The initiative spearheaded by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) and the Russian Automobile Dealers Association (ROAD) seeks to lengthen the warranty repair period beyond the current 45 days and to temporarily adjust certain provisions of the consumer rights protection law. The aim is to address a persistent bottleneck: a shortage of dealer spare parts needed for car repairs. When parts are scarce, the legally mandated repair timelines can be breached, exposing customers to potential lawsuits. Industry experts warn that continued parts shortages could threaten the viability of many car dealerships and service centers.
In April, government authorities approved parallel imports, allowing spare parts and components to enter the country without direct authorization from the original manufacturers. This change helps reduce shortages, yet it may extend delivery times since supplies often move through intermediary countries rather than arriving straight from the source. The longer lead times inevitably push up repair costs and complicate maintenance schedules for dependably performing fleets.
The topic has stirred considerable concern among drivers. What does this mean in practical terms for warranty-covered repairs, and what hurdles might customers face? This examination draws on direct input from dealership management to outline the practical realities on the ground.
At Avtodom Altufyevo, the director of after-sales service explained that sanctions-related restrictions did not significantly disrupt the company’s operations. All dealerships under the AVTODOM Group continue to function normally, with warranty service, scheduled maintenance, and repairs proceeding as usual. The parts and accessories needed for these services remain accessible to customers.
Within the dealer network, the share of warranty cases in repair workflows ranges from about 10 to 40 percent. In some instances, the importer and dealer have agreed to use non-original spare parts for warranty repairs, prioritizing the customer’s problem resolution. Customers typically show understanding of longer parts delivery times, recognizing that new supply chains are being established, a process that can take months to a year depending on shifting trade and logistical factors.
The ROAD proposal to extend warranty repair periods is seen as a timely, practical measure for the entire automotive sector. High-demand components for repair work—electronic modules, gearboxes, engines and other advanced parts—are the most critical today. Orders placed in early March are only now arriving in some cases, with previously typical lead times shrinking from 3–4 weeks to as long as two months for certain items.
In terms of payments at dealer centers, transactions continue to be accepted via bank transfers and all major card networks remain operational, ensuring licensing and finance processes stay smooth for customers and service partners alike.