Georgia has long been one of the most convenient entry points for cars bought overseas. The country is part of neither the EAEU nor the EU, so it runs its own, noticeably simpler and cheaper customs system. For a buyer from the CIS this means predictable payments, short timelines and the ability to calmly bring in vehicles from Canada — both for personal use and for resale. In this article we break down what customs clearance of a car from Canada to Georgia looks like in 2026 and why buyers deliberately choose this route.
1. Why Georgia Means Cheap and Simple Clearance
The main difference between Georgia and EAEU countries is the low, transparent tax burden on car imports. Rates are calculated using a clear formula, without the tangled coefficients and "recycling" surcharges common in the CIS. Left-hand drive is fully legal here, and Canadian cars — with their mileage and trims — clear without extra questions. The procedure is built for speed: the country has spent years positioning itself as a transit and trade hub, and its customs work accordingly.
2. How Excise Is Calculated: Engine Size and Age
The main payment on import is the excise, calculated individually from two parameters: engine displacement in cubic centimetres and the age of the car. The logic is simple: the base rate is tied to each cc of the engine and is then adjusted for the vehicle's age — the older the car, the higher the age coefficient.
- Engine displacement (cc) — the larger the volume, the higher the excise.
- Vehicle age — new and very old cars are rated differently.
- Type and fuel — conditions may differ for certain categories and electric vehicles.
Exact figures depend on the specific car, so an accurate calculation is always done against your VIN. At Canada Motor House we prepare an individual estimate in advance, even before the purchase.
3. 18% VAT and the Total Burden
Besides the excise, an 18% VAT is charged during clearance. It is calculated from the customs value including the excise, so the final amount depends on the car's price and its engine parameters. Even with VAT, the overall burden in Georgia is usually lower than in EAEU countries, and the procedure itself is clearer. Final figures are quoted "on request", after a calculation for the specific car, so we never mislead you with averaged rates.
4. Georgia as a Re-export Hub
A separate reason for the route's popularity is the re-export regime. Many buyers clear or route a car through Georgia not for local registration, but to forward it onward to neighbouring markets. Developed infrastructure, ports and car markets make the country a convenient transshipment node: vehicles arrive from Canada, the US and Europe and are then distributed across the region.
- Convenient logistics and proximity to several markets at once.
- Flexible customs regimes for transit and resale.
- The ability to quickly clear and forward a car onward.
5. Documents and Timelines
Clearance requires a standard package: export documents from Canada, an invoice, a bill of lading and proof of ownership. Once the car arrives at the port and the declaration is filed, processing is usually fast — Georgia is known for short customs clearance times. Sea shipping from Canada to the region takes roughly 5–9 weeks depending on the route and destination port; we confirm exact timelines and the logistics cost range for your order.
6. The Role of Canada Motor House
Canada Motor House handles the car's entire journey: sourcing and purchase in Canada, export paperwork, sea freight and support with clearance in Georgia. We calculate excise and VAT against the specific VIN in advance, explain the payment logic and keep the client informed at every stage — from auction to handover. Vehicle prices are quoted "on request", and the duty estimate is prepared individually.
Planning to bring a car or powersports vehicle from Canada through Georgia — for yourself or for re-export? Leave a request at canadamotorhouse.ca and we will prepare an individual calculation of clearance and delivery for your vehicle.