Private car imports are growing, while dealers face sales decline. So dealers want it to be like in Russia

Illustrative photo. Photo: Nasha Niva

Individuals are the main car importers to Belarus

According to statistics from "BAA-Consult", in the first two months of 2026, individuals imported 16.3 thousand passenger cars into the country, which is 11% more than in the same period last year. At the same time, official dealers' sales for this period decreased by 57%.

There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, these are the new recycling fee rates, which have been in effect since February 10, 2025. Therefore, while the 57% drop looks apocalyptic, it's not entirely relevant for comparison due to different rates.

At that time, the recycling fee for new cars (up to 3 years old) with an engine volume of 1 to 2 liters (the most common variant) for legal entities increased from 11,645 rubles to 23,575 rubles.

Changes also occurred for electric vehicles: if under the old rates, legal entities paid 544 rubles for importing a new "electric car," they now pay 1,148 rubles. But these sums are not as significant.

Павялічыць

Illustrative photo. Photo: Nasha Niva

At the same time, for individuals, recycling fee rates for passenger cars remained low — 544 rubles for cars up to three years old and 1089 rubles for those older than three years. For private individuals, they are the same regardless of the engine type.

Secondly, these are changes in the classification of some hybrids. The fact is that new import rules for series hybrids (cars with an internal combustion engine that functions exclusively as a generator, as the wheels are driven by an electric motor) have been in effect since 2026.

From January 1, 2026, such cars, when imported into Belarus, are deprived of VAT benefits, which remained for pure electric vehicles. In addition, a standard customs duty of 15% for electric cars will apply to their import.

For legal entities, the recycling fee rates for such cars have also changed.

Due to all these circumstances, the import of generator-engine hybrids by legal entities has practically become meaningless.

Individuals, however, can save on both the recycling fee and customs duty if they have a benefit, paying 7.5% instead of 15%.

Thirdly, the 140th decree, which has been in effect since April 2019, influences this, allowing large families and individuals with 1st and 2nd group disabilities to clear cars with a 50% discount.

Павялічыць

Illustrative photo. Photo: Nasha Niva

It should be noted that BAA representatives have repeatedly publicly advocated for the decree to be revised, as, according to their data, 2/3 of cars imported under the benefit change owners within three months after import into Belarus.

What official dealers want

When increased recycling fee rates for legal entities and changes in hybrid classification were added to the 140th decree, discussions about changes in requirements for private individuals intensified.

Especially when Russia is nearby, where an individual can use benefits, but in case of resale earlier than 12 months, must pay an additional recycling fee to the commercial level. This made importing cars for resale by individuals impractical.

From the statements made by BAA, this is precisely the import regime for individuals that they want to see in Belarus.

For now, the only step taken in the fight against grey imports can be called the refusal of authorized dealers of SZAO "BelGee" to accept Geely cars, purchased not through the official dealer network of Belarus, for service maintenance.

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