Georgian Revenue Service: all products under international sanctions list subject to strict customs control

Any type of goods, both military and dual-use, as well as all products included in the international sanctions imposed by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and individual countries on Russia and Belarus over the military aggression in Ukraine are subject to “strict customs control” in Georgia, the country’s Revenue Service said on Friday.

In its statement following the recent speculation in the country about sanctioned goods being in transit through its territory, the state body said the Customs Department had operations that could potentially be carried out by sanctioned individuals or companies “under control”. It emphasised re-export of sanctioned goods imported to Georgia from Russia and Belarus and in the opposite direction were also subject to customs control. 

“Re-export of sanctioned goods imported from European Union countries, USA, Great Britain and other countries participating in sanctions, or with a certificate of origin of these countries, to Russia and Belarus, or vice versa, is subject to special control in order to prevent the possibility of circumventing sanctions using Georgia,” the Service’s statement said.

The customs body also noted export of sanctioned goods imported to Georgia was “strictly controlled” to make sure Russian or Belarusian goods do not end up in the countries participating in the sanctions or vice-versa.

The statement highlighted customs controls on movement of military and dual-use goods were particularly tightened, with customs professionals noting sanctioned individuals and companies during their checks on cargo transit.