Instructions for Shipping Motion Picture Film via the Customs Company LASARERegarding film shipment, the foreign production may take the film back as carry-on baggage and pass it through the scanner at their own responsibility (the airport uses a scanner that is declared suitable for motion picture film), or alternatively, we offer shipment without X-ray scanning through the above-mentioned company.
The entire process takes from 3 to 7 days, depending on the frequency and availability of the required flight.
LASARE operates 24/7.
To ship motion picture film, the Admin sends an email to sales@lasare.ge with the following details:
- film weight (on average, one can ≈ 500 g);
- total shipment weight;
- box dimensions (measured at the time of purchase).
- Recommendation: ship the film in Pelican protective cases (tool box, purchased by us, photo below).
- The cost of one box is 30 GEL.
After receiving a response from the LASARE operator, the Admin:
- selects the shipment date and receives confirmation from the operator (the date is coordinated by the Admin with our producer if necessary);
- requests the operator to book space on the aircraft and receives confirmation;
- receives the Air Waybill (AWB) number from the operator;
- prepares and sends a letter from our side on company letterhead describing the shipment; if sent by a private individual, it is prepared in the same way but in a standard format, without letterhead and stamp (company example and text for use below).
In the letter, the Admin must:
- provide a detailed description of the shipment contents;
- state the reason why the film cannot be X-ray scanned;
- include the Air Waybill (AWB) number.
One day before shipment, the Admin comes to LASARE (preferably in the morning) and must have with them:
- the already packed shipment with a DO NOT X-RAY sticker (photo below);
- a tent for manual film inspection.
📍 The tent can be obtained at the film studio from Marlen:
📞 +995 599 34 64 60
💰 Rental: 50 GEL / 1 day
- The Admin also checks with LASARE in advance whether their staff member has experience inspecting film, and if necessary, on our side we arrange the presence of a technician who will carry out and supervise the inspection process (based on experience, they assign an inspector who already knows how to properly inspect film).
The clearance process is carried out step by step, with the Admin present at all stages:
1. Manual inspection of the film in a special room;
2. The Admin completes the form on site:
- sender’s details;
- recipient’s details (requested in advance from the foreign production).
3. After the form is completed by the Admin, the LASARE operator enters all data into the electronic system;
4. At the brokerage company (in the same building, 2nd floor), the Admin issues an invoice based on the Air Waybill.
The invoice must include (the Admin thoroughly double-checks it):
1. Invoice number;
2. Shipment weight (on average, one can ≈ 500 g);
3. Transportation cost (to be clarified at the customs cashier);
4. Shipment value (approximately 1 film ≈ USD 40);
5. Total film length (indicated on the film cans);
6. HS code (indicated in the Air Waybill);
7. Air Waybill (AWB) number;
8. A note stating that the shipment is not intended for commercial purposes.
The cost of invoice processing is 60 GEL.
After receiving the invoice, the Admin goes to the Tax Service (neighboring building):
- submits the Air Waybill (AWB) and invoice;
- informs the reception desk that we want to clear and ship the consignment;
- hands the documents to the officer.
The procedure takes 20–25 minutes.
After the Tax Service, the Admin returns to LASARE customs:
- presents all documents at the cashier;
- pays for transportation.
The cost of transportation and cargo and documentation handling services depends on the weight, size, and volume of the shipment.
For example, shipping 8 rolls of motion picture film in a black case, with a total weight of 5.800 kg and package dimensions of
24 × 36 × 19 cm, cost 670 GEL.
❗ IMPORTANT - All documents are issued in two copies, and one copy of each must be included inside the shipment (the Admin ensures they are included or places them inside personally):
- Air Waybill (AWB);
- invoice;
- customs letter from the sender (prepared by the Admin on company letterhead, photo below).
Parcel PickupAfter the entire process is completed, we provide the foreign production with the flight number and the tracking number.
On their side, a representative must meet the shipment at the airport and collect it using the tracking number.