Starting June 1, Russia will launch the System for Confirmation of Expected Goods Deliveries (SPOT), Armenia’s Economy Ministry announced.

The new rules apply to goods imported into Russia by road transport from member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, including Armenia.

Under the system, the main obligations will fall on the Russian importer. However, the new procedure is also significant for Armenian exporters and carriers, since cargo may be denied entry into Russia without the relevant document generated by the Russian partner and the corresponding QR code issued on its basis.

Armenian exporters must ensure that before shipment:

• the Russian importer or agent, including an e-commerce platform, has generated the Document on the Upcoming Delivery of Goods (DOPP),
• the DOPP has been submitted by the Russian importer or agent no later than 48 hours before crossing the border if an import VAT security payment is required, or at least four hours in advance if no such payment is made,
• the Russian side has transferred the corresponding QR code,
• the carrier possesses the QR code before approaching the Russian border,
• the information in the cargo accompanying documents matches the data specified in the DOPP.

Exporters should provide Russian partners in advance with:

• the product name,
• quantity and value,
• the commodity classification code (TN VED),
• invoice, contract and related shipment document details,
• information about the carrier and vehicle,
• the planned date of entry into Russia.

Armenia’s Economy Ministry urged exporters to discuss the new procedures in advance with Russian partners and carriers in order to avoid shipment delays, additional costs and possible entry restrictions.