Non-tariff regulation

Non-tariff regulation: government measures that control the import and export of goods not through duties but through permits, requirements and bans. In Russia, they are based on Federal Law No. 164-FZ on the fundamentals of state regulation of foreign trade activity and on the law of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Main measures

• bans and quantitative restrictions (quotas) on imports or exports;
• licenses and permits for certain goods;
• technical regulation: a certificate or declaration of conformity with EAEU technical regulations;
• sanitary and epidemiological, veterinary and phytosanitary control;
• mandatory marking of certain product groups;
• export control for goods and technologies that require a special permit.

How to find out what applies to your goods

Everything starts with the TN VED commodity code. It determines both the duty and the non-tariff measures. The code is then checked against EAEU lists and national regulations. A wrong code often means that the need for a permit is discovered only at customs.

Documents and authorities

Permits are issued by different bodies: certification bodies with accreditation handle technical regulations, specialized services carry out sanitary and veterinary control, and the authorized ministry issues licenses. Details of the documents are stated in the customs declaration.

Impact on timing and payment

Certification, licenses and laboratory tests take time. This has to be built into the delivery and payment schedule. Banks and agents also look at the goods when making a payment. If the goods fall under restrictions, they will request permits or refuse the payment. It is better to have the product description and permits before paying the advance, not after.

Before the roubles are transferred, we check the contract, the goods and the country. If something does not pass, we’ll tell you before the payment: Import payments.