GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ADOPTED A RESOLUTION ON THE LEGALIZATION OF PARALLEL IMPORT

The Government of the Russian Federation has adopted a resolution on the legalization of parallel import in Russia. This measure will develop intra-brand competition by increasing the number of economic entities importing goods to Russia, which will eventually lead to a decrease in retail prices for goods.

The adopted amendments will allow entrepreneurs to supply original products of a foreign copyright holder legally purchased in another country to the territory of Russia without requesting permission to import. This international principle of exhaustion of exclusive trademark rights has been in effect in a number of countries for a long time.

Currently, a list of products is being formed, in respect of which the international principle of exhaustion of rights will be established. The list of products that can be imported into Russia will be approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.

The import of products by parallel importers into the territory of Russia does not deprive the consumer of the right to warranty service and technical support. According to the Law on Consumer Rights [1] during the warranty period, if a defect is found in the product, not only the manufacturer, but also the seller, an authorized organization or an authorized individual entrepreneur, importer is obliged to satisfy the consumer's requirements.

All existing customs and control procedures will be carried out with respect to products imported by parallel importers to the territory of Russia.

For reference:

[1] Part 6 of Article 5 of the Law of the Russian Federation “On Protection of Consumer Rights”