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Lukashenko, Putin discuss Russia’s SPOT system introduction in Astana

MINSK, 1 June (BelTA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and I discussed Russia’s introduction of the system for confirming expected import shipments, known as SPOT, during their recent meeting in Astana, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Primorye Territory Governor Oleg Kozhemyako in Minsk on 1 June, BelTA has learned.

“There are always current issues. Russia has introduced the so-called SPOT. I am concerned that things might get worse. Nevertheless, President [Vladimir] Putin and I agreed in Astana that we will do everything to avoid any delays or unnecessary bureaucracy, and most importantly, to eliminate queues at the border. We are now closely monitoring what is happening at the border. We are in contact with President [Vladimir] Putin to take timely measures. We’ll see. Time will tell. We are fully aware of the situation. This may complicate our trade, but it will not stop it,” the head of state said.

“We have absolute trust. You know that there is no need for any QR codes or any documents: your word from Primorye is enough, and we will always be able to accept your products and create conditions for you to sell them. We are concerned that our products can freely reach Vladivostok,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

The head of state noted that Belarus has opened a multibrand center in Primorye, and stores selling Belarusian goods are operating there, with the products enjoying strong demand in the region.

“Quality,” Oleg Kozhemyako emphasized.

As it was reported by BelTA, Russia introduced SPOT on 1 June 2026. This is a state digital system for controlling the import of goods when they are brought in from EAEU countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan). The system applies to road transportation.

It is stated that the mechanism was introduced to combat gray imports, VAT evasion, and to ensure that taxes are paid before the goods cross the border. Importers are now required to submit information about the upcoming shipment to the Russian Federal Tax Service in advance and issue an electronic notification. Before the actual import of the cargo, the importer must make a security payment confirming the seriousness of the transaction, after which the system issues a QR code. The applicant then provides this QR code to the carrier, without which the vehicle cannot cross the border or deliver the goods into the Russian Federation.

It was also reported that on 29 May, the Government of the Russian Federation adopted a resolution stipulating that the security payment required under SPOT is not required when importing goods into the Russian Federation from the Republic of Belarus from 1 June to 31 October 2026, provided the following conditions are met: the goods are imported from Belarus into Russia through the Russia- Belarus section of the state border; the supplier of the goods is an organization or individual entrepreneur established (registered) in accordance with Belarusian legislation.

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