Customs clearance: how it works

Customs clearance: how it works

Customs clearance (rastamozhka) is the paperwork and the payments to the state for an imported car. The amount depends on three things: engine volume, model year and the customs value.

What the payment is made of

• Customs duty — by engine volume and the car's age.
• VAT and excise — for commercial imports and powerful engines.
• Recycling fee — fixed, depends on volume and whether you are a private person.
• SBKTS and EPTS — the safety certificate and the electronic title.

Age matters

The best rates apply to cars aged "3–5 years". Brand-new and very old cars are taxed harder. So estimate customs for the specific car before you buy.

How to avoid mistakes

Do not rely on someone else's figure — every car has its own parameters. Run the numbers in the calculator by volume and year, and the turnkey price will be honest.