In the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a large-scale reform of foreign economic processes is being discussed, which could significantly change the rules of cross-border trade. A pilot launch of new mechanisms has already started in Russia since April 1, while full implementation at the union level is expected fr om July 1, 2026, according to the publication Inbusiness.kz.

According to media reports, the goal of the reform is to unify customs procedures and increase the collection of indirect taxes in EAEU countries.

Strengthening control over payments and the movement of funds

One of the key changes will be the tightening of controls over the movement of cash across the borders of EAEU member states. A unified lim it of $10,000 equivalent has been set for individuals on the export of cash, regardless of the purpose of travel.

New digital supply control system

Significant changes will also affect the mechanism for processing foreign trade shipments. As part of the reform, Russia is launching the System for Confirming the Expectation of Goods (SPOG), which shifts tax control to the stage before the actual shipment of cargo.

According to the new scheme, carriers of goods from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Belarus will be required to undergo prior digital registration.

The process includes several mandatory stages:
no later than two days before crossing the border, a document of expected supply (DES) is registered in the system, containing data on the seller, buyer, carrier, HS codes, certificates, and trademarks;
the applicant transfers a security deposit to the account of the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation, calculated based on the amount of VAT and excise duties;
after document verification and receipt of funds, a unique QR code is generated, which becomes a mandatory “digital pass” for entry into the territory of Russia.

Starting from July 1, 2026, violations of DES registration rules, data errors, or inconsistencies may result in fines and, in some cases, possible confiscation of goods.

Discussion of navigation seal regulations

At the same time, discussions continue within the EAEU on the expansion of the use of navigation seals—electronic devices for tracking transport routes.

Currently in Russia, sealing is already applied to sanctioned goods and certain excisable products. From July 31, Russia and Belarus plan to extend it to all road transit and rail transport of certain categories of cargo.

However, the initiative has caused disagreements among member states. Russia and Belarus insist on maintaining a “national clause” that allows sealing to be applied even to low-risk participants, including authorized economic operators.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other EAEU members oppose this approach, noting that it may violate unified regulatory rules and create unequal conditions for market participants depending on transport routes.

The issue is under consideration by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), which must review the temporary list of cases exempt from the use of navigation seals by July 30.

No consensus has yet been reached among the countries. Experts warn that the accelerated implementation of new requirements could lead to logistics delays and a decrease in mutual trade volumes within the EAEU.