March 24, 2025
Differences Between GOST and EAC Certificates: Which Certificate Is Required in Which Situation?
For companies planning to export to Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries, product conformity certificates are of critical importance. Among the most common certificates encountered in this context are the GOST and EAC certificates. However, there are significant differences between these two documents in terms of scope, requirement, and validity.
| Feature | GOST Certificate | EAC Certificate |
| Validity Area | Russia and some Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries | Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) |
| Legal Requirement | May be mandatory for certain product groups | Mandatory for access to the EAEU market |
| Standards | Based on national GOST standards | Requires compliance with EAEU Technical Regulations (TR CU) |
| Validity Period | Usually 1–3 years | Can vary between 1–5 years |
| Customs Clearance | Some products cannot clear customs without a GOST certificate | Without an EAC certificate, products cannot circulate within the EAEU |
Which Certificate Is Required in Which Situation?
- For companies exporting to Russia:
Depending on the product group, either a GOST or an EAC certificate may be required. - For exports to Eurasian Economic Union countries:
An EAC certificate is mandatory; without it, products cannot enter the market. - For specific sectors:
For products such as electronic devices, machinery, and medical equipment, an EAC certificate is generally compulsory. - For customer requirements:
Some buyers may request a GOST certificate in addition to regulatory requirements.
The Process of Obtaining GOST and EAC Certificates
- Determination of Product Standards – Clarifying which regulations apply to the product.
- Preparation of Documentation – Compiling documents such as the technical file, test reports, and production information.
- Testing and Inspection – Testing the product’s compliance with standards in authorized laboratories.
- Certification and Approval – Issuing the GOST or EAC certificate for products found to be compliant.
