Question 1

How long does it take for a car to arrive?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the US port. From the US West Coast (LA, Portland) — 25–35 days. From the US East Coast — 30–45 days. These are ocean transit times only — customs procedures add another 5–10 business days.

Question 2

What documents are needed for customs clearance?

Accepted Answer

Required: Bill of Lading (B/L), Vehicle Title / Certificate of Title, Commercial Invoice (purchase price), Packing List. Also: ID or passport. The broker fills out the customs declaration and arranges the expert evaluation.

Question 3

How much does customs clearance cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on engine size, age, type (regular/hybrid/electric) and steering position. Main costs: excise duty (by engine displacement), customs service fee (150 GEL), registration (200–400 GEL), expert evaluation (30 GEL), declaration (50 GEL). Use our calculator for an exact estimate.

Question 4

Can I clear customs myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, you need: a broker's license or special knowledge of the Revenue Service system, all original documents, terminal coordination. In practice, 95%+ of clients use a professional broker — it saves time and cuts through bureaucratic hurdles.

Question 5

What's the difference between Batumi and Poti ports?

Accepted Answer

Poti — Georgia's main cargo port, handling most vehicles (especially RoRo). Batumi — mainly processes container cargo. Terminal fees differ slightly. Customs clearance at both ports is done at the Batumi or Poti customs terminal.

Question 6

How long can a container stay at port?

Accepted Answer

The free period is usually 5 business days. After that, Demurrage is charged — $30–$80 per container per day. It's important to have all documents ready before arrival.

Question 7

Can I import an electric vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Left-hand drive electric vehicles enter with zero excise duty. Right-hand drive electric vehicles are charged a fixed 3,000 GEL. Other fees (customs service, registration, declaration) are the same as for regular vehicles.

Question 8

What if the car matches a stolen vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Always check the VIN for insurance history (Carfax, AutoCheck) and government databases before purchase. We offer a VIN check service — it helps you buy with full information.

Question 9

Is importing a hybrid expensive?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid rates for 2026: under 6 years old — 0.90 GEL/cc, over 6 years — 2.70 GEL/cc. This is less than regular vehicles (1.50 / 4.50 GEL/cc). Right-hand drive hybrids: 2.70 / 8.10 GEL/cc.

Question 10

How do I track my car's location?

Accepted Answer

We offer a Tracking service — using your shipping company number or Bill of Lading you can find your car's current location and estimated arrival date.

Question 11

What if the car is damaged during transport?

Accepted Answer

Transport damage must be recorded when the container is opened — on-site, in the presence of a terminal representative. Damage is documented with photos and a Damage Report is issued. You can then file a claim with the insurance company.

Question 12

What are the registration fees for an imported car in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

After customs clearance, register your vehicle at a Public Service Hall (PSH). New plate: 150–200 GEL. Keeping an existing plate: 50 GEL. Mandatory technical inspection: 15–30 GEL. Total registration adds roughly 200–300 GEL to your import cost — budget for it from the start.

Question 13

Are there restrictions on which cars can be imported?

Accepted Answer

Right-hand drive vehicles pay 3× higher excise than left-hand drive. Vehicles over 40 years old: fixed 500 GEL excise. Salvage-title (total loss) cars are allowed but need a technical inspection pass before registration. Georgia does not enforce Euro emission standards at import — any engine specification can enter legally.

Question 14

Does the US–Georgia trade relationship affect import costs?

Accepted Answer

There is no US–Georgia free trade agreement as of 2026. US cars pay standard Georgian customs rates. In practice, US auction prices are so much lower than local Georgian dealer prices that the tariff cost is easily absorbed by the savings.

Question 15

How competitive is the car import market in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Georgia imports over 80,000 vehicles per year — one of the highest per-capita import rates in the world. US auctions (Copart, IAAI) are the dominant source. High broker competition keeps fees in check. Popular models like Toyota Camry and Lexus sell out at auction quickly, so acting fast matters.

Question 16

Do US cars meet Georgian emission standards?

