Many inexperienced travelers before their trip are very concerned about the question of how to get through customs at the airport. Without knowing the basic rules, it is very difficult to pass customs control correctly, because it involves filling out a declaration, undergoing a personal search, etc.
Not everyone needs to go through customs at the airport in 2021; most passengers walk along the internal green corridor without filling out declarations.
About customs
There is hardly a person for whom going through customs does not cause any emotions. The anxious anticipation of such a meeting can be a serious test of the nervous system's strength for anyone, even the most law-abiding citizen.
That is why it is so important for those who go on a tourist or business trip abroad to familiarize themselves in advance with the basic requirements of customs and border control for the import or export of certain goods, food, and items of certain value.
How to behave at customs? The rules for passing customs in detail may differ, but the general concept of border control remains the same for any country in the world - this is the prevention of smuggling of drugs, weapons, medicines, alcohol, large amounts of cash and consumer goods exceeding the parameters established by individual countries, as well as illegal border crossing by individuals persons.
Passing customs control
Customs control is a set of measures to control compliance with customs rules. Customs control is aimed at monitoring transported items.
Depending on the latter, two customs zones are distinguished:
- red channel,
- green corridor.
More than 95 percent of all passengers travel along the green corridor. People pass through it who do not carry large sums of money, antiques, expensive jewelry, weapons and other prohibited goods. People who do not fill out any customs declarations pass along the green corridor.
People who carry jewelry purchased in another country and brought to the country from which the passenger is departing also pass along the green corridor. But in this case, you must show documents for the purchased jewelry for personal use.
Permitted for import and export of goods without declaration (green corridor)
Permitted goods without filling out a declaration:
- Cash amounts not to exceed $10,000.
- Alcohol products - up to three liters.
- Cigarettes - no more than two blocks.
- Items for personal use, the total value of which does not exceed two thousand dollars.
What needs to be declared when entering Russia (red corridor)
Travelers pass along the red corridor, carrying with them:
- Cash in excess of $10,000. In this case, the currency of the transported funds does not play any role. If translated into dollars the amount is more than 10,000, then it is subject to declaration.
- Over $25,000 worth of jewelry.
- Securities.
- Products intended for personal use that are prohibited. For example, weapons or medications. Weapons require special permission. In the case of medical supplies, the country where the person is going plays a huge role. Thus, it is prohibited to import even the most harmless medicines like Paracetamol and Analgin into some Asian countries. Only medicines that are necessary for a person to maintain life are allowed to be imported. But in this case, there must be a prescription for the drugs, as well as a doctor’s report with a diagnosis, which confirms that these drugs are vitally necessary for the person.
- Plants or animals that are listed in the Red Book.
- Documents, materials, the contents of which are classified as state secrets.
What needs to be declared when leaving Russia (red corridor)
If the departure is from Russia, it is worth paying attention that the following groups of goods are subject to mandatory declaration:
- Fish and seafood weighing more than five kilograms.
- Sturgeon caviar. Only up to 250 grams of black caviar are allowed to be exported duty-free.
- Weapon.
- Ammunition.
- Explosives.
- Cultural values of the country.
- State awards of the Russian Federation.
Remember that it is advisable to turn off mobile phones while going through customs control.
Sample of filling out a customs declaration
If you need to fill out a declaration, you must approach the airport staff in advance and ask for the form. The declaration is filled out in block letters in two copies. One copy is given to customs control officers, and the second copy is kept by the traveler for himself.
Under no circumstances should you throw away your declaration, even after boarding the plane. Upon return, it is presented to customs control officers.
Sample customs declaration
It is not recommended to be nervous while going through customs control, as this may cause additional inspections by employees. It is recommended to behave calmly so as not to arouse unnecessary suspicion.
If tomorrow there is customs, then it is better to prepare
To avoid unnecessary problems when crossing the border, it is better to find out in advance what and in what quantities is allowed to be transported. The necessary information can be found on the Internet on special sites. If you are traveling in an organized group, you can ask your tour operator for details. As a last resort, if a private trip is carried out, at the regional customs offices at the place of residence.
Airports have stricter rules for baggage and carry-on luggage. Thus, it is not allowed to take luggage weighing more than 5 kg on board the aircraft. It should not contain containers with liquid volumes exceeding 100 ml, regardless of the contents, as well as piercing and cutting objects - a manicure set, for example. Before checking in your luggage, it is advisable to insert a sheet of information under the packaging film with information about your destination, the name and address of the hotel or place of possible accommodation. This will speed up the process of searching for luggage in the event of its possible loss by the carrier.
