# Russia (RU)

**Capital:** Moscow  
**Currency:** Russian Ruble (RUB) (RUB)  
**Population:** 146,028,325 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 17,098,246 km²

> Russia is the world's largest country by area and a key exporter of energy and raw materials, with access to the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Arctic and the Pacific. As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) it applies a common external tariff. Since 2022 sweeping Western sanctions have shaped its foreign trade, shifting flows towards China, India, Turkey and Central Asia. The main transport modes are rail (Trans-Siberian/BAM), pipelines, seaports and inland waterways. Import VAT has stood at 22 percent since 1 January 2026.

Russia (ISO code: RU) is the largest country in the world by area, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia with access to the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific. It is a federal republic with a strongly centralised power structure. Climates range from Arctic in the north and continental across much of Siberia to temperate zones in the west and south. Economically, Russia holds major reserves of oil, gas, coal and metals that play a central role in value creation and logistics. Foreign trade is traditionally export-oriented in energy and raw materials, while machinery, industrial goods and consumer products are imported; import dependence is pronounced for technology and specialised equipment. Geographically, Russia has a potential transit role between Europe and Asia, constrained by sanctions and infrastructure bottlenecks. Key transport modes are rail, pipelines, seaports and inland waterways. The national currency is the Russian Ruble (RUB).

**Top Import Partners:** CN, BY, TR, KZ, IN

**Top Export Partners:** CN, IN, TR, BY, KZ

**Top Import Goods:** Machinery, Electronic devices, Vehicles, Pharmaceutical products, Food

**Top Export Goods:** Mineral oils, Natural gas, Metals, Coal; fertilizers

**Key Airports:**
- [Domodedovo International Airport (DME)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/domodedovo-international-airport-dme)
- [Gagarin International Airport (GSV)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/gagarin-international-airport-gsv)
- [Kazan International Airport (KZN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kazan-international-airport-kzn)
- [Koltsovo Airport (SVX)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/koltsovo-airport-svx)
- [Krasnoyarsk International Airport (KJA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/krasnoyarsk-international-airport-kja)
- [Kurumoch International Airport (KUF)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kurumoch-international-airport-kuf)
- [Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport (OVB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/novosibirsk-tolmachevo-airport-ovb)
- [Platov International Airport (ROV)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/platov-international-airport-rov)
- [Pulkovo Airport (LED)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/pulkovo-airport-led)
- [Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sheremetyevo-international-airport-svo)

**Key Seaports:**
- [Murmansk (RU MMK)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/murmansk-port-ru-mmk)
- [Novorossiysk (RU NVS)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/novorossiysk-port-ru-nvs)
- [Sankt-Peterburg (RU LED)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/sankt-peterburg-port-ru-led)
- [Ust Luga (RU ULU)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/ust-luga-port-ru-ulu)
- [Vladivostok (RUVVO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/vladivostok-port-ruvvo)
- [Vostochnyy (RUVYP)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/vostochnyy-port-ruvyp)
- [Arkhangels'k (RU ARH)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/arkhangelsk-port-ru-arh)
- [De Kastri (RU DKA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/de-kastri-port-ru-dka)
- [Dudinka (RU DUD)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/dudinka-port-ru-dud)
- [Kaliningrad (RU KGD)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/kaliningrad-port-ru-kgd)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** Import VAT 22 percent standard rate since 1.1.2026 (previously 20), reduced rate 10 percent on certain foods and goods, 0 percent for exports  
**Customs complexity:** High  
**Customs system:** Electronic customs declaration under the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAWU); clearance via the FTS automated information system, advance information and electronic declaration mandatory.  
**Customs authority:** [Federal Customs Service of Russia (FTS / FCS)](https://customs.gov.ru)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Raw materials and energy exporter / Eurasian transit country  
**Economic area:** EAWU (Eurasian Economic Union / Customs Union)  
**Logistics risk:** High  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** high  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### What import duties and taxes apply in Russia?

Imports are subject to import VAT of 22 Prozent (since 1 January 2026, previously 20; reduced 10 Prozent on certain goods), plus the Eurasian Economic Union's common external tariff and, where applicable, excise duties.

### Which sanctions must I observe when trading with Russia?

Comprehensive sanctions apply from the EU (20th package of 23 April 2026), the United States (OFAC, including Rosneft and Lukoil as SDNs since October 2025, BIS/EAR export controls) and the United Kingdom, covering energy, financial services and dual-use and high-tech goods. Careful sanctions and end-use screening is essential.

### What are parallel imports and are they permitted?

Since 2022 Russia has permitted parallel imports, i.e. importing certain branded goods without the rights holder's consent. The mechanism was extended through 2026, though the list of eligible goods is regularly adjusted and was narrowed in 2025.

### What are Russia's most important seaports?

The largest ports include Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, Ust-Luga and Primorsk on the Baltic, St. Petersburg, plus Vostochny, Vladivostok and Nakhodka in the Far East and Murmansk in the Arctic.

### What role does rail transport play?

Rail is central: the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) link the west with the Far East and China. Both are being expanded to absorb cargo flows redirected towards Asia.

### Which customs authority is responsible and how is clearance handled?

The Federal Customs Service of Russia (FTS) is responsible. Clearance is handled electronically under the Eurasian Economic Union Customs Code via the FTS automated information system, with mandatory advance information.

### Is Russia part of a customs union?

Yes. Russia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) together with Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Tariffs are removed within the union, while a common external tariff applies to imports from outside.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://eng.customs.gov.ru](https://eng.customs.gov.ru)
- [https://customs.gov.ru](https://customs.gov.ru)
- [https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions-against-russia/timeline-sanctions-against-russia/](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions-against-russia/timeline-sanctions-against-russia/)
- [https://finance.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-adopts-20th-package-sanctions-against-russia-2026-04-23_en](https://finance.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-adopts-20th-package-sanctions-against-russia-2026-04-23_en)
- [https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/russian-harmful-foreign-activities-sanctions](https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/russian-harmful-foreign-activities-sanctions)
- [https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0290](https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0290)
- [https://sovos.com/regulatory-updates/vat/russia-vat-rate-raised-to-22/](https://sovos.com/regulatory-updates/vat/russia-vat-rate-raised-to-22/)
- [https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/catr/ett/default.php](https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/catr/ett/default.php)

*Last verified: 2026-06-27*

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