Sheremetyevo customs officers seized 29 bottles of premium Italian wine worth RUB 1.3 million from the luggage of a Russian national arriving from Turkey. Source: FCS Russia.
During selective screening on the green channel, an X-ray scanner revealed discrepancies in four suitcases: among personal effects the passenger was carrying 23 litres of high-value spirits. He stated the alcohol was for his own use and that he was unaware of customs rules.
Tests confirmed genuine red dry wines including Avignonesi, Cavalli, Solare, Masseto, Solaia and Cepparello vintages from 2003 to 2022. The most expensive bottle — a 2021 Masseto — was valued at RUB 153,000.
The goods were confiscated and an administrative case opened under Article 16.2(1) of the Code of Administrative Offences for failure to declare the items; the traveller was fined RUB 650,000. The article provides for a penalty from half to double the value of the goods.
Import of more than 5 litres of alcoholic products with an ethanol content above 0.5% by volume is prohibited.
Volumes above 3 litres must be listed in a passenger customs declaration, with duties and taxes of EUR 10 per litre payable on any excess.