Accepted Answer

Georgia does not check Euro emission standards (Euro 4/5/6) at customs. There is no emissions test at the border. Older US vehicles can be legally imported. Tbilisi has discussed future low-emission zones, but as of 2026 there are no restrictions. For daily driving outside central Tbilisi, this is a non-issue.

Question 17

How does the USD/GEL exchange rate affect my import cost?

Accepted Answer

Auction price, shipping, and broker fee are in USD. Customs duties, excise, and registration are charged in GEL. When USD strengthens vs GEL, your total GEL cost rises. In 2022–2023, GEL strengthened and import costs fell. The 2026 rate is approximately 2.65–2.80 GEL/USD. Our calculator uses live exchange rates automatically.

Question 18

What are the main steps to import a car to Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Five steps: (1) Find and buy the car at a US auction (Copart, IAAI) — 30–60% below market price. (2) Pay auction fees and arrange inland US transport to the port ($200–$500). (3) Book ocean freight (RoRo or container) from a US port to Poti or Batumi ($800–$1,500). (4) A customs broker handles clearance when the car arrives — excise, fees, documentation. (5) Register at a Public Service Hall (PSH) and receive Georgian plates. Total time: 45–70 days.

Question 19

Can I import a used car from the USA to Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and this is the most common scenario. Georgia has no age restriction on imported vehicles. Vehicles of any year can be imported legally. The older the car, the higher the excise rate per cc (over 6 years old pays 3× the rate). Used cars from US auctions are typically 2–10 years old, fully documented with history, and significantly cheaper than equivalent Georgian market prices.

Question 20

What is the $3,000 rule for importing cars to Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Right-hand drive electric vehicles are subject to a fixed 3,000 GEL excise regardless of engine size or age. This is the so-called "$3,000 rule" for RHD EVs. Left-hand drive electric vehicles pay zero excise. For regular or hybrid vehicles, excise is calculated per cubic centimeter of engine displacement, not as a flat fee.

Question 21

What questions should I ask before shipping my car?

Accepted Answer

Ask: (1) What is the total landed cost — auction + fees + shipping + customs + registration? (2) What does your broker fee include? (3) Is shipping RoRo or container, and which port? (4) What is the timeline from auction to delivery? (5) Are there hidden fees — demurrage, port handling, inspection? (6) Can I see an itemized invoice? A legitimate importer answers all of these clearly.

Question 22

How do I find a reliable car shipping company?

Accepted Answer

Look for: (1) Physical Batumi or Tbilisi address with verifiable registration. (2) Clear pricing — full itemized quotes, no vague "extra fees." (3) References from real clients with completed deliveries. (4) Licensed customs broker on staff. (5) Tracking access for your shipment. (6) No demand for full payment before the car ships — that is a red flag. Verify broker registration at rs.ge.

Question 23

What are common mistakes when importing a car?

Accepted Answer

Most costly mistakes: (1) Skipping Carfax — buying a flood-damaged or stolen vehicle. (2) Ignoring the 3× excise on right-hand drive. (3) Missing port demurrage — not having documents ready when the ship arrives ($30–$80/day extra). (4) Using an unlicensed broker. (5) Not budgeting for registration (200–300 GEL). (6) Calculating only the auction price without the full landed cost. (7) Choosing container when RoRo would be cheaper for a standard vehicle.

Question 24

Can I ship a car to Georgia without a title?

Accepted Answer

No. A clear Vehicle Title (Certificate of Title) is mandatory for both US export and Georgian customs clearance. Without it, the car cannot legally leave the US, and Georgian customs will not release it. If you win a car at auction without a title, you must resolve the title issue in the US before shipping. Some states take 4–8 weeks to issue a replacement title.

Question 25

What happens to my car during ocean shipping?

Accepted Answer

Your car is loaded at a US port onto either a RoRo vessel (driven up a ramp and secured on the car deck) or placed inside a container. The vessel crosses to Poti port, Georgia (approximately 25–45 days depending on the origin port). At Poti, the car is offloaded and held in the terminal yard until customs clearance is complete. You cannot access the car until it clears customs.

Question 26

How do I inspect a car before importing it?

