CUSTOMS DUTIES: INDIA TO RUSSIA

Overview of Customs Duties: India to Russia

Trade between India and Russia involves navigating Russia's customs regulations, which are administered by the Federal Customs Service of Russia. The Russian customs authority is known for maintaining strict enforcement of import regulations and requirements. Understanding the duty structure, de minimis thresholds, and documentation requirements is essential for successful export operations from India to Russia.

It is important to note that major international carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) have ceased shipping services to Russia until further notice due to ongoing disruptions. This may significantly impact logistics planning for exports to Russia. Exporters should verify current shipping availability with alternative carriers before proceeding with shipments.

De Minimis Thresholds and Duty Rates

Russia operates both value and weight de minimis thresholds that determine when duties and taxes apply:

• Value De Minimis: 200 EUR (calculated on CIF value)
• Weight De Minimis: 31 kg
• Standard Combined Duty and Tax Rate: 15% (applied to CIF value for shipments exceeding de minimis)
• Waived Fees: Combined duty and tax charges below 2 EUR are waived

Shipments under both thresholds enter Russia duty and tax-free. However, packages exceeding either threshold require a customs broker to clear the shipment, and some carriers may restrict entry due to this requirement.

General Duty Rates by Product Category

Product Category	Duty Rate	Notes
Household Appliances	Varies by HS code - contact our experts	Leading import category; rates depend on specific product classification
Electronics	Varies by HS code - contact our experts	Leading import category; rates depend on specific product classification
Fashion and Textiles	Varies by HS code - contact our experts	Leading import category; rates depend on specific product classification
Excisable Goods	Additional excise tax applies	Regulated under Article 193 of Tax Code of Russian Federation
All Other Goods (General Rate)	15% (combined duty and VAT)	Applied to CIF value for shipments exceeding de minimis thresholds

Required Documentation

The following documents are typically required for exports from India to Russia:

• Commercial Invoice (with detailed product descriptions and HS codes)
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
• Certificate of Origin (if claiming preferential trade agreement benefits)
• Export Declaration (from Indian customs)
• Insurance Certificate
• Product-specific certificates (quality, safety, compliance certifications as required)
• Customs Broker Authorization (if applicable for shipments exceeding de minimis)
• Import License (if required by Russian regulations for specific product categories)

Important Regulations and Restrictions

• Customs Broker Requirement: Packages exceeding the 200 EUR value or 31 kg weight threshold must be cleared by a customs broker hired by the recipient.
• Strict Enforcement: The Federal Customs Service of Russia enforces regulations rigidly and without flexibility. Non-compliance can result in shipment delays or rejection.
• Regulatory Complexity: Russia maintains extensive regulations protecting consumer data and preventing unfair competition, which may affect product advertising and compliance requirements.
• CIF Valuation: Duties and taxes are calculated on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of shipments, not FOB value.
• Currency: Although Russia's official currency is RUB, de minimis thresholds and duties are expressed in EUR for pre-entry review documentation.
• Excise Taxes: Certain goods are subject to additional excise taxes regulated under Article 193 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.
• Shipping Delays: Due to Russia's strict customs procedures and large geographic size, packages may experience extended clearance times.

Trade Agreements and Preferential Rates

Russia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), which provides preferential trade terms with member states including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. However, India is not a member of this union.

Russia maintains membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), which provides some framework for trade relations with India. However, India and Russia do not have a dedicated bilateral free trade agreement that would significantly reduce the standard 15% combined duty rate.

Exporters should consult with customs experts to determine if any specific product classifications or trade provisions may apply to their shipments.