On December 18, 2019, with the support of the European Union, a new infrastructure was opened at the Sadakhlo Customs Checkpoint, equipped with unique equipment of European standards and designed for veterinary, sanitary and phytosanitary control.

The Minister of Finance of Georgia, Ivane Matchavariani, the Head of the Revenue Service of Georgia, Levan Kakava, and the Head of the EU Delegation for Cooperation in Georgia, Vincent Ray, opened the meeting and had a speech to the society.

The Implementation of appropriate procedures for sanitary, phytosanitary and veterinary control in line with EU standards is an essential part of integration with the EU. That's why, in recent years, the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance has made significant strides in the construction / reconstruction and equipping of border inspection posts.

Such a border inspection center is the first on the border between Georgia and the Republic of Armenia - the Sadakhlo Customs Checkpoint, which is the busiest customs point for the movement of cargo and individuals between the two countries.

It is noteworthy that the construction and equipping of “Sadakhlo” border inspection post was foreseen in the 2018 and 2019 National Action Plan of the “Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement”.

The first phase of construction was completed in 2018, and the internal workings and equipping of this building was finished this year. Importantly, according to EU regulations, a construction project developed by EU experts was used.

It is noteworthy that, with EU financial support, there are currently four more borders inspection posts operating on the Georgian borders - two at the Turkish border, one at the Poti port, and one at the Republic of Azerbaijan.

With the help of our partners, training for veterinarians and phytosanities, controlling the border, was conducted, local trainers were trained, control manuals were developed and approved, and various procedures were introduced.

A new infrastructure project designed to meet European standards will support international trade, improve control procedures and provide green goods and other things to the population.

After the opening of the new infrastructure, the planting action was organized. The event participants and customs officers planted 33 pine trees in the surrounding area of the custom checkpoint.

The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, including Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Georgia, Ruben Sadoyan, high-ranking guests from the EU Delegation in Georgia, members of the executive, legislative and local authorities, officials of the Ministry of Finance, Revenue Service and customs officers.