Accepted Answer

You usually cannot physically inspect auction cars before buying. Instead: (1) Run Carfax or AutoCheck — accident history, flood damage, odometer rollback, salvage title. (2) Study the auction photos carefully — Copart and IAAI post detailed photo sets. (3) Use our VIN Check service for a full history report. (4) For high-value purchases, hire a third-party inspector near the auction yard (~$100–$200). Never skip the Carfax report.

Question 27

Can I import a financed car from the USA?

Accepted Answer

Only if the loan is paid off and the title is clear. A financed US car has a lien on the title — the lender holds it until the loan is repaid. A car with an active lien cannot legally be exported. Georgian customs requires a clean, clear title. Auction cars (Copart, IAAI) are typically repossessed or salvage — their titles are clean. If buying from a private seller, always check for liens first.

Question 28

What is the difference between shipping and importing a car?

Accepted Answer

"Shipping" refers only to the ocean transport — moving the car from a US port to a Georgian port. "Importing" is the complete process: buying the car, paying US auction fees, arranging inland US transport, booking ocean freight, Georgian customs clearance (excise, fees, documentation), and vehicle registration. Shipping is one step inside importing. Our service covers the full import process.

Question 29

How do I pay for an imported car safely?

Accepted Answer

For auction purchases (Copart, IAAI), payment goes directly through the auction platform — the safest method. For broker services: verify they have a Georgian legal entity (LLC registration), a Georgian bank account, and provide official invoices. Bank transfer (TBC, BOG) to a verified account with an invoice is the standard. Never pay cash without documentation. Avoid brokers requesting payment to a personal card or foreign account.

Question 30

How do I get a technical inspection for my imported car?

Accepted Answer

After customs clearance, your car must pass a technical inspection (ტექდათვალიერება) before final registration. Go to an authorized inspection station in Batumi or Tbilisi. Cost: 15–30 GEL. Requirements: working lights, brakes, horn, and seatbelts; no major structural damage. Salvage-title cars must pass this before registration. The inspection takes 30–60 minutes and results are instant.

Question 31

Can I import a rental car from the USA?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but only if the rental company has sold it with a clean title. Rental cars are owned by companies (Hertz, Enterprise) — not individuals. Fleet vehicles are often sold at auction with clean titles — in that case, they are fine to import. Avoid any vehicle still registered to a rental company, as the title will be restricted and you cannot export it legally.

Question 32

How do I avoid scams when importing a car?

Accepted Answer

Red flags: no physical address; prices far below competitors; demand for full payment before documentation; refusal to provide an itemized quote; no verifiable previous deliveries; payment requested to a personal card or foreign account. Safe steps: verify broker registration at rs.ge, get at least two written quotes, use our free consultation, and never wire money without a signed contract and invoice.

Question 33

Which websites list American cars for import?

Accepted Answer

The two main US auction platforms are Copart (copart.com) and IAAI (iaai.com). Both list hundreds of thousands of vehicles — Salvage Title, Clean Title, and dealer consignment. Bg Cars searches both in real time — use our search tool to find your car by make, model, year, and fuel type.

Question 34

Can I find undamaged (clean title) cars on US auctions?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Copart and IAAI both list Clean Title (undamaged) vehicles alongside Salvage titles. These are often former fleet, rental, or dealer trade-in vehicles in excellent condition. They cost slightly more than Salvage titles but require no repair and pass Georgian registration without extra scrutiny. Filter by "Clean" under title type when searching.

Question 35

Did Georgia ban importing cars older than 6 years?

Accepted Answer

No — the proposed ban was reversed. In early 2026, Georgia's government discussed restricting imports of vehicles older than 6 years, but after significant public opposition the ban was dropped. Instead, cars older than 6 years now pay triple excise: 4.5 GEL/cc for standard vehicles and 2.70 GEL/cc for hybrids. You can still import older cars legally — you just pay a higher excise rate.

Question 36

How much more does it cost to import a car older than 6 years?

Accepted Answer

For a standard (non-hybrid) petrol vehicle, the excise rate doubles or triples depending on age: under 3 years — 1.50 GEL/cc; 3–6 years — 1.50 GEL/cc; over 6 years — 4.50 GEL/cc (triple). For a 2,000cc engine, that is 9,000 GEL excise instead of 3,000 GEL. This difference often makes a newer car cheaper overall even if its auction price is higher. Use our calculator to compare.

