Industry sources in Russia indicate that license plate producers faced a practical shift in supply chains as they moved to new raw material providers. Traditionally, blanks are made from aluminum, a staple that remains unchanged for most contemporary plates. The reflective film, however, faced a different challenge: it was formerly supplied by a U.S. company. The disruption prompted manufacturers to reassess their supplier networks and seek viable alternates to ensure steady production and continued compliance with regulatory standards.
In response to the exit of the American supplier, the industry tapped alternative partners grounded in Asia. Chinese and Korean firms stepped in to fill the gap, offering materials that, according to industry observers, meet or exceed the quality benchmarks set by the previous supplier while also delivering more favorable price points. This change has been framed as a stabilizing move for the market, particularly given the essential role that the reflective film plays in maintaining plate visibility and legibility under various lighting and weather conditions.
Some experts recall that a few years ago, Chinese films were deployed for license plates in Russia and performed differently than the American-made film, prompting a period of adjustment and testing. While early comparisons suggested some gaps, current assessments indicate that the new suppliers have made progress in addressing earlier shortcomings and that the material is now approaching parity with prior standards in several key metrics such as durability, reflectivity, and adhesion. Nonetheless, manufacturers and inspectors are monitoring the transition closely to verify long-term reliability across temperatures and wear conditions that plates experience in daily use.
Officials and field experts emphasize that the safety and legitimacy of plates remain the priority. If a batch shows signs of peeling or delamination, the responsible agencies have indicated that customers may exercise warranty remedies, including replacements under the defined terms. The aim is to minimize any potential downtime for vehicle owners while ensuring continuous compliance with the established requirements for plate material and finish.
The short-term procurement plan appears to favor the newly sourced foil and backing materials, with state authorities signaling a substantial order in the near term. The interior ministry has announced intentions to acquire a large volume of car and motorcycle license plates, signaling a coordinated effort to standardize the supply chain during this transition. The overall contract value is estimated to reach the order of several billion rubles, underscoring the scale of this adjustment and the importance attributed to consistent plate production for public and commercial fleets alike.
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Photo: Evgeny Yepanchintsev / TASS