Importing Personal Effects into Azerbaijan: Documents & Customs Rules

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

Household Goods & Personal Effects – Diplomats

• Waybill.
• Packing list in English.
• Electronic profile with brand name, model and serial number of each electrical appliances.
• Exact number of pieces and photocopies of each photograph for all cultural items (carpets, paintings, statues, souvenirs etc.
• Exact gross weight in KG, as per final Waybill (AWB/CMR/BOL).
• Pro-forma invoice.
• Copy of the passport.
• Copy of valid visa.
• Copy of diplomatic card.
• Letter for customs on Embassy's letterhead.
• Diplomatic Note.
• MFA Permit Letter with date and reference number for the Diplomatic Note

• All diplomatic shipments are exempted of import duties and taxes provided confirmation of the diplomatic status, confirmed by the corresponding diplomatic missions (by providing copies of diplomatic cards and supporting letters).
• The allowance limit for the import of alcohol: 3 litres (check with your local agent before shipping if the volume is more than 3 litres).

• Goods must be USED.
• New bought items and items in new original packages are not allowed to ship.
• Contents of the shipments falling under the category of household goods and personal effects as per the regulations must exactly correspond to the category of used personal effects and household goods both in contents and as per the documents of the shipment. The documents include packing list, pro-forma Invoice and all related transportation documents, which must be issued in English language and properly readable.
• Shipments are processed through Azerbaijan customs by filling import customs declarations as per the Azerbaijan customs regulation and processes.
• Customs declarations are framed based on the contents of the shipment documented as per packing list, pro-forma invoice and corresponding transportation documents AWB, CMR, BOL. It is important to mention here that the contents of the shipment must correspond to the accompanying documents and tally in numbers, value and contents
• hence details of the shipments must match in packing list, pro-forma invoice and transportation documents.
• Customs declaration is framed as per contents and their corresponding tariff codes (HS codes) for Individual Items or grouped Items as per the customs regulations and processes.
• The shipments exempted of import duties & taxes are subject to Customs procedure fees, which are officially payable towards the customs authorities at the time of filing of import customs declarations.

Household Goods & Personal Effects – Returning Citizens of Azerbaijan

• Packing list in English.
• Electronic Profile with brand name, model and serial number of each electrical appliances.
• Exact number of pieces and photocopies of each photograph for all cultural items (carpets, paintings, statues, souvenirs etc…)
• Exact gross weight in KG, as per Final Waybill (AWB/CMR/BOL).
• Pro-forma invoice.
• Copy of the passport.
• Notarized Power of Attorney.

• Returning Azerbaijan citizens are not allowed to import their household goods on temporary import basis and therefore are liable for payment of full customs duties at 36% of CIF value (but are exempted of duties and taxes with valid exemption certificates issued by authorities).

• Same as above.

Household Goods & Personal Effects – Foreigner

• Waybill.
• Packing list in English.
• Electronic profile with brand name, model and serial number of each electrical appliances.
• Two copies of each photograph for all cultural items (photographs should not be combined).
• Electrical appliances should be marked on packing lists with serial numbers.
• Pro-forma invoice for customs purposes.
• Copy of the Passport.
• Copy of valid Visa/TRP/ Work Permit.
• Valued inventory in English.
• Power of attorney or Letter for customs purposes with confirmation of employment from employer in Azerbaijan.

• Expats working with foreign or local entities registered in Azerbaijan are liable to pay for import duties/taxes for import of household goods and personal effects @ 36 % of CIF value, but are exempted of duties and taxes with valid exemption certificates issued by authorities, copies of the same must be provided. Without documental proof of Tax
• exemption, shipments are subject to duties & taxes.

• Mark the waybills very clearly “Used Household goods and personal effects”.
• Packing list should be in English.
• Valued inventory list for consumable items should contain very clear description of each individual item, e.g., cotton sanitary napkins, men cotton shirt, tooth paste …
• Such descriptions are very important
• because it helps the local customs authorities to determine the import duty that differs from item to item.
• Home electrical and electronic appliances should be very clearly mentioned along with their serial numbers.

