Georgia holds a unique position in global trade with an extensive network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the DCFTA with the European Union, and agreements with China, Turkey, and CIS countries.1 These treaties allow for the movement of goods at a 0% customs duty rate, providing a massive competitive advantage. However, this benefit is not automatic. To claim these preferences, exporters must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin (such as EUR.1 for Europe or CT-1 for CIS states).2 At Legal Sandbox Georgia, we guide clients through the rigorous verification process to ensure their goods legally qualify for preferential treatment, transforming potential tax liabilities into pure profit margins.
Obtaining a Certificate of Origin requires navigating complex "Rules of Origin" protocols. It is not enough for a product to simply be shipped from Georgia; it must undergo "sufficient processing" or transformation within the country to change its tariff classification or meet specific value-added thresholds. Our legal team conducts a forensic analysis of your supply chain and Bill of Materials. We calculate the exact percentage of imported raw materials versus local inputs to certify that your product meets the strict criteria defined in the specific FTA. This technical due diligence is critical because a certificate issued on false premises can be revoked during a post-clearance audit, leading to the retroactive application of import duties and severe fines for the importer.3
We manage the entire application procedure with the Revenue Service of Georgia or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We prepare the necessary expert conclusions and declarations to prove the origin of the goods definitively. Whether you are a Georgian manufacturer exporting to the EU or an importer seeking to utilize the China-Georgia FTA, our oversight ensures that your EUR.1 or CT-1 certificate is unassailable. We protect you from the risk of "origin fraud" accusations and ensure that your cross-border trade remains seamless and tariff-free.
Updated: ...