Russia's list of contraband and restricted items are not clear cut. When in doubt don't buy a souvenir without an official document saying that it is legal for export. This is a list of items, some very unassuming, that you can get in trouble with. Mostly, these will come from purchases from flea markets that don't supply documents of legality. In general, anything over 50 years old can be considered a cultural artifact and restricted from personal export.
- Old Russian Currency and Soviet War Medals. ($600 fine for medals, nytimes, added 07/10)
- Russian Religious Icons pre-1960 or value over $1000.
- Russian Samovars pre-1960 or value over $1000.
- Russian antiques pre-1960 (very gray and expansive area. Subject to Russian interpretation. Books and Soviet memorabilia can be covere under this).
- Artwork & artist produces of significant value.
- Any material that is harnful to Russians or the Russian Government.
- Passports, IDs, IOU, cancelled checks, stocks, bonds, lottery tickets.
- Soil, minerals, ores, gem stones.
- Caviar 250 gm limit (U.S. Customs will confiscate it).
- Crab meat, foods, (U.S. Customs will confiscate fruits & vegs).
- Russian Federation work books.
- Russian cash and equvilants. New rules allow small sums of roubles to leave the country, however it is tied to the Russian minimum wage so it changes frequently. Remember that once rubles leave Russia it can't be exchanged because the ruble isn't internationally convertible.
More...
Sheremetyevo Airport - Border Crossing Formalities (The official word, added 10/07)
Last edited on Saturday October 27th, 2007 07:29 am by ronin1
|
