The upper limit on the value of goods that Russians may purchase abroad and import into Russia without paying customs duties has been reduced. The threshold will drop from 1,000 euros to 200 euros. The Eurasian Economic Commission Council opted not to extend the prior increased limit of one thousand euros, ending the temporary measure that had been in place for several years.
In 2020, the EEC Council decided to raise the threshold to 1,000 euros as a countermeasure to sanctions pressure. That policy remained in effect until March 31, 2024. With the new rules, any import where the goods are valued above 200 euros will attract a customs duty of 15 percent of the cost, with a minimum duty not less than 2 euros per kilogram of goods. This introduces a significant change for cross-border shoppers and retailers, influencing pricing, purchasing strategies, and the overall logistics of imported items.
Industry observers reported that there could be an immediate impact on the price of equipment sold in Russia, with some market participants predicting a possible price increase of around 20 percent as a result of the lowered threshold to 200 euros. The shift is expected to affect the cost structure of imported machinery and electronics, as sellers adjust to the new duty framework and the changed consumer buying behavior that accompanies it.
On March 21, the acting head of the Federal Customs Service outlined a proposal to remove the duty-free threshold for goods imported for personal use via e-commerce platforms. The suggestion reflects a broader move to tighten controls on cross-border online purchases and to adapt customs practices to the evolving digital trade landscape.
Additionally, starting April 1, Russia introduced a regime aimed at preventing the sale of expired and illegally imported goods, strengthening market surveillance and consumer protection. This development aligns with broader efforts to safeguard public health and ensure product integrity in the domestic market.
From April 1, a new procedure for obtaining a driver’s license was also introduced, alongside other regulatory updates meant to streamline administrative processes and improve governance across related sectors.
Earlier statements from officials suggested that the European Union does not intend to broaden duty-free trade arrangements with Ukraine, indicating a cautious approach to trade liberalization in the region. The evolving policy landscape continues to shape import costs, consumer prices, and the competitive dynamics faced by both domestic and international traders in Russia and neighboring markets. For observers, the key takeaway is that duty-free allowances are tightening, duties are rising for many cross-border purchases, and regulatory measures are increasingly poised to influence everyday shopping and business planning. Attribution: market analyses and official statements collected from public records and press briefings.