Shipping to Russia in 2026: Sanctions, Restrictions & What Still Works
Shipping to Russia in 2026: Current Situation
The international shipping landscape to Russia has changed dramatically since 2022. Sanctions, carrier withdrawals, and airspace restrictions continue to affect delivery options. Here is an honest assessment of what works in 2026.
Which Major Carriers Still Operate?
DHL, FedEx, and UPS suspended most services to Russia in 2022 and have not fully resumed as of early 2026. Limited services may be available through local partners, but express delivery from these carriers is generally not available.
CDEK remains one of the most active carriers for deliveries to Russia, operating through various international partners and warehouses in neighboring countries.
Russian Post continues to accept international mail from most countries, though delivery times are significantly longer than pre-2022 (often 3–8 weeks for parcels).
EMS Russian Post offers faster delivery than standard Russian Post, but availability varies by origin country.
Alternative Shipping Routes
Many shippers now use transit countries to reach Russian recipients:
- Turkey: A major transit hub with regular cargo connections to Russia
- Kazakhstan: Part of the EAEU customs union, allowing relatively smooth onward transit
- UAE (Dubai): Growing as a transshipment point for goods heading to Russia
- China: Chinese carriers and logistics companies maintain direct routes
What Cannot Be Shipped
Sanctions prohibit shipping many categories of goods to Russia, including:
- Luxury goods above certain value thresholds
- Advanced electronics and semiconductors
- Dual-use goods with military applications
- Goods from sanctioned entities
Always verify current sanctions lists before shipping. Rules change frequently and vary by originating country.
Practical Tips
- Check carrier availability for your specific origin country — some routes that are closed from the US may still be open from other countries.
- Allow extra time — delivery times to Russia are 2–4x longer than pre-2022.
- Use simple customs declarations with accurate descriptions.
- Consider insurance — the risk of delays and returns is higher.
Costs
Shipping costs to Russia have increased significantly. Where a 1 kg express package might have cost $30–50 before 2022, the same shipment now often costs $50–100+ via available carriers. Economy options through postal services remain more affordable but slow.
Use [RateShips](/) to check which carriers currently offer service on your specific route to Russia and compare available rates.
Receiving Packages in Russia
Russian customs has tightened personal import limits. As of 2026, duty-free imports for personal use are limited to EUR 200 per shipment. Above this threshold, recipients pay 15% duty on the excess value.
Outlook
The situation remains fluid. Monitor sanctions updates and carrier announcements regularly. RateShips continuously updates available carriers and routes, making it a reliable tool for checking current options.