Ljajic: Croatia backs down, "customs war" is over

The "customs war" between Croatia and regional countries is over, Serbian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajic said on Monday.

The row was sparked when Croatia increased 22 times the cost of its import inspection fees for fruit and vegetables - facing accusations that it had introduced non-tariff barriers.

Ljajic said that these fees will in the future cost "90 kunas (Croatian currency) - according to the old rules."

Tanjug is reporting that the cost of a certificate of compliance will be reduced to EUR 12.6 from EUR 270.

"I spoke with (Croatian Agriculture) Minister Tomislav Tolusic, who informed me that Croatia would return the rulebook to the old solution," Ljajic told reporters.

"This is a satisfactory solution to us, but there is no place for triumphalism, nor for someone to proclaim victory and defeat," said the...