Can you export crocodile leather goods (bags, belts) bought in Vietnam and bring them into Russia/EU?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 13 days ago
TL;DR
Exporting crocodile leather items from Vietnam requires a CITES export permit if you have more than 3-4 pieces (fewer may be exempt as personal use); importing into Russia always requires the CITES certificate and customs declaration, even for a single item.
What the community said
Sellers say Vietnam has an exemption: crocodile leather items under 4 pieces for personal use can be exported without a CITES certificate — this is confirmed by other online sources too.
15 days ago under 4 items, no permit needed
The tricky part isn't Vietnam export or Russia import — it's a layover in China with a city exit: bringing crocodile leather items through Chinese customs appears to be prohibited, even with valid CITES paperwork for the other legs.
15 days ago China transit issue
All crocodile leather items must have a CITES export permit. With the permit you must go through the red (declared) customs channel both when leaving Vietnam and entering Russia; if transiting through China you must stay strictly airside without collecting/re-checking baggage. Without seller paperwork, items will be confiscated and you'll be fined.
24 days ago red customs channel + CITES permit
Previously (roughly 2013–2025), crocodile leather bags, belts and similar items were routinely brought through Russia's green (undeclared) customs channel with no paperwork at all — the rules only tightened relatively recently.
24 days ago rules tightened recently