From April 1, 2026, Russia plans to introduce stricter rules for the import of cars from the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The draft resolution of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade effectively eliminates a popular scheme that allowed Russians to save on customs duties when importing cars through Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, writes Telegraf.news.
Illustrative image. Photo from social networks
For Russians, this means that cars imported in this way will become more expensive, and those who have already used the scheme may be required to pay the difference in customs duties.
According to the new document, cars imported by private individuals for personal use from EAEU countries will be subject to fees in the same way as cars imported by legal entities. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade explains that this is being done to "equalize the conditions for paying the utilization fee" for all categories of citizens.
Previously, there was such a "loophole": private individuals could import cars without paying the difference in customs duties if the car was for personal use. The sale of such a car was only possible after one year or after paying the commercial utilization fee, but the final price still remained lower due to savings on customs payments.
Belarus and Kyrgyzstan were especially popular among importers. According to the "Avtostat" agency, in 2025, 17.1 thousand new and 19.1 thousand used cars were imported from Belarus to Russia, and from Kyrgyzstan — 53.6 thousand new and 2.8 thousand used cars.
Experts explain that in Belarus, cars were registered to local beneficiaries with a 50% discount on the duty, and in Kyrgyzstan, customs documents indicated a reduced car value.
In Belarus, a restriction on the independent import of cars for subsequent resale is also currently being discussed. The Belarusian Automobile Association proposed regulating resale in such a way as not to violate the rights of citizens to the possibility of inexpensive car acquisition for themselves, including large families and people with disabilities.
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