In 2026, Russia’s customs clearance supervision continues to be strengthened, and the customs AI inspection system has been fully upgraded, which accurately identifies declaration abnormalities through big data comparison. The cargo detention rate caused by problems such as incorrect coding, lack of certification and underreported cargo value has increased by 23% year-on-year, with a maximum single fine of up to 50% of the cargo value. Many enterprises fall into various pitfalls due to unfamiliarity with customs clearance rules when trading with Russia, resulting in not only high port detention fees and fines but also missed market opportunities. With 20 years of in-depth experience in Russia-bound customs clearance, Shanghai SBTG has handled thousands of difficult customs clearance cases and summarized a full-process pitfall avoidance guide. Combined with professional capabilities, it helps enterprises avoid customs clearance risks and achieve smooth customs clearance.
I. Pre-Event Pitfall Avoidance: Build a Solid Compliance Foundation and Avoid Risks from the Source
Accurate HS Code Classification: Incorrect coding is the primary cause of customs clearance rejection. It is necessary to verify codes through the database on the official website of the Russian Federal Customs Service and dynamically track code adjustment information. SBTG has a professional classification team, adopting the “AI algorithm + manual review” mode to ensure accurate code classification, avoiding tariff difference fines and cargo detention caused by coding deviations.
Complete Certification Documents in Advance: Initiate the certification process in advance according to the cargo category, leaving sufficient time to respond to policy changes. Electronic equipment needs to complete EAC certification, food products need to prepare GOST-R certification and health and quarantine documents simultaneously, and medical devices need to apply for additional Roszdravnadzor licenses. SBTG cooperates with certification institutions authorized by the Russian Federal Service for Technical and Export Control, eliminating the risk of fake certificates and ensuring the compliance and validity of certification documents.
Standardize Declared Cargo Value: Strictly follow the principle of authenticity. The declared value must include costs such as transportation and insurance, and a reasonable range shall be determined in accordance with the “Russian Customs Valuation Agreement”. SBTG assists enterprises in preparing supporting materials such as purchase invoices and payment vouchers, avoiding customs inspections caused by underreported cargo value and order splitting for tax evasion.
II. In-Process Control: Strictly Control Details and Reduce Customs Clearance Risks
Ensure Document Completeness and Consistency: Commercial invoices must indicate core information such as commodity name, quantity and unit price in Russian and be stamped with the company seal. Data in packing lists must fully match invoices, and compliant certificates of origin must be provided for goods enjoying tariff preferences. SBTG implements a three-document review system, checking document details page by page to avoid customs clearance delays caused by information mismatch and lack of Russian annotations.
Standardize Labeling and Marking: Affix the EAC mark and dynamic QR code as required, ensuring the QR code links to the official testing database. For food and cosmetics, additional information such as allergens and storage conditions must be marked. SBTG provides label compliance review services to correct labeling flaws in advance, avoiding cargo return due to labeling problems.
Adapt to the Latest Tariff Policies: Track changes in tariffs and VAT in real time, distinguishing between tax rate differences for B2B and B2C orders. SBTG has set up a special policy team to update policy bulletins monthly, assisting enterprises in accurately calculating tax costs and avoiding additional expenses caused by delayed policy information.
III. Post-Event Response: Professionally Handle Problems and Reduce Loss Expansion
Local Emergency Response: In case of cargo inspection or detention, rely on the local team for rapid handling. SBTG has set up a directly affiliated customs clearance team in Moscow with professional Russian proficiency and practical experience. They arrive at the scene within 1 hour to provide supplementary materials, cooperate with the Russian digital inspection process, clearly explain the compliance of goods, and shorten the problem handling cycle.
Reasonably Respond to Fines and Cargo Return: After receiving a fine notice, verify the root cause of the problem in a timely manner and submit appeal materials as required. If cargo return is needed, plan the return process and costs in advance. SBTG has rich experience in handling appeals and cargo returns, assisting enterprises in reasonably safeguarding their rights and minimizing losses.
Full-Process Risk Protection: Purchase sufficient transportation insurance in advance to cover core risks such as customs clearance delays, cargo damage and fines. SBTG has introduced exclusive digital insurance plans, simplified the claim settlement process, and initiated reviews within 24 hours to ensure controllable enterprise losses.
The core of avoiding pitfalls in Russia customs clearance is integrating compliance awareness into every link and accurately controlling details. With its professional team, formal resources and comprehensive services, Shanghai SBTG provides full-chain customs clearance support for enterprises, allowing them to focus on core business development without spending energy studying customs clearance rules. Choosing SBTG means choosing a worry-free customs clearance partner, avoiding various pitfalls and realizing steady progress in China-Russia trade.
