Questions and answers on shipping and foreign trade

137 answers that Tranzit3 logisticians give most often: prices and transit times, customs and payments, labelling and documents. Every topic links to a detailed review.

Groupage from Europe to Moscow and across Russia (LCL): by road and sea

What is LCL and how does it differ from standard delivery?

LCL (Less than Container Load) is groupage: your cargo travels in a shared truck or container together with other customers’ shipments. Only the volume or weight used is charged, not the whole vehicle, which pays off for small consignments from one pallet.

From what volume does groupage make sense?

Groupage is usually sensible for consignments from one euro pallet up to several pallets. When the cargo consistently exceeds about half a truck or container, compare the rate with a dedicated truck (FTL) or container (FCL) — for larger volumes they are often cheaper.

How is the cost of a groupage shipment calculated?

The price combines actual weight, volume via LDM (loading metres) or cubic metres, and volumetric weight; the carrier charges on the greater of actual and volumetric weight. The country of collection, type of goods, insurance and warehouse services also affect the rate. All figures in the table are indicative.

Which documents are needed for a groupage shipment from Europe?

The basic set is the sales contract, a commercial invoice with the Incoterms rule, a packing list and the EU export declaration (EX1). Depending on the goods, an EAEU certificate or declaration of conformity, Chestny Znak labelling documents and other permits may be required. The data in all documents must match on weight, number of packages and description.

How long does it take, and is customs clearance included?

Indicative road groupage times to Moscow or St Petersburg: Germany and the Netherlands from 10–16 days, Poland from 8–12 days, Italy from 12–18 days. Add the time the load takes to consolidate at the warehouse and customs clearance in Russia, and plan the total with a margin.

How does customs clearance work, and should the cargo be insured?

Clearance follows the EAEU Customs Code: a goods declaration is lodged for the consignment, the goods are classified by HS code and duty and VAT are calculated. With turnkey service the broker handles this. Insurance is arranged separately and is recommended for groupage, because the goods are transhipped and travel with other shipments.

How to ship cargo from China to Russia: rail, sea, road and customs

Which mode from China suits marketplace goods?

For regular marketplace orders the container train is usually best: a sensible balance of time (about 16–35 days) and cost. Small lots travel as LCL groupage, urgent top-ups by road or air, and large inexpensive volumes without a hard deadline by sea. We match the channel to the volume, budget and urgency.

How long does cargo take from China to Russia?

Indicatively: container train 16–35 days to Moscow, road 14–25 days, sea (via Vladivostok or Novorossiysk) 23–55 days, with the Novorossiysk route closer to the upper end, air 3–10 days. Times depend on route, season and market load; exact dates are fixed per shipment.

What do purchasing and consolidation in China include?

Purchasing means we pay the supplier for the order, receive the goods at our warehouse in China, check quantity and visible conformity and repack if needed. Consolidation combines goods from several suppliers into one shipment, which lowers logistics costs and simplifies clearance. We keep a package register and take photos.

Do goods from China need an EAC certificate?

If the goods fall under EAEU technical regulations (electronics, household appliances, children’s products, toys, furniture, clothing, cosmetics and others), an EAEU certificate or declaration of conformity is required, sometimes a state registration certificate. It is issued before import and the goods carry the EAC mark. We arrange it and support the process.

What payments are due at Russian customs for goods from China?

Import duty (depending on the HS code), VAT at 22% from 2026 (10% for certain categories) and customs processing fees. The VAT base is the customs value plus duty. We calculate the total in advance so the landed cost is clear before shipment.

Do the goods need Chestny Znak labelling?

It depends on the HS code and the current mandatory labelling list, which expands every year. In 2026 new groups come under labelling and permit regimes, including radio electronics for importers. Codes are applied before the goods are released into circulation; we take this into account when planning the shipment.

Parallel import into Russia: what the term means

Is parallel import legal in Russia?

Under Russian law, yes. It is based on Federal Law No. 46-FZ (Article 18(3)), Government Decree No. 506 of 29.03.2022 and the Minpromtorg list. For listed goods, importing original products without the rights holder’s consent does not lead to civil liability in Russia. Counterfeits remain illegal. Russian law does not, however, affect export restrictions in the EU, UK, Switzerland or the US.

