During 8 months of 2022 Vladivostok Customs processed 100077 vehicles for private use, a figure that marks a 43 percent rise from the previous year, according to a Vladivostok Customs spokesperson cited by RIA Novosti. The busiest month was August, when more than 21500 units were cleared, compared with 10700 in August of the prior year. The surge reflects a sustained uplift in personal vehicle imports and hints at broader shifts in domestic demand for used imported cars.
The authorities have kept the customs process steady. At the same time, there has been a strengthening of the framework governing vehicle clearance and the oversight of customs registration. The aim is to preserve the speed of private vehicle clearance even as scrutiny and procedures are tightened to prevent bottlenecks and delays in customs processing. This balance helps keep private owners moving while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Spring brought renewed activity in the market for used Japanese cars, driven in part by a firmer ruble and greater exchange-rate stability. Demand for right-hand-drive vehicles from Japan doubled in April 2022 relative to March, underscoring a renewed appetite among buyers for cost-effective imports. Prices for cars under seven years old also showed relief during this period, making newer, lower-mileage units more accessible to a broader audience.
In July the government simplified the process for registering cars imported from abroad and temporarily waived the requirement to equip vehicles with ERA GLONASS emergency call devices. The suspension addressed component supply challenges faced by Russian makers of these systems. The streamline remains in effect through February 1, 2023, with the possibility of extension if conditions justify it.
The overall trend points to a more accessible environment for private imports while maintaining a careful regulatory hand on vehicle registration and safety-related equipment. Market participants and potential buyers alike have watched how policy adjustments shape the pace of clearance, the availability of used vehicles, and the alignment of domestic standards with international supply lines. In this context, consumers are weighing the savings from imports against the need for compliant, safe, and up-to-date vehicles that fit their budgets and driving needs.
A visual note to conclude: Unsplash