On the condition to stay anonymity, the employees of the Bagratashen Customs Services informed us about the obstacles that are thrown by Georgia’s customs officers. According to them, often the vehicles of the citizens of Armenia exporting agricultural goods from Armenia to Russia are sent back from the Sadakhlo checkpoint, saying that the cargo is not sealed in the right place.
Sometimes, they sent these vehicles back several times, forcing to weld a metal sheet between the doors for sealing the cargo of the vehicle and so on. Because of delays, the Armenian greens exported to Russia loses its freshness and the marketable state. There are shifts of customs officers at Sadakhlo customs checkpoint who often throw such obstacles. The citizens of Armenia who bring in goods from Russia to Armenia through Upper Lars checkpoint are asking the Georgian customs officers to put their cargo in bags as a transit cargo by Georgia and seal it. However, the customs officers often refuse to do so, suggesting to the use postal cargo services which cost about USD 200 equivalent lari.
Voskan SARGSYAN
