Compliant Importer of Record and Exporter of Record framework for IT, telecom, and dual-use technology shipments into and out of the Russian Federation. Every shipment screened against US OFAC, EU, UK, and Russian counter-sanctions before booking.
Russia operates a structured customs framework administered by the Federal Customs Service (FCS), with product conformity governed by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU). Telecom, wireless, and encryption equipment require approval through Roskomnadzor and the Federal Security Service (FSB). Imports require a Russian-registered party with active customs registration and the correct sector approvals.
IOR Service operates as your registered Importer of Record (IOR) and Exporter of Record (EOR) for Russia. We hold the local registration, manage EAC conformity, Roskomnadzor, and FSB workflows, file declarations with the FCS, and pay duties and the 20% VAT as the legal party of record. Russia is subject to extensive US, EU, UK, and allied sanctions across most technology categories. Every engagement begins with sanctions screening. We do not facilitate shipments that breach applicable sanctions.
Russian customs and conformity rules combine the EAEU-wide technical regulation framework, strict HS classification discipline, valuation enforcement, sector-specific licensing for tech and telecom, encryption notification requirements, and Russian-language documentation expectations. Layered on top is the international sanctions environment, which determines what can legally move into Russia and from which origin countries. Foreign companies shipping into Russia without an in-country compliance partner face sanctions exposure, shipment hold at port, EAC certification refusal, encryption notification gaps, valuation reassessment, or extended demurrage at Moscow, Saint Petersburg, or Vladivostok.
Sanctions screening across multiple jurisdictions: US OFAC, EU, UK, Swiss, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, and Korean sanctions apply to most advanced technology, semiconductors, electronics, dual-use, and luxury categories. The applicable regime depends on origin country, manufacturer nationality, product specification, and end-use. Carrier policies further restrict acceptance. Pre-shipment sanctions review is non-negotiable.
Local entity requirement: Only a Russian-registered participant in foreign economic activity may file customs declarations and act as the legal importer. Foreign companies cannot self-clear. A registered local IOR provides the legal importer structure.
EAEU conformity (EAC mark and TR CU): Regulated product categories require conformity to Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulations of the Customs Union, evidenced by EAC certification or EAC declaration of conformity. The EAC mark must appear on regulated products. Conformity recognition extends across all EAEU member states (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan).
Encryption notification (FSB): Equipment containing encryption (most modern IT, networking, and telecom hardware) requires notification to the Federal Security Service through a Notification Letter procedure before lawful import. Some categories require licensing rather than notification.
Roskomnadzor for telecom and broadcasting: Telecom infrastructure, radio frequency equipment, and broadcasting hardware require Roskomnadzor approval in addition to EAC conformity.
HS classification and valuation discipline: Russian Federal Customs scrutinizes HS codes and CIF valuations. Misclassification or undervaluation triggers reassessment, inspection escalation, and penalty exposure.
Russian-language documentation: Customs declarations, technical documentation, and labeling commonly require Russian translation. Documentation in English only without Russian support triggers queries.
Incoterm and importer structure mismatch: Under DDP, the seller's IOR clears the goods; under DAP, the buyer or its registered IOR clears. Mismatched Incoterm understanding causes clearance disputes. Per-shipment Incoterm confirmation eliminates surprises.
Counter-sanctions and import substitution: Selected categories face Russian Federation import restrictions or preferential treatment for domestically manufactured equivalents. Pre-shipment scope confirmation is essential.
As your registered IOR in Russia, IOR Service manages the full compliance stack from pre-shipment sanctions review through delivery, under a single engagement.
Sanctions and pre-shipment compliance review: Full sanctions screening across US OFAC, EU, UK, Swiss, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, and Korean regimes. Parties (consignee, end-user, intermediaries), product (ECCN, technical specification, country of origin), and end-use review. HS classification, restricted-item check, EAC conformity pathway determination, Roskomnadzor and FSB scope confirmation, and Russian translation readiness before goods leave origin.
Documentation and customs declarations: Commercial invoice review with Russian translation, certificate of origin verification, packing list alignment, EAC certificate or declaration of conformity coordination, FSB notification letter compilation where applicable, Roskomnadzor documentation, and FCS customs declaration filing.
Duties and VAT handling: We pay applicable customs duty (Russian tariffs generally range from 0 to 20 percent for most IT and tech, higher for selected categories), 20% VAT on CIF plus duty, excise where applicable, recycling fee where applicable, and customs fees from our account as the registered importer. Costs are billed transparently to the client.
Regulatory approvals coordination: Liaison with EAC certification bodies for product certification or declaration of conformity, Roskomnadzor for telecom and broadcasting approvals, FSB for encryption notification, Rospotrebnadzor for selected consumer categories, and Roszdravnadzor for medical devices.
Customs coordination and release: Federal Customs Service interface, query response, inspection coordination, valuation defense where required, and post-clearance audit management at Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo airports), Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Novorossiysk, and other entry points.
