Preferential customs clearance under Decree 140: Instructions for refugees

The introduction of new customs regulations is often a turning point for thousands of people in difficult situations. Decree No. 140The law regulating the importation of vehicles by asylum seekers has become such a document that allows to legalize cars without paying standard duties. This is not just a bureaucratic procedure, but a real mechanism of social support, which makes it possible to save personal property when moving.

The essence of the document is to exempt from customs duties when importing one car owned before the beginning of certain events. Customs declaration in this case, it is filled in according to a simplified scheme, but requires strict compliance with the time frame and confirmation of the applicant's status. Many people miss the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits because of the banal ignorance of the nuances of filling out papers or the incorrect interpretation of the terms of preference.

In this article, we will discuss in detail who is entitled to the benefit, how to prepare a package of documents and what steps should be taken for successful registration. The clearance process It may seem daunting, but with a clear algorithm of actions, it becomes quite feasible even without intermediaries. It is important to understand that every mistake in the documents can cost time or even the right to a benefit, so attention to detail is paramount here.

Who is entitled to preferential customs clearance

First of all, it is necessary to clearly define the range of persons subject to this normative act. The right to import a vehicle without paying customs duties is reserved for citizens of foreign countries who have received shelter on the territory of the Russian Federation. The benefit also applies to persons who have applied for recognition as a refugee, if the decision on it has not yet been made, but the period for consideration has not expired.

An important condition is the time period of car ownership. The vehicle must be owned by the applicant at least six-month until the date of the special circumstances that caused the forced relocation. This requirement is intended to exclude schemes for the rapid purchase of cars for their subsequent resale under the guise of humanitarian assistance.

⚠️ Note: Refugee status or temporary asylum must be obtained in Russia. The presence of a similar status in a third country does not give the right to preferential customs clearance in Russia under this decree.

In addition, the vehicle shall not be the subject of a pledge or seizure in the territory of the country of export. Customs authorities Check the history of the car through international databases to ensure the purity of the transaction. If the car has been stolen or is wanted, importation will be prohibited regardless of the status of the owner.

Vehicle requirements and time limits

Preferential treatment applies only to cars intended for personal use. Commercial transport, trucks and buses are not covered by the decree, even if they belong to a refugee. Engine volume and year of production also matter, as they affect the classification of goods, although they do not require paying the full duty rate.

A critical parameter is the importation time. The vehicle must be imported into the territory of the Russian Federation during the period from the date of obtaining the status or from the date of the beginning of the decree. Skipping this deadline automatically deprives the applicant of the right to benefits, and then you will have to pay the full cost of customs clearance at the standard rates of the EAEU.

• 🚗 The vehicle must be in the applicant’s personal property for at least 6 months before the critical date.
• 📅 Import must be carried out within the time period established by law.
• 🚫 The vehicle may not be subject to pledge, leasing or seizure.

It should be noted that the car must be imported in an unsoaked state, that is, without prior customs clearance in other EAEU countries. If the car has already passed customs clearance in Kazakhstan or Belarus at full rates, it will not be possible to re-apply the privilege in Russia. Customs union The document provides for a single customs space, and documents issued by one country are recognized by all participants.

What to do if the car is in pledge?

If the car is pledged to the bank, for its export and customs clearance will require the written consent of the creditor. Without this document, customs has the full right to refuse to release the goods, since the rights of third parties to the property must be respected.

Required documents for registration

Gathering the right package of documents is 90% of the success of the entire operation. The absence of even one certificate can lead to the suspension of the process for an indefinite period. The main document is vehicle-port (PTS) or its foreign counterpart, where the owner is declared. If the PTS is electronic, you need to get an extract from the system.

The second key element is documents confirming the status of a refugee or temporary migrant. It could be. refugee certificateCertificate of consideration of the application or the decision of the migration service. All documents issued in a foreign language must have a notarized translation into Russian.

