Georgia · Batumi · Poti

Port Procedures

Step-by-step guide — from car arrival to customs clearance and registration

Batumi International Container Terminal (BICT) — primarily handles container cargo. Average 7–14 days to customs clearance.

01

Ship arrives at Batumi port

The vehicle arrives by ship or container at Batumi International Container Terminal (BICT). Upon cargo arrival, the terminal sends an Arrival Notice to the client or broker.

02

Arrival Notice

Within 1–2 business days of cargo arrival, the terminal issues an Arrival Notice. This document is required to open the container and collect the cargo. The broker processes all necessary documents at this stage.

03

Terminal charges payment

Terminal charges must be paid before opening the container. Batumi terminal charges include: Terminal Handling Charge (THC), Storage Fee (if container stays more than 5 days), Port Service Fee. Total average $150–$300.

04

Container opening and inspection

The container is opened at the terminal yard. A customs representative performs a visual inspection on-site. The vehicle's VIN, color, and equipment are checked against the documents.

05

Expert evaluation — 30 GEL

A customs expert determines the market value of the vehicle. The evaluation is needed to calculate the customs duty amount. Expert evaluation costs 30 GEL.

06

Customs declaration submission

The broker fills out and submits the customs declaration in the Revenue Service electronic system. Filing the declaration costs 50 GEL. At this stage the broker prepares all documents in one package.

07

Customs duties payment

All customs duties are calculated and paid: excise duty, import tax, customs service fee (150 GEL), registration (200 or 400 GEL). After payment through the Revenue Service portal, a clearance permit is issued.

08

Vehicle release from terminal

After receiving the clearance permit, the vehicle leaves the terminal. From Batumi, the vehicle can be transported to any address.

09

Registration — Justice House

Final step — vehicle registration at the Public Service Hall (Justice House). Required: customs clearance document, ID, technical inspection certificate. Single registration — 200 GEL, double — 400 GEL.

Required

Required Documentation

All these documents are required for customs clearance and registration

📄
Bill of Lading (B/L)
The main shipping document. Issued by the shipping company.
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Title / Certificate of Title
Vehicle ownership certificate. Required when purchasing from auctions (Copart, IAAI).
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Commercial Invoice
Purchase and sale invoice. Indicates the purchase price of the vehicle.
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Packing List
List of container contents. Mandatory for customs.
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Customs Declaration
Broker fills out in the Revenue Service system. Costs 50 GEL.
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Expert Evaluation
Customs expert determines the market value of the vehicle. Costs 30 GEL.
📄
ID / Passport
Identity document of the owner.

Terminal

Terminal Costs

Estimated costs — actual amounts may vary by cargo size and time

Cost TypeBatumiPoti
Terminal Handling Charge (THC)$120–$180$100–$160
Storage Fee (5+ days)$20–$50 / day$30–$80 / day
Demurrage (container)$30–$60 / day$30–$80 / day
Lift-on / Lift-off$40–$60$40–$70
Delivery Order$20–$40$20–$40

* All amounts are approximate. Contact us for a final calculation.

Questions?

Our team will help at every stage — from port to registration.

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