Requirements for Imports into Azerbijan

Doing business in Azerbijan will require a partner with a strong presence and understanding of what is required to import into Azerbijan. Azerbijan is a former Soviet Republic which gained independence with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Azerbijan has a population just under 8 million, their main export is oil, the majority of imports are machinery, equipment, oil products, foodstuffs, metals, and chemicals. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its considerable energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku is the capitol city of Azerbijan. Azerbijan has only recently begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced.

Shipments must have a pre-advice at least 3 days before shipping. Some goods are subject to different restrictions such as licensing, special permits, compliance certification, such as dangerous goods, chemicals, medical equiptment, pharmaceuticals, radio, computer, telecommunication, measuring equiptment). Your freight forwarder will need to communicate with their office inside Azerbijan prior to arranging your shipment. If proper procedures are not followed your shipment can be detained in customs, incur warehousing storage costs from delay of customs clearance, denied import of your goods, re-export of your goods or seizure by customs authorities.

Documentation requirements are also very strict and must comply with regulations or you will face the same issues as outlined above with failing to pre-advice prior to shipments.

Azerbijan does not allow shipments with Inco terms Delivered Duty Paid or Delivered Duty Unpaid.

When writing a contract with a customer in Azerbijan, I would recommend working closely with your freight forwarder to avoid customs issues which could result in financial losses. If you do not have a freight forwarder with an office in Azerbijan and would like some assistance, feel free to contact me.