The State Duma of the Russian Federation approved the law on the legalization of parallel imports. The law protects Russian entrepreneurs from administrative and criminal liability and provides that the use of the results of intellectual activity expressed in goods defined by the Government of the Russian Federation, as well as the means of individualization with which such goods are marked, does not violate the exclusive rights of copyright holders.
On March 30, 2022, the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of March 29, 2022 came into force, which allowed the import of original foreign-made goods into the country without the consent of the copyright holders. In other words, the resolution abolished the responsibility for parallel imports - the provisions of sub. 6 art. 1359 and 1487 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation will not apply to a number of goods.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation prepared the Order No. 1532 dated April 19, 2022, which defines the list of goods for which parallel imports will be allowed.
A significant place in the list is occupied by car brands and materials, as well as related products related to them: Tesla, Land Rover, Jeep, Jaguar, Chrysler, Bently, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Hummer, Rover, GMC, Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Mac.
Parallel imports are also proposed to be allowed for smartphones and appliances: Apple, Asus, HP, Panasonic, Samsung, Nokia, Sony, and Intel; household appliances: Electrolux, Miele, Siemens, and Dyson; X-Box game consoles, Play Station, and Nintendo.
In addition, the list of goods for parallel imports includes equipment for various industries, including mining, electricity, rail and shipping transport and agriculture.
Under the conditions of external restrictions, the decision will help to provide the domestic market with demanded goods and will help stabilize prices for them.
Nadmitov, Ivanov and Partners Law Firm advises on the legalization of parallel imports and the legalization of foreign goods.