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Humanitarian and Charity Cargo Customs Clearance in Armenia

Humanitarian and Charity Cargo Customs Clearance

Humanitarian and Charity Cargo Customs Clearance in Armenia

nternational organizations, foundations, or Armenian diaspora communities frequently send aid to Armenia to support social, healthcare, or educational programs.
Even though these shipments are charitable in nature, they still cross the state border and must undergo formal customs clearance. To ensure the cargo is legally exempt from customs duties and VAT, specific state-regulated procedures must be strictly followed.
1. What Qualifies as Humanitarian or Charity Cargo?
For customs authorities, simply writing "Charity" or "Donation" on a box is not enough. For goods to qualify for tax privileges, the entire import project must be officially designated as a charitable or humanitarian program.
In Armenia, this function is carried out by the Governmental Commission for the Coordination of Charitable Programs. Before the cargo even arrives at the border, the receiving organization must apply to this commission to get the project and the detailed item list officially approved.
2. Required Documents Checklist
To apply for tax exemptions during customs clearance, the following essential documents are required:

  • The Commission’s Decision: The official document from the government declaring the project as charitable.
  • Donation Letter / Act: An official letter from the sender stating that the goods are being transferred free of charge.
  • Commercial Invoice: Even for free items, an estimated value must be indicated for customs statistical purposes.
  • Technical Documentation and Permits: If you are importing medical equipment or medicines, a mandatory permit from the Ministry of Health is required.

3. Key Customs Clearance Conditions
Once the commission's approval is obtained, the goods are declared under the "Release for Domestic Consumption" customs regime, but tax privileges are applied, bringing the customs duty and VAT rates down to 0%.
Important: Goods imported through charitable channels cannot be sold, rented, or used for any commercial (profit-making) purposes. In case of a violation, the organization will be heavily fined and forced to pay all back-taxes.

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