Can you export crocodile leather goods (bags, belts) bought in Vietnam and bring them into Russia/EU?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 68 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.

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.

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.

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.

rules tightened recently