Parallel importation is actively moving thousands of vehicles into Russia. For private buyers, the process of bringing in foreign cars has become more accessible and more affordable. As a result, a sizeable share of the cars entering the market are supplied by private traders rather than authorized dealers.
According to Vyacheslav Zubarev, president of the Russian Automobile Dealers Association (ROAD), such sales arrangements create opportunities for fraudulent schemes to emerge. This warning was shared during discussions on the international forum titled “Russian Industrialist.”
“Today, private individuals can obtain a car with less friction because the disposal fee is lower and getting permission is simpler. These factors are often cited as reasons not to import for commercial purposes. Yet in many listings, there are clear commercial offers from individuals,” Zubarev noted during the forum. The remarks were reported by Izvestia, reflecting concerns over the practice of private buyers selling foreign cars through dealers.
When cars are imported via private sellers and then cleared through dealers, the impact on buyers can be negative. The ROAD president pointed out that the same issues arise not only in Russia but in other markets as well, where private-party imports sometimes lead to unfair conditions and misleading advertisements. The difficulty of pursuing consumer protection claims when a purchase is made from a private seller is highlighted as a core risk. This creates a gap in consumer rights coverage for buyers who discover defects after the sale.
The central issue, according to ROAD, is that a consumer who buys a car from a private seller may find it challenging to obtain legitimate remedies. If problems appear post-purchase, the dealer’s responsibility can be difficult to establish, leaving the buyer to face costly and time-consuming disputes alone.
At present, ROAD is engaging with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to address the risks associated with private-party imports. The goal is to strengthen safeguards for buyers and ensure fairer competition in the market while maintaining access to affordable vehicles. The dialogue focuses on improving verification of sellers, enhancing disclosure of vehicle history, and clarifying consumer rights in scenarios involving non-commercial imports. The outcome of these discussions could shape future regulations and enforcement activities, with potential implications for buyers who rely on private channels to acquire foreign cars.
Experts emphasize the need for transparency and accountability across the import chain. Buyers are urged to insist on complete vehicle histories, proof of ownership, and a clear understanding of any warranties or after-sales support that may apply when buying from private individuals. Independent inspections and credible third-party assessments are recommended as prudent steps before finalizing a private sale. These measures help protect against misrepresentation and reduce the risk of post-sale disputes.
In summary, while private imports offer affordability and easier access to foreign models, they also bring heightened exposure to fraud and consumer-rights challenges. Stakeholders are working toward balanced reforms that preserve consumer choice while strengthening safeguards and clearer pathways to redress. The ongoing discussions underscore the importance of informed purchasing decisions and a reliable framework for handling disputes in private-import scenarios.
In developing policy and practice, both regulators and industry groups recognize the need to align incentives so that buyers receive fair treatment regardless of whether a vehicle is acquired through a private seller or a traditional dealer. This approach aims to foster a safer market for private imports and to protect consumers from misleading practices and uncompensated defects.