Country profile
Georgia
GE · GEOAs of: 6/23/2026Transit country of the Middle Corridor / Black Sea gateway
Georgia is an important transit country of the Middle Corridor between Europe, Turkey and Central Asia. The Black Sea ports of Poti and Batumi, as well as the planned deep-sea port of Anaklia, combined with the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line and the East-West Highway, make the country a Black Sea gateway. Customs runs electronically via ASYCUDA World at the Revenue Service; import VAT is 18 percent. Free trade agreements exist with the EU (DCFTA), EFTA, China and Turkey.
Overview
Georgia lies in the South Caucasus between the Black Sea, Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan and sees itself as a bridge of the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian Route) between China, Central Asia and Europe. The economy relies on transit, logistics, tourism, agriculture (wine, mineral water, nuts) and the re-export of vehicles. The main seaports are Poti (main container port) and Batumi; the deep-sea port of Anaklia is under development. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line and the East-West Highway connect the ports with Azerbaijan and Turkey. Customs is handled electronically by the Revenue Service of Georgia via ASYCUDA World; consignments are assigned to risk corridors (green, yellow, red). Import VAT is 18 percent; import duties are 0, 5 or 12 percent. Georgia has free trade agreements with the EU (DCFTA), EFTA (including Switzerland), China, Turkey and numerous CIS states.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Revenue Service of GeorgiaImport system
ASYCUDA World; electronic import declaration with the Revenue Service of Georgia; risk corridors green/yellow/red.
Export system
ASYCUDA World; electronic export declaration with the Revenue Service of Georgia.
Import VAT
- 18 percent on customs value plus import duty
- import duty rates 0, 5 or 12 percent on CIF value.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document (CMR/B/L/AWB)
- Proof of origin
- Licences if applicable
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration
- Proof of origin (EUR.1)
- Transport document
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1 or origin declaration for EU-DCFTA and EFTA; further preferences with China, Turkey, CIS states, Hong Kong and UAE.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Licence required for, among others, weapons, explosives, radioactive substances, dual-use goods, medical devices, industrial waste and certain agrochemicals.
Export controls & sanctions
Georgia itself is not sanctioned. Re-export ban on certain EU vehicles to Russia and Belarus since 2023; dual-use goods require a licence.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Europe) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Europe. Depending on the destination (customs union, VAT, product rules), steps and documents may differ.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
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
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
Cargo airports
- Tiflis (TBS)
- Kutaissi (KUT)
- Batumi (BUS)
Seaports / access ports
- Poti
- Batumi
- Anaklia (under construction)
Road corridors & border crossings
- East-West Highway (E60)
- Larsi military road (Georgia-Russia)
Rail corridors
- Baku-Tbilisi-Kars
- Poti/Batumi - Tbilisi - Azerbaijan
Top trade lanes
- EU - Georgia
- Turkey - Georgia
- China - Georgia (Middle Corridor)
- Central Asia/Azerbaijan - Transit
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
The main risk is compliance with re-exports (suspected circumvention towards Russia). The occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not accessible.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mountain passes temporarily closed in winter; Black Sea ports usable year-round; occasional interruptions due to storms or flooding.
Current logistics notes
Poti 2025 with a record of 636'466 containers; deepening to 13,5 m under way; Anaklia deep-sea port under development; traffic on the Middle Corridor is growing.
As of: 2026-06-23
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT rate in Georgia?
The standard import VAT is 18 percent, calculated on the customs value plus import duty. Import duties themselves are 0, 5 or 12 percent.
Which customs system does Georgia use?
The Revenue Service of Georgia processes customs declarations electronically via ASYCUDA World. Shipments are assigned to risk corridors (green, yellow, red); clean documents clear quickly.
Which free trade agreements does Georgia have?
Georgia has free trade agreements with the EU (DCFTA), EFTA including Switzerland, China, Turkey and numerous CIS countries, Hong Kong and the UAE. Preferences require a valid proof of origin.
What are Georgia's main ports?
The main seaports are Poti (the principal container port, with a record of about 636,000 containers in 2025) and Batumi. The Anaklia deep-sea port is under development.
What role does Georgia play in the Middle Corridor?
Georgia is a key transit country on the Middle Corridor between China, Central Asia and Europe. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the East-West Highway and the Black Sea ports bypass the northern route through Russia.
Which goods are restricted for import or export in Georgia?
Licensing applies to weapons, explosives, radioactive materials, dual-use goods, medical products, industrial waste and certain agricultural chemicals. Since 2023 a re-export ban applies to certain EU vehicles bound for Russia and Belarus.
Which trade partners are important for Georgia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Georgia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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