Expansion of Parallel Import List in Russia from May 1, 2025: New Opportunities and Challenges for the Economy

On May 1, 2025, significant changes to the list of goods approved for parallel import came into force in Russia. These adjustments, initiated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, continue the policy of adapting the Russian market to sanctions pressure while ensuring stable supply of essential goods to the population.

1. Key Changes to the Approved Goods List

The updated list includes several important product categories that can now be imported without the rights holders’ consent:

• In the household appliances sector, the inclusion of Panasonic products—mixers, blenders, and juicers—is particularly noteworthy, as these items were previously difficult for Russian consumers to obtain. The import of electric shavers and trimmers from well-known brands such as Moser, Philips, and Braun has also been authorized.
• Significant changes have been made to the motorcycle market. The parallel import list now includes high-performance motorcycles with engine displacements exceeding 800 cubic centimeters from leading global manufacturers, including BMW, Ducati, Honda, and KTM. This decision aims to meet the demand of Russian motorcycle enthusiasts and touring fans for premium equipment.

• Exclusions from the List and Their Consequences

Alongside the expansion of the list, certain product categories have been removed:

• The most noticeable change is the exclusion of Hewlett Packard and Fujitsu products, including laptops and server equipment. Experts believe this decision is linked to the partial restoration of supplies through alternative channels and the development of domestic equivalents.
• The automotive sector has also undergone changes—South Korean brands Kia and Hyundai, as well as MOTUL lubricants, have been removed from the list. Analysts attribute this to the market’s reorientation toward products from other manufacturers and the development of local production capabilities.

• Economic Drivers Behind the Changes

The ongoing adjustments to the parallel import list reflect the dynamics of the Russian economy’s development under new conditions. On one hand, the government aims to provide the population with a wide range of quality goods. On the other hand, it is consistently implementing policies to promote import substitution and grow domestic industry.

The emergence of new trading partners and alternative supply chains has become a key factor. Goods from China, Turkey, and EAEU countries are gradually filling niches previously dominated by Western manufacturers. Simultaneously, the development of local production capacities is helping to reduce dependence on imports in certain categories.

• Impact on the Consumer Market

For ordinary consumers, the changes to the parallel import list have mixed implications.

On one hand, the expansion of the list means a greater selection of goods and potential price reductions for certain product categories. This is particularly true for household appliances and motorcycles, where increased competition among suppliers could lead to better consumer offerings.

On the other hand, the exclusion of certain brands may temporarily result in shortages and price hikes for some goods. The most vulnerable sectors appear to be server equipment and certain automotive components, where alternative solutions are not yet able to fully meet market demand.

• Future Development Prospects

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has already announced that work on adjusting the parallel import list will continue. In the near future, we can expect both the addition of new product categories in case of shortages and the further exclusion of brands as alternative supply channels are established.

Special attention will be paid to quality control of imported goods and consumer rights protection. These issues are particularly relevant under parallel import conditions, as products are often supplied through complex intermediary chains.

The changes to the parallel import list that took effect on May 1, 2025, reflect the complex process of adapting the Russian economy to new realities. These measures help maintain market supply while creating conditions for the development of domestic production. For businesses, they necessitate constant monitoring of changes and flexibility in supply chains. For consumers, they bring both new opportunities and certain challenges related to shifts in product ranges and pricing dynamics across various categories.