Tourists warned of a new duty for the import of goods from 2019
For travelers returning from a foreign trip – on all modes of transport, except by air – a warning has been issued that goods worth more than €500 must be paid for.
The decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) to reduce customs limits will come into force on January 1, 2019. The threshold for duty-free travel to Russia has been reduced three times, from €1,500 to €500. A serious weight restriction has been introduced - 25 kg instead of 50. Restrictions for air passengers (€10,000) have not changed.
The Eurasian Economic Commission reported: “This measure is aimed at curbing small-scale wholesale illegal trade – the shuttle business.”
The Federal Customs Service (FCS) explains that for exceeding the norms, you need to pay a duty - 30% of the value of the goods, but not less than €4 per 1 kg of weight. “For evasion of payment is administrative liability, and in some cases – criminal,” – said the customs. Distinguish the purchased baggage is going to "by eye".
Travelers are warned that the category “goods for personal use” does not include, for example, ethyl alcohol, alcoholic beverages, beer, tobacco. They are subject to restrictions: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco. Alcohol and beer are imported up to 3 liters per person. The border with them can be crossed by a citizen who has reached the age of 18.
In case of violation of customs rules, citizens are threatened with sanctions under the Administrative Code - Art. 16.2 "Non-declaration or false declaration of goods", the fine for it is equal to two times the cost of products. Responsibility may occur under Art. 16.22 "Violation of terms of payment of customs duties": monetary punishment for individuals - up to 2.5 thousand rubles.
Citizens who did not declare goods for the amount of customs payments of more than 2 million rubles face criminal liability.