Armenia - Import Requirements and DocumentationArmenia - Import Requirements
After joining The EAEU harmonized tariffs (CET), the unified Customs Code requirements entered into force in Armenia. EAEU regulations now deal with trade in the integrated customs zone. Despite this effort at harmonization, customs clearance remains one of the main issues for foreign companies working in the Armenian market. While the main function of customs is control and statistics, Armenia still uses customs as a budget cash flow generator.
According to EAEU requirements customs clearance, as a general rule, should be performed in the jurisdiction of the respective participants in foreign economic operations. For example, goods transiting to Armenia and/or Kazakhstan from foreign suppliers through Russia are customs cleared at the EAEU’s external frontier in Russia. This is the same procedure for items entering Armenia and Kazakhstan destined for other countries within the EAEU. Armenia does not have common border with and EAEU members, all goods must transit through Georgia, adding complications which have yet to be fully resolved.
Customs requires importers to present a customs declaration form with a commercial invoice indicating the specifications, quantity, and value of goods being imported. In addition, to ensure that imports will be valued by the transaction method of valuation, documentation must meet the requirements enumerated in the Import Tariffs section of this guide. The State Customs Committee has implemented an on-line declaration process (Direct Trader Input or “DTI”) which reduces personal contact between customs officials and importers.
Armenia maintains a national inquiry point on standards and conformity assessment matters in the Department for Quality Infrastructure of the Ministry of Economic development and Investments (http://www.mineconomy.am/en/84). It is responsible for provision of all relevant information on standards and technical regulations. For more information see the Standards section in this guide