Country profile
Armenia
AM · ARMAs of: 6/22/2026Landlocked transit market in the South Caucasus, EAEU member, re-export hub
Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus and has been a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) since 2015. It applies the EAEU common external tariff; imports from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan require no customs clearance, and exports are generally duty-free. Customs and taxes are handled by the State Revenue Committee (SRC); import VAT is 20 percent. As a market without sea access, around 80 percent of foreign trade runs through Georgia (the Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan crossings) and the Black Sea ports of Poti and Batumi, with the Upper Lars pass to Russia as the key lifeline. In the south, Meghri links the country to Iran, while the borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan remain closed. The main cargo airport is Zvartnots (EVN) in Yerevan.
Overview
Armenia (AM) is a landlocked republic in the South Caucasus bordering Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey. Since 2 January 2015 it has been a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and applies its common external tariff; trade with Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan takes place without customs clearance. Customs and taxes are handled by the State Revenue Committee (SRC) and the Armenian customs service; imports are subject to 20 percent VAT, while exports are duty-free and zero-rated. The economy is shaped by mining (copper ores, gold), food, IT services and a strongly grown re-export sector; trade with Russia has surged since 2022, which is internationally monitored as a sanctions-circumvention risk. As a country without sea access, Armenia depends on neighbouring corridors: around 80 percent of foreign trade runs through Georgia (the Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan crossings) and the Black Sea ports of Poti and Batumi, with the Upper Lars pass (Verkhny Lars) forming the key link to Russia. In the south, the Meghri/Agarak crossing connects the country to Iran, where a free economic zone promotes transit. The borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed; the peace process with Azerbaijan advanced in 2025 and 2026 (TRIPP, Crossroads of Peace) could open new corridors in the medium term. Air freight runs through Zvartnots (EVN) in Yerevan, rail via the South Caucasus Railway towards the Georgian ports. The national currency is the Armenian Dram (AMD).
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Import system
EAEU Customs Code and Common Customs Tariff of the EAEU. Imports from the EAEU states Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are made without customs clearance. Processing via the Armenian customs administration of the SRC.
Export system
Export processing via the SRC. Exports are generally duty-free and subject to a 0 percent VAT rate.
Import VAT
- 20 percent (standard rate)
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Customs declaration (Armenian customs administration / SRC)
- Transport document (CMR, AWB, B/L)
- Proof of origin for preferential treatment
- Import licences for controlled goods
Export documents
- Export declaration (SRC)
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin (e.g. CT-1 in EAEU traffic)
- Transport document
- Export licence for sensitive / dual-use goods
Origin proofs / FTA
Certificate of origin CT-1 in EAEU traffic, declaration of origin, Certificate of Origin. EAEU member with free trade within the Union; EAEU free trade agreements with Iran, Vietnam, Serbia and Singapore, among others. The partnership agreement CEPA with the EU is in force (since 1 March 2021); EU preferences under GSP plus have expired as of 1 January 2022, after Armenia was classified as a higher-middle-income country for three years in a row.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Prohibited or restricted, including narcotics, weapons and military goods, protected species (CITES), precious metals and cultural property with special rules. EAEU prohibition and restriction lists apply; inspection via the SRC.
Export controls & sanctions
Export control under EAEU rules and national law; Government Decision 808-N (May 2023) with a list of 38 security-relevant goods. Armenia itself is not sanctioned, but since 2022 it has been considered a risk country for re-export and sanctions circumvention toward Russia and is monitored by the EU and the USA.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: certificates/compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- EVN - Zvartnots International (Jerewan)
- LWN - Shirak (Gjumri)
Seaports / access ports
- Poti (GE, access port)
- Batumi (GE, access port)
Road corridors & border crossings
- M6 Vanadzor - Bagratashen (Georgia border)
- Bavra / Gogavan (Georgia border)
- Upper Lars / Verkhny Lars (Georgia - Russia, main lifeline)
- M2 Yerevan - Meghri (Iran border)
Rail corridors
- South Caucasus Railway (SCR): Yerevan - Gyumri - Georgia towards the Black Sea ports Poti / Batumi
Top trade lanes
- Russia - Armenia
- China - Armenia
- Iran - Armenia
- Armenia - Russia (re-export)
- Georgia (transit)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
High dependence on the Georgian transit corridor (around 80 percent of foreign trade) and on the Upper Lars Pass, which is temporarily closed in winter weather. Closed borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan limit route options. Geopolitical tensions in the South Caucasus and the re-export/sanctions circumvention issue with Russia increase regulatory risk.
Seasonal & weather risks
Continental alpine climate with cold winters; the Upper Lars Pass (Georgia - Russia) can be closed for days due to snow and avalanches. In May 2024, flooding damaged sections of the M6 road toward the Georgian border.
Current logistics notes
As of 2026-06-22: only the borders with Georgia and Iran are open for freight traffic; the borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey remain closed to general road traffic. Normalization with Turkey is accelerating: scheduled flights Istanbul-Yerevan since March 2026 and, according to reports, administrative preparations for direct trade were completed in early May 2026. Trade with Russia continues by truck via Georgia and the Upper Lars border crossing.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is Armenia part of a customs union?
Yes. Armenia has been a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) since 2 January 2015 and applies the Common Customs Tariff. Imports from the EAEU states Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are made without customs clearance.
What is the import tax in Armenia?
A VAT of 20 percent (standard rate) is charged on imports. Exports are duty-free and subject to the 0 percent rate. The State Revenue Committee (SRC) is responsible.
Which authority is responsible for customs?
Customs and taxes are handled by the State Revenue Committee (SRC) with the Armenian customs administration. It processes imports, exports and transit.
Does Armenia have its own seaports?
No. Armenia is a landlocked country without access to the sea. Sea freight runs via the Georgian Black Sea ports of Poti and Batumi and continues from there by road or rail.
Which border crossings and corridors are the most important?
Around 80 percent of foreign trade runs via Georgia with the crossings at Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan, as well as the Upper Lars Pass toward Russia. In the south, Meghri/Agarak connects the country with Iran.
Which documents do I need for importing into Armenia?
The usual documents are a commercial invoice, packing list, a customs declaration to the Armenian customs administration, a transport document (CMR, AWB or B/L) and, for preferential treatment, a proof of origin. Import licences for controlled goods are also required.
Are there export controls or sanctions issues?
Yes. EAEU rules apply, as well as Government Decision 808-N (2023) with a list of security-relevant goods. Armenia itself is not sanctioned, but since 2022 the EU and the USA have monitored it as a risk country due to re-export toward Russia.
Which airports are relevant for air freight?
The most important cargo airport is Zvartnots International (EVN) in Yerevan, supplemented by Shirak (LWN) in Gyumri. An air freight and free trade zone project is being developed near Zvartnots.
Which trade partners are important for Armenia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Armenia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
Matching tools and partners