Russia introduces new customs rules

Russia introduces new customs rules

In the coming days in Russia and Kazakhstan will enter into force new customs regulations for import of goods for individuals which will affect in the first place many travelers.

According to information provided by the Federal customs service of Russia these changes will take effect from 1 July 2010. Due to changes in the customs code individuals can bring into the territory of the customs union, which includes Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, without payment of customs duties goods for personal use, which weight does not exceed 50 pounds and cost no more than 1500 euros. This innovation will allow travelers to be less concerned on customs inspections and duties on importation of souvenirs and gifts brought back from holidays and trips abroad. In case of exceeding the standards tourists will be obliged to pay the fee of 30% of the cost, but not less than 4 euros per kilo.

It should also be noted that under the new customs rules a number of products had been deleted from the list of "personal things" and will be subject to full duty as a commercial product. Therefore, the category of "personal things" no longer includes precious metals and stones worth more than 25 000 dollars, darkrooms, solariums, gaming machines, central heating boilers, agricultural and medical equipment.

Unfortunately, new customs rules and regulations will also affect the import of cars. Fuel import rules are also altered: from now on in a separate tank shall be imported no more than 10 liters of fuel. Personal vehicles which can be called luxury items, like yachts, boats, helicopters and planes will be taxed less than previously and recorded in a simplified manner.

According to new customs regulations will significantly be changed the rules of import of alcohol. Thus, the total number of imported alcohol is halved - from 10 liters to 5 liters per person. However, up to 3 liters of alcohol will not be taxed. For the importing of more than 3 liters of drink tax will be collected at a rate of 10 euros per liter.

Some changed have also affected the norms of import of tobacco. Thus, according to new customs regulations an individual of 18 years is entitled to duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or cigarillos or 250 grams of tobacco. You can also carry these categories of goods in stock, weighing not more than 250 grams per person.

Among things will be changed some rules of food import, especially fish and seafood. Exception will make crayfish, lobster and shrimp, import without payment of customs duties is up to five kilograms. The number of imported caviar will remain unchanged - 250 grams per person.

According to the Federal Customs Service will be introduced the single customs declaration form - passenger customs declaration. Procedure of customs examination of passengers will remain the same.

Photo: Alesia Belaya

Date: 02/07/2010