Country's Main Export Award At the Start: Applications for Exporter of the Year. Made in Russia Competition Can be Submitted Starting from March 12.

Russian Export Center (REC, VEB.RF Group) announces the start of Exporter of the Year. Made in Russia application procedure. From March 12 through May 31, large businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and individual entrepreneurs can apply for the title of best exporter.

In 2026, the award underwent significant changes, becoming even more inclusive and oriented toward modern market trends. A key innovation was the integration of the competition with the Made in Russia national promotion program. Now, the Made in Russia mark holders will have additional advantages when participating in the competition.

The award not only evaluates supply volumes and export geography but also highlights companies' contributions to building the Russian national brand abroad. The updated list of nominations allows representatives from virtually all industries to participate in the competition, including heavy engineering to creative industries and digital startups.

"The All-Russian Exporter of the Year Award has reached a new level in 2026. We've updated the competition procedures and expanded the range of nominations to encompass as many unique competencies as possible among our entrepreneurs. Today, export is about more than just tons and cubic meters; it's also about intellectual contribution, marketing audacity, and digital skills. Our goal is to highlight the success stories of those who, despite all the challenges, make the Made in Russia brand synonymous with quality and reliability in friendly countries. We welcome applications from leaders shaping the future of our economy," Veronika Nikishina, General Director, Russian Export Center.

Main nominations:

- Exporter of the Year. Industry

- Exporter of the Year. Agro-Industrial Complex

- Food Products

- Fashion Industry

- Beauty Industry

- Hi-tech

- Cinema, animation

- Tourism Industry

Additional nominations:

- Woman Exporter of the Year

- New Geography

- Marketing Breakthrough

- Global Development of Retail Networks and Digital Platforms

Submitting an application for the award is simplified and entirely digital, available at https://www.exportcenter.ru/awards/. Initially, exporters will be required to provide a minimal package of documents: an electronic copy of their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate, or, for small and medium-sized businesses, an extract from the Unified Register of SMEs.

Companies with no outstanding taxes, fees, insurance premiums, or other mandatory payments to the Russian budget are eligible to participate in the competition. Only domestic organizations are eligible to apply. Foreign legal entities, as well as companies with foreign participants with a stake exceeding the established limits, are not eligible to participate.

The All-Russian Exporter of the Year Award was established by the Government of the Russian Federation and is a key instrument for recognizing business achievements within the framework of the International Cooperation and Export national project.

The winners will be determined in two stages: at the federal district level, and then the best of the best will compete in the federal stage.

For further consultations on participation, filling out forms and submitting documents, applicants can contact the Award Organizing Committee at award@exportcenter.ru.

Russian Export Center (REC, VEB.RF Group) is a government institution that supports non-resource, non-energy export. It provides companies from various industries with both financial and non-financial assistance at all stages of entering international markets, including as part of the International Cooperation and Export national project. Most services offered by the REC Group are available online on My Export state-run digital platform. REC is responsible for the primary functions of supporting and implementing the Made in Russia program. The REC Group includes Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance (EXIAR), EXIMBANK of RUSSIA, and Export School.