Recordkeeping and shipment updates: Declarations, EAC certificates, FSB notifications, Roskomnadzor approvals, sanctions screening records, and supporting documentation retained per Russian customs retention requirements. Status updates per shipment milestone.
For re-exports, multi-destination projects, and equipment returns leaving Russia, IOR Service operates as your registered Exporter of Record under a single engagement.
Pre-export compliance review: HS classification, restricted-item screening for dual-use and controlled items, destination market assessment, sanctions screening on the outbound shipment (destination country, end-user, end-use), and export license pathway determination before goods leave Russian territory.
Export documentation: Commercial invoice review, certificate of origin preparation, packing list alignment, export permit coordination where required, and FCS export declaration filing.
Tax handling: VAT zero-rating documentation under Russian export rules, export duty assessment where applicable (selected commodities including timber, metals, and energy carry export duty), and customs fee settlement from our account as the registered exporter. Costs billed transparently.
Carrier and broker coordination: Interface with carrier, customs broker, and Federal Customs Service for departure clearance. Query response and post-departure documentation.
Recordkeeping and shipment updates: Export declarations, license records, and shipping documents retained per Russian customs retention requirements. Status updates per shipment milestone.
Re-export and multi-destination support: Project-flow coordination, returned-equipment handling, EAEU-wide movement (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan transit), and bonded consolidation for outbound staging.
The Federal Customs Service (FCS), under the Ministry of Finance, administers all import and export declarations. Customs entries are filed electronically through the FCS system, with risk-based inspection assignment. Only a Russian-registered party with active customs standing (participant in foreign economic activity) may file declarations.
Russia's product conformity operates through the Eurasian Economic Union framework. Regulated product categories require conformity to relevant Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU 004/2011 for low-voltage equipment, TR CU 020/2011 for electromagnetic compatibility, TR CU 037/2016 for restriction of hazardous substances, and others). Evidence is either an EAC Certificate of Conformity (third-party certification, typically required for higher-risk categories) or an EAC Declaration of Conformity (manufacturer self-declaration with supporting test evidence). The EAC mark must appear on the product. Conformity issued in any EAEU state is recognized across all five member states.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) requires a Notification Letter for the import of goods containing encryption functionality. Most modern IT, networking, telecom, and consumer electronics with encryption capability fall in scope. Some categories require licensing rather than notification.
Roskomnadzor (the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media) administers approvals for telecom, radio-frequency, and broadcasting equipment. Base stations, radio equipment, and broadcasting hardware require Roskomnadzor approval before lawful import and use.
Russia applies its tariff schedule based on the Harmonized System. Customs duty is calculated on CIF value. VAT applies on CIF plus duty plus excise where applicable. Russia is a member of the EAEU Common External Tariff with national variations on selected categories.
Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), IOR Service acts as the named importer, pays all duties, 20% VAT, and applicable fees, and delivers cleared goods to the consignee. Under DAP (Delivered at Place), the buyer is typically the named importer; we can act as the registered IOR on the buyer's behalf. Under CIP, CPT, EXW, or FCA terms, the buyer or its registered IOR handles all import-side compliance. Incoterms allocate cost and risk; they do not change the requirement for a Russian-registered party to act as the legal importer.
VAT is 20% on the CIF value plus customs duty. Customs duty rates generally range from 0 to 20 percent for most IT and tech, higher for selected categories. Excise applies to selected categories. Recycling fee applies to selected equipment categories.
Commercial invoice (with HS codes, CIF breakdown, and Russian translation)
Packing list
Bill of lading or airway bill
Certificate of origin
EAC Certificate of Conformity or EAC Declaration of Conformity (for TR CU-regulated categories)
FSB Notification Letter (for encryption-bearing equipment)
Roskomnadzor approval (for telecom and broadcasting equipment)
Technical datasheets and product specifications (in Russian where required)
Sector-specific permits (Roszdravnadzor for medical, others as applicable)
Sanctions clearance file (internal documentation of screening completed before booking)
Insurance certificate (where applicable)
Full sanctions screening across applicable jurisdictions. HS classification, EAC conformity pathway, FSB encryption notification scope, Roskomnadzor scope.
Incoterm review, IOR pathway (DDP via IOR Service or DAP via registered consignee), sanctions clearance documented
Commercial invoice review with Russian translation, EAC certificate or declaration coordination, FSB notification compilation, customs declaration preparation.
FCS submission, query response, inspection coordination, 20% VAT and duty payment by IOR Service as the registered importer.
Release at the entry point, delivery to consignee, record retention per Russian customs retention requirements.
Sanctions exposure discovered after booking: Shipment booked without full sanctions screening across US OFAC, EU, UK, and other regimes. Sanctions issues surface at carrier acceptance, origin port, or destination customs. Pre-shipment sanctions review is non-negotiable.
Missing EAC conformity for regulated categories: Goods arriving without valid EAC Certificate or Declaration of Conformity held at customs pending remediation. EAC certification cannot be completed at port.
