Veterinary and phytosanitary control
and import licences
Veterinary and phytosanitary import control takes place before customs release: without Rosselkhoznadzor clearance the declaration will not be released. We check requirements before shipment, agree the phytosanitary or veterinary certificate with the supplier and attend the Rosselkhoznadzor inspection at Vladivostok port.
For goods on the EAEU unified list of non-tariff measures we obtain MinPromTorg licences, and for cultural property — Ministry of Culture opinions.
Specification
Specification · Vet and phyto control, licences. Standard terms · requirements and timing are confirmed by product code and country of origin
Service
- Controls
- veterinary, phytosanitary quarantine
- Cargo
- fish, meat, dairy, feed, fruit, vegetables, timber
- Options
- MinPromTorg licences, Ministry of Culture opinions
Terms
- Timing
- port control 1–2 days, longer with lab testing
- Documents
- pre-shipment certificate check included
- Currency
- USD / RUB
Process
- Before shipment
- producer approval, certificates, permits
- At the port
- Rosselkhoznadzor inspection, sampling
- After
- Mercury, release under DT
Price
- Base
- control support at tariff
- Extras
- lab, disinfection, reefer storage — on request
Service flow
- 01
Requirements check
Using the HS code and origin we identify the controls, check that the producer is on the approved establishments list and whether a Rosselkhoznadzor permit, licence or opinion is needed.
1–2 days - 02
Pre-shipment documents
We agree the content of the veterinary or phytosanitary certificate with the supplier and the ISPM 15 requirements for wooden packaging, and apply for permits and licences.
from a few days - 03
Border point control
The cargo arrives at a designated border point; the Rosselkhoznadzor inspector checks documents, examines the cargo and takes samples for lab testing if needed.
1–2 days - 04
Lab and Mercury
We receive the lab results, redeem the incoming certificate and issue veterinary accompanying documents in the Mercury system for onward movement and sale.
a few days - 05
Release
We pass control results and permit details into the DT, obtain customs release and dispatch the cargo to the consignee.
1 day
Problems
The phytosanitary certificate's description or weight does not match the invoice, or the wrong entry point is stated — the cargo is held or sent back.
We get a draft of the certificate from the supplier before issue and reconcile it with the invoice, packing list and B/L.
The meat or fish producer is not on the list of approved establishments — import is impossible.
We check the establishment's status before the contract is signed and suggest switching suppliers if it is not approved.
A quarantine pest is found, or wooden packaging lacks ISPM 15 marking — disinfection or return is ordered.
We require marked packaging and fumigation from the supplier in advance and, if a violation is found, arrange on-site disinfection.
Documents
Documents for controlled cargo. Exporting-country certificates are issued before shipment, so their contents must be agreed with the supplier in advance.
Incoterms
- CFR / CIF
- the seller handles export certificates, the buyer handles permits and controls in Russia
- FCA
- fix the seller's duty to provide the phyto/vet certificate in the contract
- DAP
- port dwell during controls is paid by the buyer — plan the timing
Documents
- Veterinary certificate
- original from the exporting country's veterinary service in the agreed format
- Phytosanitary certificate
- original from the exporting country's plant protection service
- Import permit
- Rosselkhoznadzor permit — where required
- Licence / opinion
- MinPromTorg licence or Ministry of Culture opinion — depending on goods
- Invoice and Packing List
- names, weight and marking match the certificates
FAQ
For controlled goods of animal origin: meat, fish and seafood, dairy, feed, live animals and certain raw materials. The certificate is issued by the exporting country's veterinary service in the format agreed with the EAEU, and the producer must be approved for supplies.
Quarantine-regulated products: plants, seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables, grain, timber and other goods on the EAEU list. High phytosanitary risk products need the exporting country's phytosanitary certificate, and wooden packaging of any cargo must bear ISPM 15 marking.
The cargo must arrive at a border point with the relevant control facilities. The inspector checks documents, examines the shipment and takes samples if needed; with a positive result the clearance is recorded and customs release can follow. Usually 1–2 days, longer with lab testing.
Mercury is the state electronic veterinary certification system. After a controlled product is imported, the incoming certificate is redeemed there and veterinary accompanying documents (VSD) are issued; without them the goods cannot be moved or sold within Russia.
For goods on the EAEU unified list of non-tariff measures that are subject to licensing, for example certain encryption products, toxic substances and ozone-depleting substances. The licence is obtained before the DT is filed, and its details go into the declaration.
It confirms whether an item is cultural property and sets how it may be moved, primarily on export. Without it antiques, paintings, vintage musical instruments and collectibles may be held by customs.