Chinese VAT vs. cargo surcharges: Legal imports can be cheaper than cargo.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Thanks to Chinese VAT refunds, legal supplies are showing unexpected profitability – a KVT expert uses a specific case to analyze the "hidden" arithmetic.

Switching to fully legal import schemes from China can provide companies not only with reduced risks but also direct savings exceeding the cost of cargo transportation. A key factor is the ability of the Chinese supplier to reclaim export VAT, which is applied as a discount on the goods. Ivan Smerichinsky, Head of Client Services at KVT, presented this calculation using a specific case study during an industry webinar.

Switching to fully legal import schemes from China can provide companies not only with reduced risks but also direct savings exceeding the cost of cargo transportation. A key factor is the ability of the Chinese supplier to reclaim export VAT, which is applied as a discount on the goods. Ivan Smerichinsky, Head of Client Services at KVT, presented this calculation using a specific case study during an industry webinar.

In the case of the cargo scheme, the delivery rate was set at $3 per kilogram, amounting to $2,000. However, the expert noted hidden costs. "When paying through cargo schemes, very high conversion rates arise—often simply unreasonable. They can mark up the initial exchange rate by up to 5-6%, and sometimes as much as 10%," Smerichinsky noted. Even accounting for the conversion at the inflated rate (the yuan at 11.9 rubles, the dollar at 85 rubles), the final cost of the cargo delivery would be lower than the legal amount—1.4 million rubles. But the analysis did not end there.

Smerichinsky presented an optimized scenario for legal import, where the importer exercises the right to reclaim export VAT. "If we agree with the supplier that they will refund us their entire export VAT, which is 13% in China, as a discount, then the purchase price of the goods will be 87,000 yuan," he explained. This transaction radically changes the financial result. The reduction in the purchase price entails a reduction in the customs value, customs duty, and VAT. As a result, the total cost of official import, taking all expenses into account, will be just over 1.3 million rubles, which is not only lower than the original legal option but also cheaper than the cargo option, Ivan Smerichinsky emphasized.

The expert emphasized that implementing such a scheme in practice is only possible with a well-established long-term relationship with the supplier. "Of course, we're looking at an ideal case where our supplier offered a discount, even covering the full VAT amount, but nonetheless, it's very significant," Smerichinsky commented.

This calculation demonstrates that when switching to white-label schemes, companies should focus not only on the inevitable costs, but also on finding legal tools for financial optimization, one of which is working with the counterparty's export VAT, the expert concluded.

As a reminder, according to the Price Index Center, the cost of shipping a 40-foot container from China to Russia reached a five-year low in 2025. LR

Read more:http://logirus.ru/nevs/custom_and_after all/Chinese_VAT_against_cargo-surcharges_legal_import_may_be_cheaper_cargo.html

Publication date: 11/07/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Russian Railways is rehearsing: stations are preparing to receive "smart" seals.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

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The first stage, starting on February 11, 2026, will affect the rail transportation of sanctioned and certain excisable goods.

A mandatory shipment tracking system using electronic navigation seals will come into effect in the Eurasian Economic Union on February 1, 2026, according to the Russian Railways press service. The decision of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Board introduces a new procedure for monitoring the transportation of goods by road and rail. Practical monitoring will begin on February 11, 2026, 10 days after the decision comes into effect.

The system's implementation is planned in three stages, lasting a total of 480 days. The first stage, commencing on February 11, 2026, will cover rail transportation of sanctioned and certain excisable goods, including alcohol and tobacco, for customs transit, export, and mutual trade. In the second stage, controls will be extended to rail transportation of light industry products and electronics as part of customs transit. The third stage will cover all customs transit carried out by rail.

A navigation seal installed at the entrance to the EAEU or at the point of cargo departure within the union will be valid throughout its entire territory. Integration of operator information systems will enable monitoring of shipments from the point of departure to the final destination. For example, during transit through Russia, a seal from any authorized operator will ensure data transfer to the Russian information system.

