The Association of Automakers of Russia (OAR) has called for an end to the gray import of cars into Russia, organized by sellers through imports to individuals.
According to OAR estimates, in 2024, the monthly share of cars imported into the Russian Federation to individuals in the total volume of imports was 1–50%, and in 2025 it was already 50–70% or more.
In fact, the car is imported into Russia by a business structure, but at a preferential rate directly to an individual who pays a reward to the intermediary in cash, the association claims.
If civilized importers import cars into Russia, paying the recycling fee for legal entities, and then sell them on the domestic market, then unscrupulous business has moved into the gray area, taking advantage of the colossal difference between the amount of the recycling fee for individuals and legal entities — more than 100 times.
The OAR added that the budget does not receive significant amounts of recycling fees when using gray import schemes, and cars are imported without guarantees of their safety and quality, supply of spare parts and maintenance. Official dealers and importers who import cars with the payment of all fees and taxes, as a result, suffer economic damage.
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