Importers, trading houses and distributors face the parts of the Russian system that move fastest — customs valuation and classification, import VAT and duty, and currency control on cross-border payments. Get any one wrong and goods sit at the border or a payment is blocked. We structure the trading entity, handle customs classification and clearance with your logistics partner, manage import VAT recovery, and keep currency-control notifications and contracts compliant so money and goods keep moving. Agent and distributor models are set up to be tax-efficient and defensible.
The customs value and HS classification of your goods drive the duty and import VAT you pay, and they are the first thing customs scrutinises. Get the code or the declared value wrong and goods are held, reclassified or penalised. We confirm classification, prepare declarations with your logistics partner, and defend valuation where it is queried, so clearance is predictable rather than a recurring risk.
Import VAT and customs duty are charged on the customs value at clearance. For a VAT-registered importer, import VAT is generally recoverable — but only if the paperwork is right and timed correctly. We manage the calculation, the reclaim and the cash-flow timing so import VAT does not quietly become a cost.
Payments to and from foreign counterparties fall under currency-control rules that require notifications, contract registration and supporting documentation. Non-compliance carries heavy penalties and can freeze a payment. We build currency-control compliance into your contracting and payment process so money keeps moving and the paperwork is always in order.
Whether you trade through an agent (acting for a principal) or a distributor (taking title and reselling) changes your tax, VAT and customs position materially. We model both against your goods, margins and counterparties, and set up the structure that is efficient and defensible rather than the one that is merely convenient.
Import duties, clearance and customs compliance for traders.
View service →CIT, VAT, withholding tax and FTS audit defence.
View service →Currency-control compliance and account notifications.
View service →Entity setup, corporate secretarial and governance.
View service →Reporting aligned with Russian (RAS) requirements.
View service →Import VAT and customs duty are charged on the customs value of the goods, which is confirmed on clearance. Import VAT is generally recoverable by a VAT-registered importer. We handle valuation, classification and the reclaim.
Currency-control rules govern cross-border payments and require notifications and documentation for contracts with foreign counterparties. Non-compliance carries significant penalties, so we build it into your process.
It depends on who takes title and risk, and the tax and customs consequences of each. We model both and set up the one that fits your goods and margins.
Practical support for international business in Russia.