Shipping and Removals in Russia
Shipping to Russia can be a nightmare, and unless expats are fluent in Russian and well-versed in custom clearance procedures, it’s highly recommended that you hire the help of an international shipping and removals company that can grant you door-to-door service.
Procedures change frequently, and often without notice.
The good news is that as of May 2011 expensive import duties formerly attached to the shipment of household goods to Russia was done away with. Thus, expats can take as many items into Russia as they want, duty-free, as long as they can prove the items are for personal use.
Still though, it’s important to think carefully about what you’d like to bring with you, and what you can afford to leave behind; shipping can quickly become expensive.
Keep in mind that accommodation often comes furnished in Russia, and plenty of large home décor and household furnishing stores can be found in most of the major cities, including IKEA.
Whether you choose air shipping or surface shipping, you’ll need to make a comprehensive packing inventory of all shipped items, taking care to note and include photos of any items of cultural value. Record the serial number, brand and model number of electronics on this inventory.
Furthermore, you can only ship items to Russia once you’re in the country, as you’ll need to be present on national soil to collect and complete certain necessary documents.
Upon arrival, it’s vital expats pick up a “T6 Customs Declaration” form at the airport, complete it, and have it signed and stamped by customs officers. Without this form, you will not be allowed to ship your household goods duty-free. Once you’ve completed the form, proceed through the “Red” channel at the airport and declare unaccompanied baggage as household goods and personal effects.
You’ll also need to supply your international moving company with the appropriate documents to allow them to assume customs clearance on your behalf.
Documents for Customs Clearance
Expats interested in shipping their pets to Russia are often encouraged to do so by the no quarantine policy. Still though, most Russian living is done in small apartments, so it’s important expats evaluate whether their accommodation in indeed furry-friend friendly.
If importing a dog or cat to Russia, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper documentation at the time of shipment.
Documents for shipping a pet to Russia
Procedures change frequently, and often without notice.The good news is that as of May 2011 expensive import duties formerly attached to the shipment of household goods to Russia was done away with. Thus, expats can take as many items into Russia as they want, duty-free, as long as they can prove the items are for personal use.
Still though, it’s important to think carefully about what you’d like to bring with you, and what you can afford to leave behind; shipping can quickly become expensive.
Keep in mind that accommodation often comes furnished in Russia, and plenty of large home décor and household furnishing stores can be found in most of the major cities, including IKEA.
Shipping household goods to Russia
Whether you choose air shipping or surface shipping, you’ll need to make a comprehensive packing inventory of all shipped items, taking care to note and include photos of any items of cultural value. Record the serial number, brand and model number of electronics on this inventory.
Furthermore, you can only ship items to Russia once you’re in the country, as you’ll need to be present on national soil to collect and complete certain necessary documents.
Upon arrival, it’s vital expats pick up a “T6 Customs Declaration” form at the airport, complete it, and have it signed and stamped by customs officers. Without this form, you will not be allowed to ship your household goods duty-free. Once you’ve completed the form, proceed through the “Red” channel at the airport and declare unaccompanied baggage as household goods and personal effects.
You’ll also need to supply your international moving company with the appropriate documents to allow them to assume customs clearance on your behalf.
Documents for Customs Clearance
- Airway bill/bill of lading
- a Power of Attorney for Russian customs (authorizing the moving company to carry out all customs clearance formalities on your behalf – this must be notarised).
- a letter to Russian customs from your company - attesting to client’s work contract, including bank account details
- a copy of your passport
- a copy of your Russian visa
- a copy of your Russian accreditation card (if you have one)
- a Russian T6 Customs Form (Declaration for Unaccompanied Luggage).
Shipping your pets to Russia
Expats interested in shipping their pets to Russia are often encouraged to do so by the no quarantine policy. Still though, most Russian living is done in small apartments, so it’s important expats evaluate whether their accommodation in indeed furry-friend friendly.
If importing a dog or cat to Russia, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper documentation at the time of shipment.
Documents for shipping a pet to Russia
- Certificate of Vaccination – including rabies, dated at least 30 days prior to arrival
- Health Certificate - dated less than 10 days prior to arrival
- International Pet Passport
