Russia tightens gold and cash controls within Eurasian Economic Union
Russia has introduced new restrictions on gold and cash movements within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Starting next month, refined gold exports to member states will face tighter controls. Additional rules on carrying large sums of Russian currency abroad will also take effect in 2026. The Eurasian Economic Union includes five countries: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. Founded in 2015, its membership has stayed the same since Armenia and Kyrgyzstan joined later that year.
From 1 May, Russia will ban exports of refined gold bullion over 100 grams to EAEU nations. However, exceptions will apply at Moscow and Vladivostok airports if shipments pass through designated border checkpoints. Approval from the Federal Assay Chamber will be required for these cases.
The restrictions do not affect businesses or individual entrepreneurs exporting gold to countries outside the EAEU. Meanwhile, from 1 April 2026, individuals will be barred from taking more than $100,000 in Russian cash out of the country when travelling to EAEU member states.
The measures were formalised in a decree published on the official legal information portal. The new rules mark a shift in Russia's financial and trade policies within the EAEU. Gold exports to member states will now require special permissions, while large cash movements face stricter limits. These changes will take effect in stages over the coming months and years.
