Russian customs cracks down on undervalued Chinese car imports in 2026

Ussuriysk Customs has processed 33,569 privately owned vehicles imported from China since the start of 2026. This marks a 2.8-fold increase compared to the same period last year. Officials have highlighted the growing importance of verifying declared values for these imports. Since January, customs officers have focused on ensuring declared vehicle prices match market rates. Inspectors recalculated the values of 545 cars, roughly 1.6% of the total, due to suspected underpricing. When discrepancies arise, the customs service uses available sources to independently assess a vehicle’s worth.

Car owners have raised concerns about the process. Some argue that officials rely on the most expensive online catalogues rather than actual purchase invoices. Customs authorities respond that owners can challenge the declared value by providing supporting evidence.

If further clarification is needed, authorities may summon the owner for documentation. Should the owner fail to appear in person, the vehicle can be redirected to a customs office closer to their residence. Processing at Ussuriysk Customs is only permitted if the buyer lives in or is present within its jurisdiction. The surge in imports has made value verification a top priority for Ussuriysk Customs. Owners retain the right to dispute assessments, but must provide valid proof. The adjustments affected a small fraction of vehicles, yet underscore the scrutiny applied to declared prices.