Introduction to GOST-R Certification
GOST-R certificate is a mandatory certification scheme that allows your products to enter the Russian market directly. Gosstandart， It is a Russian authoritative institution responsible for standardization, certification, and measurement.The GOST certification scheme is jointly monitored by Gostandart and Russian Customs. A certificate of conformity indicates in writing that the product complies with relevant safety standards. This must be prepared before customs clearance and is also a prerequisite for launching the product into the Russian market. Starting from January 1, 1998, legislation stipulated that all products exported to Russia must obtain a mandatory certification certificate as long as they are within the mandatory certification scheme. The GOST-R certificate is issued after technical evaluation of the product and confirmation of its compliance with Russian safety standards. The evaluation process may include factory audits, supervisory spot checks, analysis, sampling, type testing, and evaluation of technical documents, among others.BackgroundIn order to protect the health and safety of the Russian people, the Russian government introduced legislation in 1993 requiring products to meet minimum safety standards. In order to enter the Russian market, the product must have the original certificate or a notarized copy of the original, as well as the GOST-R conformity mark. Both will be subject to inspection by Russian customs. Starting from July 1, 1998, products must bear Russian language labels to explain the product, its characteristics, and potential hazards to the user or user. Swiss general notary public can check these mandatory information and their correct translations, and can also provide suggestions on the translation and labeling of information on exported goods. GOST certification covers a wide range of products, including industrial, mechanical, electronic, and consumer goods such as food, cosmetics, and toys, among others.Many products exported to Russia may require additional documents, certifications, and licenses after obtaining a certificate of conformity. These include but are not limited to the following:GOST-R Explosion proof CertificateMeasurement certificateIndustrial Safety CertificateFire prevention certificateHygiene LicenseRequired documents for applying for GOST certification:1. Application Form2. Product information: Customs code, model, quantity, international or domestic production standards3. Manufacturer information;4. Detailed description and technical specifications, scope of use, and material composition of the product;5. Contract with Russian importer (if already signed);6. Applicant's product qualification guarantee certificate;7. Reports on inspection and testing conducted by producers or inspection agencies;8. ISO9000 quality system certification certificate (if available, please provide);9. Russian label sample.10. Product images or photosGOST certification for one yearRussian importers usually do not require one-year certification. This type of certification usually grants manufacturers a one-year product certification, which specifies the name of the certified product. Within this year, the product can be imported directly into Russia without limit.The applicability of a one-year certificate is similar to that of a three-year certificate, but the difference is that the validity period is one year. The characteristics of applying for this certificate are as follows:-The 1-year GOST certificate is issued to the manufacturer and does not require a specific importer. The certificate can be used by product manufacturers to continuously export products to Russia within one year. Obtaining a certificate requires sample testing of the product;-No factory inspection is required, which saves a lot of time and cost for certification and application;-Generally, it is necessary to send the product for inspection and testing. However, if the product situation does not allow it, it is possible to witness the testing or cancel the testing of some low-risk products, and conduct technical document verification;-It can be converted through CE certification or other EU recognized reports and materials, which can save a lot of time and cost;-The documents that manufacturers need to submit include business license, ISO system certificate (copy), technical documents (user manual, product appearance diagram, other certification related materials that have been passed, etc.)GOST certification 3-year certificationAfter a three-year certification license, it can be used continuously and has a validity period of up to three years. To obtain this certification, experts from Russia must be sent to the manufacturer's location to conduct production inspections on the products. The certificate will indicate the name of the certified product, and within three years, the product can be imported directly into Russia without limit. The three-year certification must undergo product testing.The 3-year certificate is authorized and issued by an institution recognized by GOSTANDAR. Within the 3-year validity period of the certificate, any batch of products exported only needs to provide a copy of the certificate as valid proof of product sales in Russia.Certificate features:-Manufacturers from any country can apply for this certificate-Russian engineers are required to conduct on-site factory inspections-Valid for all products listed in the certificate-The certificate is valid for 3 yearsGOST certification single batch certificationThe validity period of the GOST certificate can be either one-time or 1-3 years. The one-time GOST certificate is applicable for the export of single batch products. The certificate is sent to the Russian importer based on the contract and invoice. The certificate is invalid for other exports and importers of the product. Sometimes, obtaining a certificate requires sample testing of the product.This certificate is applicable to manufacturers who only export one batch of products to Russia. To apply for this certificate, no samples need to be submitted, only documents and information need to be submitted. This is the most economical certification method, but it is only applicable to specific customers of the buyer's Russia and the quantity of products is determined. In other words, foreign manufacturers who obtain this certificate cannot use it to sell products to other customers.To apply for this certificate, the following documents and information are required:1. Single Batch Shipping Application Form2. Product manual (in English or Russian)3. Packing list;4. Copy of export contract;5. Copy of commercial invoice;6. ISO9001 system certificate (if available, please provide);7. Product testing report and compliance certificate (if available, please provide CE or other international standard inspection report and certificate);8. Contact information of the Russian importer (buyer), including company name, address, phone number, and contact person;Russian Exemption LetterIf your factory's products are neither within the mandatory scope nor voluntarily certified, then your factory needs to submit an exemption letter to the commercial department or customs.The exemption letter is a proof issued by the certification department that certification is not required. It is a form made by the certification body and stamped with the official seal. When the product cannot find the exact number on the All Russian Commodity Classification Catalogue or the Catalogue of Foreign Economic Activities, a certification exemption form is required. However, this raises a question for the inspection authorities, Russian customs, and your buyer as to which Russian national standards are required for mandatory certification of your product.There are two forms of exemption letters, each with different names and effects.The merchant's exemption from certification can be handled by any certification agency in the name of the applicant (company leader).The customs exemption certificate is sent to the Russian Customs Administration, which includes information on the contract and invoice, the type of exported (imported) goods, and a brief description of the goods.To prevent forgery, there is a small holographic logo on the customs exemption certificate. Sometimes it is also possible to apply for exemption from certification from other affiliated institutions. For example, from the Russian Consumer Rights Protection and People's Safety Supervision Agency, the Russian Health Development Commission, and so on. According to the instructions, the Russian Health Development Commission can apply for hygiene licenses for some products and industrial equipment. The processing time for exemption from certification is 2 to 5 days, provided that all documents have been submitted.
