The Russian Federation has brought in a new customs law in order to try and curb the country’s luggage trade.
From January 1, 2004, the import of items for personal use will be capped at $2,100 and it will not be permitted for items to be traded, sold or otherwise used for commercial gain. The number of border crossings by any one person will be monitored more closely and an invoice, or other proof of purchase, will be obligatory. Russian customs officials will determine the value of these imports, which may help to stop the proliferation of reduced-value invoices.
Although the luggage trade is best known between Türkiye and Russia, Russia’s northern border with China is equally permeable. Mr. Vitaly Selivanov, export manager of Ryazan Tannery, 180 kms. south-east of Moscow, said that the Eur500 export tax levied on raw hides has “somewhat improved” the availability of domestic hides. However, added that many countries, Belarus for example, have no customs protocol with Russia and many hides exit through neighbourly loopholes.
