Bagratashen Customs Checkpoint Closed in Both Directions: Importers Demand Legal Change

The exit of the Bagratashen customs checkpoint has been blocked by importers bringing goods from Turkey to Armenia. This was stated in an interview with Tert by Arayik Paranyan, the head of the Ayri community in Tavush province, who is currently present at the protest site.

“It’s a disgraceful situation; there are traffic jams, and transport is paralyzed. The traffic is closed in both directions,” he said, adding that the protesters are demanding a change in the law.

According to Paranyan, the protesters have parked 50-60 vehicles and blocked the road.

“The police are here, but they are unable to open the road; there was just a fight and scuffle a little while ago. For now, there is nothing concrete; I don’t know what will happen,” emphasized Arayik Paranyan.

The head of the Ayri community added that the demands of the protesters have not changed—they have blocked both the entrance and exit of the Bagratashen customs checkpoint in protest against a law that came into force on January 1, 2019, which prevents them from importing goods over 25 kg without paying customs duties and taxes.

It should be noted that this road has been blocked before for the same reason.

Furthermore, information sheets have appeared at the border crossings of the Republic of Armenia indicating that from January 1, 2019, individuals may have personal luggage weighing up to 25 kg, with a value not exceeding 500 euros.

Starting from January 1, 2019, the threshold value for goods imported without customs duties and taxes will be reduced by three times, and the weight limit by two times. These changes are stipulated in the Decision No. 107 of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission dated December 20, 2017, and the Decision No. 91 of the EEU dated November 1, 2018.