Kerobyans on Vehicle Customs Clearance Costs

The Government of Armenia will engage in internal discussions with EAEU partners regarding the customs clearance costs for vehicles temporarily imported from third countries. This was stated by the Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan in an interview with Sputnik Armenia.

It was previously reported that by the end of the year, the Government will subsidize the customs clearance for vehicles temporarily imported from third countries by 40-70 percent. At the same time, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the import customs duty must be reduced in Armenia; however, the issue lies within the EAEU regulations, and Armenia cannot unilaterally resolve this issue.

“We will hold internal discussions on this matter and make decisions accordingly. For instance, the decision to exempt electric vehicles from customs duties has been initiated by us in discussions with our EAEU partners,” noted Kerobyan, recalling the decision adopted by the National Assembly, which exempted electric vehicles from VAT and customs duties until 2026.

According to the minister, the EAEU is a platform where different countries have equal voting rights, and whenever the Armenian government sees the need to propose suggestions, it does so. He also informed that the customs clearance subsidy pertains only to those vehicles that are already in Armenia. From January 1, 2024, the operation of vehicles temporarily imported from third countries and not cleared through customs will be prohibited.

It is worth noting that according to another decision of the Armenian government, starting January 1, 2024, Armenian citizens must pay funds to a deposit account managed by the customs authority for vehicles imported for temporary use from Georgia or a non-EAEU member state. Currently, there are 9,000 vehicles imported for temporary use in Armenia.