Support The Moscow Times!

Moscow Allows Sanction-Busting Imports

Moskva News Agency

Russia on Friday allowed for hundreds of categories of goods to be imported without the agreement of the intellectual property owner in order to bypass restrictions imposed over the Ukraine conflict.

Among the list published by the Industry and Commerce Ministry are Apple and Samsung smartphones, major car brands, game consoles, and spare parts used in various industries. 

There are also everyday consumer products, such as cutlery and cosmetics. 

"According to this document, civil liability is waived in cases where products are imported by importers bypassing official distribution channels," the ministry said. 

Many of these goods are produced by companies that decided to exit the Russian market after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Others, such as car parts, were banned by international sanctions on Moscow over its military campaign. 

This mechanism will allow Russia to avoid shortages of goods that it is currently unable to produce itself. 

The ministry, however, said that this is not an "authorization to import or distribute counterfeits."

President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that Russia's economy has weathered the sanctions well, but economists believe that the worst economic impact is still to come.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more