Country profile
Russia
RU · RUSAs of: 6/27/2026Raw materials and energy exporter / Eurasian transit country
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.
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).
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Federal Customs Service of Russia (FTS / FCS)Import 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.
Export system
Electronic export clearance under the EAWU Customs Code via the FTS system; export duties, licences and export controls apply to energy carriers, raw materials and dual-use goods.
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
- levied at import (Law 425-FZ).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Waybill (CMR/Bill of Lading/Air waybill)
- Customs declaration (DT)
- EAC conformity certificate (TR ZU/TR EAEU)
- Certificate of origin
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export customs declaration
- Transport document
- Export licence/permit if applicable
- Certificate of origin
Origin proofs / FTA
EAWU internal market duty-free (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan); free trade agreements with, among others, Vietnam, Serbia, Iran and Singapore; proof of origin CT-1/EAV.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import bans on certain agricultural and food products from 'unfriendly' states (counter-sanctions since 2014); parallel imports without trademark owner consent extended to 2026; weapons, drugs and dual-use goods require a licence.
Export controls & sanctions
Comprehensive Western sanctions: EU (20. package of 23.4.2026, LNG import stop from 2027), USA (OFAC E.O. 14024, Rosneft/Lukoil as SDN since Oct. 2025, BIS/EAR), UK; energy, financial and dual-use restrictions.
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)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
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
Cargo airports
- Moskau Scheremetjewo (SVO)
- Moskau Domodedowo (DME)
- Moskau Wnukowo (VKO)
- Jekaterinburg Kolzowo (SVX)
- Nowosibirsk Tolmatschowo (OVB)
Seaports / access ports
- Novorossiysk (Black Sea)
- Ust-Luga (Baltic Sea)
- Primorsk (Baltic Sea)
- Saint Petersburg (Baltic Sea)
- Vostochny (Far East)
- Vladivostok (Far East)
- Nakhodka (Far East)
- Murmansk (Arctic)
Inland ports & terminals
- Volga waterway (Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan)
- Volga-Don Canal
- Moscow / Moscow-Volga Canal
Road corridors & border crossings
- M4 Don (Moscow-Novorossiysk)
- M10/M11 (Moscow-Saint Petersburg)
- M7 Volga (Moscow-Ufa)
- R297 Amur (Chita-Khabarovsk)
Rail corridors
- Trans-Siberian Railway (Trans-Siberian)
- Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM)
- International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
Top trade lanes
- Russia-China (rail/sea/pipeline)
- Russia-India (INSTC/sea)
- Russia-Turkey (Black Sea)
- Russia-Central Asia (EAWU)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Very high geopolitical and compliance risks due to sanctions, payment and insurance restrictions, and supply chain diversion to Asia; careful sanctions and dual-use screening is mandatory.
Seasonal & weather risks
Winter icing of Arctic and Baltic ports requires icebreakers; extreme cold in Siberia; spring flooding and rasputitsa mud periods hinder road and inland waterway traffic.
Current logistics notes
Trade flows shifted strongly since 2022 towards China, India, Turkey and Central Asia; expansion of the Trans-Siberian/BAM and the INSTC North-South corridor in focus; parallel imports declined in 2025 (as of June 2026).
As of: 2026-06-27
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
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:
Next steps
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