Importing Personal Effects into Armenia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Armenia Import Guide (PDF)

USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS (non-diplomatic) foreigner

• AWB/BL.
• Packing lists.
• Consignee’s passport copy.
• Consignee’s residence card.
• Pro forma invoice.
• Notarized Power of attorneys (drafts to be sent by local agent):
• 1 for transport from port when coming by sea
• 1 for local clearance

• Subject to payment of import duties, app. 4.00 EURO per kg.

• The clearance for non-diplomatic shipments may take up to 10 working days. If import permissions are required, add more days depending on the kind of permissions.

USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS (diplomatic)

• AWB/BL.
• Packing lists.
• Consignee’s passport copy.
• Consignee’s diplomatic card.
• Pro forma invoice.
• Power of attorneys (drafts to be sent by local agent):
• 1 for transport from port when coming by sea
• 1 for local clearance

• Exempted from any import duties

• The clearance for diplomatic shipments may take 1-2 days in case all required documents are provided.

USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS (returning citizen)

• AWB/BL.
• Packing lists.
• Consignee’s Armenian passport copy.
• Statement of permanent residency to get duty free exemption from State Revenue
• Committee.
• Social security card
• Pro forma invoice.
• Power of attorneys (drafts to be sent by local agent):
• 1 for transport from port when coming by sea
• 1 for local clearance

• Returning status is granted by Committee.
• Upon arrival of the shipment, the client should collect all required documents accompanying the shipment and apply to the Committee for duty free import.
• The process may take up to app. one month and storage charges will incur.

• The process of clearance depends how quick duty free import will be granted. Once it is confirmed the clearance may take app. one week.

USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS (foreigners exempted through their organization)

• AWB/BL.
• Packing lists.
• Consignee’s passport copy.
• Consignee’s residence card.
• Exemption dox/letters provided by the account only.
• Pro forma invoice.
• Power of attorneys (drafts to be sent by local agent):
• 1 for transport from port when coming by sea
• 1 for local clearance

• Duty free import is granted through the account/Embassy.

• The duty free import is granted through the account/Embassy. Upon arrival of the shipment the account should get ready all required letters as per their company policy to get the exemption accordingly.

Vehicle (diplomatic/non diplomatic)

• BL.
• Car original title.
• Consignee’s passport copy.
• Consignee’s residence card/diplomatic card.
• Pro forma invoice.
• Power of attorneys (drafts to be sent by local agent):
• 1 for transport from port when coming by sea
• 1 for local clearance

• Diplomats are exempted but non-diplomats should pay import duties for the cars.
• The amount depends on the peculiarities of the car.
• All non-diplomatic cars are forwarded to city Gyumri which causes additional charges and is more time consuming.

• The clearance process for diplomatic cars may take about 2 days, otherwise if forwarded to Gyumri may take much more.

Exporting Personal Effects from Armenia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Armenia Export Guide (PDF)

Household goods

• AWB/BL
• Pro forma invoice
• Packing list
• A notarized power of attorney
• Passport copy
• Diplomatic card/social security card

• Diplomatic shipments may take 1-2 days and non-diplomatic ones may take about 10 working days.

• Permission is required for items like pictures, rugs, pianos, books with professional content, etc.
• Items with cultural value are subject to taxes.
• Contact your local agent for more information.

Armenia Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-08 · Download the Armenia Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Air waybill (AWB) or bill of lading (OBL)
• Packing list
• Consignee's passport copy
• Consignee's residence card
• Pro-forma invoice
• Notarised power of attorney (drafts provided by local agent): one for transport from port (sea shipments) and one for local clearance

• AWB or OBL
• Packing list
• Consignee's passport copy
• Consignee's diplomatic card
• Pro-forma invoice
• Power of attorney (as above)

• AWB or OBL
• Packing list
• Consignee's Armenian passport copy
• Statement of permanent residency (to obtain duty-free exemption from the State Revenue Committee)
• Social security card
• Pro-forma invoice
• Power of attorney (as above)

• AWB or OBL
• Packing list
• Consignee's passport copy
• Consignee's residence card
• Exemption documents/letters provided by the organisation/embassy only
• Pro-forma invoice
• Power of attorney (as above)

Specific Information

Returning citizen clearance process: The client must apply to the State Revenue Committee for the duty-free exemption. The process can take up to approximately one month and storage charges will apply during this period. Required documents include a passport, a document confirming permanent residence abroad (with apostille or consular ratification), and a document from the RA Police Passport and Visa Department confirming the move to Armenia. Documents issued by foreign states (except the passport) must be submitted with apostille and notarised translation.

Non-diplomatic, non-exempt foreigners: Subject to import duties of approximately 4.00 EUR per kg. Standard customs duty rates in Armenia are 10% with 20% VAT, though specific rates vary by HS code.

Diplomats: Exempt from all import duties. Clearance takes approximately 1-2 days when all documents are provided.

Foreigners exempted through their organisation: Duty-free import is granted through the employer/embassy. The organisation provides the necessary exemption letters per its own policy.

