Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What CU, EAEU, EEU, EAC, EEC stands for.
EAEU or EEU stands for Eurasian Economic Union, economic union of following states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. The treaty forming the union was signed on 01.01.2015. CU – Customs Union of member states of Eurasian Economic Union EEC – is a regulatory body of Eurasian Economic Union. The main objective of the Eurasian Economic Commission is to ensure functioning and development of the EAEU, to prepare proposals for its further integration EAC – stands for EurAsian Conformity. It’s a mark which indicates that products are certified in accordance with Eurasian Customs Union technical regulations.
Q: What kind of certificates is needed to export to EAEU.
CU TR certificate or declaration is needed to export to EAEU countries. Armenia and Kyrgyzstan are exempt from CU TR certification as for now (July 2015). CU TR stands for Customs Union Technical Regulation.
Q: Any hygienic certificates needed for EAEU?
Hygienic requirements in Customs Union are regulated by the decision of the commission of the Customs Union No. 299 of 28 May 2010 On application of sanitary measures in the Customs Union and decision of the commission of Custom Union from June 18, 2010 of No. 317 About application of veterinary and sanitary measures in the Customs Union. For the specific group of products State Registration is needed, however in most cases CU TR certificate or declaration will be enough.
Q: What is GOST-R Certificate?
A: GOSTs are Russian technical standards. The Russian GOSTs are used in the same way as EU EN-standards. Also, in Russia there are few Technical Regulations (for Machinery, Cars, Fire safety Technical Regulation and other) which are similar to EU directives (like LVD, EMC etc.). Technical Regulations are based on GOST standards and prescribe the rules of using, manufacturing, safety compliance etc. of the specified products. In the middle of 2010 Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan formed the Customs Union. Now the New Technical Regulations are being developed. These regulations will be used for the whole Customs Union. From that point of view there are 3 types of Conformity Certificates:
- Certificate of Conformity to GOST-R standards
- Certificate of Conformity to Russian Technical Regulations
- Certificate of Conformity to Customs Union Technical Regulations
We will use general “GOST-R Certificate of Conformity” meaning all the above and in case of important differences will mention what certificate exactly was meant.
Q: Why do I need GOST-R Certificate for my product?
A: Certificate of Conformity in GOST R system affirms that the goods delivered in Russia, and/or production line where they were manufactured, conform to the Russian Safety Standards. For many products having the GOST-R certificate is obligatory condition.
Q: For how long the GOST-R certificate is valid?
A: The validation period of Certificates of Conformity is up to 5 years. Certificate of Conformity to Russian Technical Regulations – up to 5 years (depend on Technical Regulations); Certificate of Conformity to GOST-R standards – up to 3 years.
Q: What documents do I need to get GOST-R certificate?
A: The following documents will be needed: general description of the products, ISO certificate, pictures of the product. In case of single shipment certificate two more documents will be needed: invoice and contract with buyer.
Q: Do I need to send samples of my product for testing to get Certificate?
A: Usually, the Certificate is issued based on the documentation, but in some cases the tests should be done.
Q: If I want to send single batch of products to Russia, should I apply for the serial production certificate?
A: No, you may apply for the single shipment certificate
Q: What are the common documents for Customs Union?
A: Government Registration (State Registration), Certificate of Conformity to Customs Union Technical Regulations
Q: Where can I get extra copies for the certificates?
A: You can read about copies in "Certification Handbook"
Q: What the lead time of the issuing GOST-R certificate?
A: Usually it takes 5-10 working days. Real minimal time – 3 working days.
Q: What the lead time of issuing Rostechnadzor Permit?
A: Minimal issuing time is 4 months, usually up to 6 months
Q: What are the steps of issuing GOST-R Certificate?
A:
- Sending the necessary documents
- Laboratory testing (if needed)
- Checking the draft of the certificate
- Issuing the certificate
Q: What is GOST-R Declaration of Conformity?
A: Declaration is “issued” for some products instead of Certificate of Conformity. All declarations must be registered in Russian Certification bodies. The holder of declaration must be Russian entity – to get this document is more complicated for foreign company as they should have a partner in Russia
Q: Is Ukraine in Customs Union?
A: Customs Union consists of three countries: Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Q: How much time does it take to get Governmental Registration (State Registration)?
A: It could take up to 4 months. First laboratory tests should be done – usually 2-3 months. The issuing of the certificate should not take more then 30 working days. In sum to get State Registration 3-4 month will be needed.
