Forwarding freight to russia

A reliable freight forwarder is a key link between the U.S. shipper sending goods to Russia, and the Russian consignee awaiting their safe arrival. Working closely with your freight forwarder to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery can go a long way in developing long-term relationships with Russian customers.

The shipper should judge carefully their forwarder's ability to resolve problems at leading ports of entry, as well as to on-forward cargoes to final destination outside Russia's major transportation centers. This requires either an actual office or a strong agent based in the country. A commitment to communication is key to maintaining control over any particular shipment. The U.S. based freight forwarder must have a way to keep the shipper informed of the shipment's progress.

Be sure to include all relevant documentation with each shipment. At a minimum, every shipment should include a commercial invoice, a certificate of origin and a certificate of safety (conformity). Invoices should be translated into Russian and clearly show the terms of delivery and the customs value of the shipment.

Some products may require additional certificatiorL as well. Certificates of safety, it should be noted, are now required for virtually all imports. Major exceptions are food and Pharmaceuticals, which require certification from the Russian Ministry of Health and the Russian Veterinary section, respectively. The final consignee should be clearly shown on all waybills, with full address, phone number and fax number.

Documentation of hazardous shipments requires special attention. It is best to allow your freight forwarder to "call-forward" such shipments, which allows your forwarder to hold the shipment until they can confirm that all documentation is in perfect order. Hazardous shipment can be seized if not accompanied by all required documentation. Severe civil and criminal penalties apply for violating Russian law governing the movement of hazardous material.

Import Passports

Since January, Russian importers have been required to register their contracts with their Russian bank and to obtain an 'import passport', which certifies that the Russian importer has made payment for the import by contract through a Russian bank. Many customs posts recognize the commercial invoice as the contract but it must clearly designate the shipper, the consignee, the purchase order number, the total price to be paid, the terms of payment and the Russian bank processing the payment. If possible, include a document that actually contains the word "contract", and has all of the aforementioned information.

The importer must also make a deposit to obtain temporary customs clearance for goods entering the country at a port of entry other than the final destination. Original documents used in processing temporary import clearance must be forwarded to the customs authority at the port of entry. Final customs clearance takes place at the final destination once cargo is presented to customs there for inspection. Customs may be cleared and duties paid at the port of entry. To clear at the port of entry, the importer must be registered with customs there, in order to effect bank transfers to these locations.

The best way to get up-to-date information on documentation, payment procedures, and customs formalities for your shipment is to work through a forwarder. They should provide you with a list of what is required for shipment to any country they serve. It pays to take the time before shipping to know not only what is required of the shipper, but of the consignee as well