Starting April 1, a significant shift in how payments are calculated for cars imported from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) takes effect. Reports note that this change is being discussed by a prominent Russian legal expert, highlighting that the move aims to tighten the system and close existing gaps in how duties were assessed during customs clearance conducted abroad. Previously, many Japanese and Chinese vehicles entering the Russian Federation underwent customs clearance outside the country, a practice that made the payment process more flexible for some participants.
The core concern voiced by the legal expert is that this approach allowed some companies and individual importers to pay the full duties while others used schemes to undervalue the customs base. That imbalance created an uneven playing field, where law-abiding importers found themselves disadvantaged compared with those exploiting loopholes in the valuation process. The upcoming changes are set to address this disparity by aligning payment obligations with a more transparent and standardized valuation framework.
Under the new rules, underpaid payments will be incorporated into a liquidation fee that both individuals and businesses are required to pay, starting from April 2024. This addition aims to ensure stronger compliance and deter undervaluation practices, creating a more predictable and fair environment for the domestic auto market. The change is positioned as a measure to simplify enforcement and reduce opportunities for value manipulation in import transactions.
There were past announcements about certain Chinese brands, including Avatr and Zeekr, and their status in the Russian market. As part of adjustments to parallel imports, these particular models faced constraints on non-traditional supply channels. Moving forward, only private owners will be able to import such cars, reinforcing a tighter regulatory stance on how non-officially distributed vehicles enter the market. This shift is expected to influence the mix of available models, especially in the premium and electric segments.
Despite these policy refinements, the overall diversity of the automotive market is unlikely to collapse. The changes are not expected to cause a broad disruption in delivery times, but a notable decline in the number of certain electric vehicles imported through parallel channels may occur. The market could see a rebalancing where mainstream models maintain steady availability while more niche, branded electric options become scarcer through unofficial routes. This dynamic may push some buyers toward officially sanctioned channels or alternative models that meet regulatory requirements more readily.
In consumer discussions, the landscape of popular car brands in Russia has historically demonstrated strong demand for certain models. Analysts note that, even as regulatory changes take effect, the public’s interest remains robust, with preferences likely shifting toward vehicles that combine reliable pricing with favorable post-sale support. The ongoing evolution of import policies, coupled with market responsiveness, will shape consumer choices and brand strategies in the near term. Observers emphasize the importance of staying informed about regulatory updates and choosing imports through compliant avenues to avoid future penalties or service complications. (Source: Legal and market observers)