About Oleg Khokhlov Expertise I`ll be glad to answer your questions about basics of
russian legislation and organization of State. You can
ask specific questions about problems with entry to
Russia,trade regulations,customs formalities,investment`s
protection.
Experience I have 3-year practice of legal consulting for
private investors and traders from USA,Austra-
lia and countries of European Union.
Other legal experience includes citizenship problems, international family law,civil trials.
Education/Credentials USIA Fellowship
George Soros Fund Fellowship
Question Hello! I wish to promote the city of Smolensk through imports of crafts produced by local citizens. During my next visit, I wish to gather samples and return to USA to offer them to our local gift shops. It would be possible "trade" on a very small scale. I would like to know what the Government regulations are, what forms are required to complete. I am NOT interested in making a profit, but rather to promote this beautiful city for tourists through their local products. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Respectfully, TN
Answer Dear Terri! Your question is very complex and requires a
lot of detailed info for exact answer,but if to consi-
der info provided I can say following.
Basic problems to solve:
-there is strict state control for export of
arts and cultural values,there is special
Law of Russia "About import and export of cultural
values from Russia" and Order of Ministry of
Culture "About list of items for control and out
of control" and Instruction of same Ministry
about procedure of control. People's crafts must
pass through cultural expertise if it is authors'
product(not massive production). Smolensk is
under Moscow Dpt. jurisdiction,so you should apply
to Moscow department of Min. of Culture,if
"your" crafts are included for control.
-other problem is customs formalities and
imposed duties. Regulations include Customs
Codex of Russia,Law of Russia "About customs'
duty" and current acts of Government of Russia
about list of duties for different products.
As I don't exact product,I can't say exact
duty,but it seems like crafts are duty free.
Also you must fill standard form(declaration)
approved by Order of State Customs Committee
of Russia, where you must declare exported crafts.
Also you must give to officers your expertise
document from Ministry of Culture if your crafts
must be controled by Ministry of culture.
Causes to be attentive to all this problems:
there is administrative and criminal respon-
sibility for transgression of this rules.
For example art.188 of Criminal Codex fix
penalty up to 7 years of jail for illegal
transgression of customs laws in field of
cultural values,and art.194 fix penalty
up to 2 years for avoidance of customs
duties in big scales and if multiple cases
to be found.
If you need further legal support you can
email me directly to oleghohlov@hotmail.com
