Alexander Knobel: There will be no additional customs charges for cars already imported into the Russian Federation

Due to the lack of existing regulations, it is difficult to assess the future law, the expert believes. According to him, the law should not have retroactive effect. Nevertheless, Alexander Knobel assessed the very idea of introducing a unified regulation of import flows positively.

"In the context where there is no customs control at the internal borders of the Union and the terms of WTO membership of Russia and Kazakhstan are different, it is essential. When such a framework is formed, the EAEU countries will be able to more effectively use this tool to support national economies," the expert said.

He also noted that currently dealers often refuse to service cars imported under parallel imports, which leads to additional costs for owners. Therefore, measures should be taken to make legal imports from China and other countries more affordable through appropriate customs and tariff policy.  

"Concerns about additional customs charges for cars already imported into the Russian Federation have little basis now. The law should not have retroactive effect; at the moment, it is better to wait for the release of drafts of the relevant regulations to assess the consequences of the implementation of the decision of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council," Knobel concluded.

According to Russia's initiative, a unified risk management framework can be introduced in the EAEU as early as April 1. After its introduction, neighboring countries will no longer reduce the customs value of cars imported to Russia through their territory to replenish their budgets, as such facts will have to be confirmed by the customs authorities of all countries of the union. As a result, the final cost of cars imported through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia will increase for Russians.