How does parallel import differ from counterfeiting?

Parallel import means importing genuine, original goods lawfully made by the brand and first sold abroad; the only difference from ordinary import is the absence of the rights holder’s permission for the specific consignment. Counterfeits are fake goods, and their import is illegal regardless of the list.

Can an EU or UK supplier ship goods that are on the Minpromtorg list?

Only if the goods themselves are not subject to the sanctions and export controls of the supplier’s jurisdiction. The Russian list is irrelevant to that question. We screen HS codes and parties first and handle only goods that are not sanctioned.

Are customs duty and VAT payable?

Yes. Parallel import is cleared as an ordinary declared import: a goods declaration is lodged, and import duty by HS code, VAT (as a rule 22% from 2026) and customs fees are paid. Some categories also need EAC certification and Chestny Znak labelling.

How to ship cargo from Turkey to Russia: routes, documents and transit times

How long does cargo take from Turkey to Russia?

Road by ferry from Samsun/Karasu: a few days for the crossing plus the road legs on both sides. Sea Istanbul – Novorossiysk: a pure leg of 4–10 days, 2–4 weeks including customs and collection. Air: 2–5 days. Times are indicative and depend on season, border congestion and vessel schedules.

How much does shipping from Turkey cost?

It depends on the mode, weight and volume. Indicatively: ferry per truck from €2,200; sea LCL from 1 m³; air by volumetric weight with a minimum order of €200. We quote the exact rate for the specific cargo and route together with customs payments and certification, so the full landed cost is visible without hidden extras.

What documents are needed?

The basic set: invoice, packing list, contract, transport documents (CMR, bill of lading or air waybill) and a certificate of origin where needed. For release a goods declaration with the correct EAEU HS code is lodged, and most consumer categories need an EAEU permit (certificate, declaration of conformity or SGR). We help assemble and issue the whole set.

Are certification and Chestny Znak labelling required?

Yes. Most goods must comply with EAEU technical regulations (certificate or declaration of conformity), and categories subject to labelling (clothing, textiles, footwear, perfume and others) must carry Data Matrix codes in the Chestny Znak system before sale. Without them retail sale is illegal.

Do you ship goods of non-Turkish origin via Turkey?

Only goods that are not subject to EU, UK, Swiss or US sanctions, with their true origin and destination declared. We screen HS codes and parties first and do not use Turkey as a transit point to disguise origin.

How much will VAT and duty be?

Duty depends on the HS code (for consumer goods typically 5–15% of the customs value). From 1 January 2026 the standard VAT rate is 22% (10% is kept for socially important categories, including children’s clothing). VAT is charged on value plus duty. All figures are indicative; we calculate precisely for your code and lot value before dispatch.

“Cargo” or declared import: what suits Wildberries and Ozon sellers

Why does Wildberries or Ozon block a listing without documents?

Marketplaces check that goods are legal and may request documents proving lawful placing on the market: the goods declaration, a certificate or declaration of conformity and, for labelled categories, Chestny Znak codes. If they are missing or inconsistent, the listing is hidden, and in serious cases the whole account is restricted. Declared import provides the full pack, so these blocks do not arise.

What documents does the seller receive with declared import?

The goods declaration for the imported consignment, a UPD with VAT for the transfer of goods, and TR TS/EAC certificates or declarations of conformity. For labelled categories, Chestny Znak codes are added. This pack meets marketplace requirements and lets a company on the general tax system deduct VAT.

Are certification and Chestny Znak labelling required?

Yes. Most consumer goods must comply with EAEU technical regulations — a certificate or declaration of conformity with the EAC mark. Categories on the mandatory list (clothing, footwear, perfume, tyres, apparel, photographic equipment and others) must carry Data Matrix codes before sale. Without them sales are illegal and the marketplace will not accept the goods.

How long does a declared import take?