Question 37

How does Georgian customs value a salvage car?

Accepted Answer

Georgian customs uses a reference price database — not the auction price you paid — as the taxable base. For salvage-title cars (which sell below market value), customs may assign a higher reference value. Your broker will submit supporting documents (auction invoice, Carfax, photos) to justify the declared value. In most cases customs accepts the auction price for clearly damaged vehicles, but this can vary. An experienced broker knows how to document this correctly.

Question 38

Can I import a car with a rebuilt title?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Rebuilt Title means the vehicle was previously salvage but has been repaired and reinspected in the US. At Georgian customs, a Rebuilt Title is treated the same as a Salvage Title — it is legal to import. After customs clearance you must pass a Georgian technical inspection (ტექდათვალიერება) before registration. The car must be roadworthy; cosmetic damage is acceptable, but structural failures are not.

Question 39

Can I buy a car from a US auction without being physically in the US?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is how most Georgian buyers do it. Copart and IAAI allow licensed brokers to bid on your behalf remotely. You select the car online, agree on terms with your broker, and they handle the entire process from bidding to delivery in Georgia. You never need to travel to the US. Our service manages everything remotely: bidding, title transfer, inland US transport, ocean freight, and Georgian customs.

Question 40

Can a non-Georgian citizen import a car to Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any individual with a valid passport can import a vehicle to Georgia, regardless of citizenship. You will need your passport for the customs declaration. Non-residents can also register the vehicle in their own name at PSH. If you are a foreign citizen residing in Georgia long-term, the process is identical to a Georgian citizen's. Contact us for specifics if you are a non-resident.

Question 41

What is demurrage and how do I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Demurrage is the fee charged when your container or vehicle sits at the port terminal past the free storage period (typically 5 business days after vessel arrival). Rates run $30–$80 per day per container. To avoid it: (1) Have all documents ready before the ship arrives — Title, B/L, invoice. (2) Brief your broker on the estimated arrival date and ensure customs clearance starts the day the ship docks. (3) Delays in document delivery from the US are the #1 cause of demurrage. Our team monitors arrivals and pre-clears documents.

Question 42

What is the difference between a shared container and a sole-use container?

Accepted Answer

A sole-use (dedicated) container fits 2–3 cars and you pay for the whole unit (~$1,500–$2,500 from the US East Coast). A shared container (LCL — Less than Container Load) splits the cost between multiple customers; you pay per vehicle (~$900–$1,400). Shared is cheaper for one car but takes slightly longer due to consolidation at the US port. Sole-use is better for multiple cars or high-value vehicles. RoRo is usually cheaper than either for a single standard car.

Question 43

What is PSH and how do I register my car there?

Accepted Answer

PSH is the Public Service Hall (საჯარო სერვისების სახლი) — Georgia's one-stop citizen service centre. After customs clearance you go to any PSH branch with: (1) passport or ID, (2) customs release document, (3) payment receipt for excise/fees. PSH staff process registration on the spot: ~20–40 minutes. You receive Georgian plates and a registration certificate the same day. Cost: 150–200 GEL for new plates; 50 GEL to keep old plates if applicable.

Question 44

Can I import a car in someone else's name?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a notarized power of attorney (POA). If you want the car registered in another person's name (a family member, for example), you can declare it at customs in their name using a notarized POA document. The vehicle is then registered under their name at PSH. This is a common practice. Note: if the importer is a legal entity (company), additional VAT obligations may apply.

Question 45

Can I import a car to resell it in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Georgian law does not restrict the quantity of vehicles an individual can import. Many entrepreneurs import cars at auction prices and resell them domestically for profit. If you import commercially (regularly, for profit), you may be considered a business and required to register as a VAT payer above certain thresholds. Consult a Georgian accountant if you plan to import more than 5–10 cars per year.

Question 46

What other US auction platforms exist besides Copart and IAAI?

