For high-volume importers and exporters in Georgia, standard customs procedures represent a significant bottleneck in terms of time and capital. Legal Sandbox Georgia assists qualifying businesses in obtaining the status of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), the modern evolution of the "Gold List" regime. This status is not merely a badge of honor; it is a strategic operational asset that designates your company as a low-risk, trusted partner of the Revenue Service. Holding AEO status grants access to simplified customs formalities, effectively placing your cargo in a permanent "Green Channel," bypassing routine physical inspections and administrative red tape that slow down your competitors.
The financial advantages of AEO status are immediate and tangible. The most critical benefit is the deferment of import duties and taxes. Instead of paying VAT and customs duties immediately upon the goods' arrival at the border, AEO holders enjoy a 30-day deferment period. This significantly improves cash flow, allowing businesses to sell their goods before the tax bill is due. Furthermore, AEO status allows for "local clearance," meaning goods can be delivered directly to your warehouse without stopping at a customs terminal, saving thousands in terminal handling charges and storage fees over the course of a fiscal year.
However, obtaining this status requires passing a rigorous audit by the Customs Department. Our legal team manages this entire compliance project. We conduct a pre-application audit of your internal accounting systems, logistics security protocols, and tax compliance history to ensure they meet the strict criteria set by the Customs Code of Georgia. We prepare the complex application dossier and represent your company during the Revenue Service's on-site verification visits. By securing AEO status, we align your Georgian operations with EU standards (DCFTA), future-proofing your supply chain and reducing your logistical overheads to the absolute statutory minimum.
Updated: ...