PM Kobakhidze: Georgia blocked 2,658 customs operations to prevent sanctions evasion

Georgia blocked 2,658 customs operations in 2025 as part of efforts to prevent the use of its territory for bypassing international sanctions imposed against Russia for invading Ukraine, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said.

Speaking at an event marking International Customs Day on Monday, Kobakhidze said the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance remained in "constant and operational coordination" with international partners to ensure the effective enforcement of sanctions.

“Our customs administration applies strict control to fully rule out the use of Georgia’s territory for sanctions evasion,” the PM said.

He claimed the decisions taken by the Customs Department included refusals to carry out customs procedures and the return of goods to their country of origin. Kobakhidze said the figures “clearly demonstrated” the government’s responsible approach to global security and reinforced Georgia’s reputation as a reliable international partner.

The prime minister stressed that the government would continue to provide strong institutional support to the customs service, including improving working conditions and professional development, noting that its effectiveness “directly contributed” to the country’s economic security.

Congratulating customs officers on their professional day, Kobakhidze said their work, “often unseen by the wider public,” formed the backbone of lawful trade, budget revenue mobilisation and protection of citizens from contraband and hazardous goods. He described Georgia’s customs system as modern, transparent and efficient, and said it was a key factor in economic growth, investor confidence and fair competition.

Kobakhidze also reiterated the government’s “strategic objective” of turning Georgia into a multifunctional regional hub. He said the country’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia made it a natural gateway for trade and a reliable partner for several landlocked countries seeking access to global markets.

He added that this strategy was supported by major infrastructure projects, including the East-West highway, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, dry ports and the Anaklia deep-sea port project, “all aimed at strengthening Georgia’s role in the Middle Corridor.”