Nino Tandilashvili: “The new regulation will rejuvenate the vehicle fleet, bring in higher-quality motor vehicles with lower emissions, and reduce air pollution.”

Today, at the Government session, a resolution was adopted stipulating that, from April 1, 2026, the import, primary, and temporary registration of M1 category vehicles older than six years will be prohibited in Georgia.


Motor vehicles represent a significant source of atmospheric pollution, specifically in terms of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. In Georgia, the persistently high levels of transport-related air pollution are largely the result of an aging vehicle fleet and the associated technical shortcomings of a substantial share of vehicles.


According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), 1.814 million motor vehicles were registered in the country in 2024, of which the overwhelming majority (85.7%) are passenger cars. Notably, 80.6% of registered vehicles are over 10 years old.

 
The new regulation introduces a ban on the import, primary registration, and temporary registration of M1 category vehicles older than six years. The measures will be implemented in conjunction with the applicable emission standards (Euro 5/V) established under the relevant governmental decree.


The restriction is intended to ensure the renewal and improvement of the national vehicle fleet, particularly passenger cars, thereby contributing to improved air quality and representing another significant step toward safeguarding public health.
 

“Although the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture has implemented a number of significant measures in recent years to improve air quality, it is essential that we take additional steps to further enhance air quality and environmental conditions, which ultimately is crucial for the health of each of us, our children, and future generations.


The objective is to gradually rejuvenate the vehicle fleet by introducing higher-quality motor vehicles with lower emissions, thereby reducing air pollution,” stated Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.

 
The regulation takes effect on April 1, 2026. Exceptions will apply to M1 category vehicles whose transportation commenced prior to April 1 or which have already entered the customs territory of Georgia. The primary registration of such vehicles will be carried out in accordance with the regulations in force prior to April 1.