Purchasing and receipt, international transport (from China by rail about 16–35 days, by road 14–25 days; from Europe by road or LCL 10–18 days), customs clearance (usually a few days with a complete pack) and, if needed, certification and labelling. Plan the total with a margin, especially before seasonal peaks.

Do you work with private individuals or personal effects?

No. Tranzit3 works only with companies and sole traders: wholesale commercial consignments from 50 kg (air: no weight limit), minimum service fee €200. We do not handle personal effects, removals or goods for personal use.

Can goods be bought from a supplier without direct settlement?

Yes. Our purchasing service pays the supplier on 1688, Alibaba, Taobao or directly at the factory, receives the goods at our warehouse, checks quantity and visible conformity, consolidates lots and repacks to marketplace requirements if needed. For the supplier, payment comes from us as the contracting party.

Freight from Europe to Russia with customs clearance: road, sea, air

Which corridor should I choose — Rotterdam, Warsaw, Lithuania or the south via Turkey?

Bulky and heavy lots from Western Europe — sea via Rotterdam (cheaper per cubic metre, independent of the border). Urgent and Central European cargo — road via Warsaw. Northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltics — Vilnius. Southern Russia, the Caucasus, the Volga region or when the northern border is unavailable — the southern corridor via Turkey and Iran (from 40 days). We compare the options by price and time in the quote.

How long does shipping from Europe to Russia take?

Road groupage: 4–7 days from the Warsaw warehouse to Moscow, plus collection depending on the country; a dedicated truck 4–10 days; sea groupage via Rotterdam from 2 weeks; air 2–4 days. Add 1–2 days for customs clearance, which we start before the cargo arrives.

What is the minimum consignment?

From 50 kg or one pallet as groupage. Only the space used is charged, by weight or volume. From 10–12 pallets a dedicated truck is cheaper, and from 15 m³ a container.

Can goods be shipped from Europe directly, without intermediary countries?

Yes, for goods permitted for export: the cargo is declared under EX1 in the supplier’s country and travels via Poland or the Baltic states, or by sea via Rotterdam. We do not ship sanctioned goods, either directly or via third countries.

Who handles the EX1 export declaration and Russian customs?

We do both: the EX1 through our agents in the EU, with closure monitored by MRN, and the goods declaration through our own customs representative in Russia. We only need the contract, invoice, packing list and payment documents.

How can my Russian customer pay me?

Through our supplier payment service via a payment agent where a direct transfer from a Russian bank is not possible, with the contract set up so that payments pass currency control. Terms and commission are agreed before the deal.

What should be checked before an order is placed?

EU export restrictions for the goods’ HS code, Russian import requirements (certification, Chestny Znak labelling, permits), the Incoterms rule in the contract (FCA is preferable) and the packaging — wooden packaging must carry the IPPC stamp.

“Cargo” from China to Russia: 17 days by road

How long does cargo from China take?

17 days by road from the consolidation warehouse in China to release in Russia. Production time and delivery from the factory to the warehouse are not included.

How much does cargo from China cost per kilogram?

There are no fixed rates from China — we quote on request; the rate depends on cargo density, lot size and product category. Minimum service fee €200, insurance 0.3% of the declared value.

Can you pay the supplier in China?

Yes. We pay the factory or the seller on 1688, Alibaba or Taobao, receive the goods at the warehouse and check them against the order. The commission is 5% of the order value.

Can goods from several suppliers be combined?

Yes, that is what the consolidation warehouse is for: lots from different suppliers are combined into one shipment and the total weight is charged.

Will there be documents for the goods?

No. With cargo, no declaration in the buyer’s company name, no closing documents with VAT and no certificates are issued. If documents are needed — for example for marketplace sales — choose declared import, which we also handle.

“Cargo” from Europe to Russia via Belarus: 5–7 days, €5–7 per kg

How long does cargo from Europe take?

5–7 days in transit via Belarus. Collection time depends on the country and the readiness of the goods and is confirmed in the quote.

How much does cargo from Europe cost per kilogram?

€5–7 per kg. Minimum service fee €200, insurance 0.3% of the declared value. For heavy lots, compare with declared freight priced per package — it is often cheaper on logistics.

