Bribery and Corruption Laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Key Points to Consider

Statute of Limitations

Criminal prosecution in Bosnia and Herzegovina is subject to a statute of limitations, which varies depending on the severity of the offense.

• 25 years: for a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of more than 10 years
• 20 years: for a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of more than five years
• 15 years: for a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of more than three years
• 10 years: for a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
• Five years: for a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine

Gifts and Hospitality

Gifts and hospitality are subject to certain rules in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Small value gifts: may be considered acceptable in some business relationships, but their nature and value should not be seen as an attempt to influence obligations or duties
• Forbidden gifts and hospitality: include those whose nature or value can be regarded as a request for the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of any obligations or duties

Anti-Corruption Compliance

While there is no obligation for companies to adopt anti-corruption compliance procedures in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is common practice to regulate the field of corruption with internal acts.

Whistleblower Protection

Whistleblowers revealing bribery and corruption charges are protected by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Law on Protection of Persons Reporting Corruption in Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.