The Russian Ministry of Transport has instructed Russian Railways, in conjunction with the Center for Corporate Transport Services (CRTSP), to conduct comprehensive preparatory work to fulfill the agreement's requirements. According to Dmitry Gorokh, Deputy Head of Freight and Commercial Operations at the Center for Corporate Transport Services, the parties have already analyzed the delivery of goods across Russia and identified the stations that will handle the bulk of the first-stage shipments. Work was also conducted to assess the technological feasibility of applying and removing seals at these stations, taking into account the number of personnel involved. The list of stations involved was then expanded based on the collected statistics.

Dmitry Gorokh noted that by the end of 2025, they plan to complete equipping newly added stations with communications services and the necessary equipment for handling navigation seals, as well as conduct a series of pilot shipments to test their interaction with the national operator's information system. He noted that the holding company already has significant experience working with such technologies. The first shipments of cargo with navigation seals on the Russian Railways network took place in 2016, and since 2020, in cooperation with CRCP LLC, over 10,000 rail shipments using them have been carried out, primarily under the rules for the transit of sanctioned cargo using GLONASS technology, approved by the Russian Government in late 2019.

As a reminder, the Russian government is launching a pilot project to use navigation seals for Eurasian Economic Union goods transported between Armenia and the Russian Federation through third countries. The experiment will run until October 31, 2025, and will serve as a practical test of mechanisms for monitoring and tracking shipments within the Union.

Read more:http://logirus.ru/nevs/transport/RZD_rehearses_stations_are_preparing_to_receive_smart_seals.html

Publication date: 11/01/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

KMZ Cargo, a USC subsidiary, delivered a new charitable shipment – this time to Tanzania, Southeast Africa.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The KMZ Cargo company (part of the military-industrial holding Kinigsepp Machine-Building Plant) OSK successfully delivered a charity shipment to the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Tanzania. The Russian Center for Science and Culture is one of the country's most popular cultural institutions.

Shipping international shipments, especially to such exotic locations, requires specific knowledge and skills. This wasn't without its challenges, given the strict list of customs documents required for exporting cargo from the Russian Federation. To resolve the issue, additional documentation related to importing foreign goods into the Russian Federation was required.

Customs clearance regulations in various countries contain a vast array of legal nuances, ignorance of which can lead to fines, cargo delays, and, in the worst case, confiscation.

To minimize risks and ensure uninterrupted logistics, KMZ Cargo OSK adheres to 4 basic rules:

• Preparation of a complete package of documents. Availability of an invoice, declaration, quality certificate and other documents (depending on the type of goods and country of origin).

• Correct declaration. The declaration must contain reliable information about the quantity, cost, and characteristics of the goods—all of this affects the classification and amount of duties.

• Passing customs control. Customs authorities are authorized to check the conformity of documents with the cargo and conduct inspections to identify prohibited categories of goods.

• Payment of duties and taxes. Tariffs depend on the category, value and country of origin of the goods.

KMZ Cargo Company OSK Provides full support to clients during international and domestic shipments—from document preparation to delivery monitoring. With KMZ Cargo OSK Your cargo will definitely reach its destination!

Publication date: 10/29/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Why is customs more expensive for individuals?

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Why is customs more expensive for individuals?

When shipping goods internationally, customs clearance and duties are inevitable. But few people know: individuals pay significantly more than companies. For example, in Ethiopia, if the value of a shipment is $12,369.46, the duty for an individual is $4,499.73, while for a legal entity, it's only $1,853.31. Why is this?

1. Businesses need incentives—low rates facilitate trade. 2. Legal entities are under strict government control, so there are fewer risks to the budget. 3. High duties for individuals restrict commercial trade under the guise of personal parcels. Customs regulations are an economic tool. They create conditions for business growth, while barriers for private shipments are created to maintain market balance. Therefore, it's always worth calculating duties in advance before international shipping—this will help avoid unpleasant surprises. Advice from logistics experts:

– Always clarify the recipient's status (individual/legal entity) – this directly affects the amount of duty;– Ask the client for an exact invoice – customs calculates payments based on it;– Check the tariffs of the destination country before shipping – each country has its own legislation and approach to calculating duties;– If the cargo is being shipped for commercial purposes, it is more profitable to register it under the name of a legal entity;– Be sure to factor in additional costs: taxes, processing fees, and storage;– Keep all documents – this will help avoid delays at the border.

