Russia                                   

Russia                                                                                           

Pre-Clearance Not Possible For Containers 

Contrary to USMEF’s article yesterday concerning pre-clearance for pork shipments to Russia, USMEF-Russia reports Russian Customs is telling importers it will not allow pre-clearance for imports of meat in containers. Customs officers told them that though they had allowed this in the past, it is not currently possible.   According to a Customs Resolution dated 4 November, 2004, customs clearance (or pre-clearance) of containers requires the importer to have the originals of all documents (Bill of Lading, veterinary certificate issued by exporting country and veterinary certificate issued by Russian customs veterinary inspector). When containers arrive in the port, a Russian veterinary inspector checks the container and the product and then issues a Russian veterinary certificate. This procedure means only break-bulk products can be pre-cleared, not containerized shipments.

Russia                                                                                           

Pre-Clearance Not Possible For Containers 

Contrary to USMEF’s article yesterday concerning pre-clearance for pork shipments to Russia, USMEF-Russia reports Russian Customs is telling importers it will not allow pre-clearance for imports of meat in containers. Customs officers told them that though they had allowed this in the past, it is not currently possible.   According to a Customs Resolution dated 4 November, 2004, customs clearance (or pre-clearance) of containers requires the importer to have the originals of all documents (Bill of Lading, veterinary certificate issued by exporting country and veterinary certificate issued by Russian customs veterinary inspector). When containers arrive in the port, a Russian veterinary inspector checks the container and the product and then issues a Russian veterinary certificate. This procedure means only break-bulk products can be pre-cleared, not containerized shipments.