You’ve got scarves, belts, or hairbands ready for market in Moscow—but one wrong document or missing label can stall your shipment at the border. Russia’s customs process can feel like a maze.
At AceAccessory, we navigate Russian import regulations through precise documentation, local partnerships, and regulatory updates to ensure smooth customs clearance for every accessory shipment.
With years of experience exporting to Russia, we’ve built systems to manage strict inspection rules, avoid delays, and support local retail timelines. Here's what we’ve learned.
What is prohibited to import from Russia?
If you're shipping to Russia, knowing what can’t go in is just as important as knowing what can. Importers face confiscation or penalties if prohibited goods are declared improperly.
Russia prohibits the import of certain agricultural goods, specific technology, and items sanctioned under international or domestic restrictions. But most fashion accessories like scarves and gloves are allowed.
Commonly Prohibited Import Categories
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Weapons and military goods | Firearms, parts, tactical accessories |
| Hazardous chemicals | Certain dyes, aerosols |
| Sanctioned tech or electronics | High-performance chips, dual-use items |
| Expired or counterfeit products | Fake branded scarves or belts |
| Pornographic/Extremist material | Any content labeled as illegal by Roskomnadzor |
We stay current with both Russian and international restrictions. For example, if an accessory contains certain Bluetooth chips or protected materials, we reroute or substitute products accordingly.
How to import goods to Russia?
Russia has detailed customs procedures. Without precise documentation, your goods might sit at customs for weeks—or get returned.
To import accessories to Russia, you need a valid HS code, customs declaration, invoice, product certification (like EAC), and Russian-language labels meeting Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) rules.
Step-by-Step Process for Accessory Imports
- Classify product: Assign the correct HS code.
- Prepare documents: Invoice, packing list, and certificate of conformity.
- Apply for EAC marking: Required for most fashion items.
- Translate labels: Use Cyrillic and include fiber content, origin, importer info.
- Customs declaration: Submit electronically via a broker or partner.
- Pay duties and VAT: Based on product type and declared value.
- Release and delivery: Local partner receives shipment.
We work with Russian-based brokers who pre-clear shipments using digital systems. This saves days and reduces hold time at the port.
What is the number one import from Russia?
This question is often misunderstood. While we are shipping to Russia, it’s helpful to know what they ship out—especially for companies trading both directions or considering swaps or bonded warehouses.
Russia’s number one export is oil and gas, while its major imports include machinery, electronics, clothing, and consumer accessories.
Russia’s Top Import Categories (2024 Estimate)
| Import Category | Approx. Value (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery & Electronics | $50B | Includes telecom, industrial devices |
| Vehicles & Parts | $25B | Mostly from China, EU, and Japan |
| Apparel & Accessories | $15B | Growing segment in post-pandemic years |
| Pharmaceuticals | $13B | Controlled and certified heavily |
| Food & Beverage | $12B | Seasonal bans apply to EU/U.S. origin |
As a fashion accessory manufacturer, we position our products under the HS codes eligible for fast clearance and simplified declaration.
What is the import duty in Russia?
Understanding tariffs is critical for landed cost. Russia uses the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) customs framework, and rates vary by product type.
Import duties in Russia for accessories range between 5% and 15%, plus 20% VAT on the total value including freight and insurance.
Example Tariff Rates for Accessories
| Product | HS Code | Duty Rate | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Bands & Clips | 9615.11.xxxx | 10% | EAC marking, lab testing if for kids |
| Belts (leather) | 4203.30.xxxx | 15% | Labeling, origin documentation |
| Scarves (textile) | 6214.30.xxxx | 5–10% | EAC certification |
| Gloves (knit/fabric) | 6116.xxxx | 10% | Fiber content label in Russian |
| Hats & Caps | 6505.xxxx | 10–12% | Size, material, and country label |
AceAccessory helps clients minimize costs by bundling similar items, reducing declaration complexity, and advising on the optimal HS codes before shipping begins.
Conclusion
Exporting to Russia doesn’t have to be hard—but it does require precision. At AceAccessory, we’ve spent years fine-tuning our process for labeling, certifying, and shipping accessories that clear Russian customs quickly and compliantly.
