Australia Shipping - Import Regulations

Import Regulations - Russia

Russia is growing in importance as a market for Australian exports and investment, a trend that is expected to accelerate once Russia’s WTO accession is complete.

In 2007-08 two-way merchandise trade between Australia and Russia was worth $1,194 billion. Russia is now Australia’s 33rd largest merchandise trading partner. Key Australian exports to Russia in 2007-08 included live animals, meat (particularly beef), raw hides and skins. Russia is Australia’s largest export market for kangaroo meat with exports in 2008 worth $23.8 million.

Product certification, labelling and packaging
A very wide range of goods require a certificate of conformity to allow customs clearance. The certificate must refer to Russian safety standards and may be obtained prior to export from local Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) offices in Australia. Certification can be handled also on arrival in Russia through Gosstandard.

The list of following products require certification:
• agricultural and foods products;
• children’s clothing;
• footwear;
• toys;
• prams;
• electrical and telecommunications equipment;
• pharmaceuticals and healthcare products;
• transportation equipment and tools.

All medicines and pharmaceutical goods should be registered or certified by the Russian Ministry of Public Health.

All products sold in Russia must include relevant information about the product in the Russian language.
Outer containers should bear the consignee's mark and port mark and should be numbered according to packing list. The contract number must be shown on the outside of containers.

Documentary requirements
There is no prescribed form of commercial invoice. As a rule, a minimum of seven copies must be supplied.

The invoice must include:
• country of origin;
• weights (net, gross and tare);
• details of packing materials;
• marks and numbers of packages;
• quantity and description of goods;
• place of final dispatch from country of export;
• unit prices and total shipment value;
• selling price to purchaser.

Not less than 3 copies of bill of lading must be provided.

6 copies of packing list are required, providing a summary of the total shipment.

Public health requirements
The Russian Federation maintains strict standards and controls over drugs and food. Some certificates are obtained by the importer in Russia through customs but before sale after clearance of goods. Some need to be obtained by the exporter prior to clearance through customs (preferably prior to departure from Australia).