According to the agency "Autostat," the import of new passenger cars into Russia from Kyrgyzstan took the leading position among EAEU countries in 2025, amounting to 53,600 units. Belarus came in second with 17,100 cars, while Kazakhstan ranked third with 11,000 vehicles. Armenia, on the other hand, supplied only 344 new passenger cars during the same period.
According to the new project, a unified formula will be used for cars from EAEU countries, similar to the one already applied for direct imports by individuals. Previously, by processing cars through a customs incoming order (CIO) or declaring a lower value, it was possible to significantly reduce costs on duties. Now, however, the difference between Russian duty rates, VAT, and excise taxes will be compensated through an increased recycling fee. At the same time, indirect taxes paid in the country of manufacture will not be taken into account in the calculation.
The ministry emphasizes that the changes do not increase the basic collection coefficients but merely close loopholes and level the playing field for all market participants.
Experts suggest that this will lead to price increases. Marat Sakhapov, director of CarPoint, noted that the possibility of circumventing through the CIO has been practically eliminated, and now even when importing as an individual, a commercial recycling fee will be applied considering the tax difference. This will particularly affect cars that were previously imported en masse through Kyrgyzstan using cargo declarations with subsequent resale in the Russian market.
Vyacheslav Zhigalov, president of the Union of Automobile Dealers, is confident that the new reform will eliminate dumping by unscrupulous importers and make the market fairer; however, for end consumers, this will lead to price increases. Anton Shaparin, vice president of the National Automobile Union, provided an example: for a basic Chinese model, the recycling fee already amounts to 900,000 rubles, excluding customs clearance, and after the amendments come into effect, many niche brands may become economically unviable for import.
Lawyer Lev Voropaev reminds us that the main goal of the initiative is to protect the domestic market and support local manufacturers. Nevertheless, experts warn that a reduction in gray imports may lead to a decrease in supply and further price increases not only for imported but also for Russian cars due to reduced competitiveness.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in 2025, cars from more than 90,000 individuals and about 500 legal entities were imported into Russia through the EAEU — this channel will be under strict control. The project has not yet been finalized, but the likelihood of its implementation starting April 1 is high: the ministry is actively closing remaining opportunities for parallel imports. For car enthusiasts planning to make a purchase in the coming months, this is a signal to hurry with processing through current schemes or prepare for significant price increases.