Prohibited Items

• Weapons of all kinds (including knives, daggers even if souvenirs).
• Illegal drugs, narcotics.
• Guns, explosives and ammunition.
• Radioactive & toxic materials.
• Plant and plant products.
• Relict vegetation listed under the Red Book of the Azerbaijan Republic; deer and gazelle horns.
• Materials advertising low morale, violence and terrorism.
• Pornographic material.

• Precious jewellery, stones and currency can be imported only as accompanied baggage and must be declared with the customs authorities at the airport at the time of arrival.
• The declaration should be kept in the safe custody because the same will be required for presentation to the customs authorities at the time of departure.

Alcohol & Consumable Goods

• Allowance limit for the import of wine/spirits/cigarettes for personal consumption:
• 1.5 litres per head.
• 1 block of cigarettes (200 cigarettes).
• Import of all consumables goods (like cosmetics, foodstuff, beverages):
• Subject to the payment of customs duties and customs VAT.
• All import duties are charged based on CIF value of the shipment. .

Import of artefacts (Such as carpets, rugs, paintings, musical instruments, metal pots)

• Packing list.
• Pro-forma invoice (customs purposes only).
• 2 photos of each and every item should arrive along with the shipment.
• Exact number of pieces of each type of cultural items.
• Photos, dimensions and country of origin of the carpets.

• These procedures and documentation requirement apply to diplomatic and nondiplomatic shipments!

• For Import and customs clearance of artefacts, shipper/consignor should provide with these documents in advance prior to the shipment’s arrival in Azerbaijan.
• If there is a discrepancy in the number of items mentioned on the documents and the actual number in the arrived shipment the customs will endorse only the pictures for the items listed in the documents.
• As a result, the customer whom these items belong to might face problems during reexportation of these items from Azerbaijan.
• All items have to be listed in the packing list and the pro-format invoice with exact
• quantity of each.
• The photos are required for official import of these items into Azerbaijan. Once the photos are endorsed with customs, they will be passed to the consignee who has to maintain them until the time of re-export since they will be requested by customs authorities.

Exporting Personal Effects from Azerbaijan: Documents & Customs Rules

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

Household Goods & Personal Effects - Diplomats

• Waybill.
• Packing list in English.
• Electronic Profile with brand name, model and serial number of each electrical appliances.
• Exact number of pieces and 2 photocopies of each photograph for all cultural items.
• Exact gross weight in KG, as per Final Waybill (AWB/CMR/BOL).
• Pro-forma invoice.
• Copy of the passport.
• Copy of valid visa.
• Copy of diplomatic card.
• Letter for customs on Embassy's letterhead allowing their agent to export the shipment on their behalf.
• Diplomatic Note.
• MFA Permit Letter with date and reference number for the Diplomatic Note.
• Customs Declarations issued by the Customs at the time of Import.
• Export Permissions for Artefacts (Carpets, Paintings, Large/Old Souvenirs, Musical Instruments brought in Azerbaijan) from the Museum Authorities – value, dimensions and country of origin should be mentioned on given export permissions.

• The allowance limit for the export of alcohol: 3 litres (please check & inform the agent earlier in case the volume is more than 3 litres).
• Food Items for personal use in small quantities can be exported.

• Mark the waybills very clearly “Used Household goods and personal effects”.
• Packing list should be in English.
• Shipments are processed through Azerbaijan customs by filing Export customs declarations as per the Azerbaijan customs regulation and processes.
• Customs declarations are framed based on the contents of the shipment documented as per packing list, pro-forma invoice and corresponding transportation documents AWB, CMR, BOL.
• It is important to mention here that the contents of the shipment must correspond to the accompanying documents and tally in numbers, value and contents hence details of the shipments must match in packing list, pro-forma invoice and transportation documents.
• Customs declaration is framed as per contents and their corresponding tariff codes (HS codes) for Individual Items or grouped Items as per the customs regulations and processes.
• For processing of shipments through Export customs formalities, Customs procedure fee is applicable for the shipments of household goods and personal effects, officially payable towards the customs authorities at
• the time of filing of export customs declarations.

