First companies obtain Authorised Economic Operator status for simplified customs procedures in Georgia

For the first time in Georgia, two local companies have obtained the status of an Authorised Economic Operator to benefit from simplified customs procedures, the Revenue Service of Georgia announced on Wednesday.

The Service said Distribution and Marketing Company and HAVI Logistics had become the first entities to be granted the status, a novelty implemented through the country’s 2014-signed Association Agreement with the European Union.

Georgia made commitments to harmonise customs procedures with EU regulations as part of the Agreement, with the implementation of the concept of Authorised Economic Operators - based on partnership between the customs system and private sector - included in the AA.

The Revenue Service said simplified customs procedures granted by the status included reduced frequency of physical and documentary inspection of goods, with customs clearance procedures performed “on a priority basis”.