Carrying expensive watches and jewelry without declaration will be equated to smuggling

The government has expanded the list of strategically important goods, the illegal movement of which across the border is recognized as smuggling and entails criminal prosecution.

As Vedomosti writes, the list has added “wristwatches, pocket watches and others intended to be worn on oneself or with oneself, including stopwatches, with a case made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal, cases for watches, as well as straps , ribbons and bracelets made of precious metal or clad with precious metal, as well as products made of precious stones and natural pearls.” Carriage of such goods worth over 1 million rubles. crossing the border without declaration from November 24 is recognized as smuggling and is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 3 to 7 years with a fine of up to 1 million rubles.

According to a federal official, people making purchases for personal purposes will not be affected, but it will be more difficult for couriers importing jewelry and watches for further sale in the country. According to the Federal Customs Service, individuals imported $7.03 million worth of precious stones, precious metals and products made from them into Russia in the first half of 2018.