FedEx restrictions on sending things to Russia

[roykirk]

I'm disappointed about the restrictions on sending things to Russia listed on the FedEx webpage:  http://fedex.com/ru_english/shippingguide/importguidelines/

I brought my GF's engagement ring home with me from Russia the other day to have it sized at a trusted jeweler here in the U.S. and then planned on sending it back to her by fully insured FedEx.  Now it seems like FedEx says Russia prohibits any type of jewelry, gold or precious stones to be imported, and also prohibits virtually all types of legal documents that will be necessary during the K-1 process that we're starting.

Has anyone shipped any of these items through FedEx to Russia?  Any other courier options you can recommend?

[LEGAL]

roykirk Since 2004 I have always used DHL with out any problem especially in the beginning of our visa process. Maybe check with DHL?  Olga recently sent some legal documents to her family without any problem at all and I think it is even less expensive than Fedex.

[roykirk]

roykirk Since 2004 I have always used DHL with out any problem especially in the beginning of our visa process. Maybe check with DHL?  Olga recently sent some legal documents to her family without any problem at all and I think it is even less expensive than Fedex.

Thanks, LEGAL.  Since I started this thread, I've also read that Russia will enforce high duties based on the value on the package (regardless of shipping company).  Since I'd need to list the real value of the ring to insure it properly, there's no way to fudge this to avoid duties.  From what I've read, it looks like she could have to come up with several hundred dollars to retrieve the ring from Russian customs.  What a crock.  I guess I'll have to wait until my next visit to take it with me, which won't be until January.  It sounds like the legal documents won't get much of a look, as I've read that Russian customs singles out packages for inspection based primarily on stated value.

[Lily]

With Fedex or any other commercial courrier almost any sending value might be subject to customs dues.

With a state postal operator like USPS, Express Mail included, values up to 10000,- Rur (probably some 350 USD) if sent not often than once a week for an individual for a non commercial purposes, should be free of customs charges. But I see it is not about your valuable sending.

This customs rule exist for some time already, I guess that peope who extensively buy at e-bay know those rules rather well. I did not notice any increases or any changes in customs dues in postal ways in recent time.

[viking]

I have always been told to go with USPS. I know once it gets there it is FedEX or DHL that does the actual customs and delivery. I have sent books, non drug medical supplies, candy, perfume, computer supplies (small stuff), some small cash stuffed in other things, and a host of other things and never had a problem. Nothing was ever opened. I declare most but not everything on the customes declaration. But I would real hesistant to send a ring. Jan is only a few months away. Besides I think putting it on her finger personally is the way to go even if she has already seen it.

[UTRO]

Definitely take it back yourself if she can wait.
I was possibly facing this dilemma myself last week. Thankfully the ring fit! 
I'll be flying into Moscow just after Christmas..... I see you are headed there in January. If your plans change I'd be happy to hand deliver it to someone in the airport for you. In fact, I'm sure that someone on the Site will be headed there sooner than that.
I know it isn't easy to trust a virtual stranger with something like an expensive and personal engagement ring

[BillyB]

I brought my GF's engagement ring home with me from Russia the other day to have it sized at a trusted jeweler here in the U.S. and then planned on sending it back to her by fully insured FedEx.  Now it seems like FedEx says Russia prohibits any type of jewelry, gold or precious stones to be imported, and also prohibits virtually all types of legal documents that will be necessary during the K-1 process that we're starting.

Uzbekistan is the same way with prohibiting legal documents coming the the mail but I broke the law anyway. Just send the k-1 stuff and list the envelope as documents/letter and state the value as $1. Chances are nobody is going to mess with it. You can send the mail USPS international express and save yourself around $100 although it will take a few more days to get there. Viking is right they use private companies/partners to make the final delivery.

I think it's much safer to bring the ring with you than to send it through the mail. When filling out your customs form on the airplane to Russia, you will also have to state if you're bringing in precious gems. Probably so they can tax the hell out of it. I remember one guy writing said he put his fiancees ring on his little finger and turned the diamond on the inside of his hand so he can claim the ring as his instead of as a gift. Or you could simply keep in your pocket or hide it within something in your carry on bag as you won't have to go through metal detectors coming off the plane.

[UTRO]

Or you could simply keep in your pocket or hide it within something in your carry on bag as you won't have to go through metal detectors coming off the plane.

Exactly. Metal Detectors only through the US Port of Departure, not Russian Port of Entry. Wear it upside down on your Pinkie walking through SVO2 Green Zone if nervous. Sometimes they'll X-ray your luggage..... but no metal check that I've ever seen when leaving Customs Control.

[LEGAL]

BillyB I did something similar with Olga's ring. I put on a gold chain that I wear around my neck under my shirt and made it through with no problem.

Roykirk I would do as others suggested and bring it yourself in January. That is another special moment for the both of you. I know how much it meant to Olga.


I remember the night I proposed to Olga in front of a packed house  at the Hermitage theater. Wow what a night to remember Phil Damore and I had arranged it with the director of the theater, what a surprise for Olga and Phil videoed it.

[OlgaH]

I've read that Russian customs singles out packages for inspection based primarily on stated value.

Unfortunately yes If you send something to Russia  by regular mail.

[tfcrew]

I have always been told to go with USPS. I know once it gets there it is FedEX or DHL that does the actual customs and delivery. I have sent books, non drug medical supplies, candy, perfume, computer supplies (small stuff), some small cash stuffed in other things, and a host of other things and never had a problem. Nothing was ever opened. I declare most but not everything on the customes declaration. But I would real hesistant to send a ring. Jan is only a few months away. Besides I think putting it on her finger personally is the way to go even if she has already seen it.

I would concur. USPS...and why mail a ring anyway?

[roykirk]

I would concur. USPS...and why mail a ring anyway?

Well, my thought was so she wouldn't have to be without it for a few months until I could return (she's already been wearing it since August but it didn't fit quite right).  But after reading the responses here and seeing how much Customs rips people off, it doesn't make much sense.

[viking]

Hopefully she will be wearing the ring for many, many years. Maybe a lifetime. Really, what is a few months? And once you personally put it back on her finger (be a bit of a romantic here) neither one of you will remember the wait.