 

Publication date: 10/29/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing goods from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to be imported into Russia by car without documentation until December 10, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Vladimir Putin signed A decree allowing goods from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to be imported into Russia by car until December 10, 2025, without documents confirming their status as EAEU goods.

Import of goods into the Russian Federation… does not constitute a failure to comply with customs duties, as well as duties to label goods and/or apply information to them in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation,” the document notes.

Russian legal entities receiving goods must provide the carrier with a notification on their behalf for the Russian customs authority.

The notification must contain an obligation to declare the goods in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Recipients of goods also need to:

– organize their transportation to temporary storage warehouses;– notify the Ministry of Industry and Trade;– be sure to mark the goods and declare them before December 27.

Transport and logistics http://t.te/transportandlogistic

Publication date: 10/28/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

New delivery option: air TIR!

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In today's world, where speed and reliability of delivery are key factors for business, it is important to choose optimal cargo transportation solutions.

If you're looking for a quick way to get your cargo from China to Russia, check out our new service – AVIA TIR.

This unique consolidated delivery service provides reliable and fast transportation of materials and goods from Zhengzhou Airport to Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow in just 8-10 days.

Three main advantages of TIR air transport

1. Fast delivery

One of the main advantages of the AVIA TIR service is its speed of delivery. We guarantee transit in just 8-10 days, which is significantly faster than traditional auto assembly methods. This allows you to quickly respond to your business's needs, minimizing waiting times.

2. Safety and reliability

We understand how important cargo safety is to our customers. Unlike standard shipping services, when using TIR AIR, we avoid border reloading. This means your cargo will be delivered by the same trucking company, without re-shoring or additional stops, minimizing the risk of damage and loss. Reliability and safety are our top priorities.

3. Convenience of design

Cargo clearance is often a source of unnecessary hassle and delays. With AVIA TIR, you won't have to waste time on customs procedures—we handle all clearance at Sheremetyevo Airport. You'll be able to focus on the important aspects of your business without being distracted by administrative details.

Additional benefits

GPS tracking: Thanks to modern technology, you can track the location of your shipment in real time. This adds an extra level of confidence to the delivery process.

Individual approach: We are ready to offer you individual solutions that take into account the specifics of your cargo and your preferences.

Don't miss the opportunity to optimize your business logistics! AIR TIR is the ideal solution for those who value time, quality, and safety in cargo transportation. If you'd like to learn more about our offer, contact us for all the necessary details and to arrange your shipment. Secure fast and reliable transportation today!

Publication date: 10/24/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The first step in an international aid mission: KMZ Cargo, a subsidiary of USC, sent a charitable shipment to Mongolia.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The KMZ Cargo company (part of the military-industrial holding Kinigsepp Machine-Building Plant) OSK successfully completed its first international delivery of charitable goods. They were delivered to the Russian Children's Center in Mongolia, a key center of Russian culture and language in the country. The donation was collected to support the center's educational and recreational activities and became a major contribution to supporting the younger generation and strengthening friendly ties between the countries.

Despite the logistical challenges inherent in international shipments, the KMZ Cargo team of specialists OSK We managed to connect all stages of shipping—preparation and packaging, customs clearance, transportation organization, and final delivery—into a seamless and transparent process.

"This wasn't just a delivery—it was a mission. We understood that children's smiles and their opportunities to learn and develop depended on our work. The successful shipment demonstrated our ability to effectively solve complex logistical challenges for charitable projects.

Our immediate plans include organizing and executing charitable shipments to African countries. We have already begun preliminary work analyzing logistics routes and legal requirements for the effective implementation of this project. We also thank our partners for their trust and look to the future with confidence that our professional experience will help us continue to contribute to international charitable initiatives," said the CEO of KMZ Cargo. OSK Tatiana Damaskina.

 

Publication date: 10/21/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Road transport: tariffs on the rise and the end of the "ruble per kilometer" era?

