EAEU Navigation Seals from 31 July 2026

What information and documents clients need to prepare

From 31 July 2026, the use of navigation seals in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has been expanded. They are now used for road transport of all categories of goods placed under the customs transit procedure and moving through the territories of two or more EAEU member states. Certain shipments are exempt from these requirements.

The changes may affect, for example, cargo transported from China to Russia via Kazakhstan, as well as road shipments between EAEU member states.

The final decision on whether a navigation seal is required for a specific shipment is made by the authorised supervisory authority.

What to provide to CARGO-EXPRESS

For an initial assessment and transport quotation, we will need:

• loading and delivery addresses;
  
• cargo ready date;
  
• exact description of the goods;
  
• EAEU HS code, or a detailed technical description if the code has not yet been determined;
  
• intended use and country of origin of the goods;
  
• number of packages, weight and dimensions;
  
• type of packaging;
  
• value of the goods and currency;
  
• information on whether the cargo is dangerous, excisable or oversized.

If several different products are carried in the same vehicle, the information must be provided separately for each item.

General descriptions such as “equipment”, “spare parts” or “consumer goods” are not sufficient. To assess the shipment, we need either the EAEU HS code or a clear technical description explaining what the product is, what it is made of and what it is used for.

Documents you may need

As a general rule, please prepare:

• foreign trade contract or specification;
  
• commercial invoice or proforma invoice;
  
• packing list;
  
• technical documentation;
  
• permits, licences and certificates, if required for the goods concerned.

The exact list depends on the cargo, route and customs procedure. If some documents are not yet available, send us the information you already have and we will advise what needs to be added.

What to consider before dispatch

The use of a navigation seal may affect both the cost and transit time. Additional charges may arise from the installation, use and removal of the device. Time should also be allowed for seal activation and removal.

Once the seal has been installed, access to the cargo is restricted. Opening the cargo compartment, partial unloading, transshipment or replacement of the vehicle must be carried out in accordance with the applicable procedure. If any such operations are planned during transit, please inform us in advance.

CARGO-EXPRESS can handle customs clearance

CARGO-EXPRESS is a licensed customs representative and can arrange customs clearance for the shipment. Clients do not need to determine the customs clearance location themselves, coordinate several participants separately or deal with the navigation-seal procedure on their own.

We will:

• check the cargo and shipment details;
  
• determine the required set of documents;
  
• arrange customs clearance;
  
• coordinate the carrier, customs representative and navigation seal operator;
  
• include additional costs and operations in the transport quotation;
  
• monitor and support the shipment throughout the route.

This approach helps prepare the shipment in advance, reduce the risk of delays and avoid unexpected costs after the vehicle has departed.

This material is for general information only. Requirements for a specific shipment depend on the route, cargo characteristics, customs procedure, applicable exemptions and the decision of the authorised supervisory authority.