disposal: To comply with Slovenia’s environmental regulations, it’s important to use certified e-waste disposal services that comply with the EU's WEEE Directive. These services handle the safe dismantling of equipment and ensure hazardous materials such as batteries and mercury are disposed of correctly.
Recycling centers: Smaller electronics can usually be dropped off at designated recycling centers, while larger items like servers or bulk office equipment may require specialized disposal services.

Repurposing IT equipment

Donation to charitable organizations: If your IT equipment is still in good working condition, consider donating it to charitable organizations, schools, or non-profit organizations in Slovenia. This is a great way to give back while keeping functional devices out of landfills.
Internal repurposing: Companies that frequently upgrade their IT systems can reuse older devices for non-critical tasks or distribute them to departments with lower technology needs.

Manufacturer take-back programs

Many manufacturers in Slovenia offer take-back programs, where businesses can return their old equipment for recycling or reuse. This is a simple way to ensure responsible disposal while complying with local environmental laws.

Certified e-waste recycling providers

Choose certified third-party disposal services accredited by Slovenia’s relevant authorities. These providers will ensure your IT equipment is adequately recycled, handle all legal paperwork, and offer certificates of destruction or recycling for your records.

1. Wide global coverage

GroWrk brings seamless IT outsourcing solutions to Slovenia, combining global expertise with a strong understanding of the local market. We ensure that your teams in Slovenia get personalized solutions that comply with local regulations, following best practices to ensure everything runs smoothly.

2. End-to-end asset management

From acquisition to disposal, GroWrk manages every step of the IT asset lifecycle. This means your teams can focus on what truly matters: driving business growth. While you concentrate on expansion, we make sure your IT infrastructure in Slovenia stays optimized and running at its best.

3. Intuitive platform for easy deployment

Our user-friendly platform makes deploying IT assets, tracking their use, and monitoring shipments in Slovenia a breeze. By streamlining asset management, we remove the complexities of logistics and help your teams stay organized and efficient with fewer obstacles.

4. Smooth delivery and equipment retrieval

GroWrk ensures that IT equipment, like laptops, is delivered smoothly and quickly to employees across Slovenia. When employees leave, we also handle the hassle-free return of equipment, minimizing stress and ensuring the process is both cost-effective and straightforward.

5. Compliance with Slovenian import regulations

GroWrk handles all the intricate details of adhering to Slovenia’s import regulations, customs procedures, and tax requirements. From managing VAT to handling import duties, we ensure your shipments arrive on time and are fully compliant, saving you from costly delays or complications.

6. Efficient repairs and maintenance

We provide efficient repair and maintenance services to keep your IT devices in top condition. GroWrk quickly resolves any technical issues to reduce downtime, allowing your teams in Slovenia to remain productive and focused on their work.

7. 24/7 Support for peace of mind

Our dedicated support team is available at all times to assist with asset management, logistics, or any other IT-related concerns. Whether it’s during regular business hours or after, GroWrk is always here to ensure your IT operations in Slovenia stay on track.

How to send IT equipment to Slovenia

At a glance

Overview of IT operations in Slovenia

Shipping IT equipment to Slovenia: What you need to know

Checklist for sending laptops to Slovenia

Average cost of IT Equipment in Slovenia

Public holidays & IT work hours to plan your shipment

What to consider when retrieving IT equipment from employees in Slovenia

How to dispose of IT equipment in Slovenia

Data wiping

WEEE compliance (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)

Repurposing IT equipment

Manufacturer take-back programs

Certified e-waste recycling providers

Local IT Outsourcing Solutions in Slovenia

Procure, configure, and deploy your IT devices from one platform