CUSTOMS DUTIES: COLOMBIA TO GEORGIA

Customs Duties and Import Regulations: Colombia to Georgia

When exporting goods from Colombia to Georgia, exporters must navigate Georgia's customs framework, which features a three-tiered tariff structure. Understanding these regulations, required documentation, and applicable trade agreements is essential for smooth customs clearance and compliance. Georgia maintains relatively liberal trade policies with nearly 90 percent of imported goods subject to zero tariffs, though certain product categories face higher duty rates.

General Duty Rates in Georgia

Georgia applies customs duties based on the Harmonized System (HS) code classification. The following table outlines duty rates for common product categories imported into Georgia:

Product Category	Duty Rate	Notes
Most Goods (General)	0%	Approximately 90% of imported goods benefit from zero tariffs
Agricultural Products	5-12%	Varies by specific product; higher rates for domestically produced items
Food Products	5-12%	Includes processed foods; rates depend on local production
Clothing and Textiles	5-12%	Higher rates applied to protect domestic industry
Construction Materials	5-12%	Wood products, plastics, wire, and cable included
Beef and Meat Products	12%	Example: High-quality beef carries 12% tariff
Iron and Steel	5-12%	Varies by product specification
Soap and Surface-Active Agents	5-12%	Washing preparations also included in this category
Alcoholic Beverages	Varies	Combined rate of customs tariffs applied; also subject to excise tax
Passenger Vehicles	Varies	Depends on engine size and year of production; use tariff calculator on Revenue Service website
Other Excisable Goods	Fixed rates	Ethyl alcohol, petrol for cars, and cigarettes subject to fixed excise taxes

Additional Fees and Taxes

Customs Declaration Fees: A fee of $5.60 USD (5 GEL) is charged per customs declaration for goods valued below $1,111 USD (3,000 GEL), and $67 USD (60 GEL) for goods valued above 3,000 GEL.

Value Added Tax (VAT): An 18 percent VAT applies to most imported goods and is calculated on the customs value plus applicable duties.

Required Documentation

• Commercial Invoice detailing goods description, quantity, unit price, and total value
• Packing List identifying contents and packaging details
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill proving shipment transportation
• Certificate of Origin confirming goods originate from Colombia
• Customs Declaration Form completed accurately with HS codes
• Import License (if applicable to your product category)
• Phytosanitary Certificate (for agricultural and food products)
• Health and Safety Certificates (for regulated products)
• Insurance documents if goods are insured during transit

Important Regulations and Compliance Requirements

• Customs Valuation: The customs value of goods is determined based on the customs declaration submitted at the time of import.
• Prohibited and Restricted Items: Verify that your goods do not fall under Georgia's prohibited or restricted items list before shipment.
• Labeling Requirements: All goods must meet Georgia's labeling and marking requirements, including product information in Georgian or English.
• Standards Compliance: Certain products must comply with Georgian technical standards and quality requirements.
• Temporary Entry: Goods may be temporarily imported under specific conditions, though standard import duties typically apply.
• Documentation Accuracy: All customs documents must be accurate and complete to avoid delays or penalties.

Trade Agreements and Preferential Treatment

Georgia maintains preferential trade agreements that may affect duty rates for certain countries and products. Notably, the EU benefits from the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which provides zero tariffs on many goods including beef. While Colombia does not currently have a formal free trade agreement with Georgia, exporters should verify whether their specific products may qualify for any preferential treatment or exemptions.

Exports are exempt from customs duties and fees. Only imports into Georgia are subject to customs duties and associated fees.

Recommended Next Steps

For precise tariff rates on your specific products, consult Georgia's Customs Info Database tariff look-up tool available on trade.gov (registration required). Contact the Georgian Revenue Service or a licensed customs broker for detailed guidance on your shipment's classification and applicable duties.