These changes will affect both the calculation method for the recycling fee and the border crossing procedures. Henceforth, when importing a vehicle from any EAEU country, the recycling fee will be calculated using a unified formula that accounts for the difference between duties paid in the country of origin and the full rate applicable in Russia.

Essentially, private imports will be treated on par with commercial imports; avoiding additional payments will no longer be possible except for vehicles with an engine power up to 160 horsepower imported by individuals for personal use. Such vehicles will retain a preferential recycling fee ranging from 3,400 to 5,200 rubles, provided they are not sold within one year.

For vehicles with engines exceeding 160 horsepower, additional fees may range from several hundred thousand to millions of rubles, rendering this import scheme economically unviable. Furthermore, starting April 1, a mandatory electronic pre-declaration system-SPOT-will be introduced. Importers must submit documentation regarding upcoming shipments prior to border crossing and obtain a unique QR code without which customs authorities will deny entry to the vehicle. A transition period until July 1, 2026 will allow QR codes to become mandatory while security payments remain suspended.

From July onward, failure to present the QR code will constitute an absolute ground for import refusal.

   Experts anticipate this will result in a 20-40% price increase for parallel-imported vehicles-particularly high-powered models-and impose strict regulatory controls throughout all stages of the import process.