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

What pricing formulas should be used to ensure businesses are prepared for both tariff records and rollbacks?

The Russian freight transportation market finds itself in a paradoxical situation. On the one hand, demand is growing steadily: according to PEC data for September 2025, it increased by 7%, while the ATrucks indicator shows a persistent imbalance in favor of carriers. Traditional seasonal factors and the reduction in the key rate have whetted retail appetites. However, the main driver of growth is a shock—the mass return of equipment to lessors. More than 30,000 vehicles have already been repossessed, and approximately 10,000 more are at risk. This has created an artificial capacity shortage, pushing the market from a deep surplus into a transport affordability crisis.

And it's precisely at this moment, as the industry struggles to find a delicate balance, that it is hit with a "triple whammy" of regulatory changes planned for 2026. Starting March 1, only those who successfully register with the Unified Electronic Register of Carriers and Forwarders on the GosLog platform will be able to operate legally. Simultaneously, the patent tax system for freight transportation is planned to be completely abolished starting January 1, which will impact hundreds of thousands of small businesses and self-employed drivers.

In this regard, Logirus decided to find out:

• Will the fuel shock and shortage of carriers trigger a long-awaited recovery in tariffs, or is the announced increase just a seasonal blip?

• How will the transition from the patent system to the general taxation system affect tariffs?

• And what new approaches to pricing are carriers forced to look for?

Read more:http://logirus.ru/articles/analitniks/road transport_tariffs_for_takeoff_and_end_of_the_era_-ruble_per_kilometer.html

Publication date: 10/21/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

KMZ Cargo, a subsidiary of USC, successfully completed a complex logistics project to transport equipment from the Russian Museum.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The KMZ Cargo company (part of the military-industrial holding Kinigsepp Machine-Building Plant) OSK won the tender, according to which it was necessary to organize for Russian Museum two transportations of equipment from different places to Kursk Museum of Local HistoryEach of these operations required unconventional solutions and a high degree of coordination.

The first point is – Maria Feodorovna's Farm pavilion In Tyarlevo. The main challenge was limited access: heavy-duty trucks couldn't drive directly to the loading area. The problem was solved using a crane-mounted truck—the cargo was first loaded onto it and then onto the truck. Two trucks were successfully loaded this way.

The second loading took place on the territory Mikhailovsky Castle Under rather challenging conditions. The cargo had to be picked up from the third floor using only one passenger elevator, which could accommodate no more than 5-6 units at a time. A loading specialist from KMZ Cargo organized a team of four loaders to maximize efficiency; however, due to limited space and the need for careful handling, the process still took approximately 24 hours.

The difficulties that arose did not become an obstacle for the specialists of KMZ Cargo OSK, who were able to complete all the work efficiently and on time. Thanks to the team's professionalism and coordinated work, the shipment arrived on time. Kursk Museum of Local History without damage, and the client noted the high level of organization and responsibility at all stages of transportation.

Publication date: 10/17/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Russia and China have approved an action plan for the further development of transportation along the Northern Sea Route.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The document was agreed upon following the second meeting of the Subcommission on Cooperation on the Northern Sea Route of the Russian-Chinese Commission for the Preparation of Regular Meetings of Heads of Government in Harbin.

The Russian part was headed by Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation, and the Chinese part was headed by Liu Wei, Minister of Transport of the People's Republic of China.

"The development and approval of the roadmap are aimed at creating a sustainable transport corridor. Cooperation involves the implementation of modern logistics and technological solutions to improve transportation efficiency and develop capital projects," Rosatom noted.

According to Alexey Likhachev, Russia and China will set a new record for container cargo volumes along the Northern Sea Route this year. The volume could exceed 400,000 tons.

"It should be noted that, in this sense, Russian-Chinese cooperation along the Northern Sea Route is growing at an even faster rate. For example, if we talk about the volume of container shipments, it initially doubled in 2023-2024, and now it has increased by approximately another 60%," he said.

We previously reported that on September 15, for the first time in history, a transit container voyage passed through the Northern Sea Route.

Transport and logistics. http://t.te/transportandlogistic/23117

Publication date: 10/14/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.