Is Your Buyer Real? How to Verify Russian Companies in 2026

Before you ship to Russia, you must verify your buyer. Learn how to check a company’s INN (Tax ID) on the official nalog.ru registry, spot “mass registration” addresses, and avoid scams.

The “Fly-by-Night” Importer Trap

The order looks perfect. The buyer in Moscow wants 5 containers of your product. They are offering full price. They sent you a polished PDF profile.

But before you start packing, ask yourself: Does this company actually exist?

In the rush to fill the “Western Vacuum” in 2026, many Indian exporters are falling for scams. They ship goods to companies that turn out to be shell entities with no assets, no office, and no intention to pay.

The good news? Russian corporate data is surprisingly transparent—if you know where to look. Here is your 3-step guide to due diligence.

Step 1: Ask for the “INN” (The Magic Number)

In India, we have the GST Number or PAN. In Russia, the holy grail of verification is the INN (Individual Taxpayer Number).

  • For Companies: It is a 10-digit code.
  • For Individuals: It is a 12-digit code.

Rule #1: Never do business with a company that refuses to give you their INN. If they give you a company name but no INN, stop immediately. Company names in Russia can be identical; the INN is unique.

Step 2: The Official Registry Check (EGRUL)

Once you have the INN, go to the official website of the Russian Federal Tax Service (FTS): egrul.nalog.ru.

  1. Enter the INN in the search box.
  2. Download the PDF extract (it’s free).
  3. Use Google Translate to read it.

What to look for in the PDF:

  • Status: Does it say “Active” (Deistvuyushchee)? If it says “Liquidating” or “Reorganizing,” do not ship.
  • Authorized Capital: The minimum capital for a Russian LLC is 10,000 Rubles (approx. ₹9,000). If a company ordering ₹5 Crore worth of goods has a capital of only ₹9,000, it is a high-risk shell company.
  • Director: Is the Director’s name the same person you are talking to? If not, ask for a Power of Attorney.

Step 3: The “Litigation” Check (Kad.Arbitr)

A company might be “active” but drowning in lawsuits. You need to check if they have a history of not paying suppliers.

Go to the Arbitration Court Card File: kad.arbitr.ru.

  • Enter the INN.
  • Look for “Defendant” (Otvet-chik) cases.
  • If you see multiple lawsuits for “non-fulfillment of supply contracts” (Postavka), run away. This is a serial defaulter.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Even if the paperwork looks okay, watch out for these 2026 warning signs:

  • The “Mass Address” Warning: If the tax records show the company is registered at an address with 500 other companies, it is likely a “bogus” office.
  • Wrong Industry Codes (OKVED): You are selling Auto Parts, but their registration says their main activity is “Advertising” or “General Trading.” This often indicates a shell company set up to launder money.
  • Sanctions Evasion: Be careful if the company asks you to route goods to a “friendly” third party to hide the end-user. This can get your Indian company sanctioned by the US.

Conclusion: Trust, but Verify

In international trade, a PDF invoice is not proof of existence. A physical verification is.

Don’t want to navigate Russian government websites yourself? Altai Global offers a “Buyer Verification Report.” We physically visit the registered office in St. Petersburg or Moscow, check the warehouse, and verify the directors in person.

[Request a Buyer Background Check]