Russia

Russia Customs Contacts

Website: http://eng.customs.ru/index.php

Address: 121087, Moscow, Novozavodskaya ul., 11/5

Telephone: +7 (499) 449-7675

Russia is a country situated in northern Eurasia. It is the largest country in the world, covering more than one-eighth of the Earth's inhabited land area. Russia is bordered by Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and North Korea. It shares maritime borders with Japan and the US state of Alaska. Russia is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Council of the Baltic Sea States, International Monetary Fund, World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization and other international organizations.

Tariffs

Duties are usually according to value ad valorem, and assessed on the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value at the point of crossing the Russian border. Many types of goods are subject to minimum values on a per kilogram basis, as prescribed by Russian customs. Deemed values are an effort by the authorities to crack down avoidance through ‘dual invoicing’ practices.

On 1 January 2010, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan entered into a Customs Union, as a result border customs controls between the three countries have been removed. The three countries adopted unified tariff and non-tariff regulations of importing goods from third countries and free movement of goods of the Customs Union within its territory. A common system of government standards (certification) has been implemented as well.

Import duties apply to most goods. In addition to general customs requirements, import licences and product specific approvals are necessary for a wide range of items, including food and beverage products, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment and more. Pre-shipment technical inspection (at the exporter’s expense) may sometimes be required.

Labelling and marking

All products sold in Russia must include relevant information about the product and bulk shipments contain basic information that is written in the Russian language.

Goods should be securely packed and it is important to take into account the specifics of the Russian market, including its often extreme climatic conditions and rough handling on roads, railways and ports.

Outer containers should bear the contact number, consignee's and port mark and be numbered according with packing list.

Accurate documentation is vital in Russia. Failure to comply with the documentation specified by your importer/customer can lead to lengthy delays and additional expense.

Special certificates

A wide range of goods require a certificate of conformity to allow customs clearance. Some of these requirements are mandatory while some are voluntary. The certificate must refer to Russian safety standards and may be obtained prior to export.

The list of products requiring certification includes the following:

agricultural and foods products
children’s clothing
footwear
prams
toys
electrical and telecommunications equipment
transportation equipment and tools
pharmaceuticals and healthcare products

To receive a certificate of conformity for food products and additives, a hygiene certificate is necessary.

All goods of animal origin require the appropriate veterinary certificate indicating that they are free from disease.

All plants, parts and products (other than dried vegetables) require phytosanitary certificates issued by the competent authority in the country of origin.

All medicines and pharmaceutical goods should be registered or certified by the Russian Ministry of Public Health. Special labelling and packaging requirements may apply.

Methods of quoting and payment

US dollars are preferred.

Documentary requirements:

Commercial invoice

There is no prescribed form of commercial invoice. Usually a minimum of 7 copies must be supplied (the number is normally stipulated in the contract). Details must be provided in accordance with the payment conditions of the contract. The invoice must show:

country of origin
details of packing materials
marks and numbers of packages
weights (net, gross and tare)
quantity and description of goods
unit prices and total shipment value
selling price to purchaser
place of final dispatch from country of export

Bill of lading/airway bill

A minimum of 3 copies must be provided.

Packing list

Six copies are required, providing a summary of the total shipment.

Certificate of origin

Sources:

http://arivist.com/arivist/benefits/122/infolist/2141/

http://russianamericanbusiness.org/web_CURRENT/articles/187/1/Customs-clearance-process-for-Russia

http://schneider-group.com/en/services/import/imports_to_russia

Russia

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