GTD Customs Declaration

What is the GTD (Customs Declaration)?

The GTD (in Russian ГТД – Грузовая таможенная декларация) is the Cargo Customs Declaration: the primary document that enables customs clearance in Russia/EAEU. It is prepared by the party in charge of the cargo and certified by a customs inspector.

The GTD lists the goods description, HS code, customs value, transport details, exporter and importer.

Each GTD carries a unique registration number in the format
XXXXXXXX/XXXXXX/XXXXXXX
(customs office / date / sequential number)
and can be read via the QR code printed at the top-right of the form. Delivered to the importer, the GTD not only proves the import/export operation but also feeds official trade statistics.

Why does the GTD matter for EAC and GOST certification?

1) Shipment of samples

EAEU authorities conduct random validity checks on EAC certifications. Beyond paperwork (e.g., Technical Passport), they seek official proof that test samples were imported and delivered to the lab.

The only document accepted as proof of customs clearance is the GTD.

Express couriers’ receipts (UPS, DHL, etc.) are not accepted because many courier flows bypass a formal import. When a GTD is required, the consignee must act as importer, which testing labs typically cannot do. This often causes delays/returns unless you use specialized Russian operators who can legally import samples and obtain the GTD.

2) Single-contract certifications

EAC Certificates of Conformity and some GOST certificates (e.g., GOST R Fire Certificate) can be issued for a single contract/delivery. Today, the traceability of the GTD is the practical way to link the certified product to its final recipient.

The GTD should clearly mention all the products covered by the single-contract certificate—something that can be tricky in complex industrial assemblies.