“No problem with cosmetics”
“I cannot answer you for a specific nomenclature, but I think in about a month,” Manturov told reporters, referring to the timing of the appearance in Russia of the first goods imported as part of parallel imports.
He emphasized that the legalization of parallel imports will not lead to the development of the shuttle business in Russia and an increase in the number of second-hand stores.
“No, of course not, absolutely not. First, the decision was made provisionally and only until the end of 2022. Secondly, in two months we will see how it works today and understand the effectiveness of this decision,” he said.
The official reminded that the decision to legalize parallel imports was taken based on current job demand.
“Primarily, they included what the business needed so as not to interrupt the production cycle of firms that depended on the supply of certain components or the sale of certain imported products. While working on the list, shampoo or light industry products were not a priority,” Manturov said.
Journalists also asked the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade if it was correct to think that talks are underway to restart supply with cosmetics brands included in parallel import exemptions.
“Including. So, for example, we can correctly say why L’Oreal in Kaluga did not make a decision until the end, but we still take such steps responsibly, ”said Manturov.
He added that he recently held an “industry meeting” for cosmetics.
“Russian companies were represented, and these are really Russian products, Russian development, Russian components. I believed that our women, men and children would not have any problems with cosmetics, both decorative and skin care and perfumery.
After the start of the military special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, more than 200 foreign brands announced the suspension of their activities or their complete withdrawal from the Russian market. Western countries imposed sanctions.
On March 29, the government passed a resolution allowing the importation of sought-after original foreign goods into Russia without the consent of copyright holders. The so-called parallel import liability has been abolished.
And in early May, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation approved a list of goods that can be imported into the country without the consent of the copyright holders. In addition, the goods of the brands Garnier, L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline were also an exception in parallel import deliveries. NYX, L’Oreal Professionnel, Matrix, Redken, Kerastase, La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Skinceuticals, Cerave, Lancome, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl’s, Valentine, Prada, Helena Rubinstein and Atelier Cologne, Azzaro, Biotherm , Cacharel , Diesel, Maison Margiela, Mugler, Urban Decay and Viktor&Rolt.
No refund option
Manturov also said that the French Renault has handed over the Moscow plant to the city authorities for a nominal fee, with no possibility of repayment. He also stressed that this is “not expropriation”.
“Nationalization is when the state makes a unilateral decision to take the property into state ownership … This decision was adopted by Renault,” said the minister.
The official said that the Moscow plant “Moskvich” plans not only to cooperate with foreign brands, but also to promote its own developments.
“Automotive production will be maintained at the Moscow site, but the previous model range will not be produced. Now, together with Kamaz, work is underway on a new strategy for the Moscow plant: it includes both cooperation with foreign brands and the development of its own products, including electric ones.
He added that the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has discussed with several Chinese automakers the possibility of joining Russian car businesses.
He also noted that the final candidacy for the directorship of AvtoVAZ has not yet been approved. According to him, former Deputy Minister Alexander Morozov, who has been managing the automotive sector for 7 years at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, was not appointed to this post.
“Although thought out, this is true. “He will go to work at one of the industrial enterprises,” said Manturov.
On Monday, agreements were signed on the transfer of Russian assets to Renault. The share of the company in AvtoVAZ was transferred to FSUE NAMI, and the Renault Russia plant in Moscow.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.