Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Shipments of documents to Russia should include the receiver's
taxpayer personal identification number. If it is not included,
Russian customs will likely hold the shipment until the number is
supplied by the receiver.
If a shipment weighs more than 30 kg, it is considered as a
non-document shipment. It will require a commercial invoice.
Typical shipments of non-commercial documents, i.e. they involve no
monetary exchange, include:
- Architectural plans
- Bids
- Blueprints for bid invitations
- Diplomas
- Tickets for stage performances, concerts and football (soccer)
matches
- Newspapers
- Visa applications
Certain categories of documents have restrictions as shown in the
table below.
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Airline tickets | Must be validated. |
| Annual Reports | For shareholders or inter-company use only. |
| Brochures | For inter-company use only. |
| Cheques | Only if personalised. |
| Event tickets (shows, sporting matches) | If the source is a printing company or being shipped to the
event's organiser, they are not considered documents. |
| Greeting cards and invitations | Must be personalised to be documents. |
| Manuals (technical) | The number shipped must be appropriate for the situation. |
| Newsletters | For inter-company use only; if shipped from a publisher, they
are non-documents. |
| Traveller's cheques | Only if personalised. |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_RU
Shipping Gifts
There are no tax or duty exemptions on gifts shipped to Russia from
Canada.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
There are no tax or duty exemptions on gifts sent to Russia from
Canada.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A business in Canada cannot send a gift to a business in Russia. All
shipments will incur duties and taxes. This includes a gift sent to an
individual care of a business address.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
No information about shipments from a business in Canada to an
individual in Russia is available at this time.
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_RU
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
No information regarding multiple gifts in one shipment is available
at this time.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Shipping Personal Effects
If you move to Russia from Canada with a work permit, shipping your
personal effects will be exempt from duties and taxes. Your personal
effects must be:
- Used goods
- for your use only
Your personal effects may include items such as archival documents and
culturally valuable artefacts.
Moving Temporarily
No information regarding moving temporarily to Russia is available at
this time.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Russia, the personal effects you may
bring with you include:
- Clothing, footwear, headwear, umbrellas, jewellery, and personal
hygiene items
- Baby strollers and baby seats
- Equipment and accessories for sports
- Portable medical devices and consumables in the amount necessary for
personal use
- No more than 2 mobile phones, smartphones or other similar devices
- Portable musical instruments
- Portable personal computers and tablets, and game consoles
- Portable equipment for recording sound and video (1 unit of each)
Personal Effects Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate "Personal Effects" on the
Commercial Invoice (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- Complete the customs declaration of goods for personal use (passenger customs declaration (PDD))
- Any above listed items
Sources:
http://eng.customs.ru/document/text/166514
http://eng.customs.ru/document/text/166510
https://www.tks.ru/nat2019/0150000001#01
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Due to political reasons, Russia has banned the importation of almost
all Canadian food products.
Do Not Ship
- Meat and meat products
- Milk and dairy products
- Fish and fish products
- Fruits and vegetables
- Salt
Sources:
https://www.export.gov/article?id=Russia-Prohibited-Restricted-Imports
https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filename=Russia%20Extended%20Food%20Import%20Ban%20through%20End%202020_Moscow_Russian%20Federation_7-1-2019.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Commercial samples are sent to encourage orders for products.
Commercial samples may be shipped from Canada to Russia duty and tax
free for a period of up to 2 years.
At this time we have little information about further details,
however, as a best practice it is best to deface, perforate, or
indelibly mark your samples. This will reduce the chances of them
incurring duties and taxes.
NOTE: Medical and biological samples must
be accompanied by the appropriate import certificates.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
- Stay in Russia for no longer than 2 years
Sources:
https://import-export.societegenerale.fr/en/country/russia/regulations-customs
https://www.russia-briefing.com/news/customs-procedures-import-goods-russia.html/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
No information is available regarding shipping advertising material to
Russia from Canada.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment and goods may be sent to Russia as temporary imports so that
repair and maintenance procedures may be performed. This does not include overhauls or modernisations.
Temporary imports are exempt from duties and taxes.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are
repaired in Russia and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
GST will be charged if an item is sent to Russia for repairs and is no
longer under warranty. GST will be applied to the value of the repair
work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties charged.
Sending Product for Repair to Russia
Equipment for repair can be sent to Russia and are exempt from duties
and taxes. The importer is responsible for paying duties and taxes. Be
sure to state clearly on the invoice: Goods for Repair.
Returning Repaired Product to Russia
If a piece of equipment has been repaired in Canada under warranty, no
duties or taxes will be incurred.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial Invoice must clearly state 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the
General Description or Remarks section; include the estimated time
of return (see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated
under the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when
the item was first exported to Russia or exported to Canada
(depending on which case applies)
- Any above listed items
Sources:
http://www.eurasiancommission.org/ru/act/tam_sotr/dep_tamoj_zak/SiteAssets/Customs%20Code%20of%20the%20EAEU.pdf
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-91-31/page-1.html#h-934277
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Goods may be temporarily imported into Russia without payment of
duties and taxes for a period of up to 2 years, though certain items
must abide by different timelines.
