What the ministry actually said
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that reports about a deferral of the new utilization-fee rules only for people who bought cars before 12 September are false. The ministry is working on a deferral of all provisions of the draft act that was posted on regulation.gov.ru in September, following an instruction from First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
Importers who already paid
Officials added that the proposed changes will not affect importers who paid the utilization fee before the new norm takes effect.
Background on the utilization fee
The utilization fee is a one-time payment to fund end-of-life vehicle processing. Russia introduced it in 2012 and applies it to importers, manufacturers, or buyers of vehicles.
What triggered the confusion
A Telegram channel claimed the ministry would allow payment at the old, non-power-linked rates only for owners who purchased cars abroad before 12 September 2025. The ministry refuted this.
Timeline and possible deferral
The rule change was announced on 12 September. It was first slated to take effect on 1 November. On 14 October, Manturov asked the ministry to consider shifting implementation by one month to 1 December. Work on a comprehensive deferral is underway.
Draft mechanics under discussion
The draft sets a base rate for passenger cars by engine type and displacement. Engine power would determine a progressive coefficient. For individuals importing cars for personal use, preferential coefficients would remain for vehicles up to 160 hp: 3,400 RUB for a new car and 5,200 RUB for cars older than three years.
What changes for stakeholders
- Private importers: Likely to keep preferential coefficients up to 160 hp if the draft holds.
- Importers who already paid: Not impacted by the adjustment.
- Market participants: Should monitor the final text on regulation.gov.ru for exact effective dates and coefficients.
Next steps
Await the finalized act and its confirmed start date. Plan pricing and customs budgeting using the progressive power-based coefficients proposed in the draft, while accounting for the potential one-month deferral.
