Import Prior Notification
Import prior notification is a mandatory legal procedure in Georgia — submitting information to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (for the LEPL Market Surveillance Agency) before a product is placed on the market. Without this document you also cannot clear your cargo through customs — it is needed first and foremost for clearance. ganbajeba.ge fully handles this procedure — from 100 GEL, from 1 business day (depending on the HS code).
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What is import prior notification
Import prior notification is a mandatory procedure in which the importer submits information about a product regulated by technical regulations to the Market Surveillance Agency. Its purpose is consumer safety — to ensure that only products meeting the established safety and quality requirements reach the market. The procedure is based on Georgian legislation on product safety and free movement and on the country’s EU approximation (DCFTA) commitments.
Important — two stages: this document is needed first and foremost for customs clearance of the cargo — without it you cannot take the cargo out of customs. At the second stage, when the product is placed on the market, the Market Surveillance Agency may request the Declaration of Conformity and the import prior notification. In other words: first clearance, then market placement, and this document is required at both stages.
Which products need import prior notification
Prior notification applies to products regulated by technical regulations. The main categories with concrete examples are:
| Product category | Example |
|---|---|
| ⚙️ Machinery | e.g.: drill, saw, lawn mower, dough mixer, etc. |
| 🦺 Personal protective equipment (PPE) | e.g.: helmet/face shield, gloves, safety glasses, etc. |
| 🔥 Gas-fuel appliances | e.g.: deep fryer, gas stove, kitchen appliances, etc. |
| 🧱 Construction products | e.g.: plastic pipe, building materials, etc. |
| 🧸 Toys | e.g.: children’s toys, etc. |
The exact obligation depends on the product’s HS code and the specific technical regulation. If you are not sure whether your cargo needs import prior notification, send us the HS code or invoice — we will check it in advance, free of charge.
What documents are required
The set of documents depends on the product category, but typically you need:
- Declaration of Conformity — the manufacturer’s document confirming that the product meets the relevant technical regulation.
- Test Report — a laboratory test report confirming the product’s safety.
- Commercial invoice — the document stating the cargo’s value and description.
- Transport document — CMR / AWB / B/L.
These documents form the basis of product certification and conformity assessment. We check them in advance — a flaw (e.g. an incorrect Declaration of Conformity or an expired test report) often causes cargo delays, which we prevent with an advance review.
How we work — 4 steps
1. HS code check
We determine whether your product needs an import prior notification and which technical regulation applies.
2. Document preparation
We check the Declaration of Conformity, test report, invoice and transport document.
3. Submitting the notification
We submit the import prior notification to the Market Surveillance Agency.
4. Clearance and market placement
In parallel we complete customs clearance via eCustoms and the cargo is ready to be placed on the market.
What happens if you do not notify in advance
Without an import prior notification the cargo is held at customs, while placing a regulated product on the market without the notification and Declaration of Conformity is a violation that may result in a fine, withdrawal of the product from the market, or a cargo delay. That is why the procedure must be carried out in advance and correctly.
Turnaround and fees
| Turnaround | from 1 business day (depending on HS code) |
| ganbajeba service fee | from 100 GEL (depending on HS code) |
We set the exact turnaround and fee based on the HS code and product category. When documents are provided on time, the import prior notification is prepared quickly.
Why ganbajeba.ge
ganbajeba.ge is a licensed customs broker with 10+ years of experience in cargo clearance and customs procedures. Over these years we have served 600+ cargoes — from small importers to large companies. We know the requirements of technical regulations, conformity assessment and market surveillance, which protects our clients from errors and delays.
- Licensed customs broker, authorised declarant in eCustoms
- Knowledge of technical regulations and market surveillance requirements
- Prior notification + customs clearance in one place
- 100% remote service — without leaving your office
- Free consultation on HS codes, documents and obligations
ID 402342924 · verify on rs.ge · official regulator: Market Surveillance Agency (msa.gov.ge)
Frequently asked questions
What is import prior notification?
It is a mandatory procedure in which, before placing a product regulated by technical regulations on the market, information is submitted to the Market Surveillance Agency (Ministry of Economy).
Which products need prior notification?
Machinery (e.g.: drill, saw, mower), personal protective equipment (e.g.: helmet, gloves), gas appliances (e.g.: deep fryer), construction products (e.g.: plastic pipe) and toys. The exact obligation depends on the HS code.
What documents are required?
Declaration of Conformity, test report, commercial invoice and transport document.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
From 1 business day, from 100 GEL — depending on the HS code and product category.
Does prior notification replace the import declaration?
No. It is a separate procedure and does not replace the import declaration. ganbajeba.ge handles both — the prior notification to the Market Surveillance Agency and customs clearance via eCustoms.
Customs Broker | ASYCUDA License | Phytosanitary Control / Form 3
Contact us
📞 +995 598 154833
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✈️ Telegram
📧 info@ganbajeba.ge
📍 Giorgi Tsabadze St. 2, Tbilisi · ID 402342924
