Russian electronics makers propose limits on parallel imports of foreign devices

Russian electronics manufacturers are calling for restrictions on parallel imports of foreign consumer brands, as well as state-backed loans for retailers to purchase domestically made devices and the introduction of an additional recycling fee.

The proposals, Kommersant reported, were presented by Svetlana Legostaeva, head of the autonomous nonprofit “Computer Engineering Consortium” — which includes Russian electronics firms such as Yadro, Aquarius, Kraftway, and others — during a meeting of the Federation Council on March 25.

Manufacturers noted that, thanks to government support, Russia now has sufficient production capacity to supply the state, businesses, and consumers with modern electronics. But those facilities remain underutilized.

Legostaeva estimated that weak demand for Russian-made consumer electronics is costing the government roughly 12 billion rubles (about $141.8 million) annually. The proposed support measures would be implemented over three years.

Retailers interviewed by Kommersant expressed support for subsidized loans and cashback programs for domestic electronics. However, they warned that restricting parallel imports and introducing a new recycling fee “could lead to higher prices, reduced quality, a narrower range of products for consumers — and a possible expansion of the gray market.”

After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many foreign companies — including electronics manufacturers — left the Russian market. Nevertheless, their products remain widely available through parallel imports. The Russian government maintains a list of companies whose goods may not be brought in through this mechanism.