Home / Business and Economy / Russia Keeps Parallel Import for Top Smartphones
Russia Keeps Parallel Import for Top Smartphones
4 May
Summary
- Smartphones from Apple, Samsung and others remain importable.
- Parallel imports allow goods without copyright holder consent.
- Products must meet safety and certification requirements.
Top smartphone brands including Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel will remain on Russia's list of goods permitted for parallel import. This established mechanism, in effect since March 2022, allows these devices to enter the country without the direct approval of copyright holders.
While facilitating access to these popular electronics, the Industry and Trade Ministry emphasizes that all parallel-imported products must meet stringent requirements. These include ensuring product safety, verifying the authenticity of origin, and providing necessary certificates of conformity. The ministry continuously assesses and updates the parallel import list, potentially removing specific brands or product categories.
Decisions to exclude items are based on criteria such as the localized production of similar goods within Russia, ongoing shipments from existing domestic facilities, or continued official supplies by foreign copyright holders. The ministry also considers the availability and sufficient domestic production of comparable products to meet consumer demand, indicating a dynamic approach to managing the parallel import strategy.
