Georgia is set to introduce a ban on the import of vehicles that have been in use for more than six years. The draft legislation has been submitted to parliament, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at a government meeting.
According to the премьер, the move comes amid a sharp surge in the number of registered vehicles. While 864,000 cars were recorded nationwide in 2012, that figure has now surpassed two million. Authorities warn that the rapid increase is placing heavy pressure on road infrastructure and worsening environmental conditions.
Officials say the proposed restrictions are aimed at improving air quality, protecting public health and easing traffic congestion. Certain exemptions are included in the bill, though details have yet to be disclosed.
Georgia has already tightened import regulations in recent years. Since January 1, 2024, the country has banned the import and registration of passenger cars manufactured before 2013 as part of its transition to the Euro-5 environmental standard. Vehicles intended solely for re-export or transit without registration remain exempt. From January 1, 2025, similar rules were extended to trucks and buses older than ten years.
Kazakhstan was previously reported to rank first in the number of vehicles imported from Georgia.
