Russia SPSR: Antifreeze Agents and Customs Grey Clearance Risks in Siberian Railway Terminal Delivery

As a leading local logistics enterprise in Russia, SPSR has become a core partner for companies such as Siemens and Komatsu in delivering industrial equipment (including mining machinery, railway maintenance equipment, and agricultural combine harvesters) to the terminal of the Siberian Railway. This is supported by its “railway-highway intermodal network” covering 12 federal subjects along the Siberian Railway, over 200 extremely cold-adapted delivery vehicles (including -60°C low-temperature protective trucks and container transport vehicles with heating functions), and in-depth cooperation with Russian Railways (RZD). The terminal delivery areas of the Siberian Railway (e.g., Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Chita) have an average winter temperature as low as -35°C, with extreme low temperatures reaching -50°C. Additionally, 60% of the delivery routes are permafrost highways. The frigid environment easily causes freezing of equipment hydraulic systems and solidification of fuel, making antifreeze agents crucial for ensuring transportation safety. Meanwhile, customs supervision procedures in this region are complex, and some small and medium-sized customs clearance companies adopt “grey clearance” practices to reduce costs, resulting in significantly higher risks of goods detention and fines compared to Russia’s European regions. According to SPSR’s 2024 Siberian Logistics Safety Report, the failure rate of equipment delivery without compliant antifreeze agents is 28%, while the rate drops to 3% after adopting SPSR’s customized antifreeze solutions. Furthermore, the customs inspection and detention rate for goods involving “grey clearance” is as high as 45%, far exceeding the 5% rate for compliant clearance. This article focuses on the “antifreeze agent technical specifications and application scenarios” and “customs grey clearance risk management” of SPSR in Siberian Railway terminal delivery, providing enterprises with practical guidelines for safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

I. Antifreeze Agents in Siberian Railway Terminal Delivery: Technical Standards and Application System

Based on the extreme cold climate characteristics of Siberia and the transportation needs of different types of equipment, SPSR has established a full-process management system of “antifreeze selection-filling and testing-in-transit maintenance.” All antifreeze agents must comply with the Russian national standard GOST 32517-2013 Technical Requirements for Antifreeze Coolants for Motor Vehicles and Industrial Equipment, while adapting to the “long-term low-temperature exposure” and “frequent loading and unloading turnover” scenarios of railway terminal delivery.

(1) Technical Standards and Selection Basis for Antifreeze Agents

The terminal delivery of the Siberian Railway involves various types of equipment, with differences in hydraulic systems, fuel types, and cooling circuits. SPSR formulates differentiated antifreeze selection standards based on equipment characteristics and delivery environment temperatures, with core technical indicators including four dimensions: freezing point, boiling point, rust resistance, and low-temperature fluidity.

1. Core Technical Indicator Requirements

2. Matching of Equipment Types and Antifreeze Selection

SPSR recommends corresponding antifreeze models based on the mainstream equipment types in Siberian Railway terminal delivery, ensuring a balance between adaptability and economy:

Selection Note: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., SPSR-F100) has a low freezing point and moderate cost, suitable for fixed equipment with stable low-temperature conditions; Propylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., SPSR-F200) has low toxicity and good biodegradability, suitable for mobile equipment requiring frequent loading and unloading; Hybrid antifreeze (e.g., SPSR-F300) has both antifreeze and lubrication functions, suitable for complex equipment with multi-system collaborative work.

(2) Application Process and Quality Control of Antifreeze Agents

In the terminal delivery of the Siberian Railway, SPSR divides the application of antifreeze agents into three stages: “pre-delivery pretreatment-in-transit dynamic maintenance-terminal delivery testing,” with strict quality control nodes set at each stage to avoid equipment failures caused by inadequate antifreeze measures.

1. Pre-Delivery Pretreatment (Within 24 Hours After Railway Arrival)

• Equipment Status Testing: At SPSR’s Siberian Railway hub warehouses (e.g., Krasnoyarsk Transit Warehouse), professional equipment is used to test the tightness of the hydraulic system (pressure test: maintaining 10MPa pressure for 30 minutes, pressure drop ≤0.5MPa) and the leakage of the cooling system (pressurizing to 0.3MPa, observing for 15 minutes with no leakage), ensuring no damage before antifreeze treatment;
• Antifreeze Filling Operation: Automated filling equipment (accuracy ±0.5L) is used to mix antifreeze and diluent according to the ratio required in the equipment manual (antifreeze concentration needs to be increased to 60%-70% in extreme cold environments, compared to 40%-50% in conventional environments). After filling, a circulation pump is used to distribute the antifreeze evenly in the system;
• Quality Testing Confirmation: After filling, samples of the antifreeze in the system are taken and tested for freezing point (ensuring ≤-55°C) and pH value (requiring pH 7.5-10.0 to avoid equipment corrosion) in SPSR’s mobile laboratory. A Antifreeze Treatment Qualification Certificate is issued after passing the test, serving as a certificate for subsequent delivery.

