Documentation workflow and clearance timelines

Document preparation begins before the cargo arrives at the port of destination. The declarant submits a preliminary declaration with key information about the goods. Customs authorities conduct a preliminary risk assessment and determine the form of control using customs clearance and labeling procedures.

According to the Federal Customs Service: «The average customs clearance time for imported goods in 2024 was 1.8 hours with electronic declaration».

The complete document package includes the invoice, packing list, transport documents, and quality certificates. Product examination requires the submission of samples for laboratory testing. The duration of analysis depends on the complexity of the examination and laboratory workload.

Electronic declaration speeds up document processing and reduces the risk of errors. The automated system verifies the accuracy of declarations and the compliance of classification codes. Participants in foreign economic activity receive real-time notifications on review status.

Warehouse operations and quality control

Temporary storage of imported goods is carried out in licensed warehouses under customs control. Warehouse operators are responsible for cargo safety and compliance with the established regime. Access to goods is restricted until all clearance procedures are completed in accordance with formal requirements.

Specialized equipment applies identification codes, barcodes, and mandatory textual information under the supervision of authorized personnel. Print quality is checked using scanners and machine vision systems. Each operation is recorded in an electronic log.

The main stages of customs product labeling in the warehouse include:

• Verification of the presence of mandatory information — composition, country of origin, product name, and purpose in accordance with EAEU requirements.
• Application of labeling in the Russian language in compliance with technical regulations, including barcodes, conformity marks, and expiration dates (where required).
• Recording the labeling process in accompanying documentation — reports, packing lists, or registers.
• Conducting selective quality control of labeling by responsible persons or an inspector before submitting the goods declaration.

Modern warehouses are equipped with climate control systems to preserve consumer properties of goods. Video surveillance and access control systems ensure the security of valuable cargo. Automated accounting systems maintain accurate records of the movement of each product item in accordance with legal requirements.

Digital technologies in labeling

The introduction of digital codes has revolutionized the system for monitoring the circulation of goods in Russia. Two-dimensional codes contain encrypted information about the manufacturer, production date, and the product’s supply route. Consumers can verify authenticity using mobile applications and specialized services such as the Honest Sign labeling system at customs warehouses.

Each code is unique and cannot be copied or forged due to cryptographic protection. The system automatically removes from circulation codes of goods that have been deregistered or withdrawn from sale. High-resolution industrial printers ensure high-quality label application.

Integration with government information systems makes it possible to monitor the legality of imported goods in real time. Violations are automatically detected by data analysis systems and forwarded to regulatory authorities. Blockchain technologies ensure the immutability of records on the movement of goods along the supply chain, recording each operation in a distributed ledger. Thus, modern technologies not only protect consumers from counterfeits but also form the foundation for the development of the digital economy, where every product has its own digital history from production to purchase.