Import Procedures from Türkiye to Russia (2024-2025)

For entrepreneurs worldwide looking to do business in Türkiye and export goods to Russia, understanding the latest import procedures and regulations is essential. This article provides an up-to-date overview of trade policies, import procedures, customs duties, product certification, and taxation for the years 2024-2025.

1. Foreign Trade Policy and Agreements

• Free Trade Agreements: Russia has a Free Trade Agreement with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and a partnership and cooperation agreement with the European Union.
• Customs Union: Russia has been part of a Customs Union with Belarus and Kazakhstan since January 1, 2010. Armenia joined in 2014, followed by Kyrgyzstan in 2015.
• World Trade Organization (WTO): Russia applied for WTO membership in 1993 and officially became the 156th member on August 23, 2012.

2. Import Procedures

• Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): In 2021, Russia removed 75 countries, including Türkiye, from the GSP list. This change has been in effect since October 12, 2021.
• Parallel Import: Russia introduced the “Parallel Import” system, allowing the import of goods produced by official manufacturers but not authorized for supply to Russia. In 2023, the market value of products imported under this scheme exceeded $70 billion.

3. Customs Duties

• Customs Duty Rates: Approximately 85% of goods in Russia’s tariff schedule have ad valorem duties. For the remaining categories, a combination method is applied, choosing the higher of ad valorem and specific duties.
• Average Customs Tariff Rate: After Russia’s WTO accession, the average customs tariff rate was set at 7.8%. The weighted average customs duty rate was recorded at 4.2% in 2021.

4. Product Standards and Certification

• Product Certification: Certification in Russia primarily involves compliance certificates and declarations. The most commonly required certifications include:
  • GOST R Compliance Certificate
  • GOST R Compliance Declaration
  • Eurasian Customs/Economic Union Compliance Certificate (EAC)
  • Customs Union Compliance Declaration
• EAC Certification: The EAC certificate can be obtained for a batch or for a period of 1, 3, or 5 years. It is mandatory for entry into the markets of Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

5. Domestic Taxes and Rates

• Value Added Tax (VAT): VAT payments are due by the 25th day of the month following the tax period. For some products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, books, children’s products, medical products, and pharmaceuticals, the VAT rate is 10%.
• Luxury Consumption Tax: Certain goods including alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, motor vehicles, and ethyl alcohol are subject to luxury consumption tax.

6. Agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation

• Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements: Russia has active agreements with 80 countries, including Türkiye, to prevent double taxation. However, as of August 8, 2023, a presidential decree suspended key provisions of these agreements with 38 “unfriendly” countries.

These regulations reflect the most recent updates for 2024-2025 and provide essential information for international entrepreneurs planning to conduct business between Türkiye and Russia.