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The auto parts retailer Auto-Suni, located in Lappeenranta, Finland, has decided not to sell spare parts to Russian customers. The decision aligns with directives from spare parts importers and manufacturers and is grounded in European Union sanctions imposed on Russia, according to a Finnish business source. The emphasis is on preventing bulk purchases and large orders that could be diverted for resale. The policy is reported in Kauppalehti, a reputable Finnish business publication, which notes that the move reflects ongoing sanctions and the need to monitor trade flows carefully.

The focus of the policy is on customers seeking substantial quantities of components. Antti Myakitalo, Auto-Suni’s maintenance director, explained that sanctions and disruptions have long contributed to a shortage of spare parts in Russia. This shortage has persisted since the measures began, affecting the availability of commonly used car parts for repair and maintenance. The company has emphasized that its sales are restricted to specific, verifiable customers who use the parts for legitimate vehicle repair needs within its contracted framework.

We do not sell spare parts to buyers who intend to resell them. Our contracts forbid such use. Our sales are limited to contracted repair shops and Finnish private customers who use the parts for their own vehicles. The policy is clear and consistent with the aim of preventing circumvention of sanctions and maintaining compliance with international trade rules.

For instance, an order of 15 oil filters clearly signals resale intent, and in such cases the parts are directed to dealers rather than individual car owners, he noted. This approach helps ensure that parts flow remains aligned with authorized channels and reduces the risk of sanctions breaches. Auto-Suni actively monitors order patterns and relies on established procurement agreements to identify and deter inappropriate requests.

The store’s suppliers are European car manufacturers that currently restrict or suspend supplies to Russia. As a result, some Russian buyers have attempted to source parts indirectly to circumvent the sanctions. While these attempts have been infrequent, there has been a noticeable decline in Russian demand over time. Auto-Suni maintains that if a spare part is exported under any circumstances, it will not be sold. From a business perspective, these losses are manageable and do not threaten operations, according to Myakitalo.

Myakitalo did not comment on the policies of other local retailers or the broader market environment in the region. The company continues to prioritize compliance, transparency, and ethical trade practices while serving its core customer base in Finland and neighboring markets. The situation underscores how sanctions and supplier restrictions shape regional supply chains and influence daily business decisions for automotive parts retailers in Europe. (Kauppalehti)