2. In-Transit Dynamic Maintenance (During Delivery Transportation)

• Regular Inspection Mechanism: Every 100 kilometers traveled or during vehicle stops for rest, the driver must inspect the equipment’s antifreeze system: ① Observe the cooling system liquid level (must be between the minimum and maximum scales); ② Use a portable detector to measure the hydraulic oil temperature (ensuring oil temperature ≥-10°C in -50°C environments to avoid excessive viscosity); ③ Inspect the fuel filter (if freezing is found, additional antifreeze must be added);
• Emergency Refilling Measures: If the antifreeze liquid level drops during transit (due to evaporation or minor leakage), the same type of antifreeze must be refilled (mixing different types of antifreeze is prohibited to avoid performance failure caused by chemical reactions), and the freezing point must be retested after refilling; In case of extreme low temperatures (≤-50°C), the vehicle-mounted heating device (power 5-10kW) must be used to preheat the antifreeze system for 30-60 minutes before starting the equipment to ensure normal operation of the system.

3. Terminal Delivery Testing (After Arrival at the Consignee’s Location)

• Antifreeze Effect Verification: Before delivery, SPSR staff and the consignee jointly test the antifreeze status of the equipment: ① Start the equipment and observe the hydraulic system response time (≤30 seconds is normal; if exceeding 60 seconds, the antifreeze fluidity must be checked); ② Measure the cooling system temperature (after 30 minutes of operation, the temperature should stabilize at 80-90°C with no abnormal fluctuations);
• After-Sales Support Service: If antifreeze-related issues are found (e.g., minor system corrosion, decreased antifreeze performance), SPSR can provide on-site maintenance services (such as replacing antifreeze and repairing corroded components). Maintenance costs are charged based on the severity of the problem (minor maintenance: 2,000-5,000 RUB, major maintenance: 10,000-20,000 RUB); At the same time, a Antifreeze Usage Guide is provided to the consignee to guide subsequent winter maintenance of the equipment.

(3) Typical Antifreeze Treatment Cases

Case 1: Delivery of 30-Tonne Mining Excavator from Krasnoyarsk to Norilsk

• Equipment Condition: Komatsu PC360 excavator, requiring 500km railway terminal highway delivery in a -45°C environment;
• Antifreeze Treatment Process: ① A minor leak in the hydraulic system was detected during testing, and the seals were repaired first; ② SPSR-F100 antifreeze was filled (100L in the hydraulic system with 65% concentration; 70L in the cooling system with 60% concentration); ③ Inspections were conducted every 150km during transit, and antifreeze was refilled twice (5L each time);
• Result: The equipment had no failures throughout the journey and started normally after delivery. The hydraulic system response time was 22 seconds, and the cooling system temperature stabilized at 85°C, with a consignee satisfaction rate of 98%.

Case 2: Delivery of Agricultural Combine Harvester from Irkutsk to Ulan-Ude

• Equipment Condition: John Deere S780 harvester, encountering extreme low temperatures of -50°C during delivery;
• Special Treatment Measures: ① After filling SPSR-F300 antifreeze, an additional 5L of low-temperature lubricant was added to the gearbox oil; ② The delivery vehicle was equipped with a 20kW vehicle-mounted heating device to continuously preheat the equipment during overnight stops; ③ Travel was scheduled during midday (when the temperature was relatively higher, approximately -35°C) to avoid extreme low temperatures in the early morning;
• Result: The equipment had no freezing failures. After delivery, a 30-minute no-load test was conducted, and all performance indicators were normal. The antifreeze freezing point test still maintained -55°C.

