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
This spring I'm travelling to St Petersburg, and I intend to buy a bayan (button accordion) there and bring it with me home.
It will be a brand new instrument, and the value will be around USD 1500. What documents will I need to take it through Russian customs, and will I have to pay any export duties?
I have some Russian friends who will be coming and visit me here (in Sweden) later this year. Would it make any difference with regards to Russian customs if I would ask one of them to take the instrument through customs, instead of doing it myself? Actually one of my Russian friends suggested this, as he was quite sure a Russian citizen would have less hassle with customs than a western tourist. Is this true?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Kind regards
Carl Petersson
Answer Dear Carl, under the russian customs law, bayan is
considered as a "portable musical instrument" and
is free of export duties in case of personal
use purposes with price under $10000 according
shop's documents and 1 bayan situation.
Russian citizens don't have special privileges
in this case and I think you can do it yourself.
Certaing fees can be charges by your airline
that are not material.
Please, check this again by the time of actual
transfer to be sure that no new rules are entered.
