The Caucasus sits on the land corridor between Turkey, Iran, Russia and the Caspian, and has become an active route for Chinese vehicles moving west. The three markets differ sharply: Georgia applies no vehicle age limit, Armenia follows the EAEU framework, and Azerbaijan caps used cars at 10 years. This guide summarises the real import framework for each: age limits, duties, ports, certification and documents. Figures are indicative — always confirm with the destination customs before shipping.
What are the rules for importing a car from China into the Caucasus?
Age limit: Rules differ sharply across the three countries. Georgia sets no maximum vehicle age — unusual for the region — and requires diesel vehicles to meet at least Euro 5. Sources conflict for Armenia: most cite no formal age restriction, while others state vehicles over 10 years are prohibited and personal imports are limited to used cars under 5 years. Azerbaijan caps used cars at 10 years (in force since 28 April 2023) and requires ABS, at least one airbag and Euro 4 or better, with tinted windows banned.
Import duty & taxes: Georgia calculates customs duty at GEL 0.05 per cubic centimetre of engine capacity plus 5% of that amount for each year of age, with 18% VAT on CIF plus duty. Armenia applies the EAEU common external tariff on CIF, scaled by age and engine size — commonly cited around 32% of CIF — plus 20% VAT. Azerbaijan is commonly cited at 15% customs duty for fuel vehicles, plus excise tax by engine displacement and 18% VAT.
Authority & certification: Georgia's Revenue Service handles customs clearance, the Service Agency handles registration and technical inspection, and imported vehicles must pass Georgia's technical inspection. Armenia's State Revenue Committee is the customs authority, applying EAEU technical regulations and requiring a roadworthiness certificate from an EAEU-approved laboratory. Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee handles clearance; distributors need Ministry of Industry permits and must file an ECTN pre-arrival declaration with VIN and specifications.
Our experience in this region
EZ Auto is based in China (Zhengzhou, Henan) with 15–20 years in the country's car export trade. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan through the Caspian and overland corridors, handling China export clearance and full documentation. Local import clearance is arranged by the buyer or a licensed broker; we provide all paperwork and per-country guidance. We do not operate local offices in the Caucasus — every car is sourced and inspected in China before shipment.
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, with full export documents and logistics via the Caspian (Baku / Poti) and overland corridors. Import clearance is handled by you or a local broker; we supply all paperwork.
Which Caucasus country is easiest to import used cars into?
Georgia is the most open: it applies no maximum vehicle age and clearance is generally straightforward, which is why it also serves as a transit and re-export point into Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia applies the EAEU framework, and Azerbaijan caps used cars at 10 years and requires ABS plus at least one airbag. Rules change, so confirm the current position before you buy.
Are right-hand-drive cars allowed in the Caucasus?
No. All three countries require left-hand-drive vehicles; Armenia additionally prohibits right-hand-drive conversions. Sourcing a left-hand-drive specification from the factory is far cheaper than converting later, so we confirm the steering configuration before you order.
How long does shipping from China to the Caucasus take?
Rail via the Khorgos–Kazakhstan–Caspian corridor to Baku typically takes about 18–25 days, with additional time for the Caspian leg and onward overland delivery to Georgia or Armenia. Transit times vary with border formalities and season, so we confirm the current schedule for your route before shipment.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country.
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