In Russia, selling car parts obtained through parallel importation — meaning parts that are genuine but imported without the copyright owner’s permission — was previously allowed in some cases. A new government decree now broadens that permission. Auto parts from roughly four dozen car brands, including Toyota, Volkswagen, Skoda, Renault and others, can be imported without prior authorization. The decree also covers well-known parts manufacturers such as Bosch, Mahle, Wabco, Gates, and Wabtec. The aim is to address the parts shortage caused by sanctions by increasing supply, which could push prices downward. Independent importers of original spare parts may become at least 20 to 25 percent cheaper, according to market observers. The change has been noted by Kommersant and other industry outlets as a potential game changer for the pricing dynamics of the market.
Yet there is a downside to legalization: the risk that the market becomes flooded with counterfeit parts. When parts are no longer distributed through official brand channels in Russia, they come from independent suppliers. Counterfeits of high quality are already entering the market, and distinguishing them from authentic parts can be challenging for many buyers. Packaging is especially easy to imitate, making fake goods look convincingly original. Even with customs checks, a gray-market producer can still pass counterfeit items off as genuine by placing them in authentic-looking packaging and labeling them as original in Russia.
How to protect oneself
Industry experts warn that the parallel import scheme requires caution, and buyers should exercise discipline when selecting parts. The most prudent approach is to avoid certain groups of items that typically pose higher risk under this scheme. Practitioners recommend steering clear of routine maintenance components that are prone to counterfeit activity. These include air, oil, cabin, and fuel filters, engine oil, spark plugs, and critical suspension elements such as anti-roll bars and hub bearings. This cautious stance was articulated by Artem Kakhimov, the general manager for sales at Future Motors auto parts, who emphasized the higher risk associated with these categories.
Premium and expensive components—such as body panels, lighting optics, and interior fittings—are less frequently counterfeited, though they are not immune to risk. The overall risk profile for counterfeit parts tends to skew toward items that can be substituted more easily or misrepresented in value. In practice, purchasing decisions should favor established, reputable suppliers with robust verification processes. This often means buying from large distributors, recognized car-service networks, or well-known retailers. Reputation matters; trusted sellers are more likely to screen products, provide warranties, and offer after-sales support that counterfeit sellers cannot reliably deliver.
Consumers should also recognize that authentic parts typically reside at the higher end of the price spectrum. If a part suddenly drops to the mass-market price, buyers should treat it with caution and conduct additional due diligence to confirm authenticity. When in doubt, seeking confirmation from the seller about provenance and requesting documentation that proves genuine origin can help reduce risk. In the current market, a careful buyer tends to favor well-established networks that provide clear guarantees and transparent return policies, rather than informal or unverified sources. The ultimate guideline is straightforward: prioritize risk-averse purchasing from recognized distributors and service centers that stand behind their products.
A note on sourcing: the new policy will influence price competition and availability, but prudent buyers will balance affordability with reliability. The market evolution is ongoing, and the best practice is to verify every component’s legitimacy before purchase, especially when the price appears unusually favorable. Market players suggest that the safest route is to rely on brands with extensive distribution networks and official service channels, even amid broader import liberalization, to minimize the chance of receiving counterfeit items. The shift in policy is currently reshaping how consumers and garages approach spare parts procurement in Russia and beyond, with implications for both pricing strategies and product authenticity checks.
A visual reference accompanies this discussion to illustrate the diversity of parts and the labeling challenges that buyers face in a market undergoing rapid change. The image underscores the importance of careful examination of packaging, serial numbers, and supplier history to avoid counterfeit purchases. Such diligence is especially crucial for components that affect vehicle safety and operation. This evolving landscape invites both buyers and service providers to recalibrate their expectations and practices to maintain quality and safety across the automotive ecosystem.
End of section note: A visual asset accompanies this discussion to highlight market realities and the importance of verification in the wake of policy changes.