Instances of counterfeit spare parts entering the market have been rising in Russia, according to a report by RIA News. The information comes from the FIT SERVICE study and an analysis by Gruzdev-Analyze. The findings highlight growing concerns about quality and legitimacy in automotive components amid shifting imports and sanctions.
The study reveals that about 23% of car repair shops admitted attempting to sell low-quality products. Among the categories mentioned, counterfeit motor oils and lubricants accounted for 30%, spark plugs for 23%, filters for 15%, and suspension and steering components for 14%. A key driver behind this trend is the surge in parallel imports driven by sanctions, as well as heightened volumes of parts arriving from countries such as Oman, Hong Kong, Vietnam, China, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Market observers warn that there is currently no robust mechanism in the Russian market to verify the originality of spare parts. As a result, drivers are increasingly cautious when services use or recommend aftermarket parts, seeking greater assurance about authenticity and performance.
Earlier, authorities from the Ministry of Industry and Trade updated the List of parallel imported goods, reflecting regulatory changes in the assessment of imported components.
New entries include brands that produce pumps, fans, and compressors such as Soler & Palau, Vortice, and Air System; mining equipment brands like Dewalt, Epiroc, and Husqvarna; alongside cosmetic products, perfumes, and clothing. These updates remove certain intellectual property protections for foreign copyright holders on these items, reshaping how imports are treated under the law.
Market participants in Russia have repeatedly explained the motive behind limited supply of imported spare parts, noting how sanctions and sourcing shifts influence availability and pricing for repairs and maintenance.