Russia

Specific Information

Russia applies customs duties to virtually all non-diplomatic household goods shipments. There is no general duty-free transfer-of-residence exemption for foreign nationals comparable to those found in EU countries. The standard rate for non-diplomatic personal effects is EUR 4 per kilogram or 30% of the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value, whichever is higher.

All inbound non-diplomatic shipments are subject to customs declaration for each Harmonized System (HS) code. The cost of the customs declaration is determined during clearance. Payment is made in Russian rubles (RUB) directly to the Federal Customs Service; the exchange rate applied is the Russian Central Bank rate on the day of import clearance. Budget additional funds to account for exchange rate movement between booking and clearance -- payment processing through the FTS typically takes 3 to 4 working days.

The detailed inventory must include photographs and declared values for all works of art, antiques, or objects of cultural significance. For each artwork, the inventory must specify value, dimensions, author, year or period, and materials.

For returning Russian citizens who carried a Customs declaration form on departure, the form must be presented upon re-entry with Customs stamp and signature in order to qualify for duty-free treatment of unaccompanied baggage.

The power of attorney must be executed before a Russian notary. For diplomatic shipments, it may instead be issued on embassy letterhead.

Shipments arriving before the owner should be coordinated carefully. Pre-arrival importation is technically possible but involves additional guarantees and procedural complexity -- contact the destination agent for current requirements.

ISPM 15 compliance is required for all solid wood packing materials.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Original technical passport (vehicle registration document)
• Telex release bill of lading or copy of AWB
• Original customs declaration
• Pro-forma invoice
• Purchase document (proof of ownership)
• Employment confirmation letter (for non-citizens)

Specific Information

A customs-cleared vehicle must have its customs declaration completed before it can be registered with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). This declaration is a mandatory prerequisite for registration.

Temporary import of a personal vehicle is available only to foreign citizens and is limited to the duration of the owner's visa -- with a maximum of 12 months. Temporary import vehicles may not be transferred to Russian citizens or left in Russia beyond the visa period.

Permanent import of a vehicle is subject to significant customs duties and excise taxes, which vary depending on engine displacement, vehicle age, and customs value. The calculation is complex; members should confirm current duty rates with the destination agent at the time of booking, as these rates are periodically revised.

Foreign vehicles must meet Russian technical standards. Older vehicles from markets where emissions and safety standards differ from Russian norms may require technical inspection or modification before registration.

Pets

• Veterinary health certificate (issued no more than 10 days before the pet's arrival in Russia)
• Certificate of vaccination (including valid rabies vaccination)
• Pet passport (where applicable)
• Import permit from the Veterinary Department of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture (required for all animals other than domestic cats and dogs)

Dogs and cats do not require a separate import permit, but all other animals -- including birds, reptiles, and exotic pets -- require advance authorization from the Russian Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture (Rosselkhoznadzor). This permit must be arranged before shipment.

The veterinary health certificate must be issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of the animal's arrival date. It must be endorsed by the official national veterinary authority of the originating country.

Rabies vaccination must be current. Russia requires at least a 30-day post-vaccination waiting period before entry -- pets vaccinated less than 30 days before travel may be refused entry or placed in quarantine. Owners should verify current waiting period requirements with the destination agent, as these are subject to change.

Microchipping is strongly recommended and may be required depending on the country of origin. The microchip should comply with ISO standard 11784/11785.

For imports from countries with active disease outbreaks, Rosselkhoznadzor may impose additional testing or quarantine requirements. Confirm current import conditions with the destination agent before travel.