Duty-free imports from China to Russia

Import of goods from China to Russia remains one of the most popular areas of foreign trade. However, for small businesses, private entrepreneurs and individuals is especially relevant. duty-free. Russian legislation allows to import goods duty-freeIf certain weight and cost limits are met. Let’s look at how this works in 2025.

The legislative framework

The main regulations governing duty-free importation:

• Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (TC EAEU);
• EEC Resolution No. 107 of 2017 and its subsequent revisions;
• Decision of the EEC Board No. 92 of 24.06. 2022 - it specifies increased thresholds of duty-free import for online commerce.

These rules concern importation for personal use. Other rules apply for commercial shipments (see below).

Duty-free limit: how much can I import?

As of June 2025, the following are valid: Limits of duty-free import of goods from China to Russia (for individuals through online stores or mail):

If you bring in goods within these limits. Customs duties, VAT and excise duties are not charged.

What can be imported without duties?

Anything that fits. category “for personal use”namely:

• Electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets);
• Clothing, shoes, accessories;
• Household appliances;
• Children's goods;
• Office;
• Tools, small equipment;
• Hobby and DIY items (lighting, decor, car products);
• Cosmetics and care products (in reasonable amounts).

What can not be imported duty-free or with restrictions?

Some products require special control, even at small volumes:

• Alcohol and tobacco (allowed in limited quantities but not by mail)
• Medications (require a prescription/permission, especially for prescription drugs)
• Food products (often prohibited by sanitary standards);
• Weapons, components, night vision devices, etc. ;
• Large household appliances (often exceeding the weight limit);
• Branded clothing in large volumes (can be regarded as commercial).

What are the options for importing under the limit?

1. Through Chinese marketplaces

Platforms like 1688.com, Taobao, Pinduoduo, JD.com or AliExpress They offer delivery taking into account customs limits.

Many products are automatically cleared under the threshold 1,000 euros / 31 kg and include delivery to Russia (CDEK, Cainiao, EMS, SF Express).

2. Through intermediaries

Logistics companies in China can:

• Divide the order into several parcels;
• Properly prepare documents;
• Deliver it to the door without any problems.

This is convenient for entrepreneurs who want to test supplies without registration of a legal entity and foreign trade contracts.

3. In hand luggage or luggage

If you are flying to or returning from China, you can bring in:

• Up to 500 euros and 25 kg. duty-free;
• The rest is taxed at a rate of 30%, but not less than 4 euros / kg.

Business under the Limit: Who can use it?

Scheme. "import for physical persons" widely used:

• Self-employed;
• IP in retail without foreign economic activity;
• Resellers on marketplaces;
• Services of individual orders ("I will bring to order").

It's forbiddenHowever, with frequent or mass importation, customs may question "personal use" and charge additional duties.

Example: How to bring a duty-free party?

Let’s say you want to buy:

• 10 pieces of LED lamps for 60 euros;
• Total amount = 600 euros;
• Weight = 18 kg.

You order one parcel → it falls under the limit of 1000 euros / 31 kg duty-free. We can do it again next month.

What happens when you overdo it?

Excess limit = automatic charge of duty.

Formula:

Fee = 15% of the excess amount or 2 euros for each extra kg (which is more)

Example:

• You ordered for 1200 euros and 35 kg;
• Excess = 200 euros and 4 kg;
• 15% of 200 euros = 30 euros;
• 2 euro x 4 kg = 8 euro;
• More than 30 euros of duty is charged.

What's important to remember?

• The same goods cannot be divided between parcels if it is a clear commercial cargo.
• Do not use the passport of friends for mass deliveries - this is a risk.
• It is better to respect the limits honestly and not to disguise commercial imports as personal.

Imports from China up to 1,000 euros per month Real savings tool. He fits:

• beginners and self-employed;
• Buyers on marketplaces;
• People who want to test niches before scaling.

Observing the limits and rules, it is possible to safely and profitably develop business with China without registration of a legal entity and foreign trade documents.