Russia launches a system of preliminary import confirmation: security payments are introduced before the import of goods
The Russian government has approved the Concept of creating a national system for confirming the expectation of delivery of goods, which will become a new tool to combat gray imports and strengthen control over foreign economic activity. The document is fixed by Decree No. 3213-r dated November 10, 2025, and the project will be implemented in stages.
According to the Concept, from the moment of launch, importers will be able to import goods to Russia only if they have a special document about the upcoming delivery. A random check mechanism will operate at the border. Mobile groups of customs authorities will be authorized to monitor the availability and correctness of notifications. This approach should exclude schemes for importing goods without proper declaration and minimizing the tax base.
It is also planned to introduce a security payment, which will need to be made before the actual import of products. This tool will become a financial guarantee of compliance with the rules and minimize the risks of customs evasion. For the government, the new model will increase the transparency of import flows, and for businesses, it will provide more predictable and uniform rules.
The project will be implemented in two stages. The test period is scheduled for April 1 — June 30, 2026. At this stage, the participants of the foreign economic activity will be able to test the system without completely switching to the mandatory mode. Full-scale operational launch is scheduled for July 1, 2026, after which the system will become mandatory for all importers, regardless of the volume of supplies.
The Ministry of Finance is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the roadmap. The Ministry will submit regular reports to the Government starting from November 17, 2025. Against the background of increasing government attention to import control, this project can become the basis for the formation of a single mechanism for transparent import, integrated with digital services and customs infrastructure.
Experts note that the new system is able to significantly reduce the share of illegal goods on the market and enhance the security of supply chains. However, businesses will have to adapt: the need for security payments will increase the burden on companies' working capital and complicate logistical planning. At the same time, transparent import confirmation mechanisms can improve conditions for bona fide participants in foreign economic activity.