It is important to make sure in advance that you do not have debt on loans, lawsuits, unpaid bills and alimony. You must ensure that you have the necessary documents for traveling with minor children. You will also need certificates from veterinary and phytosanitary services to transport domestic animals and plants. Sometimes a certified medical opinion may be required on the need to use certain medications for certain categories of citizens in order to eliminate possible questions related to their availability. Do not forget to prepare a photocopy of your passport, placing it separately. It can be useful to you in case of loss of basic documents.
When preparing for a trip, it is advisable not to pack open food items with other things, as this may alert four-legged customs officers.
FAQ
Due to the fact that clients very often ask the same questions about customs clearance, it was decided to create a separate section where all questions and answers to them are available.
- Need help with customs clearance. What can you offer me?
— “STANDARD GROUP” is ready to ensure the implementation of all customs activities with 100% results. We work with goods of various categories and provide a full range of customs services. In addition, you can count on professional legal support, as well as minimal terms for cargo clearance. We are a licensed customs representative with more than 10 years of experience behind us, and are able to fully keep contractual promises.
— Check the price for the customs clearance service
— Prices in each case are calculated individually, since the price of services depends on many factors. These are the characteristics of the cargo, the specific regime at each customs post, and other factors. If you want to know the exact cost, please fill out the form available on the website in detail or call the contact numbers - our experienced brokers will quickly calculate the cost and also advise on issues of interest.
— What documents need to be collected?
— As with the cost, the list of documentation is determined individually. The type of cargo and associated nuances, the place (i.e. terminal) where customs clearance will be carried out, are taken into account. You can find out the list of documents required for goods to cross the border of the Russian Federation here (list regulated by Article 183 of the Labor Code of the Customs Union).
Since you need to know what documents you need, we suggest you contact our specialists in a way convenient for you and tell us exactly what kind of cargo and where exactly needs to be delivered.
— Please clarify, are customs clearance, customs clearance and clearance the same thing?
- Yes, only the name changes, but the meaning is the same. These concepts imply the preparation of documentation required for the successful crossing of the border by goods and the payment of customs duties.
Customs clearance is considered an official term used in legislation, the term “customs clearance” is also very popular, but it is not used in the Customs Code. And “customs clearance” is, so to speak, a word from professional jargon.
— What is the difference between a “customs representative” and a “customs broker”?
- There is no difference. Both concepts can be used to refer to a company that provides customs clearance services and represents the interests of clients in customs and other authorities. Sometimes such companies are also called customs intermediaries.
— What is the accreditation procedure at customs?
— Accreditation is a necessary event in which a company wishing to master foreign economic activity enters itself, or rather, information about itself, into the list. This list is called accreditation cards.
The information recorded includes the company's address, legal name, and account information. The card also contains information about the director of the company, as well as about all persons who are authorized to work with customs authorities.
For customs clearance of cargo at Russian terminals, the accreditation procedure is mandatory.
If you have any questions, send them to us - we will select frequently asked questions about customs clearance and give comprehensive answers to them directly on the website.
Legal basis of customs law
The subjects of the legal relations under consideration are representatives of the customs department, citizens and legal entities. At the same time, the citizenship of individuals and the place of registration of organizations can be Russian or foreign. The subject's lack of legal knowledge of customs rules does not exempt him from liability. The rules of relations between the parties are defined in the official instructions, which employees are obliged to fully comply with. Violation of official duties gives the interested person the right to appeal the actions of customs to supervisory and judicial authorities.
The legal relations of the parties pursue established goals and cannot be violated by participants in the customs procedure.
The Labor Code of the Russian Federation is based on:
- timely, legally competent and justified performance of official duty by customs;
- protection of market and economic, financial relations between participants in external relations;
- legal organization of import/export of trade items, personal or industrial items;
- protection and protection to the fullest extent of rights, control of responsibilities of interested parties crossing the border of the federation
Customs services regularly resolve current issues related to administrative and civil legislation. Sometimes a participant in a customs conflict needs urgent advice from an independent lawyer. By calling the hotline, you will be able to receive and have information that will become a powerful argument in a conflict situation with customs.
Customs disputes without available legal evidence and argumentation lead to significant losses, penalties and penalties. Subsequently, it will be much more difficult to defend your position, since pre-trial and court decisions will require significant material and emotional costs. When communicating with customs officers, you should not operate with superficial knowledge of the laws; the best course of action is to consult with a professional online.