II. Customs Grey Clearance Risks in Siberian Railway Terminal Delivery: Identification and Mitigation Strategies

The customs nodes involved in the terminal delivery of the Siberian Railway (e.g., Krasnoyarsk Customs, Chita Customs) are located in border areas, resulting in differences in the implementation of supervision policies. Some customs clearance companies adopt grey clearance practices such as “underreporting cargo value,” “misdeclaring product names,” and “omitting certification documents” to accelerate customs clearance and reduce costs, exposing enterprises to risks of goods detention, fines, and even criminal liability. Based on in-depth understanding of Russian customs regulations (e.g., Chapter 15 of the Customs Code of the Russian Federation) and combined with over 2,000 Siberian customs clearance cases, SPSR identifies the core risks of grey clearance and provides compliant solutions.

(1) Core Risks and Manifestations of Grey Clearance

In the terminal delivery of the Siberian Railway, grey clearance mainly focuses on three dimensions: “declaration link,” “document link,” and “tax link,” with specific manifestations and risk consequences as follows:

1. Declaration Link Risks

• Underreporting Cargo Value: To reduce customs duties (Russian industrial equipment customs duty rates are usually 5%-15%), customs clearance companies underreport the actual value of equipment (e.g., 10 million RUB) to 5 million RUB, covering up the real transaction through forged commercial invoices;
• Misdeclaring Product Names: High-tariff equipment (e.g., mining excavators with a 15% tariff) is misdeclared as low-tariff categories (e.g., ordinary mechanical parts with a 5% tariff), or the “new/used” nature of the equipment is concealed (used equipment requires additional submission of the Used Equipment Safety Certification, which is often omitted in grey clearance);
• Risk Consequences: If customs discovers inconsistencies through comparison with international databases (e.g., UN Comtrade Database) or on-site inspections, the goods will be detained for 30-90 days, and a fine of 20%-50% of the declared amount will be imposed; If intentional misdeclaration is confirmed, the goods may be confiscated and the corporate legal person held liable. For example, in 2023, an enterprise misdeclared 3 used mining excavators as “mechanical parts” through grey clearance, resulting in detention at Chita Customs. Ultimately, a fine of 3 million RUB was paid, and the goods were detained for 2 months, delaying mine production.

2. Document Link Risks

• Forging Certification Documents: Some equipment in Siberia requires mandatory certification (e.g., GOST certification, fire safety certification), and grey clearance companies avoid inspection by forging certification documents (e.g., GOST certificates modified via PS);
• Omitting Key Documents: Documents such as the Certificate of Origin and Equipment Technical Manual (Russian version) are omitted, or expired documents (e.g., invalid customs declarations) are used;
• Risk Consequences: If customs discovers forgery during document authenticity verification, the case will be transferred to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) for investigation. The enterprise may be included in the “Customs Unreliable List,” resulting in a 100% customs inspection rate for all goods within 1-3 years; Omitted documents cause customs clearance delays, with port detention fees of approximately 5,000-10,000 RUB/container per day. For urgent equipment orders, liquidated damages (usually 0.5% of the contract amount per day) will also be incurred.

3. Tax Link Risks

• Evading Value-Added Tax (VAT): Russia imposes a 20% VAT on imported equipment. Grey clearance companies conceal the actual import of goods through methods such as “offshore account transfers” and “cash transactions” to evade VAT payment;
• Abusing Tariff Preferences: Forging “Certificate of Origin of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Member States” to abuse EAEU internal tariff reduction policies (e.g., tariff reductions for some goods from Kazakhstan to Russia), while the actual goods originate from non-EAEU countries (e.g., China, Germany);
• Risk Consequences: Customs will recover unpaid taxes and late payment fees (late payment fee rate of 0.05% per day), and impose a fine of 1-3 times the tax amount; In severe cases, customs may freeze the enterprise’s bank accounts in Russia or prohibit it from engaging in import business within 3 years.

(2) SPSR’s Compliant Customs Clearance Solutions

In response to customs risks in Siberian Railway terminal delivery, SPSR provides “full-process compliant management and control” services, covering document preparation, declaration operations, and customs communication, ensuring legal and compliant customs clearance. The customs clearance efficiency is increased to 3-5 working days (industry average: 7-10 working days).

1. Document Preparation Stage: Standardization and Localization

• Customized Document List: Based on equipment types and customs requirements, a Compliant Document List is provided, specifying the documents to be prepared (e.g., GOST certification must include a “Equipment Model and Customs Code Correspondence Table” and “Test Report Summary”). SPSR also assists enterprises in translating technical manuals into Russian versions that meet Russian standards (must be sealed by a certified translation agency);
• Document Authenticity Verification: SPSR connects with the Federal Agency for