Armenia: Importing a US car

Armenia: How to import a US car

1. 1

   Check the VIN first. Salvage, flood and odometer rollback are common on US auction cars — decode the VIN and read the history before you buy.

2. 2

   Clear customs and pay the import charge. On arrival the car is cleared through the State Revenue Committee (EAEU customs), which levies a single combined customs payment set by EAEU rules. It already includes Armenia's taxes, so there is no separate VAT on top (see the note below).

3. 3

   Pass inspection and approval. There is no EU-style type-approval in Armenia, but US left-hand-drive cars are accepted — the car must pass EAEU vehicle-safety certification (TR CU 018/2011) and a technical inspection.

4. 4

   Register it. Register the car with the Road Police of the MIA (Ճանապարհային ոստիկանություն) to get local plates and documents.

Duty, VAT and taxes

As an EAEU member, Armenia charges a car brought in by a private person a single combined customs payment — and it already includes the taxes, so do not budget VAT on top of it. The amount depends on the car's age and engine size, not on what you paid for it. Electric cars are charged on a different basis, and VAT can apply to them separately. Check the current figures with the national authority linked below before you budget.

There is no one-time registration or CO2 tax on imported cars in Armenia — but check the authority linked below for any recurring annual vehicle tax.

Documents you will need

• The US Certificate of Title (the original vehicle title)
• The bill of sale or purchase invoice
• Customs clearance proof (that the combined customs payment was made)
• The individual-approval certificate from the inspection
• Motor insurance for the car
• Your ID and proof of residence

Official sources

• Road Police (roadpolice.am) — vehicle registration
• State Revenue Committee (src.am) — customs for individuals
• Eurasian Economic Commission (EAEU) — vehicle safety (TR CU 018/2011)

Sources last checked: 2026-08-26

This is a general guide, not legal or customs advice. Rules, taxes and rates change — always confirm the current requirements with the official authorities linked above before you buy or ship.

Armenia: Importing a US car — FAQ

Armenia: Can I import a salvage or rebuilt US car?

Usually yes — Armenia does not ban salvage-title cars outright, but an imported car must pass the local inspection or approval, and a poorly repaired salvage car often fails it. Check the VIN for a salvage, rebuilt or flood brand before you buy: the US title brand follows the car even when the paperwork looks clean.

Armenia: How much does it cost to import a car from the USA?

On top of the purchase price and shipping, budget for Armenia's single combined customs payment — set by EAEU rules, and already including the taxes, so no separate VAT is added — plus any registration or recycling fee, which can be the larger number. Electric cars are charged on a different basis. The exact amount depends on the car's age and engine size, so confirm it with the official customs authority linked below before you commit — a wrong guess can cost thousands.

Armenia: What documents do I need to import a US car?

At a minimum: the US Certificate of Title, the bill of sale, the shipping and customs-clearance papers, and proof of identity. The registration authority in Armenia may ask for more, so check the official links below for the current requirements.

Should I check the VIN before importing a US car?

Yes, always — and do it before you pay. Salvage, flood damage and odometer rollback are common on US auction cars and are invisible in the listing photos. Decoding the VIN and reading the history is free and takes seconds.