Ministry of Finance rejects “misinformation” in media reports on Georgia’s transport corridor being used for Russia's sanctioned goods

The Georgian Ministry of Finance on Friday released a statement rejecting "irresponsible and manipulative" reports by local media outlets that alleged use of the country’s transport corridor for delivering Russia's sanctioned goods to Europe.

The Ministry of Finance categorically states that a number of TV stations are deliberately misinterpreting the statements made regarding the implementations of the sanctions. We declare with full responsibility that Georgia is an example in protecting sanctions and the presentation of this process as a so-called ‘black hole’ is a deliberate attempt to damage the country and its reputation", the statement said.

The Ministry said the Georgian Customs Service had suspended more than 90 operations on suspicion of possible violation of sanctions within the last three months, adding the figure “proved” the country's economic borders were “tightly controlled". 

• Over 90 operations in Georgia suspended on suspicion of sanctions circumvention  - Finance Minister

Our partners, both from the United States and the European Union, are fully aware of every step taken by Georgia to control suspicious shipments [...] Although more than three months have passed since the imposition of sanctions, no cases of transporting of sanctioned products through Georgia's checkpoints have been reported", says the Ministry.

Earlier on June 3, the Customs Department of the Revenue Service also released a statement which said Georgia carried out the customs control procedures "in accordance with the legislation of Georgia and international agreements". It also stressed “all types of goods”, for both military and dual-use, as well as products on the international sanctions list - introduced in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - "are subject to strict customs control by all structural units of the Customs Department".

• Finance Ministry: allegation on Russia using Georgian territory for smuggling sanctioned goods “completely baseless and absurd accusation”

The inspection systems used at customs checkpoints of Georgia to avoid potential threats at the border and ensure “strict control” of all types of goods have also been noted in the release.

Customs checkpoints are equipped with stationary X-ray scanners for various purposes, which ensures the speedy implementation of customs control, as well as promotes security and, at the same time, reduces the length of customs inspection procedures. In addition, with the involvement of partner countries on a 24-hour basis, preliminary electronic data is exchanged as part of the international movement of vehicles and goods”, the Ministry’s statement said.

The state body also highlighted it had created “new customs risk management profiles” for “all products included in the list of sanctions”, while also bolstering the number of customs officers at the Kazbegi border crossing with Russia, and adding X-ray scanners at the facility.