🇷🇺 Import Customs & Duties: Russia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$200
Packages under $200, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
22%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 10% for certain food products, children's goods, and medical items.
Clearance Time
5-21 days
typical processing
Note: VAT raised to 22% from Jan 2026. Duty-free threshold €200 per parcel (dropping to €100 in 2026, €50 in 2027). Above: 15% duty min €2/kg. EAEU rules
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-10% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 5-20% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-17.1% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-25% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 3-15% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-12% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $200 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Russian customs follows EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) Customs Code. Electronic declarations via the single customs portal. Personal imports under €200 and 31 kg are duty-free. Above threshold: 15% duty on excess value.
What to Actually Expect
Post-2022 sanctions complicate western shipments. Customs can take 2-4 weeks for postal items. Express couriers (DHL/FedEx) much faster but many have suspended direct services. Parallel import schemes allow some previously restricted goods. Pochta Rossii parcels face unpredictable delays.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Licensing required for alcohol, pharmaceuticals, weapons, encryption devices, and radioactive materials. EAEU technical regulations (TR TS) require certification or declaration of conformity for many consumer goods.
Certificate of Origin
CCI RF (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia) issues certificates. Preferential certificates under EAEU agreements, CIS FTAs. EAC (Eurasian Conformity) mark required for many product categories.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Russia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $45 | $120 | $165 |
| $1000 | $120 | $246 | $366 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Russia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Russia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Russia is $200. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Russia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Russia is 22%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 10% for certain food products, children's goods, and medical items.
How long does customs clearance take in Russia?
Typical customs clearance in Russia takes 5-21 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Russia?
To import into Russia, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Russia?
Russia prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.