Shipping goods from Sri Lanka to Russia
Sri Lanka is famous for Ceylon tea, and Russia has long been one of its important tea markets. Spices, natural rubber and rubber products, and textiles complete the picture. Colombo is a major transhipment port, so sea freight to Russia connects there to services running via Suez to St Petersburg or Novorossiysk. Air freight via Dubai or Istanbul suits smaller and urgent consignments. We confirm the transit time for each shipment in the quote.
We work for Sri Lankan tea houses, producers and exporters whose customers are in Russia and the CIS. We organise collection from your warehouse, arrange export formalities, book sea or air freight and clear the goods through Russian customs for your buyer. We accept business shipments from 50 kg (air freight has no weight limit), and every consignment is screened against sanctions lists before it is accepted.
How we ship from Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka to Russia
Sri Lankan suppliers ship Ceylon tea in bulk and packed form, spices such as cinnamon and pepper, natural rubber and rubber products, and textiles and garments. Tea and spices are plant products and need phytosanitary certificates, while packed tea for retail must meet Russian labelling rules.
Export formalities
The Sri Lankan export declaration is lodged at Colombo or at the airport of dispatch, by your broker or arranged by us, and you keep a copy as proof of export. Tea and spices need phytosanitary certificates issued before loading. In Russia we clear the goods for your buyer, who pays import duty and VAT.
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
- Arrange phytosanitary certificates for tea and spices before the container is loaded.
- For retail-packed tea, agree Russian-language labelling with your buyer in advance.
- Protect tea from moisture and odours in the container — choose packing suitable for a long sea voyage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from Sri Lanka to Russia take?
Air freight is the fastest option. Sea freight from Colombo runs via Suez to St Petersburg or Novorossiysk, with the time depending on the connecting service. We confirm it in the quote.
How can my Russian buyer pay me?
Your buyer can use our supplier-payment service: the Russian customer pays an agent under an agency agreement, and a partner company resident in the EU transfers the invoice amount to you by SWIFT. The commission is agreed with the buyer in advance; payments for sanctioned goods are not made.
Which documents do I need?
A commercial invoice with HS codes, prices and Incoterms, a packing list, the Sri Lankan export declaration and phytosanitary certificates for tea, spices and other plant products.
Do you screen for sanctions?
Yes. We only carry goods that are not subject to EU, UK, Swiss or US sanctions. HS codes and all parties are screened before cargo is accepted, and restricted items are declined.