The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Signals Limits on Car Imports and Safety Standards
In a move described as a step toward tightening automotive regulation, Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced plans to curb imports of cars from friendly nations under simplified procedures starting June 1. The initiative is outlined in a document circulated across ministry websites and related departments, signaling a formal draft resolution that has already been prepared for consideration. The proposed measures appear to aim at a phased return to the existing framework defined by technical regulation TR CU 018/2011, which governs vehicle safety standards within the Russian Federation.
As part of the plan, the ministry also proposes reinstating the ABS brake system as a mandatory requirement for passenger car production in Russia starting November 1. The reintroduction of ABS would align domestic production with the safety baseline that was in effect prior to the temporary adjustments under the current regulatory cycle, reinforcing the country’s emphasis on electronic stability and braking performance as core safety elements.
Another element of the proposal requires that all vehicles imported into Russia be equipped with devices capable of calling emergency in-car services. These systems must operate through ERA-GLONASS, the emergency response network integrated with the country’s satellite navigation infrastructure. The goal is to ensure rapid dispatch of assistance in the event of a crash or other critical situation, improving overall response times and situational awareness for authorities and emergency responders.
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that large automobile dealers have been leveraging parallel imports to bring selected vehicles into Russia for resale to distribution channels and retailers. The phenomenon involves purchases of foreign-made cars that bypass traditional direct import routes, enabling dealers to expand available models while navigating local market dynamics. For example, more than 850 Chinese-made Volkswagen Bora vehicles were reportedly imported into Russia through parallel channels, with additional batches anticipated in the spring. Other brands and models mentioned in industry discussions include the Tayron and Talagon, Voyah Dreamer, Toyota Camry, FAW B70, Jetta VA3, Hongqi H9, and Hongqi ES9, illustrating a diverse mix of offerings involved in these import activities. [Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade briefing notes and market reports]