Can you pay a supplier in Germany, Italy or Poland?

Yes, our supplier payment service settles with the supplier in the EU; the commission is 5% of the order value.

Is cargo suitable for urgent spare parts?

Yes, it is the most common case: when machinery or a line is standing still, 5–7 days in transit matter more than the difference in rate.

Will there be documents for the goods?

No. With cargo, no declaration in the buyer’s company name, no closing documents with VAT and no certificates are issued. If documents are needed — or you need an EX1 as exporter — we quote declared import.

GosLog and mandatory electronic transport documents in 2026: what cargo owners should check

From what date is the GosLog forwarder register mandatory?

From 1 March 2026. Companies already operating on that date had 60 calendar days to file a notification — the deadline expired on 30 April 2026. New entrants file before they start providing services. The legal basis is Federal Law No. 140-FZ of 07.06.2025 and Government Decree No. 173 of 20.02.2026.

What is the fine for operating without registration?

Under Article 11.14.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences, 100 to 300 thousand roubles for legal entities and 500 thousand to 1 million roubles for a repeat offence, plus a ban on providing forwarding services. Cases are heard by Rostransnadzor.

Which documents must be electronic from 1 September 2026?

For road, the consignment note (ETrN) and the transport order; for air, the air waybill; for rail, the rail waybill. On all modes, the forwarding instruction, forwarder’s receipt and warehouse receipt go electronic. The exchange runs through GIS EPD.

Is an ETrN needed for international transport?

Not on the cross-border leg. Law 140-FZ applies to carriage within Russia, while the international part is covered by a CMR, AWB / e-AWB or CIM/SMGS. But if the cargo travels within Russia on a separate trip by a Russian carrier — for example from the terminal to the consignee’s warehouse after release — that is domestic carriage and requires an ETrN from 1 September 2026.

How can I check whether a forwarder is registered?

Ask the contractor for its register entry and verify it on the GosLog platform, and make sure the contract details match the register. Also ask which accredited EPD operator it uses and whether it can issue forwarding instructions and receipts electronically after 1 September 2026.

What does a cargo owner risk with an unregistered forwarder?

Two things. Operationally, the contractor may be banned from providing services and the delivery stops mid-route. For tax, expenses under a contract with a counterparty not entitled to provide such services become vulnerable when the VAT deduction and costs are audited. A check takes minutes; replacing a forwarder mid-delivery takes weeks.

What if GIS EPD is unavailable at the time of dispatch?

The procedure for technical failures and the list of exceptions are set by Ministry of Transport regulations, and as of August 2026 practice is still developing. The practical advice is to agree the procedure for system outages in the contract in advance rather than working it out while the truck waits.

22% import VAT in 2026: how it is calculated and what got dearer

What is the import VAT rate in Russia in 2026?

The standard rate is 22%, in force from 1 January 2026 under Federal Law No. 425-FZ of 28.11.2025 (previously 20%). The reduced 10% rate is kept for medicines, children’s goods, printed books and some foods under Article 164(2) of the Tax Code. The applicable rate is determined by the HS code of the specific product.

What amount is import VAT calculated on?

On customs value + import duty + excise. The customs value usually includes the invoice price, delivery to the EAEU border and insurance. So the rate rise adds not 2% of the purchase price but 2% of that whole base: on a $10,000 lot with $1,500 freight and 5% duty the difference is about $241.

Have logistics services become more expensive because of the new rate?

Yes. Terminal handling, temporary storage, port charges, document processing and the forwarder’s fee are now taxed at 22%. International transport can be zero-rated if the conditions are met. Compare offers on amounts including VAT and check which item carries which rate.

Can payment of import VAT be deferred?

Yes, under the experiment established by Presidential Decree No. 263 of 20.04.2026 (until 30 June 2027) — but not for every importer. Eligible are companies in the register of authorised economic operators or the list of systemically important organisations, on the general tax system, with no customs arrears and able to provide financial security; only imports from outside the EAEU are covered. The tax is not reduced, but the cash gap is closed.

Is import VAT recoverable?

