Customs

Clearance of Cargo

Customs clearance of cargo is a mandatory procedure when importing or exporting goods across the EAEU border. Without a properly completed declaration and paid customs duties, the cargo will not receive “released” status and cannot enter commercial circulation. Art-Trans acts as an authorized customs broker and provides customs clearance services for all cargo types—import, export, transit, and re-export.

Types of customs clearance by type of cargo and delivery method

The declaration procedure varies depending on how the cargo enters the country and what exactly is being transported. Art-Trans works with all formats.

Express cargo

Express cargo and customs clearance are a combination that demands exceptional speed. Parcels, product samples, and urgent commercial shipments weighing up to 31 kg are declared using a simplified procedure via express carriers. Cargo valued up to €200 is duty-free; above this amount, a standard declaration with calculated duties is required. Art-Trans processes express shipments on the same day, provided the client has a complete set of documents.

Air cargo

Clearing cargo through air and customs clearance at airports has its own specific requirements: tight time windows, strict packaging and labeling requirements, and mandatory advance submission of information to the AIST system. Customs clearance at Sheremetyevo Airport is one of the busiest in the country. Art-Trans operates at all major air customs posts: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Pulkovo, and Tolmachevo. Knowledge of the regulations at each post helps avoid delays during inspection.

Dangerous goods

Customs clearance of hazardous cargo requires an expanded package of documents: an emergency card, a safety data sheet (SDS), and a permit from Rosprirodnadzor or Rospotrebnadzor, depending on the hazard class. The HS code for chemicals, gases, and explosives is selected with extreme precision: an error in classification entails administrative liability and an indefinite cargo detention. Art-Trans has experience declaring ADR classes 1–9 and has specialists who have received specialized certification.

Consolidated cargo

Customs clearance of consolidated cargo is a unique situation: a single container or vehicle may contain goods from different senders and recipients, each with different HS codes and different duty rates. Each shipment is declared separately. Art-Trans consolidates the documentation for all recipients, submits declarations simultaneously, and releases the cargo individually upon release. This eliminates the possibility of a partial consolidated shipment being delayed due to document issues with one of the parties.

Rules and procedures for customs clearance of cargo

Customs clearance for cargo transportation occurs in several sequential stages. Understanding this process helps prepare documents in advance and avoid delays.

Step 1. Preparing documents

Art-Trans broker requests the client to provide a commercial invoice, packing list, sales contract, and shipping documents (CMR, bill of lading, air waybill). If necessary, certificates of conformity and phytosanitary or veterinary permits are also requested. The more complete the initial package, the shorter the declaration process.

Step 2. Classification and calculation of payments

The broker determines the HS code for each product. The code determines the duty rate, the need for permits, and the applicable benefits. Import duties, VAT, excise taxes (if any), and customs clearance fees are calculated based on the code.

Step 3. Filing a declaration

The Goods Declaration (GD) is submitted electronically via the ED-2 system. Art-Trans submits the GD in advance of the cargo’s arrival at the customs post. This allows for document verification to begin before the actual border crossing and reduces the time required for customs clearance of the cargo.

Step 4. Customs control

After registering the declaration, the customs inspector verifies the information. Three types of inspection are possible: document verification, inspection without opening the package, and inspection with unloading. Most Art-Trans cargo passes through the first channel—without physical inspection—due to correct classification and a complete set of documents.

Step 5. Payment of customs duties

Customs payments are deposited into the foreign trade participant’s single personal account with the Federal Customs Service before the goods are released. Art-Trans monitors the timely receipt of funds and notifies the client of their receipt. If necessary, we select security instruments, such as a bank guarantee, surety, or collateral.

Step 6. Cargo release

After the inspector’s positive decision, the declaration receives the “Release Authorized” status. At this point, the cargo is released for free circulation and can be transported to the recipient. Customs clearance of Art-Trans cargo is completed with the transfer of a complete set of documents to the client: the issued declaration, payment orders, and consignment notes.

Customs clearance time and cost

Customs clearance times for cargo depend on several factors: the completeness of the documentation package, the risk category of the sender and recipient, the type of cargo, and the selected customs post. The standard release time for electronic declarations is 4 hours from the moment the declaration is registered. If an inspector orders an inspection, the time period increases to 1–3 business days.

The cost of customs clearance of cargo consists of several components. The customs clearance fee is fixed and depends on the goods’ customs value (ranging from 775 to 30,000 rubles at current rates). The import duty is a percentage of the customs value in accordance with the Unified Customs Customs Tariff of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). VAT is 20% of the total customs value, duties, and excise tax. Art-Trans broker fees are fixed by agreement, with no hidden surcharges.

Simplified procedures and reduced collateral requirements apply to foreign trade participants with a proven track record. Art-Trans helps clients obtain Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, significantly speeding up customs clearance on a regular basis.