This information was provided by the BM.GE portal, citing the Service Agency of the Ministry of the Interior of Georgia. Even before the new regulations entered into force, Re -export to Russia and Belarus was already forbidden. Earlier, however, there were no restrictions for the citizens of these countries when the equipment was exported to third countries.
“Re -export or export to Russia and Belarus was not previously implemented. However, from May 15, citizens of Russia and Belarus, even if they are registered in Georgia, cannot deal with re -export at all – neither to these countries or any other “ – The Ministry of the Interior is stated in a communication of the Service Agency. New restrictions do not apply to citizens of other countries.
Despite the official request of BM.GE to state authorities, asking for clarification of the new rules, the authorities did not provide detailed information. Nevertheless, as the publishing house notes, a number of “Russian sources” combine the tightening of Georgian regulations with a journalistic investigation published a few months ago. The authors of the material stated that The borders of Georgia are used as a “green corridor” to be celebrated international sanctionsespecially in the automotive sector. Despite the formal prohibitions, cars still hit Russia's transit through Georgia, the authors of the investigation noticed.
Georgian tax service responded to allegations regarding non -compliance with sanctions. In an official statement, the Agency emphasized that the country strictly warns international restrictions. “Georgia fully and unconditionally observes the procedure for implementing sanctions. There is not a single reliable fact that would undermine it” – quotes the service of BM.GE.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the West began to tighten sanctions against Russia, including in the automotive industry. The Georgian authorities also introduced restrictions. Nevertheless, the volume of trade through the territory of the country continued to grow. According to “Kommersant”, in March 2023 Georgia reached a ten -year record of passenger cars export to Russia – 13.5 thousand were sent. cars worth $ 236.8 million (approx. PLN 876 million).
In the autumn of 2023, the Tbilisi authorities banned the re -major of cars to Russia and Belarus. Despite this, registration of vehicles on citizens of these countries was still possible. As a result, a new scheme was created: Russians and Belarusians bought cars in Georgia, indicating in the documents Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan as a destination. In practice, cars often went to the Russian market.
