When importing a car from the US, a significant part of the final budget is the customs (import) duty. Calculating it accurately in advance is an important part of choosing a car at auction and planning your finances.
What determines the cost of customs clearance?
Under Georgian law, the amount of customs duty (excise tax) is determined by several key factors:
- Year of manufacture: the rate changes depending on the age of the car.
- Engine displacement: the amount is calculated according to engine size.
- Engine type and tax breaks:
- Electric vehicles: fully exempt from excise tax (0%).
- Hybrids / Plug-in hybrids: enjoy a significant (60%) tax break.
- Gasoline / Diesel: taxed at the standard rate.
(For an exact calculation, always use the Revenue Service's official RS.ge calculator.)
When and where does customs clearance take place?
- Location: the car goes through customs clearance after arriving at a Georgian port (Poti/Batumi), in the Customs Clearance Zone (GEZ).
- Timeframe: 60 calendar days are allotted for customs clearance from the moment the car enters the customs control zone.
- VG Auto Export support: our service includes full documentation and logistics support, so that customs clearance is as simple and fast as possible for you.
Useful tips
- Shipping calculator: to estimate shipping costs, use our calculator.
- Calculating your full budget: if you have any questions, contact us - our team will help you work out the car's final, complete cost estimate (purchase, shipping, customs clearance) accurately and free of charge.
