FAQ: What are the requirements for importing goods into Russia?

Registration and legal requirements

• Importer registration. All companies or IPs must be registered with the Federal Customs Service (FCS) and hold the status of a participant in foreign economic activity (FEA). Registration can be completed through electronic customs systems, typically via a personal account on the FCS website. A qualified electronic signature is required.
• Import licence. This must be acquired for goods that fall under certain restrictions (e.g. pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food products, and radio electronics). A licence can be obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Trade or other relevant authorities. You will be asked to provide documents confirming product safety, as well as contracts, specifications, and, in some cases, expert assessment.

Documentation and certification

Imported products must comply with the technical regulations of the Customs Union or relevant national standards. Depending on product category, a certificate of conformity, a declaration of conformity, or state registration (for cosmetics, dietary supplements, and children's products) may be required. Products of animal or plant origin require veterinary or phytosanitary certificates.

In addition to certification, the basic import documentation package includes an international trade contract detailing delivery terms, an invoice (commercial invoice) specifying the value and quantity of goods alongside the details of the parties involved, waybills, and packing lists showing cargo parameters (weight, volume, etc.).

Customs duties and taxes

All imported goods are subject to customs duties. The main types include:

• import duties (calculated based on the FEACN code, country of origin, and type of goods)
• VAT (a standard rate of 20% or a reduced rate of 10%)
• excise duties (applicable to products such as alcohol, tobacco, and fuel)
• customs fee (a fixed amount charged for customs declaration processing)

Duty rates can be identified using the EAEU FEACN classifier.

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