Shipping Packages from the USA: How to Clear Customs
Shipping goods from America includes customs inspection. At the US border and at the Russian border, the parcel is examined and checked to ensure you are not carrying anything prohibited and that everything complies with regulations. For parcels valued at €200 or more, duty payment is verified.
- The customs duty calculator for parcels from abroad is located here.
It's simple, calculate online with us!
16.05.2025
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How to correctly fill out a declaration when forwarding from the USA to Moscow and Kiev?
The duty calculation formula looks like this: (Item price – from 200 euros)*15% + 500 RUB. Or use our “US Customs Duty Calculator”.
The most common form is sample 2976-A. The customs declaration looks like in the first or second photo and may be in Russian or English.
It is important to fill out the document correctly, otherwise there may be delays — the goods may be held for an indefinite period or not allowed through at all.
Data that needs to be provided to the seller (if you are filling out through mail forwarders, for example Pochtoy.com — this information must be entered in your personal account):
- Full name;
- Passport details (series, number, by whom and when issued);
- TIN (taxpayer identification number);
- Phone number and email — so that you can be contacted;
- Detailed description of all purchases. Separately indicate the price for each item and the total amount at the end.
Without TIN and passport details at customs, the parcel may not be allowed through and may be returned! However, in most cases, customs officers request this data from you. This can be seen in our account.
Important! Before filling out the document, read in what language you are asked to do so.
By the way, if you bought goods for €200+ or weighing more than 31 kg, you can pay the duty quickly through our website, the service cost is 4% of the duty amount. More about our other services — here.
Why can a package be held at customs?
The most common reason for delay is incorrect completion of the customs declaration. For example, you bought an item for $400, but indicated $350 on the document.
It is necessary to fully indicate the names of the goods. The fields must be filled in English. The description should include: type of product, its model, material of manufacture, size and trade mark (brand).
Incorrect: clothes and accessories
translation: clothing and accessories
Correct: Men's jeans, 511, denim, size 44, Levis TM”. Ring, Tiffany xx, gold, size 17.5, Tiffany TM.
translation: Men's jeans, 511, denim, size 44, Levis brand. Ring, Tiffany xx, gold, size 17.5, Tiffany brand.
Another reason for delay is that you are transporting prohibited goods. To avoid such situations, check out our list of goods prohibited for shipment to Russia.
Filling and filing a customs declaration when delivering parcels from US stores to Russia and Ukraine
To receive the customs declaration filling service from Pochtoy.com operators, you need to register and get a US address for purchases. This is the address where stores will ship your orders. Next, choose a tariff with an operator. On automatic tariffs, it is not possible to receive the service of filling and filing a customs declaration. (No operator)
Pochtoy.com operators will help you choose a suitable tariff and calculate the full cost of delivery from the USA. We can store your paid packages for free for up to 70 days. If you have not yet paid for delivery, but your purchases have already arrived at the warehouse — 14 days of storage are free, and then at a rate of $1 per day.
To quickly place orders in American online stores — use the help of our Shopping Masters in US stores. You send links, and our operators handle the processing. They will place the orders for you, fully monitor the delivery of goods to the warehouse, and notify you upon arrival.
- Calculate the cost of shipping a package from US stores to Russia in our online calculator.
