Finance Minister stresses “strict control” on sanctioned goods in Georgian customs
Khutsishvili also said the capacity of customs checkpoints throughout the country to implement “appropriate controls” had been strengthened. Photo: MOF of Georgia
Tweet 
Share
Georgian Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili on Thursday said Georgian customs authorities had ensured “strict control” on the movement of goods in the list of international sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine “immediately” following their approval.
In his remarks at an event dedicated to International Customs Day, Khutsishvili noted a working group had been created in the Customs Risk Management Division of the Customs Department of Georgia’s Revenue Service to ensure “centralised control” of sanctions enforcement “from the first days” of the imposition of the sanctions.
He explained the authorities had drawn up 14 “risk profiles” to monitor movement of the goods throughout Georgia, in addition to looking at sanctioned individuals and companies as well as transit, export and re-export procedures.
Khutsishvili also said the capacity of customs checkpoints throughout the country to implement “appropriate controls” had been strengthened.
Since the first days of the imposition of the sanctions, a number of communications have been made with our strategic [international] partners regarding the technical assistance required for a proper administration of the international sanctions”, the Minister explained.
The official also noted diplomatic corps in the country had also been introduced to cargo control procedures at the Kazbegi customs checkpoint in Georgia's north, on the border with Russia.
The Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance held a number of meetings with embassies of European Union member states on this topic, where the measures taken by the Georgian Customs Service in the process of enforcing sanctions were highly appreciated”, the Minister concluded.
The Georgian Maritime Transport Agency on Tuesday rejected the statement of Yury Vladimirov, the General Director of the Sochi seaport, on alleged negotiations regarding the commencement of maritime transportation of passengers between Georgia and Russia, adding there has been no sea transport between the countries.
Giorgi Amilakhvari, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday criticised CNN and its host Christiane Amanpour for having spread “fake information” last week on alleged exports of sanctioned goods to Russia through Georgia.
Georgia is “one of the leading countries” in enforcement of international sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, the country’s Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili said on Monday.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday rejected the “false” premise in a CNN reporter’s question to the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on an alleged export of sanctioned goods to Russia through Georgia.
Traffic flow at customs checkpoints across Georgia has increased "significantly", Georgian Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili said at an event dedicated to International Customs Day on Thursday.
Approximation of Georgian customs authorities with European Union conventions, use of new computerised transit systems and artificial intelligence were highlighted by Georgia’s Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili in comments on upcoming projects for the country’s customs service on Thursday.
The Revenue Service of the Georgian Finance Ministry on Sunday responded to media reports alleging an import of sanctioned goods to Georgia from a Russian company [under sanctions imposed by the international community against Russia] and elucidated that the sanctions did not refer to the company, its owners or shipment.