Temporary SOS Button Rule for Imported Cars Explained

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The temporary registration rule for vehicles brought into Russia without an SOS button has expired, as reported by the GLONASS JSC press service on October 1. The update clarifies that the change applies to legal entities and individual entrepreneurs. When importing vehicles, they must be equipped with emergency call systems, specifically SOS buttons.

What changed

Two weeks earlier, the traffic police had already stated that imported cars could not be fitted with the SVES. The full notice, however, included a crucial caveat: private individuals importing a car for personal use may omit the SOS button under certain conditions. The agency explained that when individuals import vehicles for personal use, the assessment is conducted under the general safety standards of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union. In this scenario, the additional checks laid out in Section 5 of Annex No. 4 are not required, and the manufacturer’s compliance with these requirements is not verified for this category of buyers.

Different buyers, different rules

The applicable rules are contained in the government decree that governs the application of mandatory requirements for specific wheeled vehicles and their compliance assessments. This decree, issued by the Russian Government on May 12, 2022, number 855, establishes that private buyers retain the option not to install the SOS button. The same decree, later amended by government decree number 1269 on July 15, 2022, is cited in GLONASS communications and serves as the basis for the October 1 deadline that mandates SVES installation for imports by legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.

In a statement, GLONASS notes that specialists from partner firms will assist with SVES installation near major customs points. To prevent price gouging, manufacturers will set a recommended retail price for these devices. This aims to ensure a transparent and fair pricing environment for importers and owners.

Potential issues and guidance

Officials emphasize that a dedicated website hosts information about official dealers and SVES installation locations. Vehicle owners can report any concerns about the price of SOS buttons on this site, making the process more accessible and accountable. Company representatives say that manufacturers and the Federal Antimonopoly Service will receive these reports to streamline the installation process and curb speculative pricing.

Several practical questions have arisen. One common concern asks whether private buyers could see car prices decrease if the SOS button is not required for personal-use imports. Industry experts express their views on this topic, noting that the decision to install SVES will significantly influence overall import costs and the purchasing experience for private buyers. Additional coverage from automotive channels is available for those who want deeper analysis.

According to ERA-GLONASS, the regional network will coordinate with customs points to avoid bottlenecks and ensure smooth implementation of the new rule. The broader goal is to align safety requirements with real-world import flows while maintaining price transparency and consumer protections.

  • Will private buyers benefit from lower prices when the SOS button is waived for personal-use imports? Industry insiders weigh in.
  • Industry programs and updates can be found through automotive media channels and official regional broadcasts.
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