Is Exporting Russian Chaga a Viable Business?

By Victor Smirnov

Recently, during a discussion with one of our customers about exporting chaga, I was struck by his insistence on negotiating a lower price. He claimed he could purchase "the same chaga" much cheaper elsewhere, given the numerous suppliers in Russia. I encouraged him to explore those options, but I had a feeling he would be back—and sure enough, two weeks later, he returned. This time, his concern wasn't about price, but rather our ability to deliver. The shift in his attitude was telling, and I want to share why foreign companies looking to import Russian chaga should be cautious of "bargain" offers.

The chaga business in Russia is far more complex than it may appear. When I see numerous advertisements online from individuals offering "cheap" chaga for export, I can’t help but wonder how many of them can actually fulfill their promises.

In many cases, it becomes evident that these sellers either lack the knowledge to handle the export process or are merely middlemen without the ability to answer critical questions. For example, ask them about delivery timelines or whether they have the necessary export documentation, and you’ll often receive vague or unsatisfactory responses.

Even for small orders, exporting chaga is no simple task. In Russia, private individuals cannot legally send food items internationally by mail, and chaga, classified as medicinal raw material, is subject to even stricter regulations.

For companies, exporting chaga is a challenging and bureaucratic process. Few Russian firms can successfully navigate the myriad of steps required to legally export chaga products. The chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is considered a medicinal raw material in Russia, requiring an export license—a process that is both time-consuming and costly.

The Complex Process of Exporting Chaga

Here’s a brief outline of what a Russian exporter must go through to obtain a chaga export license:

Apply to the Ministry of Forestry for a lease agreement to harvest chaga mushrooms from designated forest land.
Inspection of the forest land by Ministry officials to assess the chaga reserves and determine the allowable export quantity.
Participate in an auction organized by the Ministry of Forestry.
State registration of the auction results.
Sign a commercial contract with the foreign buyer.
Submit required documents to the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources.
Obtain approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources in Moscow.
Pass drug control regulations.
Secure an export permit.
Apply for an export license from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment.
Certification of the chaga before shipment.

Because of these challenges, only a handful of companies in Russia are capable of successfully exporting chaga. These real exporters understand the true value of chaga, not just in terms of price but also quality.

The Importance of Authenticity and Quality

It’s crucial not to be swayed by low prices or online promises. Always ask for documentation proving successful past exports to verify the legitimacy of a supplier.

Our company has been exporting chaga for nearly 20 years, and we can arrange deliveries within 7-10 days. This experience ensures that when you buy chaga or chaga extract from us, you’re getting a product that is both safe and promptly delivered.

And a final note on chaga extract: Did you know that only authorized manufacturers are legally allowed to produce it?

By understanding the complexities of the chaga export business in Russia, you can make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of working with unreliable suppliers.