Footwear in Russia – a country snapshot

Today, we bring you a new country snapshot, this time focusing on Russia. With a geographical area of 17 million km², Russia is the largest country in the world and hosts 144.3 million people (2020). It is the fifth-largest economy in Europe, being one of the world’s leading producers of oil and natural gas, and a top exporter of metals such as steel and aluminum.

According to the latest data, refering to 2020, consumption of footwear in Russia totaled 324 million pairs, ranking the country as the 10^th largest consumer in the world. Footwear production has been declining over the last 5 years and in 2020 it fell below 100 million pairs, placing Russia as the 14^th biggest producer in the world, contributing to 0.5% of the world production. Imports represent almost 80% of footwear consumption (in quantity) placing Russia amongst the world’s top 15 importers of footwear (in quantity and value).

Several procedures and formalities need to be met for an EU country to export any kind of goods to the Russian market, and tariffs apply. Foreign manufacturers also need to request Eurasian Customs Certification (EAC), while supported by a representative established in the territory of the Eurasian Customs Union. Regarding the standards that need to be met, it is important to mention that rigorous standards apply to work and safety footwear as well asfor footwear intended for minors. Also, when exporting footwear to Russia, there is also the need to comply with the mandatory labelling system of footwear.

More information on this market can be found in the study that we have compiled, covering useful information, such as the characterization of the footwear production and consumption, further data on its international trade or market access requirements.