Shipping goods from Cuba to Russia
Cuba is famous for its cigars and rum and also exports sugar and pharmaceutical products. Mariel, west of Havana, is the country’s main container port, and cargo for Russia sails from there with transhipment towards St Petersburg or Novorossiysk. Air freight from Havana suits cigars and urgent consignments. The transit time depends on the connections and is confirmed in each quote.
We work for Cuban exporters whose customers are in Russia and the CIS, after thorough compliance checks. Cuba is subject to a long-standing US embargo, so goods, parties and payment routes are screened with particular care, and some transactions cannot be accepted. For eligible shipments from 50 kg, we organise collection, export formalities, sea or air freight and Russian import clearance for your buyer. Air freight has no weight limit.
How we ship from Cuba to Russia
Air freight
From any country in 2–8 days door to door via Istanbul or Dubai, charged by volumetric weight (1 m³ = 167 kg), no weight limit. Minimum service fee €200.
Transit times to Moscow
| Mode | Door to door |
|---|---|
| Air | 2–8 days |
What suppliers ship from Cuba to Russia
Cuban suppliers ship cigars, rum, sugar and pharmaceutical products. Cigars and rum are excisable in Russia and can be imported only by licensed importers with excise stamps. Medicines can be sold in Russia only if registered there, which your buyer must confirm before shipment.
Export formalities
The Cuban export declaration is lodged at Mariel or at Havana airport, by the exporting organisation or its agent, and you keep a copy as proof of export. Before booking we screen the goods and all parties against EU, UK, Swiss and US lists. In Russia we clear the goods for your buyer, who pays import duty, VAT and, where applicable, excise.
How it works for you as a supplier
- 1Quote within 2 hours
Send the invoice or packing list — we check the HS codes against EU sanctions lists and quote transport, export formalities and customs clearance in Russia. - 2Collection from your premises
We pick up the goods from your warehouse or factory and take them to our consolidation warehouse or load a dedicated truck. - 3Export declaration
We lodge the export declaration on your behalf and send you the MRN and the proof of exit — the basis for zero-rating VAT. - 4Delivery to your customer
Border crossing, customs clearance in Russia and delivery to your buyer’s warehouse; tracking at every stage.
Practical tips
- Send full details of all parties with your enquiry — screening and the payment route are agreed first.
- For cigars and rum, check that your buyer is licensed and has excise stamps ready.
- Confirm the Russian registration of pharmaceuticals with your buyer before production.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from Cuba to Russia take?
Air freight from Havana is the fastest option. Sea freight from Mariel runs with transhipment. We confirm the expected time in the quote once screening is complete.
How can my Russian buyer pay me?
Payments through our partner companies in the EU are possible only where the transaction and all parties pass sanctions screening. We tell you at the enquiry stage whether our supplier-payment service can be used for your transaction.
Which documents are required?
A commercial invoice with HS codes, prices and Incoterms, a packing list, the Cuban export declaration, details of all parties for screening and, for excisable goods and medicines, the relevant Russian documents.
Do sanctions affect shipments from Cuba?
They can. We only handle goods that are not subject to EU, UK, Swiss or US sanctions, screen every HS code and party, and decline any shipment or counterparty covered by restrictive measures.