Yury Zubov, head of the Federal Office for Intellectual Property, spoke at the Congress of Leaders of Opora Rossii in Krasnoyarsk about Russia working on a list of goods eligible for parallel import. The list is being developed in collaboration with industry groups and business leaders to ensure practical and market-driven coverage.
Parallel import means an importer can bring goods into the country without the original manufacturer’s permission, typically by sourcing from a third country. Making these imports legal without the consent of rights holders would help saturate the domestic market with essential products. It could also challenge monopolistic pricing and delivery terms that sometimes accompany exclusive distributorships.
Since Russia joined the World Trade Organization in 2012, parallel imports were restricted, allowing only brand owners or their official representatives to bring goods into the country. The aim was to safeguard rights holders while ensuring product integrity. Yet there were periods when prices for official service and repairs remained unusually high, prompting the Association of Russian Car Dealers in 2015 to propose reforms. The hope was that broader access would lower repair costs, though progress stalled on that front for a time.
The current proposal calls for a staged approach: to identify groups of goods for which parallel import would be permitted in coordination with customs and with the participation of major government departments. The goal is to create new distribution channels that reflect international practice and respond to consumer demand while maintaining quality control and market stability.
As an example, spare parts for certain vehicles have become harder to source from official channels of some manufacturers such as Volkswagen. However, compatible parts are produced in other countries, including China, making the option to import from these sources worth considering. This logic extends beyond car parts to other branded items as well. The head of the Federal Antitrust Service has already discussed the matter with Wildberries chief executive officer, and the perspective is positive. The approach is seen as potentially benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises by widening the range of quality goods available at fair prices, ultimately giving consumers more choices.
In framing this policy, officials emphasize alignment with international norms while tailoring implementation to Russia’s market realities. The expected outcome is a more dynamic supply landscape that preserves consumer protection, reduces unnecessary price gaps, and fosters competition among authorized and parallel import channels. Observers note that successful execution will depend on clear product classifications, robust verification processes, and ongoing collaboration among industry, customs, and regulatory bodies. As this work progresses, stakeholders will monitor the impact on affordability, supply reliability, and the overall health of the retail ecosystem, with a view toward sustained consumer access to a broad spectrum of goods.
These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about how parallel imports can coexist with brand protection, quality assurance, and fair competition. While the exact list of eligible goods has yet to be finalized, the direction is clear: a measured, rules-based expansion of parallel importing that respects rights holders while addressing market needs. The outcome could redefine how products circulate in the domestic market, balancing consumer access with the responsibilities that come with brand stewardship. At the same time, industry observers stress the importance of transparent criteria, clear regulatory guidance, and a phased rollout to minimize disruption during the transition. This balanced approach is intended to support economic activity across sectors while safeguarding consumer interests and market integrity. In summary, the path forward envisions a structured, consultative process that embraces parallel imports as a tool to enhance competition, lower costs, and broaden the availability of high-quality goods for Russian households and businesses. Attribution: TASS report.
Related posts:
The goalscorers of Lionel Scaloni’s cycle in the Argentina national team Russia Sees Strong Interest in Cars via Parallel Imports, With Regulatory Shifts on the Horizon Parallel imports: 96 goods listed, new mechanism starts May 6 Parallel imports in Russia: market shifts, costs, and future trends Parallel imports and domestic production in Russia: policy shifts and consumer access 2023 Russia parallel-import car trends grow steadily through summer Ministry Signals Changes to Nissan’s Parallel Imports Linked to After‑Sales Readiness Russia Reviews Parallel Imports to Stabilize Markets and Ensure Essential Supply Position of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Parallel Imports: Market Roles and Stakeholder Views Parallels in Trade: SMEs, Sanctions, and the Role of Parallel Imports in Russia August-to-September Drop in Parallel Car Arrivals in Russia August parallel imports reshape Russia’s premium car market