The year 2026 began with major changes, particularly for those planning to import a car to Georgia. The government introduced new regulations that raised many questions: Who do these changes affect? How much does it now cost to import an older car? What is changing regarding customs clearance rules and conditions? Below, we will break down all these questions sequentially and practically to provide clear answers.
What Changed in the Law?
On March 12, 2026, the government decided to significantly increase the customs clearance tax on vehicles older than 6 years. The rate per cubic centimeter (cc) of engine capacity was raised from 0.8 GEL to 4.5 GEL—a 5.6-fold increase compared to previous rates. This vehicle import law applies to all M1 category vehicles manufactured prior to 2020.
What Do These Figures Mean Specifically?
- For a vehicle with a 1.5-liter engine, customs clearance increased from 1,200 GEL to 6,750 GEL.
- For a 2.0-liter engine, it jumped from 1,600 GEL to 9,000 GEL.
Looking at popular models makes the picture even clearer:
- Toyota Camry 2.5L: Clearance rose from 2,000 GEL to 11,250 GEL.
- Subaru Forester 2.5L: Increased similarly from 2,000 GEL to 11,250 GEL.
- Volkswagen Jetta 1.5L: Increased from 1,200 GEL to 6,750 GEL.
- Ford Fusion Hybrid 2.0L: Increased from 1,600 GEL to 8,000 GEL.
Note that these numbers reflect the customs tax alone. Vehicle purchase price, transportation costs, and other administrative fees are calculated separately. You can use Carmark's customs clearance calculator to estimate your exact costs.
Who Does the Law Apply To?
Under Georgian car import law, the new rate applies to all M1 category vehicles manufactured before 2020—regardless of whether the vehicle is imported from the USA or any other country.
There are two main exceptions:
- Electric vehicles: Exempt from the new rate increase.
- Vehicles in transit prior to April 1: Vehicles whose transportation began or that entered customs territory before April 1 will undergo initial registration under the previous conditions.
Aside from these two exceptions, the law applies to all imported vehicles.
Emission Standards: An Additional Requirement
In addition to the 2020 age threshold, the law also mandates specific emission standards. M1 category vehicles must meet Euro 5/V standards. This means that being manufactured in or after 2020 is not enough on its own—the vehicle must also comply with these emission regulations.
The Euro 5 standard has been active in Europe since 2009 and became practically mandatory for European-manufactured vehicles starting in 2011. An equivalent requirement operates in the U.S. market under a different naming system but with similar technical criteria.
How Does This Impact the Georgian Auto Market?
Georgia is well known as a major vehicle transit hub in the Caucasus region. In the first ten months of 2025 alone, over 93,000 vehicles were re-exported from the country, primarily to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
The new regulations directly impact this trade model. The increased tax on cars older than 6 years significantly shifts total expenses for those buying vehicles for resale.
Meanwhile, on the domestic market, buyers considering pre-2020 cars for personal use—whether importing from Japan or elsewhere—must accurately calculate the total landed cost, including the higher customs clearance rate, right from the start.
Carmark – A Simple and Seamless Solution
Car import laws, new customs clearance rates, and emission standards—these three factors together determine the final cost of bringing in a vehicle. Overlooking even one can lead to costly mistakes.
The Carmark team makes car importing to Georgia straightforward and hassle-free by calculating every single step. We guide each client individually through the entire process—from vehicle selection and shipping to customs clearance and registration.
