Parallel imports and domestic production in Russia: policy shifts and consumer access

No time to read?
Get a summary

Russian manufacturers should anticipate a policy shift that treats replacing foreign products as part of a broader domestic-supply strategy. This stance was outlined by the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade during a recent industry exhibition in Udmurtia, signaling a planned recalibration of how parallel imports are managed as domestic production capabilities advance.

Officials indicated that parallel imports could be restricted by category, with the clear implication that there may come a time when there is enough homegrown supply to wind down imports by group. The message was that the market would adjust once Russian-made products reach sufficient scale, a point stressed during the event in Udmurtia as part of a wider dialogue on industrial policy and consumer access.

Manturov, named Deputy Prime Minister on 15 July, used his first formal working trip in the role to discuss these developments. The delegation’s itinerary reflected a broader review of import policies and the capacity of domestic industries to supply key goods.

Earlier in July, reports noted that Russian retailers, facing a shortage of foreign brands, expanded assortments by partnering with suppliers from other regions. In one notable arrangement, M.Video-Eldorado agreed to source Artel products from Uzbekistan. Citilink added the Chinese brand Ascoli and the Turkish Grundig to the Russian market. Analysts expect Uzbek manufacturers to capture a portion of the Russian white goods market within the next two years, reshaping the competitive landscape for household appliances.

Parallel import refers to the legal entry of branded goods into Russia from other markets without the copyright holder’s consent, using alternate routes through unofficial distributors. The Federal Customs Service has stressed that parallel imports do not involve counterfeit goods, though they operate outside traditional distribution agreements.

At the end of May, sources within the Ministry of Industry and Trade indicated plans to revise the list of goods eligible for parallel imports on a quarterly basis. The ministry would monitor store availability and consult with businesses on the list of essential imports. The ministry’s press service stated that the key factor for expanding or reducing the list would be actual shipments of imported products to Russia, guiding the balance between access and domestic production incentives.

Officials described parallel import as a measure to safeguard consumer access to a range of goods in the Russian market. It is also viewed as a tool to prevent production suspensions, including for items already available domestically, and to ensure access to goods not produced locally or affected by sanctions. The Business Association of Europe endorsed this view, noting that parallel imports help maintain consumer choice amid sanctions pressure. (Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade, statements during industry discussions)

What to carry besides Xbox and Rolls-Royce

On May 6, Russia approved a list of goods across 96 categories for import without copyright clearance. The list covered clothing, cosmetics, smartphones and various devices, medical instruments, cars, boilers and related items, as announced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The selection aims to safeguard the interests of Russian consumers while navigating sanctions and domestic production considerations.

The clothing and cosmetics segment highlighted brands familiar to Russian shoppers, including Garnier, L’Oréal, Yves Saint Laurent, Maybelline, Kiehl’s, NYX and others, alongside familiar personal-care products such as Head & Shoulders and Pantene shampoos, Oral-B and Blend-a-Med toothpaste options. The car and accessory category encompassed many Western brands, including Tesla, Toyota, Land Rover, BMW, Volkswagen, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Honda, Chrysler, Bentley, Mitsubishi, Chevrolet, Dodge, Rolls-Royce, and more, totaling over 50 brands in the approved list.

The scope also covered electronics and home electronics from leading brands like Apple, Samsung, Sony, Asus, HP, Intel, Dell, GoPro, Panasonic, Nokia, LG, Toshiba, and household appliances from Electrolux, Miele, Siemens, Dyson, and Philips. It included gaming consoles such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo, along with musical instruments and associated gear, as well as sound and video equipment. The compilation was designed to secure consumer access while considering domestic production capacity and the sanctions context, with an eye toward maintaining a diverse range of goods for households and businesses alike.

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Nyck de Vries to Drive W13 in French GP Free Practice with Mercedes

Next Article

Geely's Coolray Binye Refresh: New Design, Turbo Power, and Market Notes