Russia cracks down on cheap car imports from EAEU countries by 2026

Russia is set to tighten car import rules from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries starting April 1, 2026. The changes will close a legal loophole that allowed private buyers to avoid full customs duties when bringing in vehicles through Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Officials claim the move will standardise fees and prevent misuse of the system.

Until now, a legal gap let individuals import cars from abroad for personal use without paying full customs duties. Many buyers exploited this by reselling the vehicles, bypassing higher taxes. The Belarusian Automobile Association (BAA) has now proposed stricter controls to stop this practice.

The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade's draft decree states that private importers will face the same recycling fee formula as businesses. Authorities argue this will 'equalise payments' and apply existing rules to all citizens. BAA head Sergei Varivonchik insisted the changes protect the right of low-income buyers to import cars affordably for personal use.

Under the new rules, Russian buyers will pay more for imported vehicles. Those who previously used the loophole may also be required to cover the difference in duties. The measures aim to shut down a scheme that has been widely used to avoid higher costs.

The updated regulations will take effect in early 2026. Buyers importing cars from EAEU nations will no longer benefit from reduced fees, leading to higher prices. Authorities have not yet confirmed how they will enforce back payments for past imports under the old system.