SPOT: new rules for imports from the EAEU

From 1 June 2026, SPOT – a national system for monitoring goods imported from EAEU member states by motor transport – will be launched in Russia.

The key feature of the new system is that importers will be required to notify the Russian Federal Tax Service (FTS) of an upcoming shipment via its information system and make a security deposit prior to the import of the goods.

The system is operated by the FTS, with the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation acting as the supervisory authority. The new mechanism is designed to combat ‘grey’ imports, involves the collection of additional indirect taxes, and establishes electronic monitoring of the movement of goods within the EAEU.

The new system applies to all movable and immovable property classified as EAEU goods, with certain exceptions: cash, oil and petroleum products, electricity, etc.

The importer files the document regarding the forthcoming delivery of goods (DOPP) electronically (via the FTS’s personal account or an EDI operator) 2 calendar days prior to importation. In cases where no security deposit is required, this must be done no later than 4 hours before the goods are imported.

The FTS verifies the DOPP, maintains a record of the security deposit, assigns and sends a QR code to the applicant, and the carrier must, prior to importation, ensure that a DOPP with a QR code is available, verify the information in the DOPP against the shipping documents, and check that the DOPP has the status required for importation. Important: failure to provide the DOPP is grounds for refusing entry of goods into Russia.