FSB encryption notification gaps: IT and networking equipment containing encryption blocked without the FSB Notification Letter. Most modern technology requires the notification.
HS misclassification and valuation queries: Russian Federal Customs scrutinizes declared values, particularly for high-value tech. Inaccurate HS codes or undervaluation triggers reassessment.
Roskomnadzor approval missing on telecom and broadcasting: Radio frequency equipment, base stations, and broadcasting hardware held pending Roskomnadzor approval.
Documentation in English only without Russian translation: Customs declarations, commercial invoices, and technical documentation commonly require Russian translation; missing translations trigger queries.
Incoterm mismatch: Shipment booked under DDP when buyer expected DAP, or vice versa. Incoterm responsibility gaps cause clearance disputes. Pre-shipment Incoterm confirmation eliminates surprises.
Counter-sanctions exposure: Selected categories face Russian Federation counter-sanctions or import substitution preferences. Pre-shipment scope confirmation is essential.
Tell us the origin country, the manufacturer nationality, the destination (Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, or other), the equipment scope (including any encryption, wireless, or dual-use capability), the value, the Incoterm, the end-use, and the project timeline. Our compliance team returns a sanctions screening result, HS, EAC, FSB, and Roskomnadzor assessment, customs documentation framework, and quote where the shipment is feasible. Typically within one business day.
Available on request
Shared after initial assessment.25+ Years of International Trade & Compliance Leadership
Backed by decades of experience in global trade, IOR Service delivers the compliance frameworks, regulatory oversight, and market-entry expertise required for successful international operations. From highly regulated industries to complex cross-border projects, we help organizations move forward with certainty.The Importer of Record is the legal party registered with the Russian Federal Customs Service as responsible for the imported goods. The IOR holds the customs registration (status as a participant in foreign economic activity), files the customs declaration, pays duties and 20% VAT, manages EAC conformity and sector approvals, and bears legal accountability for compliance. Only a Russian-registered party may serve as the IOR on the customs declaration.
Generally no. The seller is typically located outside Russia and cannot file Russian customs declarations directly. Even under Incoterms that place the responsibility for clearance on the seller (DDP), the seller must work through a Russian-registered IOR to act as the legal importer. IOR Service holds the local registration and acts as the legal IOR on behalf of foreign sellers shipping into Russia, subject to sanctions clearance.
Under DAP (Delivered at Place), the buyer is typically the named importer of record and bears responsibility for customs clearance, duties, and taxes. The buyer must either hold Russian customs registration directly or work through a registered IOR. IOR Service can act as the registered IOR on the buyer's behalf under DAP terms.
Not necessarily. The consignee is the party named on the bill of lading or the air waybill as the recipient of the goods. The IOR is the party registered with customs as legally responsible for the import declaration, duties, and compliance. They can be the same party but not in the same role. Under DDP arrangements, IOR Service is commonly the IOR, while a separate consignee receives delivery.
You do not obtain an IOR number; you engage an IOR entity. The relevant identifier is the Russian customs registration of the importing party (registered as a participant in foreign economic activity), supported by tax identification (INN) and other registrations. IOR Service holds the relevant registrations on your behalf as the legal importer.
It depends on the product, the country of origin, the manufacturer's nationality, the end user, and the end use. Russia is subject to extensive sanctions by the US OFAC, the EU, the UK, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Canada, and Korea, which restrict access to most advanced technology, semiconductors, dual-use goods, and luxury goods. Russia also operates counter-sanctions on selected categories. Some shipments remain feasible; many are restricted; some are prohibited. Every engagement begins with sanctions screening before quote. We will not facilitate shipments that breach applicable sanctions.
The EAC mark (Eurasian Conformity mark) is the conformity marking applied to products that meet the relevant Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU) under the Eurasian Economic Union framework. EAC conformity is mandatory for regulated product categories before customs release. Evidence is either an EAC Certificate of Conformity (third-party certification for higher-risk categories) or an EAC Declaration of Conformity (manufacturer self-declaration with supporting test evidence).
The Federal Security Service (FSB) requires a Notification Letter for the import of goods containing encryption functionality. Most modern IT, networking, telecom, and consumer electronics with encryption capability fall in scope. Some categories require licensing rather than notification. IOR Service compiles and submits the FSB Notification Letter as part of the import workflow.
Yes, subject to sanctions screening. Under DDP terms, IOR Service acts as the named importer, pays all duties, 20% VAT, and applicable fees, manages EAC conformity, FSB notification, and Roskomnadzor workflows, and delivers cleared goods to the consignee. Your company appears nowhere in the Russian customs record. IOR Service is the legal party of record.
Yes, subject to sanctions screening on the destination country and end-user. IOR Service operates as registered Exporter of Record for outbound shipments, managing classification, export documentation, VAT zero-rating, sanctions screening on the outbound transaction, and FCS export filings.
