Complete Guide to Customs Clearance for Shipping from Germany to Georgia

Step-by-Step: The Customs Clearance Process Once your parcel leaves Germany and arrives in Georgia, it goes through a structured clearance process. Phase 1: Export from Germany (EU) Documentation & Declaration: You (or Bazaruka) prepare all necessary export documents, including the Commercial Invoice and the German customs declaration (like a CN22 or CN23). Export Clearance: The parcel is cleared for export from the EU, leaving the German warehouse and entering the logistics chain. Phase 2: Arrival & Inspection in Georgia Arrival at Customs: The parcel arrives at the designated Georgian Customs Terminal (e.g., Tbilisi International Airport). Customs Review: The Georgian Revenue Service (GRS) reviews the submitted electronic data and the physical documents attached to the parcel (Commercial Invoice, etc.). They check the value against the 300 GEL limit and verify the contents against the Prohibited Items List (See Option 2 for the link). Phase 3: Tax Assessment and Release Tax Notification (If Applicable): If the value is ≤300 GEL, the parcel is automatically approved for release. If the value is >300 GEL, GRS calculates the 18% VAT (and any applicable duties). Recipient Contact: If taxes are due, Bazaruka or the last-mile carrier contacts the recipient via SMS or email, providing the tax amount and payment instructions. Payment and Release: The recipient pays the assessed duties and taxes. Upon confirmation of payment, the parcel is officially Customs Cleared. Phase 4: Final Delivery Final Mile Delivery: The parcel is transferred to the local delivery service for final delivery to the recipient's address. Mandatory Customs Documentation Checklist Incomplete or inaccurate documents are the leading cause of customs delays. Ensure your package is accompanied by the following: Commercial Invoice: Declares the value, contents, and terms of the sale. Essential for duty/tax assessment. You must include the Shipper/Consignee details, a detailed description of goods, quantity, Unit Value, and the HS Code (Harmonized System). Air Waybill (AWB): The contract between the shipper and carrier. Includes tracking and delivery instructions, the tracking number, and the recipient's full address and phone number. Proof of Identity (Recipient): Required by Georgian Customs to prove the recipient is a private person for tax purposes. This is usually the Recipient's Passport/ID Number and is often submitted electronically to the carrier. Recipient’s Tax ID: Required for all commercial imports and often for high-value personal imports. This is the Personal Identification Number (PIN) or VAT registration number if applicable. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) * How long does customs clearance take for parcels from Germany to Georgia? Typically, a smooth customs clearance takes 24 to 72 hours after arrival in Georgia. Delays occur if the documentation is incomplete, the value exceeds the 300 GEL limit and payment is pending, or if the parcel is selected for a random physical inspection. * What is the tax rate on electronics or expensive goods shipped to Georgia? If the item's value exceeds 300 GEL, you will pay a flat 18% VAT on the customs value. Most personal goods do not incur the higher 5% or 12% Import Duty, but commercial goods might. Our system calculates the exact charge when you enter the item value. * Is the 300 GEL limit based on the price of the goods or the price including shipping? The 300 GEL threshold is generally applied to the Customs Value (CIF), which includes the Cost of the goods, Insurance, and Freight (shipping cost). It is safest to assume that the total value of your item plus the shipping fee should remain under 300 GEL to be tax-exempt. Ready to Ship? Avoid customs complications by getting an accurate cost estimate upfront. Our tool calculates the total shipping cost and estimated tax liability based on the value and weight of your parcel. Calculate Your Total Shipping & Customs Cost Now: Calculate