Smuggling and customs offences — lawyer in Georgia
We defend individuals and companies in cases of breaking the rules for moving goods across Georgia's customs border — from ordinary goods to jewellery and cultural heritage.
- Confidential
- Georgian · English · Russian
- Free first consultation
- Courts of all instances
Moving a large amount of goods across the customs border past customs control, secretly, with a false document or with false data in the customs declaration is a crime (Article 214). A large amount means a customs value over GEL 15,000, an especially large amount over GEL 25,000; for goods hidden in a cache or brought by crossing the border illegally, the thresholds are GEL 5,000 and GEL 15,000.
So in these cases the key is often the correct customs valuation of the goods: below the threshold, the act is usually no longer a crime.
Penalties under Article 214
- Large amount — a fine or 3 to 5 years in prison
- Especially large amount — a fine or 5 to 7 years
- Cultural heritage, precious-metal jewellery — a fine or 4 to 7 years
- Weapons, explosives or other dangerous substances — 5 to 8 years
- Repeatedly, by an official, with violence or as a group — 8 to 11 years; by an organised group — 11 to 15 years
Our services
- Defence against smuggling charges
- Checking the customs valuation
- False declaration cases
- Getting seized goods and vehicles back
- Jewellery and cultural heritage
- Customs disputes for companies
Questions & answers
Is every customs violation a crime?
No. Criminal liability requires a large amount — a customs value over GEL 15,000 (over GEL 5,000 for goods in a cache). Smaller violations are usually dealt with in a different way.
I forgot to declare gold jewellery — what happens?
Moving precious-metal jewellery in breach of the rules is punished under a separate part of Article 214. The circumstances matter a lot — contact a lawyer straight away.
What is the penalty for smuggling?
For a large amount — a fine or 3 to 5 years; with aggravating circumstances — up to 15 years.
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.