Customs lawyer in Georgia: clearance, parcels, fines
Everyone deals with customs — a parcel, a car or a business shipment. When a parcel is held, customs raises its value or fines you, the deadlines are short. We help individuals and companies with clearance, disputes and appeals.
- Confidential
- Georgian · English · Russian
- Free first consultation
- Courts of all instances
Importing goods is governed by the Customs Code and the Tax Code. On clearance you may owe import tax (0, 5 or 12% depending on the goods), VAT (18%) and, on some goods, excise. Often nothing is due: for example, on a parcel worth up to GEL 300.
A customs decision — including a customs offence report — can be appealed within 30 days of receipt: first to the Revenue Service, then to the Ministry of Finance Disputes Council or to court.
What it covers
| Topic | Key point |
|---|---|
| Parcel clearance | Up to GEL 300 and 30 kg — no tax; above that, 18% VAT and, depending on the goods, import tax |
| Car clearance | Excise by engine size and age, plus import tax; no VAT |
| Customs fines | From GEL 50 a day for delays up to 100% of the goods' value for concealment |
| Commercial imports | Declaration, customs value, import tax and VAT |
When to call a lawyer
- Your parcel is held or customs raised its value
- You received a customs offence report
- Goods or a car were confiscated
- The 30-day deadline to appeal a customs decision is running out
- The case may turn into smuggling (a criminal case)
Our services
- Parcel clearance and disputes over customs value
- Calculating car clearance and checking the old rate
- Appealing customs fines
- Appealing the confiscation of goods or a car
- Importing commercial goods and the paperwork
- Defence against smuggling charges
- Parcel customs clearance
- Car customs clearance
- Customs fines and disputes
- Importing goods for business
Questions & answers
How long do I have to appeal a customs decision?
30 days from receipt — to the Revenue Service. Its decision can be appealed within 20 days to the Ministry of Finance Disputes Council or to court.
From what value do I pay customs on a parcel?
A parcel up to GEL 300 and 30 kg is tax-free, except alcohol, tobacco and perfume. Above that, you pay VAT and, depending on the goods, import tax.
Is there VAT on importing a car?
No. Importing a passenger car or motorcycle is VAT-exempt; you pay excise and import tax.
Can a customs fine be cancelled?
It can — if the offence isn't proven, the report has defects or the mistake was made unknowingly. For some offences a warning can replace the fine.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Other practice areas
Criminal defense
Defense at every stage — from investigation and arrest to trial and appeal.Drug offences
Defence in cases of buying, possessing, selling and importing drugs — and against fines and administrative detention.Cybercrime
Defense in cybercrime cases and help for victims of online fraud, hacked accounts and blackmail.Property crimes
Defence in theft, robbery, fraud, extortion, embezzlement and misappropriation cases.Economic crimes
Defence against tax evasion, money laundering, customs and other economic charges.Corruption and official crimes
Defence in bribery, trading in influence and abuse of official power cases.Violent crimes
Defence in assault, bodily injury, threats and homicide cases — including self-defence.Juvenile justice
Specialised representation of minors, focused on their rights and future.Civil litigation
Contract, property and damages disputes — negotiated or argued in court.Administrative law
Challenging decisions of public bodies, fines, permits and licences.Labor disputes
Unlawful dismissal, unpaid wages and employment contracts — for employees and employers.Corporate law
Company formation, contracts, compliance and shareholder matters.Real estate
Due diligence, purchase agreements, registration and property disputes.Family law
Divorce, custody, alimony and division of property — handled with discretion.Inheritance
Accepting an inheritance, the certificate of inheritance, wills and disputes between heirs.Intellectual property
Trademarks, copyright and protection of your creative and business assets.Need legal advice? Talk to an attorney today.
The first consultation is free and confidential.