What are the "red" and "green" channels at the airport?

At any border, a system of red and green channels operates. Today, we will take a detailed look at what this means. All goods moved across the border are subject to customs control. However, some items must be declared, while others do not. If your luggage or hand luggage does not contain goods subject to declaration, then go through the green channel. If it does, or if you are unsure, then go through the red channel.

Green Channel at the Airport

By passing through the green channel, you confirm that you do not have any goods subject to declaration. From a legal point of view, crossing the green channel border line is equivalent to an oral statement that you do not have any goods subject to declaration. Note that a customs officer may stop you and ask to see your belongings. If they find anything subject to declaration, it will be considered a violation of the law. The severity of the penalty depends on the specific item and its quantity; it can be a fine, confiscation, and in some cases, criminal liability.

Which goods are not subject to declaration?

Customs declaration is NOT required for:

• cash and/or traveler's checks totaling no more than 10,000 US dollars;
• goods for personal use, with a value up to 10,000 Euros and a weight not exceeding 50 kg - this requirement applies only to air transport. When crossing the border by land or water, the value of goods should not exceed 1,500 Euros;
• alcoholic beverages up to 3 liters per passenger over 18 years old.
• tobacco products up to 200 cigarettes or up to 50 cigars, or up to 250 g of tobacco per passenger over 18 years old. Import of tobacco products exceeding this limit is prohibited;
• goods that were previously exported and are being re-imported in an unchanged state;

Red Channel at the Airport

If you are carrying goods subject to mandatory written declaration, you must go through the red channel. You must fill out a customs declaration and present the declared goods to the customs officer. Mandatory written customs declaration and payment of customs duties are required for:

• cash and/or traveler's checks totaling more than 10,000 US dollars;
• Bills of exchange, bank checks, securities;
• goods for personal use, with a value exceeding 10,000 Euros, and/or a weight exceeding 50 kg - duty is 30% of the customs value;

For example, if you bought an expensive watch abroad, costing more than 10,000 Euros, you must go through the red channel at the border and declare it.

• alcoholic beverages, from 3 to 5 liters - 10 Euros for each liter exceeding the limit. Import of alcohol over 5 liters is prohibited;

For example, if you are carrying 4 liters of wine, then you will transport 3 liters without paying customs duties, and for 1 liter, you will pay 10 Euros.

• cultural values;
• state awards;
• service and civilian weapons, ammunition, components of ammunition;
• narcotic and psychotropic substances in the form of medicines for personal use for medical reasons with appropriate documents;
• high-frequency devices and/or radio-electronic means for civilian purposes. A complete list of these devices can be found on the website of the Federal Customs Service;
• goods received by inheritance, provided there is documentary proof of inheritance;
• indivisible goods weighing more than 35 kg.

Blue Channel

In some airports within the European Union, a triple channel system operates: green, red, and blue. EU citizens pass through the blue channel if they are traveling within the European Union.