Household Goods & Personal Effects – Citizens/ Individual shippers

• Waybill.
• Packing list in English.
• Electronic Profile with brand name, model and serial number of each electrical appliances.
• Exact number of pieces and 2 photocopies of each photograph for all cultural items.
• Exact gross weight in KG, as per Final Waybill (AWB/CMR/BOL).
• Pro-forma invoice.
• Copy of the passport.
• Valid visa.
• Power of attorney (notarized personally) allowing the agent to export the shipment on the citizens behalf.
• Export Permissions for Artefacts (Carpets, Paintings, Large/Old Souvenirs, Musical Instruments brought in Azerbaijan) from the Museum Authorities – value, dimensions and country of origin should be mentioned on given export permissions.

• Individual shippers /Transferees not associated with any registered entity in Azerbaijan must provide TRP / valid VISA and a notarized letter addressed to customs authorities allowing their agent to export the shipment. Further, there is a requirement of the evaluation of the shipment carried by Azerbaijan Chamber of commerce.

• Same as above.

Household Goods & Personal Effects – Foreigner

• Waybill.
• Packing list in English.
• Electronic Profile with brand name, model and serial number of each electrical appliances.
• Exact number of pieces and 2 photocopies of each photograph for all cultural items.
• Exact gross weight in KG, as per Final Waybill (AWB/CMR/BOL).
• Pro-forma invoice for customs purposes.
• Copy of the passport.
• TRP/ Work permit issued by state Migration services.
• Letter for customs purposes signed & stamped on the company’s letterhead from employer in Azerbaijan.
• Customs Declarations issued by the Customs at the time of Import.
• Export Permissions for Artefacts (Carpets, Paintings, Large/Old Souvenirs, Musical Instruments brought in Azerbaijan) from the Museum Authorities – value, dimensions and country of origin should be mentioned on given export permissions.

• Same as above.

Prohibited Items

• Weapons of all kinds (including knives, daggers even if souvenirs).
• Illegal drugs, narcotics.
• Food items
• Guns, explosives and ammunition.
• Radioactive & toxic materials.
• Plant and plant products.
• Relict vegetation listed under the Red Book of the Azerbaijan Republic; Deer and Gazelle horns.
• Materials advertising low morale, violence and terrorism.
• Pornographic material.

• Precious jewellery, stones and currency can be exported only as accompanied baggage and must be declared with the customs authorities at the airport at the time of departure.

Alcohol & Consumable Goods

• The allowance limit for the export of alcohol: 1.5 litres (please check & inform the agent earlier in case the volume is more than 1.5 litres).
• Food Items for personal use in small quantities can be exported.

Export of artefacts (such as carpets, rugs, paintings, musical instruments, metal pots)

• Packing list.
• Pro-forma invoice (customs purposes only).
• Export Permissions for Artefacts (carpets, paintings, large/old souvenirs, musical instruments brought in Azerbaijan) from the Museum Authorities.
• Exact number of pieces of each type of cultural items.
• Photos, dimensions and country of origin of the carpets

• Export of locally purchased Art Items like carpets, pictures, paintings, musical instruments can be exported only after obtaining export permission certificates from the Azerbaijan Carpet and Art Museums under the ministry of culture. If such permissions are not given by the authorities then these items must stay in Azerbaijan and cannot be exported.

• These procedures and documentation requirement apply to diplomatic and nondiplomatic shipments!
• Note: It is not possible to Export Art Items without export permissions certificates for the cultural Items such as carpets, paintings, books, icons, old furniture, musical instruments or any other items which are older than 1960. If these types of items were imported by the shipper into Azerbaijan, the shipper should have documental evidence as provided by customs authorities of Azerbaijan during import.

Azerbaijan Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Azerbaijan Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

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

• Copy of passport with valid visa
• Bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Detailed valued inventory (separate valid inventory lists required for different categories of goods)
• Customs/shipping invoice describing main items (strictly required)
• Packing list
• Letter of employment from the registered company in Azerbaijan
• Power of attorney (if applicable)

Specific Information

Electrical appliances: Expatriates may import electrical appliances duty- and tax-free on a temporary basis. All electronic and electrical appliances must be clearly marked on the packing list with serial numbers. Only customs procedure fees of 0.3% plus 18% VAT on that amount apply.

