Way to Russia Talk Lounge

jbru · Just Starting Joined: 28 Sep 2009 Posts: 1 Location: NY

I am speaking with different shipping companies that ship directly to Russia

I am curious if anyone knows the implications of dealing with Russian Customs

I was thinking of Shipping Salvage Vehicles so that I would have less trouble with U.S. and Russian Customs.

I know many people have asked the can i ship vehicles to Russia?
I don't have a problem getting paper work arranged once I have the vehicles there. I have a problem getting them through customs safely and cheaply. I will try to import them as salvage materials to be used for steel, parts ect

Does anyone have input?
Thanks
Josh

Ive experienced the bureaucracy first hand

I spent 4 months in russia a couple summers ago
I had a small discrepancy with my VISA
Luckily I had a friend who could smooth it over.
but it took several hours of dealing in some offices

DITTRICH · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 2:56 pm Post subject:

Dear Josh,

I think you need to consult with a Russian customs agent who has direct experience of handling import documents for 2nd hand cars. When I was in the transportation business in Russia 11 years ago in Vostochny, loads of people used to import 2nd hand cars from Japan via Vladivostock and I believe that this trade still goes on.

However, the Russian customs were very clever and I remember loads of discussions about this topic with my Russian friends back then. It used to be based on engine size - so people started shipping in cars without engines in them. The customs then started charging by weight....

I guess, if you had the correct contacts and paid people off then you could import almost anything. Just because the paperwork says "dog" it doesn't mean there is a dog in the container. It might be a cat!

Les