GOSTR Legal Framework: Mandatory Vs. Voluntary Certification

In 1993, the Russian Government enacted legislation requiring certification of a number of products and introduced the GOST-R system of mandatory certification with the intention of protecting the health and safety of Russia”s population.The certified product should be marked by the registered GOST R symbol (also called the Mark of Conformity), which clearly demonstrates that the product is in compliance to the applicable Russian standards.

The Mark consists of a symbol that stands for the GOST R certification combined with the Certification Body registration number.Russian certificates Required prior to GOST RFor some product types, prior to the issuance of the GOST-R Certificate of Conformity, exporters may need to obtain some additional documentation, certificates and licenses, namely:-

Sanitary-Epidemiological Conclusion Certificate – for products in contact with human body;-State Registration at Minzdravsotsrazvitiya – for new products such as baby food, drugs, medical tools etc;-

GOST R Pattern Approval Certificate – for measuring instruments;- Fire Safety Certificate – for flammable or fire extinguishing products;- Rostechnadzor – allowance or passport for equipment with possible human or environmental risks-Gosstroy – certificate required for the equipment used in construction and civil projects, for approving their assessment to the required standards and criterias of the related Russian Federation Laws;-Ex-Proof Certificate – for explosion-proof equipment and materials;–Telecom Type Approval – for telecommunication equipment and related devices.

GOST-R Single Shipment CertificatesThis certificate is for companies who export their goods only occasionally. The single shipment certificate is valid for one delivery only. However, there is a possibility of multiple deliveries using this one shipment certificate. Since the certificate states the amount (volume) of goods to be exported to Russia, if this amount is large, it can be divided into a few deliveries.

The Consignment Certificate of Conformity is a trade document valid for one consignment only, i.e. for a certain quantity and type of product. This kind of certificate is advisable if you export to Russia sporadically. It can be issued only if you are able to prove who will be your customer/importer in Russia by means of a contract or an invoice. The one-time shipment certificate is only for companies who can prove (by providing a copy of the contract with the Russian receiver, or by an invoice) the relationship with their customer in Russia.The following documents are needed to create the Single Shipment Certificates:

1. The full name of the company with address details

2. The exact name of the product with the names of models and types

3. The technical documentation or operating documentation with descriptions

4. The invoice (in Russian)

5. The customs tariff code (also called the HC Code)

6. The contract and the enclosure with all technical descriptions.