Customs explains halt to Armenian brandy exports

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian State Revenue Committee (SRC) has addressed media reports claiming that Armenian customs authorities have banned the export of Armenian brandy, preventing trucks loaded with the beverage from crossing the Armenia–Georgia border.

SRC spokesperson Lusine Mkrtchyan clarified that due to recent congestion at Georgian checkpoints, Armenia’s customs service has deemed it inappropriate for Armenian cargo trucks to cross the border at this time.

“The temporary measure, taken in favor of economic operators, will remain in effect until the Georgian side resolves its throughput issues. The SRC operates solely in the interests of freight carriers intending to cross the border, and once the congestion on the Georgian side is resolved, the proper passage of Armenian trucks will be arranged,” the spokesperson stated.

Earlier, it was reported that Yerevan has not received any clear explanation from Tbilisi regarding the transit issues. The Georgian Minister of Agriculture recently canceled a visit to Yerevan, during which the problem of exporting Armenian beverages through Georgia was expected to be discussed.

Armenian brandy producers have repeatedly staged protests near the Georgian embassy and government buildings, demanding a resolution to the issue of exporting goods to Russia via Georgian territory. They argue that Georgian authorities have been taking product samples without justification and delaying shipments for days.