Russia's threshold on duty-free online purchases 2020

New rules on duty-free imports in Russia

Russia’s threshold of duty-free import of goods has been significantly changed. According to the information from The Federal Customs Service of Russia, starting from January 1, 2020, the threshold of duty-free import of goods for personal use shipped as international mail and with Express carriers has been reduced to €200 (US$224.07) and 31 kg (68.34 pounds). Thus, if the commercial value of your parcel exceeds €200 (US$224.07) or 31 kg (68.34 pounds), you will need to pay customs duty.

Please note that while before the total weight and cost of parcels sent to one person within one month were considered, from now on, duties are based on the weight and cost per each individual parcel.

Furthermore, the percentage of duty has decreased: as of now, if the above limit is exceeded, a fee of 15% of the cost must be paid, but no less than €2 per 1 kg (2.21 pounds). For instance:

Upon receipt of a parcel valued at € 500 (US$560.17) and weighing 31 kg (68.34 pounds), you would need to pay 15% of €300 (US$336.10). The duty amount will be € 45.
Upon receipt of a parcel valued at € 200 (US$224.07) and weighing 33 kg (72.75 pounds), you would need to pay for exceeding the weight threshold, that is, for 2 kg (4.41 pounds) of overweight. Thus, the duty amount will be €4 (US$4.48).

Who determines if the goods are for personal use?

The right to determine whether the goods are for personal use or not remains with the customs. If they decide that the products in the parcel are not for personal use, the General procedure for customs operations established for foreign trade participants will be applied.

The government may make adjustments to these regulations in early 2020. We’ll do our best to keep you updated.
If after reading this information you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer support. We are always happy to assist you!