Yes, for companies on the general tax system VAT paid at customs is deductible. The goods declaration with the release stamp and closing documents with VAT shown separately are required. With undocumented “grey” delivery the tax is not recovered — and at 22% that loss is bigger than before.

Environmental fee on imports in 2026: who pays, how much and when

Does the environmental fee have to be paid before customs release in 2026?

It depends on the goods. For items in the experiment under Decree No. 750 of 01.06.2024, reporting and payment (or a bank guarantee or recycler surety) are tied to each shipment and made before release. For other goods and packaging the general procedure applies — payment for the year, by 15 April of the following year. Federal Law No. 495-FZ of 28.12.2025 extended the transition period until 1 January 2028, so there was no general switch to paying at the border in 2026.

How is the fee on packaging calculated?

Rate per tonne × packaging weight in tonnes × recycling target (minus confirmed recycling). In 2026 the packaging target is 75%. Weight is taken for each material separately, because cardboard, film, wood and plastic have different rates. For example, one tonne of cardboard packaging at about 2,953 roubles/t and a 75% target gives a fee of roughly 2.2 thousand roubles.

Does the supplier or the importer pay the fee?

The importer, as the party placing the goods and packaging on the Russian market. The foreign supplier and the carrier are not payers. Exemption is possible with confirmed 100% recycling, export-only activity, or packaging bought from a Russian supplier that has already met its EPR obligation. As supplier, you help by providing accurate packaging weights by material.

Is the fee due on imports from Kazakhstan and Belarus?

Yes, the EPR obligation remains, but the “before release” payment scheme does not apply to EAEU countries, as there is no customs clearance at their border with Russia. The fee is calculated and paid under the general procedure, for the calendar year.

What happens if the fee is not paid?

A fine of three times the unpaid amount, but not less than 500 thousand roubles for a legal entity. False weight information: twice the amount, minimum 250 thousand. Failure to report: 70 to 150 thousand roubles. Rosprirodnadzor receives import data from customs, so discrepancies are visible without a special audit.

Can the fee be reduced lawfully?

Yes, in two ways. First, independent recycling: the confirmed volume is deducted from the target, and at 100% no fee is paid. Second, working on the supplier’s packaging: lower weight, cardboard instead of wooden crates and mono-material reduce both weight and rate. There is no way to “hide” packaging — customs passes import data automatically.

Chestny Znak labelling in 2026: a calendar for importers

Where is it cheapest to apply labelling codes?

At the supplier’s factory, if it is willing to work with the importer’s codes — then there is no delay at all. Otherwise, a consolidation warehouse abroad: codes are applied while the groupage load is built, and the goods enter Russia already labelled. Labelling at a customs warehouse in Russia under IM70 is a safety net but the most expensive option because of storage and extra operations.

Which new product groups came under labelling in 2026?

Radio electronics (from 01.05.2026), workwear (01.03.2026), confectionery in stages from March to July 2026, tea (01.04.2026) and coffee (01.06.2026), perfume and lubricants (01.04.2026), polymer pipes (01.06.2026), ready meat products (01.08.2026) and sausages (01.10.2026), dry groceries (01.09 and 01.12.2026), medical devices (01.09.2026).

Do car parts need labelling in 2026?

There is no mandatory requirement yet: the car parts labelling experiment, due to end on 31 August 2026, was extended by Government Decree No. 1113 of 31.08.2026 until 28 February 2027. Mandatory dates exist only as a Minpromtorg draft and are not fixed by a separate decree. Exporters of automotive components should agree the technical ability to apply codes in advance — the requirement will most likely follow the extended experiment.

How much does labelling a consignment cost?

The code itself costs 50 kopecks excluding VAT. The main costs are applying and aggregating the codes, which depend on the number of units, the type of packaging and where the codes are applied. It is cheapest at the factory and most expensive when relabelling at a customs warehouse in Russia.

What happens if unlabelled goods are imported?

Under Article 15.12 of the Code of Administrative Offences, a legal entity faces a fine of up to 300 thousand roubles with confiscation of the goods. The company also comes under closer customs scrutiny, so later deliveries are inspected more often, and marketplace sellers risk having listings blocked.

