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How to ship a package from the USA to Russia in 2026

Updated: · 4 min read

Yes, you can ship a package from the US to Russia in 2026. You can't do it with FedEx, UPS or DHL, though, and a lot of everyday items are off limits because of US export controls. Here's how it actually works right now.

What changed after 2022

Direct flights between the US and Russia stopped in 2022, and the big express carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL Express) suspended service to Russia. Postal service has been on and off since. Russian Post paused incoming US parcels during 2025, then reported in mid-2026 that mail from the US was arriving again, routed through other countries. USPS also announced in 2026 that it had resumed accepting international mail for Russia.

In practice that means longer transit times than before, and routes that change. It pays to ship with someone who sees every week which channels are actually moving.

Your options

Option Pros Cons
USPS international mail Available at most post offices, US-side tracking Slow, unpredictable transit; tracking often goes quiet after export
Consolidator / cargo via a third country Cheaper per pound for heavier boxes, delivery to door or pickup point Paperwork and recipient details must be exact
FedEx, UPS, DHL Express — Not accepting shipments to Russia

At KaspiPost we pick the route for each box based on weight, contents, destination city and how fast it needs to get there. You can see our per-pound rates for Russia in the calculator on our homepage.

What you can't send to Russia from the US

Two sets of rules apply: Russian customs, and US export controls (the Export Administration Regulations, or EAR). Violations fall on the sender, and the penalties are steep. Items that are usually banned or need a license:

Normal personal items such as clothes, shoes, kids' things, books, inexpensive gifts and shelf-stable food are generally fine. If you're not sure, send us your list before you pack. More detail in our guide to items you can't ship internationally.

Russian customs limits

Since July 1, 2026, the Eurasian Economic Union (which includes Russia) applies new rules to online purchases: the duty-free limit stays at €200 per parcel, but the old 31 kg weight cap is gone. Above €200, duty is charged on the whole value at 5%, with a minimum of €1 per kilogram. Person-to-person gift parcels are treated differently, so check before you ship. Country-by-country table: duty-free limits for 2026.

Filling in the recipient details

  1. Full name exactly as in the recipient's passport. We print it in Latin letters on the label and add Cyrillic on the inside packing list.
  2. Postal code, city, street, building and apartment number. A missing postal code is the most common reason parcels sit in sorting.
  3. The recipient's mobile number. Arrival notices go to it.
  4. Itemized customs list: each item on its own line with quantity, weight and real value in dollars. Writing just "gift" will get the parcel held.

How long does it take?

Transit times are not stable right now. For consolidated shipments, expect several weeks; postal mail can take longer. We tell you the realistic time for the current route at drop-off, not a marketing "from 7 days", and you get a tracking number.

Shipping with KaspiPost

Stop by our store on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles. Bring a packed box or just the items and we'll pack them. We weigh it, check the contents against current restrictions, fill out the customs form and quote you a price before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Can I send a package to Russia from the US right now?

Yes. FedEx, UPS and DHL Express don't deliver to Russia, but postal routes and consolidated shipping through third countries are working. KaspiPost ships to Russia from Los Angeles.

Can I send a phone or laptop to Russia?

Generally no. Smartphones, laptops and most electronics fall under US export controls for Russia, and shipping them without a license is a violation by the sender.

Can I send perfume or cosmetics to Russia?

No. Perfume and cosmetics are on the US list of luxury goods banned for export to Russia. Perfume is also a flammable liquid that many carriers refuse anyway.

What is the duty-free limit for parcels to Russia in 2026?

For online purchases it's €200 per parcel, with no weight cap since July 1, 2026. Above the limit, duty is 5% of the full value, minimum €1 per kg.

Customs and carrier rules change often. This article is accurate as of the date above — check with us before you ship.