The government has decided to permit the import of original foreign made goods into the country without requiring the consent of copyright holders. The cabinet resolution abolishing responsibility for parallel imports was published today on the official website of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been instructed to compile a list of these goods based on proposals from federal departments.
To prevent counterfeit products from entering the market through parallel imports, all necessary customs and inspection procedures will be followed. These goods will also be subject to guaranteed after sale service.
In the context of sanctions, this move is expected to bolster the domestic supply of sought after items and help stabilize their prices.
According to Mikhail Mishustin, the mechanism aims to meet the demand for goods that embody results of intellectual activity. Until now these products could not be sold on the national market without the consent of the copyright owner. Commentary from the government indicates the goal is to expand access while preserving regulatory safeguards. (Source: official government statements)
Because the list of eligible goods has not yet been published, it is premature to specify what items will be included. It is clear that auto parts and components are among the highly demanded categories, and the market already shows shortages that have driven prices higher. (Source: policy briefing)
Allowing the purchase of branded spare parts without regard to the copyright owner is expected to help curb price increases in the domestic market. Analysts note that different countries often set different prices for the same products, and buyers may source goods from third countries where prices are lower and bring them in without the knowledge of the brand owner or copyright holder. The precise mechanism of parallel imports remains under discussion, with some indications that intermediary firms will handle procurement and distribution. (Source: market commentary)
On March 8, 2022, the President of the Russian Federation signed Federal Law 46-FZ. This law grants the cabinet the authority to determine which products may be imported under the parallel imports regime. (Source: legal text overview)