What Certifications Are Required for Exporting to Russia?

Guide to Certifications Required for Exporting to Russia

When exporting products to Russia and other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries (including Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia), it is necessary to meet the relevant certification requirements to ensure compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and health standards. Below are the main certification categories and their requirements.

EAC Certification (Eurasian Economic Union Certification)

EAC certification (also known as CU-TR certification) is a mandatory certification for entering the EAEU market and applies to the following products:

- Electronic and electrical products: Home appliances (TVs, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners), electronic devices (computers, mobile phones, tablets).

- Machinery and equipment: Construction machinery, agricultural machinery, food processing machinery, etc.

- Food and related products: Food additives, spices, grains, meat and meat products, fruit and vegetable juices, oils, etc.

- Medical devices: Ensures compliance with the unified technical regulations and standards within the EAEU.

- Cosmetics and personal care products: Ensures compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

- Electrical equipment: Low-voltage devices, elevators, explosion-proof products, electric motors, etc.

- Railway vehicles and high-speed rail equipment: Includes trains, trams, high-speed rail, and related equipment.

- Other: Fireworks, toys, furniture, lubricants, health products, etc.

EAC Certification Process

1. Initial enterprise assessment: Submission of company credentials and product technical documents.

2. Preparation for audit: Compilation of quality plans, quality manuals, product specifications, etc.

3. Audit: EAC officials review product quality, production processes, and conduct on-site inspections.

4. Certification issuance: Upon approval, an EAC certification is granted (valid for one year, with annual supervision audits).

EAC Certification Timeline and Costs

- Processing time: Approximately 3-6 months, longer for special industries.

- Cost: Generally between $1,000 - $1,600, with 3D/5D certification costing several thousand dollars.

GOST Certification

GOST certification is the product certification system for Russian-speaking countries, including:

- GOST-R (Russia)

- GOST-B (Belarus)

- GOST-K (Kazakhstan)

Types of GOST-R Certification

- Mandatory GOST-R COC Certificate

- Mandatory GOST-R DOC Certificate

- Voluntary GOST-R Certificate

- GOST-R Exemption Letter

GOST-R Certification Process

1. Application and document submission.

2. Preliminary evaluation and document review.

3. On-site inspection and laboratory testing.

4. Issuance of the certificate upon approval.

GOST-R Certification Timeline and Costs

- Processing time: 7-90 days, with license applications taking 5 days to 4 months.

- Cost: Varies by product type, e.g., pressure gauge certification costs $1,200 - $2,800.

SR-CU/SGR Certification (Sanitary Certificate/National Registration Certificate)

This certification applies to food, daily-use cosmetics, and other products subject to hygiene and safety regulations, ensuring compliance with the Customs Union's sanitary and epidemiological standards.

Certification Process

1. Submission of application and product documentation.

2. Certification body review and product testing.

3. Preparation of necessary documents in accordance with member state regulations.

4. Completion of registration and issuance of the certificate.

Russian Fire Safety Certificate

This certificate verifies that products comply with Russian fire safety requirements and is necessary for entering the Russian market.

Certificate Types

- Single batch

- 1-year validity

- 3-year validity

Application Requirements

- Application form (in English or Russian)

- Business license

- ISO 9001 or other quality management system certificates

- Product description or technical documents

- Sample testing (if required)

- Product images and other related materials

RTN Certificate (RosTechnadzor License)

Issued by the Russian Federal Service for Ecological, Technological, and Atomic Supervision (Rostekhnadzor), this certificate is required for hazardous equipment.

Applicable Products

- Industrial equipment that may pose flammable or explosive risks.

- Equipment that may endanger public safety or the environment.

Certificate Validity

- 3 years, 5 years, or lifetime validity.

Russian GMP Registration Certificate

Required for pharmaceutical manufacturers to prove compliance with Russian GMP standards (GOST R 52249-2009).

Validity Period

- GMP Certificate: 1-3 years

- Ministry of Health Drug Registration Certificate: No expiration

- Voluntary Drug Registration Certificate: 1-3 years

Other Certifications

- PAC Certification: Ensures measuring instruments comply with Russian metrology requirements.

- OTTC Certification (Vehicle Type Approval Certificate): Safety and quality certification for automobiles and related components.

- Medical Device Registration Certificate: Ensures the legal distribution of medical devices in Russia.

- Telecom Certifications (FAC Declaration/FSB Notification/FAC Certification): Regulatory requirements for telecom equipment.

- Russian Exemption Letter: Official document confirming that a product does not require mandatory certification.

When exporting products to Russia and other EAEU countries, the appropriate certification must be selected based on the product category. EAC certification is the most widely required mandatory certification, while GOST certification, sanitary certification (SR-CU/SGR), fire safety certificates, RTN licenses, and GMP registration apply to specific industries and products.

Companies should plan ahead based on their product type, market requirements, and regulatory standards to ensure a smooth export process.