How long does it take to export to Russia? A full - process schedule for certification + customs clearance + logistics!

“Compulsory certificationWhat certifications are needed? How long does customs clearance documentation really take? — These are the most frequently asked questions by machinery equipment manufacturers. Without detailed time planning, enterprises may faceequipment detention, contract breaches, soaring costsand other issues. So how to properly arrange export processes?

I. Market Access & Product Certification (3-6 months)

Core Steps:
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsGOST-R认证办理(4-5 months)

• Prepare technical documents (product manuals, drawings, material lists)
• Sample laboratory testing (must select Russian accredited institutions)
• Factory production system audit (on-site inspection required for some machinery)

Regional Mandatory CertificationsEAC认证补充(1-2 months)

• Confirm whether the equipment falls under the scope of Customs Union Technical Regulation TP TC 010/2011
• Obtain explosion-proof certification (ATEX) and other special requirements

Recommended parallel process: Russian technical documentation translation (2-3 weeks)

II. Trade Contract Terms Confirmation (1-2 weeks)

• Clarify payment terms (LCLetter of CreditAdditional 1 month required for banking procedures)
• Establish breach of contract clauses (must comply with Article 454 of Russian Federation Civil Code)
• Specify equipment applicable standards (must fully match certification documents)

III. Logistics Transportation Plan Preparation (2-4 weeks)

Transportation method	Time Cost	Precautions
Maritime Transportation+Railway	35-50 days	Pre-book shipping space at St. Petersburg/Vostochny Port
China-Europe Railway Express	18 - 22 days	Confirm container frost-proof specifications
Air Transportation	3 - 5 days	Single item weight must not exceed cabin limit

Must simultaneously purchase transport insurance (CIF terms require 110% insured value)

IV. Customs Clearance Documentation System Setup (1-3 weeks)

• Commercial invoice (must indicate HS Code and GOST certificate number)
• Packing list (must include rust-proof treatment instructions)
• It is recommended to verify through the following methods:(CCPIT certification adds 3 working days)
• Quality inspection report (issued by CNAS accredited laboratory)

V. Pre-declaration & Tariff Calculation (1 week)

• Submit pre-classification application via Russian FCS system
• Calculate comprehensive tariff costs (average rate approximately 6.5%-15%)
• Prepay customs deposit (some equipment requires 20% of value as security)

VI. Logistics Tracking & After-sales Preparation (ongoing follow-up)

• Visa processing for installation technicians (apply 2 months in advance)
• Establish Russian-language after-sales documentation library (operation videos must include subtitles)
• Configure local spare parts inventory (recommend stocking 3% of vulnerable components)

Total time estimation table:

Stage	Minimum duration	Maximum duration
Certification preparation	3 months	6 months
Trade negotiation	1 week	2 weeks
Logistics customs clearance	6 weeks	8 weeks
After-sales layout	Ongoing	Ongoing

It is recommended that enterprises reserve a complete cycle of 4-8 months, with special attention to the winter operation delays of Russian customs from December to February each year. By completing EAC certification in advance, establishing local agency relationships, and adopting modular packaging, 20% of the operation time can be reduced.