Tbilisi’s proposed changes to vehicle import and transit fees are expected to push up the cost of cars for Azerbaijani buyers, industry analysts say.
According to a draft bill prepared by Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs Services Agency, several tariffs on vehicles purchased or re-exported by foreign nationals would increase significantly.
If adopted, the transit license plate fee would rise from 50 Georgian lari to 370 lari, roughly $145 to $1,070 at current exchange rates. Fees for vehicle inspection certificates would climb from 100 lari to 180 lari (about $290), and the cost of exporting customs declarations would grow from 130 to 200 lari (around $310).
Economists and auto market specialists are warning that these changes will add to the cost of importing cars into Azerbaijan via Georgia, a popular route particularly for vehicles shipped from the United States and other markets. Industry estimates suggest that car prices for Azerbaijani buyers could rise by around 5 percent once the new fees take effect.
Georgia has historically been a key transit and re-export hub for cars bound for Azerbaijan. According to Georgia’s National Statistics Office, Azerbaijan was among the top destinations for Georgian car exports in the first ten months of 2025, with 6,771 vehicles worth approximately $181 million exported to Azerbaijan between January and October of this year.
Despite a year-on-year drop in both volume and value – reflecting a 29 percent decrease in export value compared to the same period in 2024 – Azerbaijan remains an important market for Georgian auto exports.
Most of these cars are transited through the Georgian port of Poti before entering Azerbaijani territory. With the newly proposed fee increases, analysts say the additional cost burden on importers and dealers is likely to be passed on to consumers.
The draft bill is currently under review by Georgian authorities. If approved, the higher tariffs could take effect in early 2026, prompting adjustments in regional auto trade and import strategies.
