Shipping goods from South Africa to Russia
South Africa is the continent’s most diversified exporter, shipping minerals, wine, fresh fruit and automotive components. Durban on the Indian Ocean and Cape Town on the Atlantic are the main container ports, and cargo for Russia sails with transhipment to St Petersburg or via Suez to Novorossiysk. Air freight from Johannesburg via Dubai or Istanbul suits urgent and high-value goods. We confirm the transit time for each shipment in the quote.
We work for South African producers and exporters whose customers are in Russia and the CIS. We organise collection from your farm, winery or factory, arrange the South African export formalities, book reefer or dry containers 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.
How we ship from South Africa 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 South Africa to Russia
South African suppliers ship citrus and other fresh fruit, wine, minerals and ores, and automotive components. Fresh fruit needs phytosanitary certificates and reefer transport, wine can be imported into Russia only by a licensed importer with excise stamps, and automotive parts need Russian conformity certificates.
Export formalities
The South African export declaration is lodged at Durban, Cape Town or the airport of dispatch, by your clearing agent or arranged by us, and you keep a copy as proof of export. Phytosanitary certificates for fruit are issued before loading. In Russia we clear the goods for your buyer, who pays import duty, VAT and, for wine, 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
- Book reefer capacity early in the fruit season — the long voyage leaves no room for delays.
- For wine, check that your buyer holds an alcohol import licence before shipping.
- Choose Durban or Cape Town according to your location to save inland transport.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from South Africa to Russia take?
Air freight via Dubai or Istanbul is the fastest option. Sea freight from Durban or Cape Town involves transhipment and a long voyage to St Petersburg or Novorossiysk. We confirm the time in each quote.
How can my Russian customer pay me?
Your customer can use our supplier-payment service: the buyer pays a payment agent in Russia under an agency agreement, and a partner company resident in the EU transfers the invoice amount to you by SWIFT, quoting your invoice number. Payments for sanctioned goods are not made.
Which documents are needed?
A commercial invoice with HS codes, prices and Incoterms, a packing list, the South African export declaration and, depending on the goods, phytosanitary certificates or alcohol import documents.
Do you screen for sanctions?
Yes. We only handle goods 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.