Certificate of Origin in Georgia: Types and How to Get One

A certificate of origin is an official document that proves the country where your goods were produced. In Georgia it is the key that unlocks preferential, often zero, duty rates under the country's free trade agreements, and your buyer's customs authority will ask for it. This guide explains what a certificate of origin in Georgia is, the types available, who issues each, and how to apply.

What is a certificate of origin?

A certificate of origin (CO) is a document, issued by an authorized body, that certifies the country in which goods were made. Customs authorities in the destination country use it to decide the duty rate, apply or deny a preferential tariff, and confirm the goods are admissible.

In short, it answers one question for foreign customs: where do these goods really come from? The answer can be the difference between paying full duty and paying none.

Why you need one

The main reason is money. When Georgia has a free trade agreement with your buyer's country, a valid certificate of origin lets them import your goods at a preferential or zero tariff instead of the standard rate.

Without it, the agreement may exist but cannot be applied, so the standard duty is charged. For exporters, that means the certificate directly affects how competitive your price is abroad. It is a core part of how you export goods from Georgia.

Preferential vs non-preferential certificates

There are two broad categories.

A preferential certificate is used when a trade agreement gives reduced or zero duty, and it proves the goods qualify under that agreement's rules. Examples are the EUR.1 for the EU and the Form CT-1 for CIS countries.

A non-preferential (general) certificate simply states the country of origin where no agreement applies. It is often needed for tenders, letters of credit, or the destination country's own import rules. The distinction is explained by trade.gov.

Types of certificate of origin in Georgia

The right certificate depends on where your goods are going.

The full set of origin regimes is listed by the Revenue Service.

Who issues certificates of origin in Georgia

Two bodies are authorized to issue certificates of origin: the Revenue Service, under the Ministry of Finance, and the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Their authority comes from a government decree, and between them they cover every certificate type.

In practice, the Revenue Service issues the main preferential proofs such as the EUR.1 and the China FTA certificate, while the Chamber of Commerce issues general (non-preferential) certificates and, alongside the Revenue Service, the Form A and CT-1. The Chamber's service is described on gcci.ge, and its legal mandate sits in the law on the Chamber. Certificates can be issued electronically, with the same legal force as paper.

The invoice declaration of origin

For trade with the EU under the DCFTA, there is a lighter alternative to a full EUR.1. An exporter can declare origin directly on the commercial invoice for consignments up to a set value, currently EUR 6,000.

Above that threshold, the exporter needs Authorized Exporter status, granted on application to the Revenue Service, which then allows invoice declarations for any value. This is the route regular EU exporters usually take. The EU framework is set out by the European Commission.

Rules of origin basics

A certificate is only valid if the goods genuinely originate in Georgia under the relevant agreement's rules. Two concepts decide this.

Wholly obtained goods are made entirely in Georgia, such as crops grown or minerals extracted there. Sufficiently transformed goods use imported inputs but undergo enough processing in Georgia to qualify, usually shown by a change in tariff classification, a value-added threshold, or a specific processing rule.

If your product uses foreign materials, check the rule for your goods before promising a buyer a preferential rate.

How to apply

The process is similar at both issuers and largely electronic.

1. Apply to the Revenue Service or the Chamber of Commerce for the certificate type you need.

2. Submit your supporting documents: the commercial invoice, contract, and evidence of production or origin such as manufacturer documents or raw-material records.

3. The issuer reviews the application and the origin claim.

4. The certificate is issued, often digitally.

Fees and validity vary by certificate type and issuer, and are modest. Confirm the current fee and validity period directly with the Revenue Service or the Chamber of Commerce when you apply, since these can change.

If matching the right certificate to your market sounds fiddly, our customs brokerage service handles origin documentation alongside your declarations, so your goods qualify for the lowest lawful duty. Getting this right from the start also smooths how you set up an import/export business in Georgia and how you handle each customs declaration. For food and plant exports, pair it with a phytosanitary certificate.

Key takeaways

• A certificate of origin proves where goods are made and unlocks preferential or zero duty abroad.

• Georgia has preferential certificates (EUR.1, CT-1, Form A, China FTA) and non-preferential general certificates.

• Both the Revenue Service and the Chamber of Commerce are authorized to issue them.

• For the EU, small consignments can use an invoice declaration; larger ones need Authorized Exporter status.

• Goods must meet rules of origin: wholly obtained, or sufficiently transformed in Georgia.

• Apply with your invoice, contract, and production documents; certificates can be issued electronically.

Frequently asked questions

What is a certificate of origin in Georgia?

It is an official document certifying the country where goods were produced, issued by the Revenue Service or the Chamber of Commerce. Foreign customs authorities use it to set the duty rate and apply preferential tariffs. It is essential for claiming the benefits of Georgia's free trade agreements.

Who issues certificates of origin in Georgia?

Two bodies are authorized: the Revenue Service and the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Revenue Service handles the main preferential certificates like the EUR.1 and China FTA certificate, while the Chamber issues general certificates and shares Form A and CT-1. Both can issue electronically.

What are the types of certificate of origin?

The main types are the EUR.1 (EU, EFTA, UK, Türkiye), the China FTA certificate, Form CT-1 (CIS countries), Form A (GSP markets), and the non-preferential general certificate. The right one depends on your destination market. Each proves origin under its specific agreement or for general use.

Do I need a certificate of origin to export from Georgia?

For most exports to free trade partners, yes, because it is what lets your buyer claim the preferential tariff. Without it, the standard duty applies even where an agreement exists. Some destinations or contracts also require a general certificate regardless of tariffs.

How do I apply for a certificate of origin?

Apply to the Revenue Service or the Chamber of Commerce with your invoice, contract, and production or origin documents. The issuer reviews the claim and issues the certificate, often digitally. The exact documents depend on the certificate type.

What is an EUR.1 certificate?

The EUR.1 is a movement certificate that proves Georgian origin for preferential trade with the EU, EFTA, the UK, and Türkiye. It is issued by the Revenue Service. For small EU consignments, an invoice declaration of origin can be used instead.

What is the invoice declaration of origin?

It is a statement of origin an exporter places directly on the commercial invoice, used for EU trade instead of a full EUR.1. Any exporter can use it for consignments up to EUR 6,000. Above that value, the exporter needs Authorized Exporter status from the Revenue Service.

How much does a certificate of origin cost in Georgia?

Fees are modest and vary by certificate type and issuer. Because they can change, confirm the current fee with the Revenue Service or the Chamber of Commerce when you apply. The cost is small relative to the duty savings the certificate unlocks.

What are rules of origin?

Rules of origin decide whether goods truly originate in Georgia under an agreement. Goods are either wholly obtained in Georgia or sufficiently transformed there, shown by a change in tariff classification, a value-added threshold, or a processing rule. Meeting the rule is what makes the certificate valid.

Can a certificate of origin be issued electronically?

Yes. Both the Revenue Service and the Chamber of Commerce can issue certificates electronically, and digital certificates carry the same legal force as paper ones. This speeds up the process for regular exporters.