Understanding Georgia’s import regulations is critical for cost-effective vehicle shipments. At West Coast Shipping, we’ve streamlined customs clearance for thousands of cars arriving at Poti and Batumi ports. This guide breaks down the latest duties, taxes, and registration requirements for imported vehicles.
Georgia imposes a 5% import duty on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of all vehicles. This rate applies to both new and used cars, including salvage vehicles.
Calculation Example:
Vehicle CIF value: $20,000
Import duty: $20,000 × 5% = $1,000
Our market analysis for Georgia shows this rate has remained stable since 2022, making Georgia more competitive than neighbors like Armenia (25% duty) or Azerbaijan (15%).
An 18% VAT applies to the sum of CIF value + import duty:
Calculation:
($20,000 CIF + $1,000 duty) × 18% = $3,780
This VAT must be paid before releasing the vehicle from customs. Non-residents can reclaim VAT if re-exporting the car within 12 months.
Port charges vary by vehicle type and service level:
| Fee Type | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Container unloading | $120–$250 |
| Storage (per day) | $12–$18 |
| Customs inspection | $30–$50 |
Our consolidated container service includes 7 days of free storage at Poti to minimize fees.
Submit original title, bill of lading, and commercial invoice
Pay duties/VAT (processed in 1–3 days via our agents)
Required for first-time registrations
$50 fee at authorized centers
Georgian ID or power of attorney for non-residents
$30 registration fee
License plates issued within 2 business days
For non-residents, we recommend using a local registration agent to simplify the process.
Vehicles over 30 years old are exempt from:
Ecological inspections
Age-related import restrictions
No duty exemptions, but eligible for 10% VAT rebate if registered in Tbilisi
Cars destined for Azerbaijan/Kazakhstan qualify for:
VAT deferment
Simplified transit documentation
Our customs expertise ensures:
Accurate CIF declarations to optimize duty/VAT
Pre-cleared shipments avoiding Poti storage fees
Registration support through local partners
For a full breakdown of costs, use our instant shipping calculator or explore our complete Georgia import guide.
For personalized customs clearance assistance, contact our Georgia specialists or review our documentation checklist.