In summer 2026, a package of changes came into force affecting the transit procedure and cargo clearance at crossing points between the EU and Russia. We break down what changed in practice and how to prepare so you don't lose a day at the border.
What exactly changed
The main adjustments concern three areas: electronic advance notification, requirements for accompanying documents, and the inspection procedure for certain cargo categories. For carriers working under a TIR carnet, the second point matters most.
The key practical consequence is that cargo data must now enter the system before the truck reaches the crossing point. This shifts part of the work to the trip-planning stage, but in return it cuts the time spent at the border itself.
How this affects delivery times
From our observations on the routes through Terehova and Grebneva, the spread in border crossing times has widened: prepared carriers cross faster than before, unprepared ones noticeably slower.
| Scenario | Documents | Average time at the border |
|---|---|---|
| Full advance preparation | Filed in advance | 4–8 hours |
| Partial preparation | Some data on site | 12–20 hours |
| Clearance on site | Everything with the driver | 24–48 hours |
The figures are approximate and depend on crossing congestion, cargo category and season. But the trend is steady: the cost of being unprepared has risen.
Checklist: what to prepare in advance
- TIR carnet. Check its validity and that the carrier data is correct before departure, not on approach to the border.
- CMR consignment note. The consignor, consignee and cargo description fields must match the invoice down to the last character.
- Invoice and packing list. Gross/net weight and number of packages — with no discrepancies between documents.
- T1/T2 transit declaration. Filed in advance; clarify who submits it — you or the carrier.
- Certificates by cargo category. For food — veterinary and phytosanitary; for pharmaceuticals — the relevant permits.
- Temperature-mode data. For refrigerated cargo, attach the set temperature and ATP confirmation.
What we do
At Olvera, customs clearance is part of the transport service — we don't offload the paperwork onto the client. The package is prepared in parallel with dispatching the truck for loading, so by the time it reaches the border all the data is already in the system.
Over 25 years on the Europe–Russia route we've built relationships with brokers at the main crossings, and we see in advance where congestion is higher right now, to choose the best route.