Shipping to Russia from the US: What You Need to Know
Shipping to Russia from the US is severely restricted following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent US/EU/UK sanctions. As of 2024–2025, FedEx, UPS, and DHL have all suspended most commercial services to Russia. USPS still accepts certain non-commercial mail (personal correspondence, small personal-use packages) but with significant restrictions on prohibited items expanded under export controls.
US exporters must comply with Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and OFAC sanctions. Many categories of goods — electronics, technology, industrial equipment, luxury goods — are now prohibited for export to Russia under US law regardless of which carrier you use. For personal-use gifts and family correspondence, USPS remains an option but transit is unpredictable and slow.
Typical 1 lb cost
$60–$120+ USD (when service available via USPS)
Typical transit
4–12 weeks via USPS (highly variable). Express carriers largely unavailable.
Carrier Options to Russia
USPS (limited personal mail)
Accepts some non-commercial personal mail and small personal-use packages. Transit via alternative routing (not through EU airspace). Delivery via Russian Post (Pochta Rossii). Very slow — 4-12 weeks. Only for personal/gift items that are not export-restricted.
FedEx
SUSPENDED most services to Russia since March 2022. Do not attempt to book FedEx shipments to Russia without first confirming current status directly with FedEx.
UPS
SUSPENDED most services to Russia since March 2022. Contact UPS directly for any exceptions.
DHL
SUSPENDED most commercial services to Russia since March 2022. Some very limited options may exist for humanitarian or authorized purposes — verify directly with DHL.
Customs Forms Required
CN22 for items under $400. CN23 + commercial invoice for higher-value packages. Russian customs (FTS) subject to additional scrutiny.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- ✕Luxury goods (US export prohibited under EAR — jewelry, watches, vehicles, premium clothing, etc.)
- ✕Electronics and technology with dual-use potential (EAR-controlled)
- ✕Industrial equipment, machinery, and many manufactured goods (EAR/OFAC restricted)
- ✕Firearms, weapons, and ammunition
- ✕Currency and financial instruments (OFAC restricted)
Russia-Specific Shipping Tips
- 💡 CRITICAL: Before shipping ANYTHING to Russia, check US BIS/OFAC restrictions at bis.doc.gov and treasury.gov/ofac — violating sanctions is a federal crime with serious penalties
- 💡 FedEx, UPS, and DHL have suspended most services — USPS is the primary remaining option for limited personal mail
- 💡 USPS routing to Russia now avoids EU airspace, significantly extending transit times
- 💡 Personal-use gifts (clothing, books, personal care items that are not luxury goods or technology) are generally still allowed for USPS
- 💡 If your recipient needs commercial goods, consult a US export compliance attorney — do not attempt to work around sanctions
Frequently asked questions
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