The final draft of amendments to the technical regulation “Wheel vehicles” (TR TS 018/2011) has been sent to the Ministry by the technical regulation and standardization committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The agency that prepared the draft discussed it publicly, sharing insights from the developers.
Regulation remains the key rulebook for technical standards in automotive manufacturing, import, and the partial operation of vehicles within the country. Over the years, the regulation has undergone several rounds of changes, now entering its third major package. For drivers, the current edition brings several notable updates that shape what kinds of vehicles can enter and operate in the market.
The government committee decided not to impose stricter technical standards for vehicles imported into Russia in single copies, with the exception of trucks. These vehicles are subjected to a simplified laboratory design test compared to tests used by manufacturers or their distributors. According to conversations with sources, this and other related requirements were removed from the final text following urgent consultations with the Belarusian side at the EEC commission.
Linking car ownership to electronic documents like electronic registration certificates was also removed from the technical regulation. The belief is that a full electronic document flow will be established through separate decisions of the EEC rather than through this regulation.
Safety and ecology
Extracts from the documents indicate that the production of cars with non-environmentally friendly engines, without airbags, and with simplified designs is allowed through February 1, 2024. Government decrees are expected to implement these norms. Previous environmental and safety exemptions, introduced in May 2022 amid sanctions and supply disruptions, remain in effect until June 2023.
Specifically, the regulation permits vehicles to be produced without anti-lock braking systems (ABS), airbags, and to use engines across the environmental classes from Euro-0 onward. At the same time, producers are urged to progressively return to modern production standards. A proposed government decree aims to tighten environmental class requirements to at least Euro-2 for engines by late 2024, with mandatory ABS installation for new models starting from November 2023. This comes after the committee’s recent briefing. (source: socialbites.ca)
Vehicle service keys from software
For the first time, the regulation requires automakers to disclose service information essential for maintenance and repair. The text envisions independent technical stations handling maintenance and repairs, with manufacturers sharing the necessary data to support ongoing vehicle care. (source: socialbites.ca)
Presetting
The same change package removes the ability to alter a vehicle’s design before it enters circulation. In practice, this creates a barrier for importing extensively tuned cars, since EurAsEC certification laboratories cannot retroactively approve design changes. The provision does not apply to tuning operations conducted by genuine manufacturers such as those under Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, Brabus and similar brands, which retain manufacturer status and can produce and certify vehicles and components within the country.
Fenders and driver monitoring
Euro-6 and Euro-6+ standards are introduced, and for the first time the regulation sets requirements for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The package also allows trucks to feature driver monitoring systems and updates fender standards for trucks and trailers.
Not possible without extension
Independent automotive industry consultant Sergei Burgazliev argues that extending the simplified requirements for locally produced cars seems likely given ongoing component shortages and the need to support domestically produced vehicles. He notes that the measures are aimed at keeping AvtoVAZ and UAZ operational and that Euro-2 standards pose no immediate threat to these factories. He adds that other electronic devices and basic catalysts may be needed under this framework. (source: socialbites.ca)
Experts also point to the challenge of moving to Euro-3 and Euro-5, which would require diesel exhaust aftertreatment like a catalytic converter with urea injection. Sergey Tsyganov, writer for the Russian Automobile Telegram channel, emphasizes that the decision to extend simplified car release depends largely on the wider economic and political climate, and that extensions are likely to continue under the current conditions. (source: socialbites.ca)
According to Tsyganov, the rule mandating manufacturers to disclose service information at the time of vehicle type approval is unlikely to become mandatory in practice. He explains that while the logic is sound, many manufacturers that have exited the Russian market will not be issuing OTTS documents for current imports. Burgazliev notes that implementing such disclosure requirements would demand significant organizational effort. The National Automobile Association’s Yang Haytseer acknowledges that new car models will eventually yield service data, but the exodus of manufacturers has left access to online diagnostic services unresolved. (source: socialbites.ca)
In conclusion, industry observers suggest a national technical regulation framework could ease the current operating environment, offering practical benefits for the broader automotive sector given present market realities. Work continues on shaping policy that supports the industry under current conditions, with details to be clarified in the near term. (source: socialbites.ca)