Accepted Answer

The main public platforms are Copart and IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions). Manheim is a large dealer-only auction — not accessible to private buyers or individual brokers without a dealer license. Other smaller platforms include AutoBidMaster, SCA Auctions, and dealer-only ADESA. For Georgian buyers, Copart and IAAI are the practical choices — they have the widest selection, accept licensed international brokers, and our search tool covers both.

Question 47

Can I import car parts or spare parts from the USA?

Accepted Answer

Yes — car parts are a separate customs category from whole vehicles. Customs duty on parts is 5–12% of declared value. Parts sent as a postal parcel under ~$300 value are often cleared quickly. Larger shipments go through a full customs declaration. If you are importing engine components, airbags, or catalytic converters, declare them accurately — undervaluation risks seizure. We can advise on parts import if needed.

Question 48

What happens after I win a bid at Copart or IAAI?

Accepted Answer

After winning: (1) You or your broker receives a sale confirmation. (2) Payment is due within 3–5 business days — auction price plus buyer's fee. (3) The auction issues an invoice and the vehicle title. (4) Your broker arranges inland US transport to the nearest export port (Savannah, Houston, LA, or Baltimore) — typically $200–$500. (5) The broker books ocean freight. From auction win to vessel loading takes approximately 2–4 weeks. (6) You receive tracking info when the ship departs.

Question 49

What are the most popular cars imported from the USA to Georgia?

Accepted Answer

The top sellers are: Toyota Camry (reliable, cheap parts, high resale), Lexus RX / ES (premium at auction prices), Toyota RAV4 / Highlander, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe, BMW 3-series / 5-series, Tesla Model 3 / Model Y (zero excise if LHD), and Cadillac Escalade (popular for taxis). Toyota and Lexus dominate because Georgian mechanics know them well and parts are cheap locally.

Question 50

What is temporary registration in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

There is no standard "temporary registration" for imported vehicles in Georgia. After customs clearance, you go directly to PSH for full registration. If the car has a Salvage or Rebuilt title, it must pass technical inspection first — but this is a pre-registration check, not a separate temporary status. Some brokers informally use the term for the in-process period between customs release and PSH visit (typically 1–2 days).

Question 51

What is the difference between PSH and Revenue Service for car imports?

Accepted Answer

Revenue Service (rs.ge) handles customs and tax — the excise calculation, customs declaration, and official release of your vehicle. PSH (Public Service Hall) handles civil registration — plates, ownership certificate, registration in your name. The process is: Revenue Service first (pay duties, get release document), then PSH (get plates and certificate). These are two separate steps at two separate agencies. Your broker handles the Revenue Service step; you go to PSH yourself or have a proxy go with a POA.

Question 52

How do I pay for a car from Georgia using a Georgian bank?

Accepted Answer

For Copart and IAAI, your broker pays the auction on your behalf using their US broker account. You then transfer funds to your broker in Georgia via TBC or BOG bank transfer (in GEL or USD). Your broker provides a Georgian invoice for the full amount. For large transfers, TBC and BOG both have online international wires — no need to visit a branch. Always get a signed contract and invoice before sending money. Avoid cash or personal card payments.

Question 53

What if my car arrives damaged at the Georgian port?

Accepted Answer

Immediately upon vehicle release from the terminal, inspect it before signing any release documents. If damage is found: (1) Do not sign a clean receipt — note the damage on the delivery document. (2) Photograph all damage with a timestamp. (3) Request a Damage Report from the terminal or shipping agent on the spot. (4) If you have cargo insurance, file a claim with the insurer within the policy window (usually 7–14 days). Without a signed Damage Report at pickup, claims are very difficult to win. Our team can assist with this process.

Question 54

Can I import a motorcycle or electric scooter from the USA?

Accepted Answer

Yes — motorcycles and electric scooters are imported under separate HS codes from cars. Customs excise for motorcycles is based on engine displacement, similar to cars. Electric scooters under 4 kW are classified as light electric vehicles and face lower duties. The shipping process is the same: buy at auction or from a private seller, ship in a shared container (motorcycles are usually co-loaded), clear Georgian customs. Contact us for a specific excise estimate for your motorcycle model.

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