Gost-R and EAC Certificates

When exporting to Russia and Eurasian Economic Union countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan), documents proving compliance of products with the relevant standards may be required. The main ones are:

  • Gost-R Certificate
  • Gost-R Declaration
  • EAC Certificate
  • EAC Declaration
  • Hygiene Certificate (SGR)
  • Refusal Letter

What are Gost-R and EAC Certificates?

  • Gost-R Certificate (Gost-R Certificate, Gost-R Declaration, Fire Safety Certificate): A document proving that products comply with Russia’s national standards. The Gost-R Certificate can be used for customs clearance in Russia and for selling products in the domestic market.
  • EAC Certificate (EAC Declaration or EAC Certificate): A document confirming the safety and compliance of products under the Technical Regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan). For example, TR TS 010/2011 Technical Regulation on the Safety of Machinery and Equipment falls within this scope.
  • Hygiene Certificate (SGR): A document confirming the hygienic and epidemiological safety of certain product groups. It is issued within the EAC framework and is valid in EAEU countries.
  • Refusal Letter: An official document showing that a product does not fall under Gost-R or EAC requirements. It is not a conformity document and does not allow products to bear the EAC or Gost-R mark.

Validity Periods

  • Gost-R Certificates: Issued for 1 or 3 years. Fire Safety Certificates may be valid for 1, 3, or 5 years.
  • EAC Certificates: Issued for 1, 3, or 5 years.
  • Hygiene Certificate (SGR): Valid indefinitely, as long as the product composition does not change.
  • Refusal Letter: May be issued indefinitely.

Why are Gost-R or EAC Certificates Necessary?

Gost-R and EAC certificates are important for exporting to Russia and Eurasian countries.

  • Legal Compliance: Required for customs clearance.
  • Market Access: Certified products can be legally sold in relevant markets.
  • Tender Participation: Sometimes mandatory for participation in public or private tenders.
  • Safety and Quality Approval: Shows compliance of products with established standards.

Products Subject to GOST R Declaration

  • Construction mixtures and solutions
  • Wallpaper and plywood
  • PVC, wooden, and wood-aluminum windows, and balcony blocks made of these materials
  • Tableware and cutlery sets, kitchen utensils, certain knives
  • Mineral and phosphate fertilizers
  • Pesticides
  • Carpentry products
  • Sports equipment
  • Pigments
  • High-voltage equipment
  • Friction materials
  • Bolts and nuts for railway vehicles
  • Medical products

Products Subject to EAC Declaration

  • Machinery and equipment (not requiring an EAC Certificate)
  • Furniture (except baby furniture)
  • Textile products (except baby and underwear)
  • Food products (not subject to SGR)
  • Perfume products
  • Cosmetics (not subject to SGR)
  • Fuels and lubricants
  • Tobacco products

Products Subject to EAC Certificate

  • Children’s toys
  • Explosives and pyrotechnics
  • Equipment, devices, and tools intended for use in explosive environments
  • Elevator equipment and components
  • Household appliances
  • Children’s furniture, children’s textiles, etc.
  • Woodworking machines
  • Garage equipment (for cars and trailers)
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Mechanized vehicles for gardening, farming, and forestry (including electric)
  • Machinery for livestock, poultry, and feed production
  • Saws (gasoline or electric)
  • Catering and food service technological equipment
  • Mining equipment
  • Pneumatic equipment
  • Dust collection and dust control equipment
  • Lifting equipment, cranes
  • Computers and chargers
  • Printers, monitors, scanners, active speaker systems powered by AC, multimedia projectors, uninterruptible power supplies
  • Electrical cables
  • Electrical switches
  • Electrical distribution devices
  • Portable electric machines
  • Electric musical instruments
  • Automatic circuit breakers
  • Others

Products Subject to Fire Safety Certificate

  • Fire-resistant cables and wires
  • Elevator doors
  • Construction and finishing materials used in evacuation routes
  • Materials used in railway and metro construction
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire protection equipment (firefighter uniforms, etc.)
  • Fire escape ladders
  • Cable coating materials
  • Carpet coverings
  • Fire cabinets
  • Lifebelts, carabiners

Products Subject to SGR Hygiene Certificate

  • Household cleaning products (detergents, bleaches, disinfectants)
  • Polishes
  • Adhesives
  • Paints, varnishes, and coloring materials
  • Air fresheners
  • Cosmetic products (hair dyes, tattoo inks, chemical perms, peels, tanning or skin whitening products, intimate hygiene products, baby cosmetics, etc.)
  • Medical diets, sports and baby foods
  • Food supplements
  • Food for pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Baby products (toothbrushes, personal care products, underwear, tableware, etc.)
  • Also mandatory for other hygiene products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, etc.)
In Which Countries Are Gost-R and EAC Certificates Valid?

Gost-R and EAC Certificates are official documents proving compliance of products with technical regulations of certain countries during the export process. Their validity may vary depending on international agreements and legislation.

According to PMG 36-2001 “Procedure for Recognition of Certificates” adopted on 24.05.2001, GOST R Certificates issued in Russia remain valid in some CIS countries.

  • Unconditionally accepted: Azerbaijan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia
  • Conditionally accepted: Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan

In conditional cases, the certificate may need further evaluation by the relevant authorities in those countries, which may require additional testing, verification, or approval.

The EAC Certificate, however, is valid within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). EAC Certificates and Declarations are used in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. In addition, some other former Soviet countries may recognize them under certain conditions.

GOST R Certification Process

GOST R certification is carried out based on HS (customs) codes of products. The general process consists of the following steps:

  1. Pre-application Preparation: Defining product list and HS codes.
  2. Application: Submission of technical information, catalogs, or manuals of products.
  3. Offer and Approval: After evaluation, the certification body issues a proposal.
  4. Testing and Evaluation:
    • In most cases, technical documents and accredited laboratory test reports provided by the manufacturer are sufficient.
    • For specific cases such as fire certification, sample testing and factory inspections may be required.
  5. Certification: A draft document is prepared, and after necessary checks, the certificate is issued.
EAC Certification Process

The EAC certificate or declaration is also issued based on HS codes of products. The process consists of:

  1. Pre-application Preparation: Defining product list and HS codes.
  2. Application: Submission of technical documentation of products.
  3. Offer and Approval: Proposal prepared by the certification body is reviewed.
  4. Testing and Evaluation:
    • In most cases, test reports and technical information provided by the manufacturer are sufficient.
    • For EAC certificates and Hygiene (SGR) certificates, product samples are tested in Russian laboratories, and factory inspections may also be carried out when required.
  5. Certification: A draft certificate is prepared, and after checks, the official certificate is issued.