Recycling fee (utilsbor) in 2026: what changed for vehicles and machinery

What changed in the recycling fee on 1 April 2026?

Formally, nothing yet: the draft that was to introduce, from 1 April 2026, a single formula for EAEU imports with an additional charge up to the level of direct import, and to abolish simplified TPO clearance for individuals, has not been signed. Minpromtorg officially denied that it took effect, and it remains under inter-ministerial review. For the same reason the return of mandatory ERA-GLONASS installation was postponed: the deferral for individuals is extended to 31 December 2027. The status should be checked before each deal.

Is the recycling fee payable on special machinery and loaders?

Yes. The fee applies not only to cars but also to self-propelled machinery: construction and road equipment, loaders, tractors and agricultural machinery. If such an item is part of an equipment delivery, the fee applies and must be calculated separately from duty and VAT. A self-propelled machine passport is also issued.

Why have payments for electric vehicles and hybrids gone up?

Since 10 February 2026, if there are no data on 30-minute power, it is calculated as peak power multiplied by 0.45. The result often exceeds the preference thresholds and the vehicle moves to the commercial rate. Documented 30-minute power has therefore become a key document, to be requested from the supplier before payment.

By when must the fee be paid on imports from the EAEU?

If the vehicle is not subject to declaration, within five working days of actually crossing the border: the payer submits the calculation and supporting documents to customs, which checks and marks it. Missing the deadline creates a problem with registering the vehicle.

Why is there no rate table on this page?

Rates and coefficients are revised several times a year, sometimes weeks apart, and a mistake in this line is measured in hundreds of thousands of roubles per unit. We calculate the amount for the delivery date under the version in force and show the whole calculation.

Sea freight from Germany to Russia

How long does sea freight from Germany to Russia take?

On average 25–45 days, depending on the port of loading, the shipping line and the destination. We give the exact time once the route and cargo details are confirmed.

Which is better value — FCL or LCL?

A full container (FCL) pays off from roughly 15 m³; for smaller lots LCL groupage is cheaper, as only the space used is charged.

Who handles customs clearance?

Tranzit3 takes care of it: HS classification, calculation of duty and VAT, lodging the declaration and release. We check the documents in advance to avoid delays.

Road freight from Poland to Russia

How many days does a truck from Poland to Russia take?

A dedicated truck (FTL) takes 8–12 days; groupage (LTL) 4–7 days from our Warsaw warehouse, with a weekly departure.

Can a small consignment be shipped?

Yes, groupage (LTL) suits small volumes from 50 kg or one pallet: only the space actually used in the truck is charged.

Do you have a warehouse in Poland?

Yes, Tranzit3 has its own consolidation warehouse in Warsaw, where lots from different suppliers are combined before departure to Russia.

Shipping clothing from China

Which mode should be used for clothing from China?

Sea for large lots (23–55 days), rail for regular deliveries (16–35 days), air for urgent collections (3–10 days).

Does clothing need certification?

Yes, clothing and textiles are subject to mandatory conformity assessment. Tranzit3 helps arrange declarations and certificates for the specific range.

Can a trial lot be shipped?

Yes, LCL groupage suits small and trial lots at a good rate, without having to fill a container.

Shipping electronics from China

How is electronics kept safe in transit?

We use quality packaging, minimise transhipment and recommend insurance for the full value of the cargo, with condition checks at every stage.

Is an FSB notification needed for equipment with encryption?

Yes, devices with encryption functions require a notification. We check the requirements in advance and prepare the documents for smooth import.

What are the transit times for electronics from China?

Air 3–10 days, rail 16–35 days, sea 23–55 days. The choice depends on urgency and budget.

Customs clearance in Moscow

How long does customs clearance take?

With a complete and correct document set, release usually takes from a few hours to 1–2 working days. We check the documents in advance to avoid delays.

Which documents are needed for clearance?

Contract, invoice, packing list, transport documents and permits (certificates, declarations) for the specific goods. We define the full list for your products.

