Russia
RU · RUS
As of: 6/27/2026
Rohstoff- und Energieexporteur / eurasisches Transitland
Capital: Moscow
EAWU (Eurasische Wirtschaftsunion / Zollunion)SchienePipelineSeefrachtStrasseLuftfrachtBinnenschiffImport VAT: Einfuhr-Mehrwertsteuer 22 Prozent Normalsatz seit 1.1.2026 (zuvor 20), ermässigt 10 Prozent auf bestimmte Lebensmittel und Waren, 0 Prozent für AusfuhrenCustoms: hochRisk: hochPharma/Cold Chain: mittelDangerous Goods: hochE-Commerce: mittel
Overview
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).
Area17,098,246 km²
Population146,028,325
CurrencyRussian Ruble (RUB)
Economic areaEAWU (Eurasische Wirtschaftsunion / Zollunion)
ContinentEuropa/Asien
ReligionsRussisch-Orthodox, Islam, Christentum, Buddhismus, Judentum
ISO codeRU / RUS
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Föderaler Zolldienst Russlands (FTS / FCS)Import system
Elektronische Zollanmeldung nach dem Zollkodex der Eurasischen Wirtschaftsunion (EAWU); Abfertigung über das automatisierte Informationssystem des FTS, Vorabinformation und elektronische Deklaration verpflichtend.
Export system
Ausfuhrabfertigung elektronisch im EAWU-Zollkodex über das FTS-System; für Energieträger, Rohstoffe und Dual-Use-Güter gelten Ausfuhrzölle, Lizenzen und Exportkontrollen.
Import VAT
- Einfuhr-Mehrwertsteuer 22 Prozent Normalsatz seit 1.1.2026 (zuvor 20), ermässigt 10 Prozent auf bestimmte Lebensmittel und Waren, 0 Prozent für Ausfuhren
- erhoben bei der Einfuhr (Gesetz 425-FZ).
Customs complexityhoch
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief (CMR/Bill of Lading/Luftfrachtbrief)
- Zollanmeldung (DT)
- Konformitätsnachweis EAC (TR ZU/TR EAEU)
- Ursprungszeugnis
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhrzollanmeldung
- Frachtdokument
- ggf. Ausfuhrlizenz/Genehmigung
- Ursprungszeugnis
Origin proofs / FTA
EAWU-Binnenmarkt zollfrei (Armenien, Belarus, Kasachstan, Kirgisistan); Freihandelsabkommen u.a. mit Vietnam, Serbien, Iran und Singapur; Ursprungsnachweis CT-1/EAV.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Einfuhrverbote für bestimmte Agrar- und Lebensmittel aus 'unfreundlichen' Staaten (Gegensanktionen seit 2014); Parallelimporte ohne Markeninhaber-Zustimmung bis 2026 verlängert; Waffen, Drogen und Dual-Use lizenzpflichtig.
Export controls & sanctions
Umfassende westliche Sanktionen: EU (20. Paket vom 23.4.2026, LNG-Importstopp ab 2027), USA (OFAC E.O. 14024, Rosneft/Lukoil als SDN seit Okt. 2025, BIS/EAR), UK; Energie-, Finanz- und Dual-Use-Beschränkungen.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Europe) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Europe. Depending on the destination (customs union, VAT, product rules), steps and documents may differ.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Sea
highRail
highRoad
highAir
mediumInland Waterway
mediumpipeline
highCargo airports
- Moskau Scheremetjewo (SVO)
- Moskau Domodedowo (DME)
- Moskau Wnukowo (VKO)
- Jekaterinburg Kolzowo (SVX)
- Nowosibirsk Tolmatschowo (OVB)
Seaports / access ports
- Noworossijsk (Schwarzes Meer)
- Ust-Luga (Ostsee)
- Primorsk (Ostsee)
- Sankt Petersburg (Ostsee)
- Wostotschny (Ferner Osten)
- Wladiwostok (Ferner Osten)
- Nachodka (Ferner Osten)
- Murmansk (Arktis)
Inland ports & terminals
- Wolga-Wasserstrasse (Nischni Nowgorod, Kasan)
- Wolga-Don-Kanal
- Moskwa / Kanal Moskau-Wolga
Road corridors & border crossings
- M4 Don (Moskau-Noworossijsk)
- M10/M11 (Moskau-Sankt Petersburg)
- M7 Wolga (Moskau-Ufa)
- R297 Amur (Tschita-Chabarowsk)
Rail corridors
- Transsibirische Eisenbahn (Transsib)
- Baikal-Amur-Magistrale (BAM)
- Internationaler Nord-Süd-Korridor (INSTC)
Top trade lanes
- Russland-China (Schiene/See/Pipeline)
- Russland-Indien (INSTC/See)
- Russland-Türkei (Schwarzes Meer)
- Russland-Zentralasien (EAWU)
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskhoch
Customs delay riskhoch
Port congestion riskmittel
Risk notes
Sehr hohe geopolitische und Compliance-Risiken durch Sanktionen, Zahlungs- und Versicherungsbeschränkungen sowie Lieferketten-Umleitung nach Asien; sorgfältige Sanktions- und Dual-Use-Prüfung zwingend.
Seasonal & weather risks
Winterliche Vereisung arktischer und Ostsee-Häfen erfordert Eisbrecher; extreme Kälte in Sibirien; Frühjahrshochwasser und Rasputiza-Schlammperioden behindern Strassen- und Binnenschiffsverkehr.
Current logistics notes
Handelsströme seit 2022 stark nach China, Indien, Türkei und Zentralasien verlagert; Ausbau von Transsib/BAM und INSTC-Nord-Süd-Korridor im Fokus; Parallelimporte 2025 rückläufig (Stand Juni 2026).
As of: 2026-06-27
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Domodedovo International Airport
DME · Moscow
Gagarin International Airport
GSV · Saratov
Kazan International Airport
KZN · Kazan
Koltsovo Airport
SVX · Yekaterinburg
Krasnoyarsk International Airport
KJA · Krasnoyarsk
Kurumoch International Airport
KUF · Samara
Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport
OVB · Novosibirsk
Platov International Airport
ROV · Rostov-on-Don
Pulkovo Airport
LED · St. Petersburg
Sheremetyevo International Airport
SVO · Moscow
Sochi International Airport
AER · Sochi
Ufa International Airport
UFA · Ufa
Seaports in this country
Murmansk
RU MMK · Large
Novorossiysk
RU NVS · Large
Sankt-Peterburg
RU LED · Large
Ust Luga
RU ULU · Large
Vladivostok
RUVVO · Large
Vostochnyy
RUVYP · Large
Arkhangels'k
RU ARH · Medium
De Kastri
RU DKA · Medium
Dudinka
RU DUD · Medium
Kaliningrad
RU KGD · Medium
Vyborg
RU VYG · Medium
Aleksandrovsk -Sakhalinskiy
RU SAK · Small
Latest News
More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-06-27
Official sources
- customs.gov.ru
- consilium.europa.eu
- ofac.treasury.gov
- rosstat.gov.ru
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
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.
Which trade partners are important for Russia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Russia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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