For foreign companies planning to do business in Russia, understanding local licensing, certification, and permit requirements is a crucial step in market preparation. Failure to comply may lead to shipment delays, fines, or even blocked access to the market.
- Mandatory Product Certification
Many categories of goods must undergo mandatory certification under Russian or Eurasian standards (e.g., EAC, TR CU, GOST).
Examples of regulated product categories:
Electrical equipment and electronics
Toys and children’s products
Medical devices
Cosmetics and household chemicals
Food products
Typical documents required:
Certificate of Conformity to Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU)
Declaration of Conformity
State Registration Certificate (for certain product types)
- Business Activity Licenses
Certain business activities require licenses from Russian regulatory authorities. This applies to both manufacturing and service provision.
Examples of licensed sectors:
Medical services
Educational services
Production or import of alcohol and pharmaceuticals
Telecommunications
Transport of hazardous goods
Note: Obtaining a license typically requires a registered legal entity in Russia.
- Customs Clearance and Permit Documentation
Importing goods into Russia also requires supporting documentation such as:
Refusal letters or exemption notices (if certification is not required)
Safety data sheets (for chemicals)
Technical manuals and labeling in Russian
Customs authorities carefully verify all documentation before allowing entry of goods. Delays often occur due to missing or incorrect permits.
- Who Can Help?
Navigating Russia’s permit and certification procedures requires local expertise and knowledge of EAEU technical regulations. Coordination with authorities such as Roszdravnadzor, Rosakkreditatsiya, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade may be necessary.
💡 Pro tip: Work with a reliable certification agency or consulting firm that can guide you through document preparation and reduce regulatory risks.
Conclusion
Licensing, certification, and permits are not just formalities — they are essential for legal, safe, and long-term business operations in Russia. Proper compliance helps unlock access to key clients, government tenders, and smooth customs clearance.