Can goods be cleared if the buyer has no foreign trade set-up of its own?

Yes, we act as customs representative and carry out clearance under our own code if the buyer has no foreign trade contract.

Groupage from Europe

What is groupage (LCL/LTL)?

Transport in which your consignment travels with other customers’ cargo in one container or truck. Only the space actually used is charged.

What is the minimum volume?

From 50 kg or a single pallet — groupage is designed for small consignments, and that is its main advantage.

Where is cargo consolidated?

Tranzit3 has consolidation warehouses in Vilnius and Warsaw (and a sea consolidation point in Rotterdam), where lots from different suppliers are combined before departure to Russia.

Shipping from Italy to Russia

How long does shipping from Italy take?

Road freight takes 12–18 days; sea takes longer but is cheaper for large volumes. The exact time depends on the route and destination.

How is Italian furniture transported?

For bulky and fragile furniture we choose suitable vehicles and packaging with corner and surface protection, and minimise transhipment en route.

Can a small consignment be shipped?

Yes, groupage suits individual items and small volumes at a good rate, with no need to fill a truck or container.

Shipping from Turkey to Russia

How many days does cargo from Turkey take?

Road freight takes 8–14 days, sea 12–20 days. The time depends on the route and the destination in Russia.

Can EU goods be consolidated in Istanbul?

Only goods permitted for export from the EU, shipped with their true origin and full documents. We screen HS codes and parties first and do not use Turkey to disguise where goods come from.

What is most often shipped from Turkey?

Textiles, clothing, building materials, furniture and food. We choose the best transport and clearance for each category.

Air freight

How long does air freight take?

3–7 days door to door, including customs clearance. It is the fastest delivery option.

What cargo is worth sending by air?

Urgent, perishable and high-margin goods: electronics, pharmaceuticals, product samples, spare parts and urgent deliveries.

From which countries is air freight available?

Tranzit3 arranges air freight from Europe, Asia and the USA to Russia with full customs support.

Shipping from the Netherlands to Russia

Why does cargo go via Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and a convenient gateway. Dutch goods and consolidated cargo from across the EU are shipped through it.

How much does groupage from the Netherlands cost?

On the Rotterdam – St Petersburg route groupage is priced per package: from €200 per package, from €500 per euro pallet. We calculate the exact cost for your cargo.

Which formats are available?

LCL groupage for small lots and FCL containers for large volumes. We match the format to the volume of your cargo.

Shipping from France to Russia

How long does shipping from France take?

Road freight takes 12–18 days. The time depends on the route, volume and destination in Russia.

How are cosmetics and perfume shipped?

These goods need special transport conditions and certification. We take temperature requirements into account and prepare the necessary documents.

What is most often imported from France?

Cosmetics, perfume, equipment and food. We choose the optimal delivery scheme for each category, after checking that the goods are not subject to EU sanctions.

Shipping equipment from Europe

How is oversized equipment transported?

We select special vehicles for the dimensions and weight, calculate the centre of gravity, provide securing and organise loading and unloading.

Does equipment need certification?

Yes, equipment is subject to certification of conformity with technical regulations. We define the requirements in advance and prepare the full document set.

Do you insure high-value equipment?

Yes, for valuable and heavy cargo we recommend insurance for the full value — it protects you at every stage of transport.

Shipping from the USA to Russia

How long does shipping from the USA take?

Sea freight takes 35–50 days, air 7–12 days. The choice depends on urgency and budget — we calculate both options.

Do you have a warehouse in the USA?

Yes, we receive cargo at a warehouse in the USA, consolidate lots from different suppliers and ship them to Russia as one consignment — for goods that are not subject to US or other applicable export restrictions.

What is usually shipped from the USA?

Equipment, electronics, car parts, health and sports goods. We choose the best transport and clearance for each category.

Rail freight from China

How long does rail freight from China take?

16–35 days — as a rule faster than sea at a comparable cost for many types of cargo.

Why is rail better value than sea and air?

It is the middle ground: cheaper than air and faster than sea. Container trains run on stable routes with predictable transit times.

