Across the Western Balkans, businesses are navigating complex administrative landscapes in pursuit of smoother, faster trade. For Nelt, one of Serbia’s leading logistics and distribution companies, the solution lies in partnership—especially with organizations like GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and initiatives that promote regional economic integration.
Nelt joined GIZ’s Customs-to-Business partnership program with a clear goal: to reduce red tape, improve customs cooperation, and contribute to a more predictable business environment across the CEFTA region.
“This is a long-term partnership that’s producing real results,” says Sladjan Blagojevic, Freight Forwarding Supervisor at Nelt. “By working together, we’re helping connect economic groups across the region and simplifying daily business operations.”
Nelt was among the early adopters of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) framework in Serbia, receiving certification in 2016. AEO status has since become a cornerstone of Nelt’s strategy to deliver faster customs clearance, smoother border crossings, and stronger collaboration with authorities.
The company’s active role in the AEO Association, established with support from the European Commission and the German Government, has expanded its impact beyond borders. This Association brings together certified companies from all Western Balkans Six (WB6) economies to jointly address trade barriers and push for harmonized standards.
“Since joining the AEO Association and working with GIZ, we’ve seen a more responsive and cooperative Customs Administration in Serbia,” Blagojevic adds.
Today, Nelt offers a full spectrum of logistics services—from international freight forwarding to warehousing, customs mediation, product repackaging, and last-mile distribution. Their operational excellence is strengthened by AEO status, which signals compliance, reliability, and partnership readiness to clients and regulators alike.
As efforts to streamline trade intensify across South-East Europe, Nelt stands at the forefront of progress, championing collaboration, advocating for reform, and investing in a future where doing business across borders is seamless.