Also, a purchase agreement or other document confirming the transfer of ownership, indicating the date, will be required. This is to prove that the vehicle was owned for the required time. If the machine was inherited, a certificate is provided.

Type of document	Requirements	Importance
TC passport	Original + Notarial Translation	Critically.
Refugee status	Original certificate or certificate	Critically.
Contract of sale	With a date earlier than 6 months. pre-	Tall.
Passport of the owner	Acting, with a WU mark	Critically.

Step-by-step instructions for customs clearance

The process of registration begins with arrival at the customs post. You need to contact the customs clearance department and submit a declaration for the vehicle. The customs officer will check the availability of all documents and issue forms for filling. Errors in the declaration can lead to administrative liability, so fill in the columns carefully.

The next stage is being held customs inspection car. The inspector checks the VIN number, engine and body number with the data in the documents. The equipment and absence of hidden damage or repair traces that could indicate an earlier date of damage or accident shall be checked.

1. Submission of declaration and documents in the reception window
2. Appointment and conduct of customs inspection
3. Check of documents by the customs clearance control department
4. Decision on release of goods
5. Issuance of customs-marked PTS

After successful inspection and verification of documents, a decision is made to release the goods. If all the conditions of the decree are met, the payment column will indicate exemption from payment of duty on the basis of the relevant paragraph of the normative act. The applicant receives a package of documents with which you can contact the traffic police for registration.

Typical errors and process complexity

One of the most common mistakes is the wrong timing. Many people count six months of ownership from the time of purchase, forgetting that the countdown can be from the date of the conflict or status. This confusion often leads to a denial of benefits. Time interval must be strictly observed and any discrepancies are not treated in favour of the applicant.

Another problem is the invalid documents. Foreign certificates often lack the necessary apostilles or translations are made by non-accredited bureaus. Customs of the Russian Federation works only with documents issued in strict accordance with the legislation. Notarization The translation must be done by a Russian notary.

⚠️ Please note: Do not try to hide the history of the car. Customs has access to international databases and can detect that the car was stolen or crashed before the declared date.

Often, difficulties arise with cars that have a double identification or a modified design. If the car is installed HBO, tuning exhaust or changed engine power, this should be reflected in the documents. Otherwise, an examination will be required, which will drag the process on for weeks.

Registration at the traffic police after customs

After receiving the customs documents, the process is not yet complete. The next step is to register with the traffic police. This will require a valid OSAGO policy, which can be issued only after receipt EPTS (e-passport of the vehicle) with the mark of customs. Without valid insurance, registration is not possible.

The traffic police must provide a full package of documents, including a customs declaration with a note of release. The inspector will check the car for changes in the design and check the numbers of units. If everything is clean, you will receive new numbers and a Vehicle Registration Certificate (CVC).

• 📝 Get an EPP with a customs mark.
• 🛡️ Make a CTP policy based on new data.
• 🚔 Make an appointment with the traffic police and undergo an examination.

Sale before this deadline may result in a requirement to pay additional customs duties from which you have been exempt. Restriction on alienation It is a standard measure to prevent the commercial use of humanitarian benefits.

Do I have to pay a fee for preferential customs clearance?

Yes, the payment of the recycling fee is mandatory, even if no customs duty is charged. However, for refugees and temporary asylum seekers, preferential rates or scrap-fee exemptions are often in place if the car is imported for personal use and is not sold within a year. The exact amount must be specified in the customs authority at the time of filing the declaration.

Can I get rid of my motorcycle under Order 140?

Passenger cars. Motorcycles are generally not covered by this exemption to the same extent or require separate consideration. Legislation often separates vehicle categories, and preferential regimes for motor vehicles may differ. It is recommended to consult a customs broker regarding a particular motorcycle model.

What to do if the car is bought on credit?

If the car is pledged to the bank, for its export and customs clearance will require the consent of the creditor. Without the removal of the encumbrance or written permission of the bank, customs will not issue the release of goods. In some cases, a full repayment of the loan is required before export.