Expansion and evolution of parallel imports in Russia
Russia has broadened the mechanism for parallel imports. The system, which had been set to wind down by the end of 2022, is seeing another extension in its validity, according to Maxim Reshetnikov, the head of Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development. The exact duration remains unclear as of now.
In July, Denis Manturov, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, outlined the government’s approach to gradually remove goods from the list eligible for parallel import as they are replaced by other supply channels. This indicates a managed transition rather than an abrupt phaseout.
Parallel imports currently enable the entry of roughly 50 product groups and more than 200 brands into the Russian market. Notably, this channel supports the monthly import of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 foreign vehicles from brands such as Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Tesla, Skoda, Toyota, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Chrysler, Bentley, and others. This dynamic continues to influence the broader automotive landscape in the country.
Industry observers caution that parallel imports will not fully replace the official import pipeline. Sergei Vainer, Development Director at Avtopole, suggested that while the volume may not completely substitute official channels, the share could reach as high as 20% to 30% of total imports in the automotive segment. This perspective underlines parallel imports as a supplementary, not a sole, source of supply.
From a market perspective, the impression of official dealer imports remains that the volume is around 2,000 to 3,000 units each month. Premium models are likely to experience the strongest distribution because their relative transport logistics—whether a vehicle like the Volkswagen Polo or a high-end model such as the Mercedes G63—often travel together on ferries or car carriers. In practice, logistics costs tend to be comparable, while margins on premium vehicles can be more favorable due to demand and resale channels. This nuance is highlighted by Andrey Olkhovsky, General Manager of the Avtodom Group of Companies.
As the market evolves, analysts in Canada and the United States may watch Russia’s parallel import framework for lessons on flexibility, regulatory adjustments, and the balance between importer protection and consumer access. The extended validity of parallel import programs could influence price dynamics, availability, and competition, especially for brands with strong global demand.