Consumable goods: Import of all consumable goods (clothing, cosmetics, foodstuff, beverages, etc.) is subject to full customs duties and VAT. These items are not eligible for the temporary import exemption.

Azerbaijani citizens: Citizens are NOT permitted to import household goods on a temporary basis. They are liable for full taxes and duties of approximately 36% of CIF value, unless they hold a duty exemption certificate.

Customs declarations: A separate customs declaration must be issued for each group of goods. Cost: USD 150 per main page and USD 100 per additional page. The number of declarations depends on the variety of goods in the shipment. This can add significant cost.

Valued inventory critical: A valued inventory is strictly required. Documents showing the true value of goods should not be sent with the shipment, as this may trigger reassessment. The customs/shipping invoice must describe the main items and include the CIF value.

Consignee presence: The consignee must be present at the destination and must have a valid visa.

Employment requirement: The consignee must be employed by a registered company in Azerbaijan.

Tariff rates: Azerbaijan simplified its tariff regime in 2018 to three rates: 0%, 5%, or 15%. Raw materials and machinery are generally 0%. Finished products and agricultural goods are typically 15%. VAT is 18%.

Duties & Taxes

Temporary import for expatriates (duty-free): Expatriates with a valid 12-month multiple-entry visa may import used household goods and personal effects duty- and tax-free on a temporary basis. The temporary import is valid until the visa expires. Only customs levy charges of 0.18%–0.30% of the invoice value apply. The temporary import declaration must be extended or the goods re-exported before the visa expires. Extension or renewal of temporary import is only allowed once. Customs may reject the temporary importation application.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Service and civilian weapons whose circulation is prohibited by law — Prohibited
• Military items and equipment — Prohibited
• Explosives — Prohibited
• Radioactive substances — Prohibited
• Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors — Strictly prohibited, including tools for their production
• Materials propagating immorality, violence, or terrorism — Prohibited
• Materials related to production of narcotics, psychotropic, poisonous, or explosive substances — Prohibited
• Right-hand drive vehicles — Prohibited
• Vehicles with tinted glass — Prohibited
• Pigeons — Prohibited

• 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages
• 200 cigarettes
• 20 grams of gold jewellery
• 0.5 carat diamonds
• Up to 30 kg of various food products
• 2 goods of the same type per individual per month, with total customs value not exceeding USD 800

• Precious jewellery, stones, and currency — May only be imported as accompanied baggage; must be declared
• Artwork, antiques, and artefacts — Must be registered with Customs prior to importation; registration must be checked by the Customs Committee before import is allowed
• Wine and spirits — Subject to restrictions beyond the 1.5L allowance
• Cash exceeding USD 10,000 — Must be declared; amounts up to USD 50,000 require a written declaration; amounts exceeding USD 50,000 are subject to additional controls
• Sturgeon and caviar for export — Up to 5 kg of sturgeon and 125 grams of caviar per person

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: A detailed valued inventory is strictly required. Separate inventory lists should be prepared for different categories of goods.

Customs declarations: Issued per group of goods at USD 150/main page + USD 100/additional page. The number of declarations varies based on the shipment contents. This cost structure means movers should consolidate similar items where possible.

Routing / port of entry: Baku is the primary entry point for both sea freight (via the Port of Baku / Alat International Sea Trade Port on the Caspian Sea) and air freight (Heydar Aliyev International Airport). Azerbaijan is landlocked from the perspective of ocean shipping — sea freight from outside the Caspian region must arrive overland (typically through Georgia) or by air.

Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared.

Temporary import monitoring: Goods imported on a temporary basis are tracked by customs. Failure to re-export before visa/declaration expiry results in full duties being assessed retroactively.

Regulatory Updates

• 2018: Azerbaijan simplified tariffs to three rates (0%, 5%, 15%), replacing a more complex regime.
• 2016: Higher tariffs imposed on certain imported goods to promote domestic production through import substitution.
• Ongoing: The State Customs Committee (customs.gov.az) maintains updated information for individuals including duty-free allowances.