Is rail suitable for regular deliveries?

Yes, the stable schedule of container trains makes rail convenient for regular and planned shipments.

Shipping furniture from Europe

How is furniture protected in transit?

Upholstered furniture needs protection from moisture and dirt, cabinet furniture protection of corners and surfaces. We organise delivery with a minimum of transhipment.

Can a single item be shipped?

Yes, groupage suits individual items at a good rate (from 50 kg, minimum service fee €200). For large lots a dedicated truck is better value.

How long does furniture delivery from Europe take?

It depends on the country of origin and format: road freight within the EU usually takes 10 to 18 days. We give the exact time for your order.

Shipping from Czechia to Russia

How long does shipping from Czechia take?

Road freight takes 9–14 days. Groupage is consolidated at our warehouse in Poland before departure to Russia.

How are Czech glass and crystal transported?

For fragile cargo we use reinforced packaging and securing, minimise transhipment and arrange insurance where needed.

What is most often shipped from Czechia?

Equipment, glass, crystal, automotive components and industrial goods. We choose a delivery scheme for each category.

Shipping from South Korea

How long does shipping from Korea take?

Sea freight takes 30–45 days, air 6–10 days. We choose the format to match your priorities on speed and price.

What is most often shipped from South Korea?

Automotive components, electronics, household appliances and popular cosmetics. We choose the best scheme for each category.

Do Korean cosmetics need certification?

Yes, cosmetics are subject to mandatory conformity assessment. We help arrange declarations and certificates for the specific range.

Shipping from Vietnam

How long does shipping from Vietnam take?

Sea freight takes 30–45 days. We use groupage for small lots and containers for large ones.

What is usually imported from Vietnam?

Textiles, footwear, furniture and food. Vietnam is a growing producer in all of these categories.

Can a trial lot be shipped?

Yes, LCL groupage suits small and trial lots at a good rate, without filling a container.

Shipping food products

How is the temperature regime maintained?

For perishable goods we use reefers with temperature control along the entire route — the cold chain is never broken.

Which documents are needed to import food?

Veterinary or phytosanitary certificates and declarations of conformity. We check the requirements in advance and prepare the full set.

Can food travel as groupage?

Yes, if the temperature regimes are compatible, food products can be consolidated. Incompatible categories travel on separate transport.

Shipping car parts from Europe

How long does delivery of car parts take?

Road freight from Europe takes 10–16 days. The time depends on the country of origin and the consolidation scheme.

Can a small lot of parts be shipped?

Yes, groupage is especially convenient for spare parts — even a small lot (from 50 kg) can be shipped at a good rate.

Do automotive components need certification?

Some automotive components require certification of conformity. We determine the requirements by product range and help arrange the documents.

FTL road freight from Europe to Russia

What is FTL transport?

FTL (Full Truck Load) means the whole truck (up to 33 LDM / 24,000 kg / ~90 m³) is dedicated to one customer’s cargo — no other loads, no transhipment and no waiting for consolidation.

How long does a truck from Europe to Russia take?

On average 5–12 days depending on the country of loading: from Poland and the Baltic states 5–8 days, from Germany and Benelux 7–10, from Italy and Spain 9–14.

When is FTL better value than groupage?

From about 12–15 pallets, or when speed and no transhipment matter: fragile equipment, expensive electronics, urgent lots. For smaller volumes LTL/LCL is cheaper.

Which documents are needed for FTL from the EU?

Invoice, packing list, CMR, the EX1 export declaration (we lodge it on the EU side) and certificates where needed. Tranzit3 prepares the full set.

Did not find your question?

Describe your shipment and a logistician will answer for your specific delivery, not in general terms. We reply within 2 business hours.

Wholesale only

We work only with companies and sole traders. Shipments from 50 kg (air: no weight limit), minimum service fee €200. We do not accept personal parcels or retail purchases.

Request a quote

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Keywords
  • Shipping to Russia FAQ
  • Freight to Russia questions
  • Russian customs clearance FAQ
  • Export to Russia questions
  • Groupage Europe Russia FAQ
  • Russian import VAT questions
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