Customs regulation: Pandemic response measures
In its endeavor to support business by providing benefits and offering special treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government could not leave out customs regulation. Significant customs measures have been introduced as outlined below. Some of these measures are also intended to ensure that certain types of products remain available in the country in view of the current difficult epidemiological situation.
- Suspension of field customs control inspections
Regulatory document: Russian government decree dated March 18, 2020
Validity term: until May 01, 2020
- Export ban on certain types of products
Regulatory documents:
(i) Russian government decree N 223 dated March 02, 2020 Introducing a Temporary Ban on the Export of Certain Types of Products from the Russian Federation
(ii) Eurasian Economic Commission Board Decision N 41 dated March 24, 2020 (ban on export outside the EAEU)
Objective: Temporarily ban the export of the following products from the Russian Federation
- Respirators;
- Hermetically sealed glasses;
- Chemical protective coveralls;
- Pathogen coats;
- Shoe covers, masks, bandages, cotton wool, gauze;
- Disinfectants;
- Surgical and medical gloves;
- Disposable medical kits;
- Laboratory coats;
- Breathing equipment and other gas masks.
Detailed product lists can be found in the abovementioned regulatory documents.
Validity term: The temporary ban as specified in the regulatory documents is set to last from March 02, 2020 to June 01, 2020.
- Exemption from import customs duties.
Regulatory documents:
(i) Eurasian Economic Commission Board Decision N 21 dated March 16, 2020
Objective: Exempt the following products from import customs duties
- Vaccines and diagnostic kits;
- Products used to manufacture disinfectants;
- Items of clothing and protective gloves;
- Equipment for medical use.
A detailed product list can be found in the abovementioned regulatory document.
Validity term: The decision is to enter into force on April 03, 2020 and will apply to legal relationships arisen from March 16, 2020.
Another decision regarding potatoes, onions, medicines and raw materials for production, baby food and diapers should also be issued shortly (Eurasian Economic Commission Board Order dated March 24, 2020).
We are here to help, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the above.
If you would like to discuss this matter further, please write to Julia Talagaeva.
Truly yours,