Customs guide

Car customs and documents guide: importing to Georgia step by step

What documents you need, how Georgian customs works, how excise is calculated, and the most common mistakes that delay or cost buyers extra.

By Bg Cars teamUpdated May 20267 min read

Documents you need for Georgian customs clearance

Certificate of Title (original)

The US vehicle title proving ownership. Must be original — not a copy. This is the most critical document. Without it, the car cannot leave the US or clear Georgian customs.

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Issued by the shipping company when the car departs the US port. Proves the car is on the correct vessel. Your broker receives this and uses it for customs filing.

Commercial Invoice

Document stating the vehicle's purchase price. Used by Georgian customs to calculate import tax (5–12% of declared value). The price must match your actual auction purchase price.

Packing List

Document listing the contents of the shipment. Required alongside the Commercial Invoice for customs filing.

Passport or ID

Your Georgian national ID or passport. If the car is registered in a company name, the company registration documents are required instead.

The Georgian customs clearance process: step by step

Vessel arrival at Poti or Batumi

When the ship docks, the broker receives a Port Arrival Notice. Customs clearance can begin within 1–2 business days. Have all documents ready in advance — delays cost Demurrage ($30–$80/day).

Customs declaration filing

Your broker submits the customs declaration to the Georgian Revenue Service online. This includes the vehicle details, declared value, and all supporting documents.

Expert valuation

A customs expert assesses the car's market value (~30 GEL fee). The excise and import tax are calculated based on this valuation combined with the declared purchase price.

Excise and import tax payment

You pay the calculated excise + import tax + service fee (150 GEL) + declaration fee (50 GEL). Payment is made electronically to the Revenue Service. Processing takes 2–4 hours.

Port release and delivery

After customs clearance is confirmed, the car is released from the terminal. Your broker arranges transport or you pick it up directly. Technical inspection and registration follow.

How Georgian excise tax is calculated

Excise is calculated per cubic centimeter of engine volume and multiplied by an age factor. Petrol cars under 6 years old: 1.50 GEL per cc. Petrol cars over 6 years: 4.50 GEL per cc. Hybrid cars pay 60% less than equivalent petrol. Left-hand drive electric vehicles: zero excise. Right-hand drive electrics: fixed 3,000 GEL. A 2020 Toyota Camry 2.5L (LHD, petrol): 2,500cc × 1.5 = 3,750 GEL excise. A 2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L: 2,500 × 4.5 = 11,250 GEL excise. The year threshold is the single biggest variable in customs cost.

Use our free customs calculator before bidding on any car — enter year, engine size, and fuel type to see the exact excise amount.

DIY customs clearance vs using a broker

Technically, you can clear customs yourself. You need: a Georgian Tax Code, knowledge of the Revenue Service's online declaration system, coordination with the port terminal, and all original documents. In practice, 95%+ of importers use a licensed broker. A broker handles all filing, expert liaison, and port coordination for approximately 200–400 GEL. Errors in self-filing can delay release and trigger Demurrage charges that quickly exceed the broker fee.

Common mistakes that cost buyers money

Declaring a lower purchase price

Georgian customs compares your declared price to market valuation. Undervaluation triggers an audit and can result in penalties. Always declare the actual auction price including buyer's fees.

Documents not ready before port arrival

Demurrage charges start on day 6 after port arrival: $30–$80 per day per container. Have all documents with your broker before the vessel docks.

Using a broker without a customs license

Only licensed brokers can file declarations legally. Verify your broker has a valid Georgian customs broker license before signing any contract.

Importing RHD without calculating the excise

Right-hand drive vehicles face 3× the excise of equivalent LHD cars. On a 2.0L petrol car, RHD excise can be $3,000–$5,000 more than LHD. Calculate before bidding.

Missing the 40+ year age threshold

Cars over 40 years old pay a flat 500 GEL excise regardless of engine size — this is actually lower than the formula for many engines. Verify the exact model year before assuming the formula applies.

Sources & further reading

Frequently asked questions about customs and documents

The most common customs questions Georgian importers ask.

What documents are needed for customs clearance in Georgia?+

How long does customs clearance take in Georgia?+

Can I clear customs myself without a broker?+

What is the excise tax formula for imported cars in Georgia?+

What happens if I don't have the original US title?+

Can a salvage title car clear Georgian customs?+

Calculate your customs cost now

Enter the car year, engine, and fuel type to see the exact excise + import tax.

Open customs calculator Request free quote