Georgia Bans Car Exports by Russian and Belarusian Citizens to Prevent Sanctions Evasion

Georgia has introduced new restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens, prohibiting them from exporting passenger cars and special equipment from the country. This ban came into force on May 15, 2025, as announced by the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Previously, there was a ban on the re-export of cars to Russia and Belarus, but the new rules apply to the export of vehicles to third countries, even if they are registered in Georgia.

Russian and Belarusian citizens are now prohibited from re-exporting cars in any direction – neither to their own countries nor to other states. However, despite requests from the media to the Georgian government, no detailed explanations of the new rules have been provided.

These changes are related to a journalistic investigation that found that Georgia's borders are being used to circumvent international sanctions, particularly in the export of cars. Despite official bans, cars continued to enter Russia via Georgia.

In response to these allegations, the Georgian Tax Service assured that the country strictly complies with international restrictions and sanctions.

Source: Mezha