Duty-Free Limit for Parcels to Russia in 2026: What You Need to Know

How the Limit Works Now

The €200 limit applies to a single parcel for an individual. If one box is worth €250, the duty is calculated on the €50 excess: 15% × €50 = €7.50. Plus a minimum of €2 for each kilogram over 31 kg.

The limit is shared for shipments to the same recipient within a calendar month. If three parcels of €120 each arrive in one month, the total of €360 will exceed the limit. Customs may combine them when calculating.

What's Included in the Value for Duty

The declared value of the goods plus the shipping cost. If a vase costs €150 and shipping is €60, the parcel is worth €210 to customs, and €10 will be used to calculate the duty.

You must declare the value honestly. An undervalued invoice is a common mistake: customs checks the price against open sources, and if the exact same vase sells for €180, the parcel may be held for clarification.

Talks of Reducing to €100

Since 2023, the Duma has been discussing lowering the limit to €100. The argument is to support domestic retail. The counter-argument is that a sharp increase in the cost of simple parcels will hit individuals hard.

As of early May 2026, the law has not been passed. If it is adopted, there will be a period before it comes into force. We will post an update within 24 hours of the official decision, so subscribe to our Telegram channel.

When the Limit Doesn't Apply

A gift from an individual to an individual without payment is theoretically not subject to duty up to €1000. In practice, you need confirmation that it's not a purchase, which is rare. More often, customs requires standard documents and calculates according to the standard rules.

Medicines for personal use in small quantities are exempt from duty regardless of value. But only if there is a prescription or relevant documents.

What to Do If the Parcel Is More Expensive

Option one: send it and prepare for duty. The recipient will pay it at customs or upon receipt at the delivery point. The amount will be calculated automatically.

Option two: split the order into two or three parcels in different months. This is legal and works if there is no deadline.

Option three: if it's technology, check if it's subject to sanctions. It may be cheaper to find an equivalent in Russia than to pay duty plus risk a return.

Sources

Information on the limit is from постановление Правительства РФ от 28.05.2018 № 596, with amendments for 2022–2025. Before sending parcels with a value close to the limit, we advise you to check the current euro exchange rate from the Central Bank of Russia on the date the parcel arrives in Russia.