What will change for parallel car imports from January 1, 2027?
The rules governing car imports without rights holders’ consent from January 1, 2027, will be determined by decisions made by Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Federal Customs Service, along with the government-approved schedule of recycling fee increases. As specialist lawyers and customs industry participants explain, the parallel import mechanism itself merely permits the import of genuine vehicles of specific brands on the ministry’s list; it does not exempt importers from paying duties and taxes or providing proof that a vehicle meets safety requirements. Any legislative changes at the turn of 2027 therefore affect the list of available brands and the calculation of mandatory charges, rather than imposing a ban on shipments as such.
The total cost of bringing a car across the border comprises customs duty, excise tax, VAT, the recycling fee, logistics costs, the cost of obtaining a Vehicle Construction Safety Certificate (SBKTS) and an electronic vehicle title, and the prevailing exchange rate. The main driver of higher costs from January 1, 2027, is the scheduled increase in recycling fee coefficients set out in the long-term indexation schedule. The amounts payable depend directly on the engine’s technical specifications, the vehicle’s age and the recipient’s status: preferential rates for individuals apply only when a car is imported for personal use and the required ownership period is observed, while commercial shipments are charged at the full rate.
Customs authorities pay particular attention to supply routes through Eurasian Economic Union member states. Clearing a car through customs in another EAEU country does not guarantee that no additional charges will be levied when it is subsequently registered in Russia if its customs value on initial import was understated relative to Russian reference values. Nor does signing a contract and paying a deposit in late 2026 lock in the previous rates: if the vehicle crosses the border after January 1, 2027, customs applies the rates in force on the date the declaration is submitted, unless the relevant regulation includes special transitional provisions.
To avoid unexpected expenses when ordering a car around the turn of the year, market participants recommend including a detailed breakdown of all customs and brokerage charges in the supply contract. The document should specify in advance how the price will be recalculated if recycling fee rates or clearance rules change, identify which party will cover the difference, and establish a refund procedure if the car cannot be legally approved for use in Russia.