The aim of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of a professionally oriented approach in teaching Russian as a foreign language to students majoring in Customs Affairs. The methodological framework is based on communicative and professionally oriented approaches; the study employs methods such as analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation, and generalization of teaching experience. Particular attention is paid to the use of professionally oriented texts and a system of lexical-grammatical and communicative exercises. The findings demonstrate that the integration of language instruction with the content of specialized disciplines contributes to the effective acquisition of terminological vocabulary and the development of professional speech skills. It is established that systematic work with subject-specific texts and the use of interactive teaching methods ensure a significant improvement in students’ professional communicative competence.