AZE.US
Azerbaijan is moving toward tougher rules for imported goods and vehicles that remain undeclared for an extended period after entering the country.
The proposed change was discussed by the Milli Majlis Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship and has been recommended for consideration at a plenary session.
Under the proposal, goods and vehicles imported into Azerbaijan but not declared within six months could be transferred to state ownership. The state would then be able to manage and sell those items, with proceeds from the sale going to the state budget.
The measure has already drawn public debate because it touches a growing part of everyday economic life. Many Azerbaijanis now order goods from abroad through online platforms, while vehicle imports also remain common. For both consumers and entrepreneurs, the proposed six-month deadline could become a serious compliance issue.
Supporters of the change say the problem is not regular imports, but goods and cars left in legal limbo for months. MP Vugar Bayramov said some imported items remain undeclared for long periods, stay in warehouses, deteriorate over time and do not generate customs or tax payments for the budget.
Critics see the measure as too harsh. They argue that if a person has selected and paid for a product abroad, the state should not be able to claim it simply because the declaration process was delayed. The concern is especially strong among ordinary buyers who may not fully understand customs deadlines or paperwork.
If adopted, the rule would put more pressure on importers to complete declarations on time. Businesses bringing in goods from abroad, as well as individuals importing vehicles or large shipments, would need to monitor the six-month period more carefully.
The core message of the proposal is clear: imported goods and cars cannot remain indefinitely on warehouse shelves without customs clearance. But the possible consequence – losing the item altogether – is what makes the change politically and socially sensitive.
AZE.US