EAEU single customs territory: Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), along with Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Goods moving between EAEU member states are not subject to customs duties. All goods from non-EAEU countries are cleared under EAEU customs regulations.

Customs declaration: All inbound shipments require a customs declaration for each HS code. The cost is USD 100 plus USD 15 per additional page per HS code. The final number of HS codes is determined after clearance.

Electrical appliances: All electrical appliances with serial numbers are subject to certification. The cost is determined at the time of importation.

Customs clearance location: Western Customs Office at Zvartnots Airport. The Araratyan Customs House Department is located at Tsovakal Isakovi Ave., 10 Building, Yerevan 0082. The State Revenue Committee is at 3 Movses Khorenatsi Street, Yerevan 0015.

Storage: Parcels are stored at the transportation company's warehouse for 180 days free of charge. After this period, additional storage fees apply.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions — Returning citizens and repatriates: Per the Armenian government's official guidance (diaspora.gov.am and hartak.am), persons moving to Armenia for permanent residence can import personal property without customs duties if they meet all of the following conditions: they hold RA citizenship, or special or permanent residency in Armenia; they were absent from Armenia for at least 1,280 days (approximately 3.5 years) out of the 2,550-day period (7 years) before the issuance of these documents; and they have not previously used this privilege. The duty-free exemption covers: used personal items without factory packaging and labelling; household and personal appliances (3 of each type, e.g., refrigerator, TV, washing machine); one full set of each type of furniture; and other personal and household items without quantity restrictions. Items related to work/business activities are not exempt.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Weapons of all kinds — Prohibited without permit
• Pornographic material — Prohibited
• Narcotics — Strictly prohibited
• Toxic materials — Prohibited
• Radioactive materials — Prohibited
• Food or fabrics made in Turkey — Prohibited
• Endangered species of plants, live animals, and their products CITES — Prohibited or restricted
• Counterfeit money and goods — Prohibited
• Meat and meat products — Prohibited without proper documentation
• Obscene materials — Prohibited

• 200 cigarettes
• 2 litres of alcohol
• 6 items of perfumery products (maximum 5 litres)
• Personal goods valued up to USD 10,000 and 50 kg in weight (for both residents and non-residents)

Note: VisaHQ and some sources cite lower allowances (400 cigarettes, USD 500 in goods). The IATA figures are used here as the more authoritative source.

• Precious jewellery, stones, and currency — May be imported only as accompanied baggage; must be declared to customs on arrival
• Wine and spirits — 2 litres per person total
• Cash exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) — Must be declared; amounts over USD 10,000 must be transferred via bank (exempt for passengers to/from EAEU countries)
• Wild plant and vegetation PERMIT REQUIRED — Special permission from the Ministry of Environment required
• Pets and wild animals PERMIT REQUIRED — Permission from the Food Safety Inspectorate; veterinary health certificate required
• Pieces of art for export PERMIT REQUIRED — Must be accompanied by a document from the Agency of Cultural Heritage Preservation
• Firearms and ammunition PERMIT REQUIRED — Permit or licence required via http://www.police.am; must be transported as checked luggage and declared before departure
• Fruits and vegetables — Prohibited without proper documentation

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Inventory requirements: A detailed inventory, valued, in English or Russian. Pro-forma invoice and packing list required for all shipments.

Power of attorney: Notarised powers of attorney are required — one for transport from port (sea shipments) and one for local clearance. Drafts are provided by the local agent.

Owner presence: The owner should be available for customs clearance, particularly returning citizens who must personally apply to the State Revenue Committee for the duty-free exemption.

Routing / transit: Armenia is landlocked, bordered by Turkey (closed border), Georgia, Azerbaijan (largely closed), and Iran. Most international freight arrives via Georgia (the Poti/Batumi ports on Georgia's Black Sea coast, then overland to Armenia) or by air via Zvartnots International Airport (Yerevan). The closed borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan create significant routing constraints. The Iran border at Meghri is open but less commonly used for household goods.

Customs clearance location: Western Customs Office at Zvartnots Airport. Non-diplomatic vehicles are forwarded to Gyumri for clearance (additional time and cost).

EAEU transit: Goods from EAEU member states (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) do not require customs duties. However, Armenia does not share a land border with any EAEU member, so all goods must transit through Georgia (a non-EAEU country), which adds logistical complexity.

Storage: 180 days free at the transportation company's warehouse. Additional fees thereafter.

Currency: The Armenian dram (AMD) is the official currency. Cash over USD 10,000 equivalent must be declared.

Regulatory Updates

• 2024: Duty rate confirmed at approximately 4 EUR/kg for non-exempt foreign shipments.
• April 2024: De minimis threshold for duty-free imports adjusted to 200 EUR and 31 kg per item.
• 2022: New de minimis rules for personal imports via carriers: items under 200 EUR and 31 kg are duty-free; excess is taxed at 15%.
• 2015: Armenia joined the EAEU, harmonising tariffs with EAEU members and adopting the common external tariff based on Russia's WTO commitments. Average applied tariff rose from near-zero/10% to over 10%.
• 2026: HACCP enforcement tightened by the Food Safety Inspectorate.