Starting July 2026, Russia will introduce a new national digital import control system that will fundamentally change how importers operate and effectively close the door to grey import schemes.
The government is creating a unified platform where importers must pre-register information about upcoming shipments from EAEU countries. Each shipment will receive a unique digital profile with a complete movement history — from dispatch to arrival at warehouses or retail.
Tax and customs authorities will gain a tool for total control: if a product appears on the market but is not registered as an “expected shipment,” the system will automatically flag it as a violation and mark it as illegal import.
For compliant market participants, this will create fairer competitive conditions, though administrative workload will increase significantly for all companies involved in import operations.
The transition will take place in two phases: from April to June 2026 the system will run in test mode, and starting July 1 it will become mandatory. This is the next step after product labeling and traceability — now control will be preventive, covering the entire supply chain.
The government is creating a unified platform where importers must pre-register information about upcoming shipments from EAEU countries. Each shipment will receive a unique digital profile with a complete movement history — from dispatch to arrival at warehouses or retail.
Tax and customs authorities will gain a tool for total control: if a product appears on the market but is not registered as an “expected shipment,” the system will automatically flag it as a violation and mark it as illegal import.
For compliant market participants, this will create fairer competitive conditions, though administrative workload will increase significantly for all companies involved in import operations.
The transition will take place in two phases: from April to June 2026 the system will run in test mode, and starting July 1 it will become mandatory. This is the next step after product labeling and traceability — now control will be preventive, covering the entire supply chain.
