Shipping and customs: what it really costs
The eBay price is only part of the cost. Getting the item to Georgia and clearing it through customs has its own tariff, and that is the part that usually surprises people.
Weight vs volumetric weight
Air freight is not priced on actual weight alone — it is priced on the space the box takes. Volumetric weight is length × width × height (cm) / 6000.
| Parcel | Actual | Volumetric | Billed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | 0.4 kg | 0.2 kg | 0.4 kg |
| Laptop | 2.5 kg | 3.1 kg | 3.1 kg |
| Pillow | 0.9 kg | 5.4 kg | 5.4 kg |
The customs threshold
For an individual, a parcel worth up to GEL 300 is not taxed, provided goods of the same kind arrive once per calendar day. Above that, 18% VAT applies.
- the threshold is on the goods, not on the shipping;
- splitting one order in two does not split the threshold;
- prohibited and restricted items are a separate rule.
