How to ship to Russia

As one of the world's largest economies, Russia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for trade. Sending goods to this enormous country can be complex, but if you get everything in place before shipping, it’s possible to avoid customs delays and fines. Find out what you need to check and the type of documents you need to provide.

What do I need to check?

Your receiver is responsible for obtaining permits, licenses and other authorisations from the government authorities. These documents state the goods can be legally imported into Russia. That’s why it’s important to check your receiver has the right documents before shipping.

You must also make sure that your goods can enter Russia in the first place, so don’t forget to take a look at the prohibited items list.

What documents do I need?

Commercial invoice (in English)

Make sure the information is clear and the value is correct. Your receiver in Russia may have to arrange for it to be translated for their authorities.

A signed contract between the sender and the receiver

This can be in the form of an invoice or another written agreement. This should be given to your chosen shipping carrier and bear in mind, the receiver may be asked to present this to the authorities.

All shipping documents need to be handed over to your carrier. So make sure the information on each document is consistent, with the correct signatures and stamps.

Anything else I need to check before shipping?

Check your receiver is ready to provide the documents for customs clearance to their broker. You should also check if they’ve organised the payment of duties and taxes to the authorities.

Finally, make sure you check Russia’s regulations before shipping as they’re frequently updated. You can find more information on the Federal Customs Service website.