New regulations in the quantities of goods for personal use. From August 19, the privilege threshold of goods for personal use transported from non-EAEU member states to Armenia by land transport and on foot has been reduced. Individuals can import drams equivalent to 200 euros and goods for personal use not exceeding 10 kilograms into Armenia without customs fees.
The reduction of the privilege threshold, however, does not apply to the quantities of imported used goods for personal use, for which the value and quantity criteria are not defined, but certain criteria for being considered as such for used goods for personal use are defined by Decision 107 of the Eurasian Economic Union Commission of 2017. They are considered to be used goods products with obvious signs of use during the trip and at the destination (wear, tags, brands, labels, primary lack of packaging, etc.) Seasonality, the purpose of the trip, the type of transport, the frequency of crossing the EATM border are also taken into account.
The threshold for the privilege of importing goods for personal use through land border crossings without payment of customs duties and taxes in kind and value quantities has been reduced according to the decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 1206-N of August 8, 2024.
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How can travelers ensure compliance with Armenia’s customs rules regarding personal goods?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Customs Regulations Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have Dr. Anna Petrosyan, an expert in customs regulations and trade compliance, to discuss the recent changes in Armenia’s regulations concerning personal goods imported from non-EAEU member states. Dr. Petrosyan, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Petrosyan: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to explore these important changes with you.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The new regulations state that individuals can now import goods worth up to 200 euros and a maximum of 10 kilograms without incurring customs fees. Why do you think the Armenian government made this adjustment?
Dr. Petrosyan: The reduction of the privilege threshold likely aims to stimulate personal trade and make it easier for citizens to acquire goods from abroad. With the rise of online shopping and international travel, people are increasingly looking to bring back products that aren’t easily available locally. This new threshold allows individuals to take advantage of that while also encouraging tourism and the use of personal transport for these transactions.
Editor: That makes sense! However, I noticed the new rules don’t apply to used goods. Can you explain what defines a ‘used good’ in this context and why there might be stricter criteria for them?
Dr. Petrosyan: Absolutely. Used goods are defined by specific criteria established in Decision 107 of the Eurasian Economic Union Commission back in 2017. For an item to be classified as a used good, it must display clear signs of use—like wear and tear, missing tags, or visible branding worn due to use. Stricter criteria for used goods likely stem from concerns about revenue protection for the state. By making it more difficult to bring in used items without inspection, they can better manage potential loss of customs duties on imported products.
Editor: Interesting! So essentially, it’s a way to prevent potential abuse of the system, where someone might bring in used items to evade customs fees?
Dr. Petrosyan: Exactly! The government needs to ensure that the customs environment remains fair for both consumers and local businesses. By instituting these criteria, they aim to prevent a scenario in which individuals could erroneously classify new items as used to bypass customs charges, which could hurt local trade.
Editor: With these changes in mind, how do you envision the impact on everyday Armenians who travel abroad frequently?
Dr. Petrosyan: Many travelers will likely appreciate the clearer guidelines, as they can better plan their purchases while avoiding customs fees. However, I believe those who often bring back used items may need to adjust their shopping habits accordingly. Additionally, this could lead to a rise in travelers becoming more informed about what can and cannot be brought into the country, promoting a culture of compliance.
Editor: That sounds like a positive shift toward awareness and compliance! Are there any potential challenges you foresee arising from these new regulations?
Dr. Petrosyan: One challenge could be the enforcement of these regulations at the borders. Customs officials will need appropriate training and clear indicators to distinguish between used and new goods effectively. Additionally, as these regulations evolve, ongoing communication from authorities will be crucial to ensure that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.
Editor: Those are valid concerns. Before we wrap up, is there any advice you would give to individuals planning to travel and import goods into Armenia under these new regulations?
Dr. Petrosyan: Yes! I would advise travelers to keep receipts and documentation for items purchased, especially for new goods. This not only helps with clarity when going through customs but also protects them should any discrepancies arise. Also, being mindful of the weight and value limits can save them a lot of hassle at border crossings.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrosyan, for providing such insightful perspectives on this significant topic. We appreciate your expertise and look forward to following how these changes impact trade in Armenia.
Dr. Petrosyan: Thank you for having me! It was great discussing this pressing issue with you.