Russia’s Economy Ministry has proposed making the parallel import system permanent, with a focus on medicines.
Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has proposed turning the parallel import mechanism into a permanent policy tool, according to the business daily Vedomosti.
The ministry suggests formally including parallel imports among the permanent mechanisms that allow goods to be imported without the consent of the rights holder. The proposal was announced by Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov.
The government is also ready to issue compulsory licenses to Russian companies willing to manufacture such products, in line with the ministry’s initiative.
Reshetnikov said the proposal primarily targets the pharmaceutical market. Some medicines have stopped being supplied to Russia, and under instructions from President Vladimir Putin the ministry developed a new compulsory licensing mechanism to address the issue.
“Thanks to this, a fairly large volume and a wide range of medicines are now being produced in the country,”
the minister said.
Currently, Russia operates under an international regime that allows importers to bring in original goods, but it applies only to a limited list of critically important products.
Parallel imports were legalized in Russia in March 2022, allowing the import of original goods without the permission of rights holders. Since then, the list of approved products has been revised several times.
The list is regularly adjusted, with some items removed as alternatives appear on the market, including brands from so-called friendly countries, and as official supply channels are restored.
In early January, Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov said the ministry’s earlier forecast of $25 billion in parallel imports by the end of 2025 was no longer relevant, as volumes are steadily declining. He said further reductions are expected in 2026, with imports being replaced by domestic production and increased supplies from friendly countries.
Source: Vedomosti
