Bosch, the German engineering giant, has halted the use of its diagnostic scanners in Russia as part of stricter sanctions enforcement from the European Union. The move affects the diagnostic tools that car service centers rely on for maintenance and repairs, and news about the stoppage circulated through the Auto Service Association’s Telegram channel.
A formal notice to customers explained that, starting December 19, 2022, every facet of the ESI Tronic diagnostic software, including access to test plans, would stop functioning in Russia and Belarus due to the latest EU regulatory measures. The association shared a scanned copy of the official document to confirm the change and its implications for the industry.
Historically, Bosch diagnostic scanners have been among the most widely used tools in automotive service. With the end of support, shops and mobile technicians will need to seek alternatives to keep their diagnostic capabilities intact. The union noted that some Bosch distributors had already begun selling remaining stock from warehouses, signaling an orderly wind-down of the equipment supply in affected regions.
Earlier reports indicated that the Russian automotive market faced disruptions, with concerns that the restrictions could impact fleets and service networks. Industry observers pointed to a broader shift in the regional market as sanctions pressures trim access to essential maintenance resources and spur changes in how service providers source diagnostic devices and software. These developments underscore the ongoing realignment of automotive aftermarket tools in response to regulatory actions and geopolitical dynamics.