Basic information
Outline of the system
The List of Goods subject to import/export prohibitions or restrictions within the EAEU is approved by the EEC Board Decision No.30 of 21 April 2015. Annex 2.7, of the document sets out list of wildlife animals and certain wild growing plants. The Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No.337 ensures fulfilment of obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES (except sturgeon fishes).
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation is responsible for permit issuance on imports of wild live animals and certain wild growing plants.
Product coverage
Resolution No.337 regulates:
- Importation of all live animals and plants listed under CITES;
- Importation of non-live animals and plant specimens, including parts and derivatives, of species listed under CITES.
The whole list is described in G/MA/QR/N/RUS/5.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
In regard to the licensing procedure for wild live animals and certain wild growing plants, the Resolution No.337 seeks to implement the Russian Federation’s obligations under CITES, by regulating international trade in wildlife and wildlife products, to contribute to the protection and conservation of species that are endangered, or could become endangered. The Resolution No.337 is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
RF Government Resolution No.337 seeks to implement the commitments made by the Russian Federation under CITES, regulating international trade in wildlife and wildlife products, to contribute to the protection and conservation of species that are endangered, or could become endangered.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system is applied to goods originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Application should be made well in advance of arrival of the goods to allow time for the application to be assessed against the legislation and the relevant import policy. For commodities that require an import permit, permits cannot be issued retrospectively. However, not all goods require an import permit and clearance to import can be given at the point of entry provided the import conditions have been met. However, CITES permits will not be issued retrospectively
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The controls on imports of goods specified in this category is statutory requirement under the legislation detailed below:
- "Instruction for registration of an application for license for exports and/or imports of certain types of goods and for making up these licenses (approved by the EEC under the Decision of the Board No.30";
- Decision of the Board of the EEC No.30;
- Federal Law No.164-FZ "On the Fundamentals of the State Regulation of Foreign Trade Activity";
- Federal Law No.52-FZ;
- Order of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia No.135 "On approval of the Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation for public services delivery of permits and other permit documents for export and (or) import of certain goods, as well as for establishment and maintenance of a federal record of issued licences";
- Order of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia No.2132 "On approval of requirements for the formats of applications and other documents necessary for the provision of public services, in the form of electronic documents and recognition of orders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia No.1575 and No.52";
- RF Government Resolution No.337 "On measures to ensure fulfilment of the obligations of the Russian Federation under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, on March 1973, in respect of species of wild fauna and flora, endangered, except sturgeon";
- RF Government Resolution No.1113 "On the formation and maintenance of the Federal Bank of licenses (in conjunction with the "Rules for the formation and maintenance of a Federal Bank of Licenses Issued")";
- RF Government Resolution No.1567-p "On approving the list of federal executive bodies authorized for approval of applications for licenses to exports and/or imports of goods and execution of other permits in foreign trade in the cases provided for applications on the application of restrictions on goods subject to bans or restrictions on the importation or exportation by Member States of the Customs Union within the EurAsEC in trade with third countries".
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Nature Management is responsible for administration of the legislation in this sphere. The legislation bans administrative discretion regarding goods/items subject to import surveillance.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is not possible for the Government or executive bodies to abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, entities and institutions are eligible to apply for licenses.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Application forms are available on the special website of Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Nature Management (http://www.rpn.gov.ru).
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Application should be submitted within appropriate time in advance of importation of the goods for its assessment in context of legislation and the relevant import policy.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Permits may be issued at any period of the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
In case of this category of goods, immediate permit issuance is not possible.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Permits under CITES will not be issued retrospectively. The maximum processing time for permits and licenses is 30 days.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The authorized body for permit issuance is the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Nature Management.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There are no conditions attached to the issuance of a license.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Licence application fees are charged.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Fees are 3,500 roubles
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
A license may not be granted if the applicant does not meet ordinary criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
If applications are not granted, applicants will be informed about the reasons for that in writing.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
An applicant may apply to the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Nature Management for a review of the decision not to issue a license.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
An applicant may apply to the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Nature Management for a review of the decision not to issue a license.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon importation, an importer is required to submit standard customs documentation along with a valid license.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
The applicant for permit is obliged to obtain all relevant approvals and licenses.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Licenses are valid for certain period of time.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a license or a portion of a license.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licenses are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.