SGS Societe Generale de Surveillance SA : Swiss Export Journal Features SGS “Customs Union - GOST and TR Certificates“ Paper

An SGS paper addressing the Russian GOST certification standards was recently published in the Swiss Export Journal. The original article, written in German, appeared in the first quarter of 2014.

For more than 50 years, the Swiss Export Journal has been providing information on issues and trends affecting international business for staff and executives of companies, based on analysis of distinguished experts, scientists and practitioners. Issued on a quarterly basis, the Swiss Export Journal offers specific expert knowledge, operational solutions for day to day business and information regarding current trade events.

Russia is a strong and lucrative market for Swiss enterprises looking east. Large sporting events, together with the federal modernization initiative, offer numerous sales opportunities for Swiss industry. Russia's induction into the WTO and its Customs Union with Belarus and Kazakhstan have also increased business potential in the region.

Nevertheless, many bureaucratic challenges still exist and customs regulations are subject to constant scrutiny and changes, requiring foreign manufacturers to be especially astute.

GOST certification establishes quality standards requiring certificates and mandatory product marking for goods to be sold in Russia. Foreign exporters to Russia must submit GOST R or TR certificates prior to customs clearance and produce certification at the point of sale. Certifications are available for single delivery as well as serial production valid from 3 to 5 years.

Some additional approvals or permits such as state registration for baby products, hygiene articles or medical devices, metrological certification for measuring tools, EX certificates for machines in explosion protected areas as well as state approvals for the commissioning of facilities and components (RTN permits) may be required. A product sample must be submitted to an authorized Russian laboratory for testing in some cases.

Operational manuals and safety data sheets must be translated into the Russian language.

Over the last two years, technical regulations valid in all Customs Union member countries have been adopted. At this time, there are approximately 30 technical regulations (TR). New TR Customs Union Certificates will gradually replace current GOST Certificates, allowing for the delivery of imported goods to Custom Union countries with one certificate.

A significant change to the certification requirements is the naming of a Customs Union representative, a Russian legal person registered in the Customs Union, to be responsible for the safety and quality of the products traded within the Customs Union territory. Swiss manufacturers with no Russian representative face problems in obtaining serial permits. Companies acting as representatives in Russia may offer a solution, but because these entities theoretically own the certificates, there is a risk of foreign manufacturers becoming dependent on companies providing such services. Foreign exporters must verify the seriousness of any company offering representative services.

Upon successful product certification, mandatory marking is required. Conformity of goods must be proven with the new EAC (Euro Asian conformity) logo. Label requirements as well as product marking are described in detail in every technical regulation.

To learn more about this topic, you can download and read the complete Swiss Export Journal paper - Customs Union - GOST and TR Certificates.

Products being imported into Russia must comply with a wide range of complex certification systems and national standards. Depending on the nature of the goods being shipped to Russia or another CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) member country, one or more approvals may be necessary.

As the world's leading certification company, SGS offers unrivaled experience in Russian certification requirements. Our accredited certification body status and Rostechnadzor license uniquely places SGS to provide the resources and expertise to help you obtain any approvals needed to access Russian markets.

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SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,500 offices and laboratories around the world.