Goods that are allowed this exemption include:
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Russia, you can
pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following
methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details
are shown
below.
| Option # | Temporary Import Method | Risk of paying Duties and taxes |
|---|
| 1 | Commercial Invoice only | Very Low |
| 2 | Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet | Very Low |
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice Only
This is the simplest and quickest option.
See example.
NOTE:
You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee
that your items will be imported duty and tax free. Not all brokers will
clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL), nor is it a
guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. CI + an ATA Carnet
This option is great for items that frequently travel in and out of the
country. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted
by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time
thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of
temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can however,
contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to
guide you along. You can also find more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo
no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than 2 years in Russia, except for sporting equipment
used for competitions, training, or demonstrations, which may only
stay for 1 year
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
NOTE:
If you are a member of a Canadian mass media organisation, be aware of
the rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia regarding temporary
importation of equipment. Click
here
and
here
for more information.
Sources:
http://eng.customs.ru/folder/87061
http://eng.customs.ru/folder/87062
http://www.eurasiancommission.org/ru/act/tam_sotr/dep_tamoj_zak/SiteAssets/Customs%20Code%20of%20the%20EAEU.pdf
https://www.pwc.ru/ru/business-membership/doing-business-and-investing-in-russia.pdf
https://www.mid.ru/en/rules_of_accreditation
http://eng.customs.ru/folder/86997
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Goods imported into Russia will incur customs duties up to a rate of
20% of the customs value.
VAT will also be payable and will be either 20% or 10% depending on
the nature of the goods.
If you regularly sell goods to Russia, we recommend that you consult a
Russain customs broker for details.
Sources:
http://taxsummaries.pwc.com/ID/Russian-Federation-Corporate-Other-taxes
https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/ru/pdf/2019/07/ru-en-doing-business-in-russia-2019.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Ivan Pavlov
390 000
Ryazan Region
Ryazan
Str. Pavlova
Russia
Phone: +7 (4912) 25-40-72 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Duty &
Taxes
Import duties and taxes in Russia are calculated based on the CIF value
of the shipment (the total of the customs value, insurance, and
freight).
VAT charges are calculated on the customs value of the goods,
generally at a rate of 20%, though some goods will be eligible for a
10% rate.
Certain goods, such as medical products and goods for diplomatic
personnel and equipment not available in Russia, will be exempt from
VAT charges.
Thresholds
Russia has a customs threshold of RUB 5,000 (about $105 CDN). This is
called the de minimis value, and means that a shipment below this
value will not incur duties and taxes.
Medicines for humans imported for the use of an individual will be
exempt from import tax up to the value of $10,000 USD (about $13,000
CDN). (A prescription may be required to prove the individual requires
the medication.)
| Currency | Russian rouble (RUB) |
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value) | RUB 5000 (about $105 CDN) |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 20% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | RUB 5000 (about $105 CDN) |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
- Candy20%
Not less than €0.25 (about 40¢ CDN) per kg - Chocolate5%
- Spirits and Wines20%
- Tobacco30%
Not less than €3 (about $4.50 CDN) per 1000 pieces - Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles20%
- Computers & Laptops10%
- Tablets10%
- Mobiles5%
- Cameras15%
- Accessories for Electronics10%
- Coats20%
Not less than €2 (about $3 CDN) per 1 kg - Beauty Products & Cosmetics15%
- Jewellery20%
- Shirts & Pants20%
Not less than €2 (about $3 CDN) per 1 kg - Home Appliances15%
- Toys15%
- Sports Equipment15%
Sources:
https://www.russia-briefing.com/news/customs-procedures-import-goods-russia.html/
http://www.russian-customs-tariff.com/
http://www.eurasiancommission.org/ru/act/trade/catr/ett/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.pwc.ru/ru/business-membership/doing-business-and-investing-in-russia.pdf
https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/fa304fbf-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/fa304fbf-en
Questions
about Shipping to Russia
Can I ship to Russia?
Shipping to Russia from Canada can take between 3-8 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to
complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Russia by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Russia?
TODO ......................
How long does it take to ship from Canada to Russia?
TODO ......................
How much is it to send a parcel to Russia?
TODO ......................
What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Russia?
TODO ......................
How do I send a package to Russia?
TODO ......................
How can I ship my luggage?
TODO ......................
How do I get a FedEx shipping estimate / FedEx quote to Russia?
TODO ......................
How do I ship gifts to Russia?
TODO ........................
Shipping Rates
Easy Tracking
Information
Prohibited &
Restricted Imports
Russia Shipping Insurance