Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijan has dramatically facilitated custom procedures for individuals. From now on, anyone can bring goods for personal use worth up to $10,000 without paying custom duties.

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on October 22. The main aim of the decree, which increased the value of imported goods by almost seven times, is a simplification of customs check procedures.

This decree, as a number of recent orders, will allow the government to get rid of unnecessary red tape, reduce the number of checks and improve the welfare of people.

The decree may also develop competitiveness between those entrepreneurs who overvalue imported products.

In addition, checkpoints will be rid of congestion, taking into account that Azerbaijan has turned into a center of international activity, hosting a great number of forums, competitions and other events around the year.

The decree also stipulates that $2,000 is to be added to the allotted customs amount for each accompanied person under 18.

Previously, the amount was $1,500 and $500 respectively, which hindered people from travelling abroad to shop.

However, excisable goods, vehicles and necessary items for travel are exceptions and customs duties and taxes must be paid for them.

Those who cross the border of Azerbaijan should know that individuals can move medicine through customs border only in amounts necessary for personal use.

Individuals may travel through customs with 125 grams of caviar, three liters of alcohol, 600 cigarettes and fuel in the tank of a vehicle in the amount stipulated by the registration certificate.

Art, historical, scientific and other cultural objects may be imported into Azerbaijan in unlimited quantities without paying customs duties.

Gold, gold jewelry and household products under 20 grams, processed, sorted, polished and fixed diamonds of less than 0.5 carats imported to Azerbaijan are free from excise tax.

Exemptions are also applied to bringing in or out necessary household items for a family with a total value of $20,000 by non-resident individuals, with the relevant notes in ID saying they lived in a foreign country for more than two calendar years, in case they wish move to Azerbaijan for permanent residence or leave the country permanently.

__

Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz