Russia’s demand for high-quality food and agricultural products is growing year-on-year, especially for trusted brands from Vietnam. In 2025, importing into Russia presents a lucrative opportunity—thanks to trade agreements, strong retail demand, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
This comprehensive guide helps Vietnamese exporters navigate Russia’s import regulations for food, agriculture, and related goods, while highlighting how Bukreev Consulting can support every step—excluding visa, company registration, or long-term residence services.
1. Why 2025 Is a Prime Year for Importers
- Vietnam–EAEU Free Trade Agreement offers tariff preferences on key agricultural products
- Russia offsets Western import reductions by welcoming Asian suppliers
- Retailers like Magnit, X5, and online platforms Wildberries/Ozon are actively sourcing regional goods
- Government encourages import of healthy, natural, and specialty products from trusted partners
Insight: Vietnamese exporters who position themselves now can secure fast-track distribution channels, especially in under-served regions outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.
2. Key Regulations for Importing Food & Agriculture into Russia
📦 Product Registration & Certificates
- Phytosanitary certificate required for plant-based goods (tea, fruit, spices)
- Veterinary certificate for seafood, meat, and processed animal products
- Certificate of conformity or EAC certificate for packaging, shelf life, safety
- Labeling must be in Russian, clearly listing ingredients, origin, storage, and importer details
🏭 Traceability & Testing
- Many products need lab testing in accredited Russian labs
- High-risk categories (dairy, baby food) require monthly traceability reports
⚖️ Customs Duties & VAT
- Check customs duties and 18% VAT rates—preferential rates apply under FTA
- Bukreev Consulting assists with customs HS code classification and duty reduction strategies
3. Customs & Clearance Procedures
Clearance in Russia requires precision and local knowledge:
- Pre-shipment inspection at Vietnamese lab or accredited partner
- Submit documents via the Russian importer or customs agent
- Customs bond or bank guarantee may be required for first-time importers
- Goods held in temporary storage pending inspections
- After passing inspection, goods are cleared and available for distribution
Tip: Bukreev Consulting collaborates with licensed Russian customs brokers to ensure accurate documentation and fast release.
4. Logistics Networks & Distribution Channels
🚛 Transportation
- Export by sea (main ports: St. Petersburg, Vladivostok) or air (Moscow, Novosibirsk)
- Land transport via Kazakhstan for Central/Eastern Russia
🏬 Warehousing & Fulfillment
- Duty-free storage in SEZs like Kaluga or Lipetsk
- Local cold storage networks to maintain quality and extend shelf life
🛒 Market Access
- Bukreev Consulting connects exporters with:
- Retail chains (Magnit, Auchan)
- Food service vendors (restaurants, cafes)
- B2B platforms, distributors, and FMCG agents
- Online marketplaces and cross-border platforms
5. Consumer Preferences & Market Trends
Russian consumers increasingly favor:
- Healthy, natural foods
- Vietnamese coffee (G7, Trung Nguyên) and specialty teas
- Clean-label products: coconut water, heated sauces, seaweed snacks
- ETHNIC and Asian specialty foods gaining cult popularity
- Premium pet food and herbal wellness products
6. Best Practices for Exporters in 2025
- Ensure all documents are translated into Russian and validated
- Start with pH-tested pilot shipments to build trust and streamline processes
- Partner with experienced local agents for paperwork and quality control
- Leverage Bukreev Consulting to facilitate digital market entry (Yandex Ads, Wildberries onboarding)
- Build in-price buffer to accommodate duties, VAT, and certification costs
7. How Bukreev Consulting Supports Your Export Journey
While Bukreev Consulting does not assist with visas, company registration, or residence permits, we provide vital support including:
- HS code classification and customs duty optimization
- Certification guidance: EAC labels, phytosanitary and veterinary documentation
- Liaison with accredited labs and regulatory authorities
- Import documentation handling and logistics coordination
- Warehouse setup in SEZs, fulfillment, cold storage logistics
- Connecting exporters with local distributors, FMCG networks, and e-commerce platforms
- Russian-language digital marketing support: Yandex Ads, local branding, social media
8. Common Questions from Vietnamese Exporters
Can I import without a Russian company?
Yes—for small quantities. But large-scale imports benefit from using local Russian distributors or customs agents.
How long does registration take?
Certifications take 2–4 weeks, lab tests 7–10 days, and customs clearance ~48 hours once documents are submitted.
Are tariffs always waived?
Only if the shipment matches product criteria under the Vietnam–EAEU agreement—and certificates are provided.
Can Bukreev Consulting help me find import partners?
Absolutely—we facilitate introductions to regional distributors, retail chains, and restaurant groups.
Conclusion: Why 2025 Is Your Year to Scale into Russia
With Tariff preferences, growing consumer interest, and modernized customs frameworks, 2025 is a golden opportunity for Vietnamese exporters to tap into Russia’s food and agricultural market. With Bukreev Consulting, you’ll avoid common pitfalls, accelerate entry, and build a successful presence—fully legally and operationally ready.
📞 Ready to export smarter into Russia?
Book a consultation now at:
📱 Zalo / Telegram: +79853590384
Let us help you bring your products—and success—to Russia.
