China remains an important trading partner and a strategic ally of the Russian Federation. Many Russian entrepreneurs work with Chinese manufacturers, enabling online stores to offer a wide selection of high-quality Chinese goods at attractive prices.
BoxCargo has provided comprehensive customs support for cargo from China for more than 20 years. Our own infrastructure and team of customs specialists ensure fast, fully compliant clearance without overpayment.
How to Clear Goods from China Through Customs: Options in Detail
All cargo imported into Russia from other countries must undergo customs clearance. This process involves presenting the transported goods and their documents to customs officers and completing all required formalities. Chinese goods can be declared to the authorities under one of two procedures:
- Simplified procedure. This is suitable for Russian residents importing goods for personal use. It is not applicable if the products are intended for sale.
- Standard procedure. This is used by individuals and legal entities clearing large quantities of Chinese products through customs. Once the procedure is complete, the goods are sold online or in brick-and-mortar stores.
There are also two ways to handle the customs declaration process: independently by the business owner or with the assistance of an intermediary (customs broker).
Independent Customs Clearance
Large organizations that regularly import products from China to Russia often choose to file their cargo declarations independently. Such companies employ specialists in specific fields, including logistics professionals and customs lawyers.
This approach allows the importer to control the cargo clearance process at every stage. It also avoids additional service expenses.
Customs Clearance Through a Customs Broker
Online stores are often operated by small and medium-sized businesses, so they commonly use customs brokers for clearance. There are two ways to work with these companies:
- Intermediary broker — oversees cargo transportation from the Chinese manufacturer through delivery to customers in Russia. The broker assumes responsibility for preparing the shipping and customs documents.
- Working with a broker after entering into a foreign trade agreement. In this arrangement, the intermediary is the purchaser and owner of the goods until customs declaration is complete.
BoxCargo works under both models: you can remain the importer and clear the goods under your own contract, or entrust the entire process to us, from purchasing through release of the cargo in Russia.
What Duties and Taxes May Apply?
Mandatory payments when cargo passes through Russian customs:
- Customs duty. The amount depends on the company's business activity and the type of cargo imported. Preferential rates or exemptions apply to certain categories.
- Customs clearance fee. The amount depends on the declared value of the cargo.
- VAT. Value-added tax is charged on all goods imported into Russia.
- Excise duties on certain product categories: tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, petroleum products, and vehicles.
It is also important to remember seasonal duties, which are intended to protect Russian agricultural producers.
BoxCargo specialists will calculate all customs payments for your product category in advance and provide a transparent estimate before the cargo is dispatched.
Customs Clearance Requirements for Different Product Groups
The customs declaration process consists of several stages:
- Customs officers review the documents.
- The cargo is checked against the submitted documents.
- Foreign exchange control is completed.
- Customs duties are checked for accuracy and payment.
Customs officers must physically inspect the cargo. This allows the authorities to confirm that it contains no goods prohibited for import or export and that the documents are authentic.
Import requirements for specific product categories:
- Jewelry and precious items — must be accompanied by a special invoice certified by the People's Bank of China.
- Works of art and cultural property — require an expert opinion from the relevant Chinese government authority for cultural heritage.
- Medicines — must be accompanied by a receipt or proof of purchase.
- Children's products — require special certificates confirming their safety.
- Dangerous goods — are cleared at specialized customs posts and temporary storage warehouses.
If the owner or intermediary has prepared the documents correctly and the cargo meets all applicable requirements and standards, customs officers authorize its import into Russia. The customs declaration is stamped and marked “Release authorized.”
How Much Does Customs Clearance for Goods from China Cost?
Russia has no single tariff for budgeting customs declaration services. Many factors affect the final cost:
- The cost of preparing the customs declaration.
- Fees and mandatory payments to the state budget.
- Warehouse storage charges.
- The cost of preparing the complete document package.
BoxCargo offers a fixed customs clearance price with no hidden surcharges. The price includes preparing the document package, filing the declaration, and support at every stage until the cargo is released.
Entrust Your Customs Clearance to BoxCargo Professionals
Fully compliant, end-to-end customs support, from calculating duties to cargo release. The customs declaration, certificates, and labeling are all included.
- Phone: 8 800 222-47-56
- Email: sales@boxcargo.ru
- Office: 2Zh Minskaya St., Victory Park Business Center, Moscow