In the Russian Federation, the method for calculating the payment due on importing cars from the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has been updated. The new rules took effect on April 1, as reported by TASS, and affect how duties and taxes are assessed when the customs value of imported vehicles is understated. Under the revised framework, amounts that previously avoided payment due to undervalued car values are now incorporated into the recycling fee, streamlining the overall cost structure for imports from EAEU members.
The practical impact is that for most importers—citizens and companies bringing vehicles into Russia through the standard customs clearance process—the day-to-day experience remains largely unchanged. The updated decree does not modify the existing clearance flow for these imports; it simply redefines how certain underpaid duties are recouped within the recycling fee mechanism.
Another notable change concerns the clearance of electric motor vehicles from EAEU countries. The procedure for these vehicles must now be executed within the Russian Federation, aligning the process with national regulatory standards and ensuring that all obligations are settled in the domestic system. This move strengthens the oversight of eco-friendly vehicle imports and reinforces local administrative control over the entry of such automobiles.
Previously, statements from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation clarified the conditions under which a foreign car could be treated as imported for personal use. In those cases, a potential exemption or reduced rate could apply, placing the vehicle under the preferential recycling fee—3,400 rubles for a new car and 5,200 rubles for a used car. This nuance created a predictable path for individuals importing personal vehicles by defining a clear threshold for personal use versus commercial importation.
Rumors and official guidance had already signaled to Russian buyers that the cost of foreign cars might rise due to the revised taxation approach. The government’s intent appears to be to consolidate various charges into a single recycling scheme while maintaining a straightforward user experience for most imports, particularly those that follow standard customs procedures. Such changes aim to improve administration, reduce underreporting, and provide a transparent framework for pricing. For consumers and businesses alike, the shift emphasizes the importance of understanding how recycling fees interact with taxes and duties in cross-border vehicle transactions, especially when dealing with EAEU-origin cars. [source: TASS]