The Ministry of Industry and Trade is engaging with business representatives to assess removing specific automobile brand products from the Parallel Import List. The discussion centers on spare parts and automotive components, and it follows exchanges between the ministry and key industry organizations, including the Russian Association of Automobile Dealers and the Automotive Services Association. The aim is to clarify which items could be impacted by changes in import rules and how such changes might affect service networks in Canada and the United States as well as domestic markets.
In a joint statement from ROAD and the Automotive Services Association, the stance is clear: among all spare parts used for car repairs that enter the market through parallel imports, no single brand can be fully substituted by Russian-made equivalents. The message emphasizes that although parallel imports offer a wide range of components for maintenance and repair, none of the items covered by the proposal are completely replaceable with domestically produced parts. This nuance matters for repair shops, insurers, and consumers who rely on timely access to a diverse parts supply.
The discussion also notes that tightening the import of foreign auto parts could slow the entry of counterfeit products, whether these counterfeit items arrive through customs channels or are produced locally without proper oversight. The proposed approach would shift key controls toward legitimate manufacturers and place warranty responsibilities on both importers and manufacturers to safeguard consumers and ensure product reliability across markets in North America and beyond.
Reports indicate that owners of certain Chinese-brand vehicles in Russia experience delays when sourcing spare parts for repairs. For some models, waits for major components such as transmissions, rear fenders, trunks, and interior fittings can stretch to several months. Brands recently introduced to the Russian market, including Changan, Li, Zeekr, FAW, and BYD, are cited as showing the most pronounced shortages. These shortages echo supply chain pressures seen in other regions when demand outpaces local stocking and logistics capacity.
The shortage is attributed to the lack of storage facilities for spare parts within Russia and the absence of a robust logistics framework for on-demand production. Industry representatives remain hopeful that the shortage will ease before year’s end as China strengthens its position in the automotive market and local logistics networks mature, reducing lead times for critical components across global markets including North America and Europe.
In 2023, many Russian vehicle owners began to prefer analogs to original spare parts. The shift was driven by a desire to conserve fuel, extend vehicle life, and reduce downtime and repair costs. This trend reflects broader consumer behavior amid a tightening supply chain and shifting pricing dynamics, a pattern now observed in other regions facing similar constraints and price volatility.
Observers note that repair service prices in Russia rose by about a quarter during the period, reflecting adjustments in labor costs, parts pricing, and distributor margins. The evolving regulatory framework and market conditions continue to shape the environment for vehicle maintenance, aftersales support, and consumer choice in the automotive landscape. The discussion remains relevant to North American readers as markets adapt to shifting supply chains and the availability of legitimate, warranted components.
Throughout these developments, stakeholders stress the importance of balancing protection against counterfeit parts with ensuring reliable access to legitimate, warrantied components. Regulators are weighing potential reforms, and industry groups offer ongoing input on the best path forward for motorists and the broader economy. (citation: ROAD and the Automotive Services Association)