List of goods parallel import: lists of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity

The situation on the Russian market has undergone dramatic changes since 2022, affecting supply chains and the availability of familiar brands. Introduction of the mechanism parallel import allowed the import of original products without the direct consent of the copyright holder, which was a response to the massive departure of Western companies. For the end consumer and business, this means the opportunity to purchase goods that are no longer formally supplied by official distributors, but remain in demand.

However, the import process itself is strictly regulated by the state through approved lists. Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia regularly updates lists of goods permitted for import under a simplified scheme, and FCS controls HS codes. Understanding whether a particular part or device falls under these lists is critical to crossing the border legally and avoiding problems with customs.

In this article, we will analyze in detail the structure of the approved lists, touch on the features of the import of automobile spare parts and electronics, and also analyze the legal subtleties. You will learn how to identify a product by code and what risks exist for buyers purchasing equipment through alternative supply channels.

Legal basis and mechanism of action

The legal basis for the launch of parallel imports was the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 506, adopted in March 2022. This document gave Ministry of Industry and Trade the authority to create lists of goods that can be imported into the country without the permission of the trademark owner. The mechanism operates within the framework of Art. 1484 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, which previously prohibited the import of original goods without the consent of the brand owner.

The key feature of the current situation is that parallel imports do not mean the legalization of counterfeit goods. On the contrary, we are talking exclusively about original products, produced in the official factories of the brand, but supplied through third countries. This allows us to saturate the market with items in short supply, while maintaining quality and safety of use.

⚠️ Attention: Parallel imports are a temporary measure, the validity of which is regularly extended by the government. The mechanism is currently active until the end of 2026 with the possibility of further expansion.

For business, this means the need to constantly monitor changes in legislation. The lists are not static: products can be added to the list if a shortage occurs or removed from it if the manufacturer resumes direct deliveries. Customs authorities require exact compliance of the HS code with that stated in the declaration.

Structure of the lists of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and HS codes

The main tool for identifying goods for parallel import is Commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity (TN FEA). The lists of the Ministry of Industry and Trade are compiled precisely on the basis of these codes, which allows customs to quickly determine the status of the cargo. The code consists of 10 characters, where the first six correspond to the international harmonized system, and the rest detail the product for the Russian Federation.

The current lists contain thousands of items covering various industries. Particular attention is paid to high-tech equipment, medical technology and, of course, the automotive industry. It is important to understand that permission is given not for the brand as a whole, but for specific product codes, even if the brand has formally left the country.

Below is a table with examples of categories and codes that often appear on import lists:

Accurate identification of the code is the task of the declarant, and errors here can cost cargo delays at the temporary storage warehouse. Foreign trade experts recommend using extended product descriptions to minimize risks.

Automotive parts and components

The automotive industry was one of the first to be subject to parallel import lists. The shortage of original spare parts for cars of European, American and Japanese brands has created a high demand for legal import through third countries. The list of the Ministry of Industry and Trade contains codes for engines, transmissions, suspension elements and electronics.

Particularly difficult is the import electronic control units (ECU) and security systems. These components often require software adaptation to the region of operation. With parallel import, the buyer receives a “European” or “American” version of the part, which may differ in functionality from the one adapted for the Russian Federation.

For car owners, this means that finding the right part has become possible, but the price may be higher than usual due to complex logistics. However, the presence original catalog number on the packaging confirms the origin of the part.

Owners of car service centers and auto parts stores must take into account that documentation for such spare parts may be in a foreign language. The law does not oblige the translation of instructions for parallel imports if the goods do not relate to personal protective equipment or complex technical devices that require mandatory certification with Russification.

Electronics and household appliances

The consumer electronics sector is also fully open to parallel imports. Smartphones, laptops, tablets and household appliances of famous brands are imported through the CIS countries, Turkey, the UAE and China. The consumer often does not notice the difference until he encounters the features regional versions devices.

For example, smartphones imported through parallel import channels may have different frequency ranges or lack pre-installed Russian software, which, however, can be easily resolved by the user. The issue of warranty service may be more critical.

• 📱 Smartphones and tablets: there are often versions for Asian or European markets with different configurations.
• 💻 Laptops: the keyboard may not have Russian engraving (solved with stickers), the power supply requires an adapter.
• 📺 TVs: Some streaming services may not be available or may require region settings.

Electronics manufacturers often tie warranties to the region of purchase. This means that a device purchased in Dubai and imported into the Russian Federation is formally not subject to free repair at the brand’s authorized service centers in Russia.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing parallel import equipment, keep all receipts and documents confirming purchases abroad. This is the only basis for filing claims against the seller under the consumer protection law.

However, large retailers that sell such items often offer their own store guarantee, making the purchase relatively safe for the end user.

Import procedure and customs clearance

The process of importing goods under the parallel import scheme requires careful preparation of documentation. The importer must provide the customs authority with a full package of documents confirming the origin of the goods and its compliance with the HS codes from the permit list. The absence of a direct contract with the copyright holder is not a violation in this context.

The key step is to pay all necessary customs duties and taxes. Rates remain standard for this category of goods, however, the verification procedure may take longer due to the need for additional verification of codes. Customs value is determined on the basis of the contract price, but customs has the right to use reference prices if the declared amount seems underestimated.

It is important to note that some categories of goods, especially those related to dual-use or complex electronics, may require additional permits from relevant ministries, despite the simplification of the procedure for importing trademarks.

Logistics routes also play an important role. Direct deliveries from unfriendly countries are limited, so cargo often transits through Kazakhstan, Armenia, Turkey or China. This increases the delivery leverage and requires correct execution of transit declarations.

Warranty and service

One of the most discussed issues of parallel import remains guarantee. Official dealers and service centers of brands that have left the Russian Federation are not obliged to service goods imported through third countries. This creates a situation where responsibility for the quality of the product falls entirely on the seller (importer), and not on the manufacturer.

However, this does not mean that the product remains unprotected. According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, the seller is obliged to provide warranty repairs or replacement of goods of proper quality. Large electronics chains and car dealers create their own service facilities or enter into contracts with third-party service stations to fulfill these obligations.

For complex technical devices, such as cars, the situation is complicated by the lack of access to proprietary manufacturer databases for diagnostics. Services are forced to find workarounds or use generic equipment, which can affect the speed and quality of service.

The consumer should carefully study the terms of the warranty card issued by the store. The terms, conditions for free repairs and contacts of service centers authorized by the seller must be clearly stated there.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions