Russian Economy Development Ministry proposes making parallel import permanent mechanism

MOSCOW. Jan 27 (Interfax) - The Russian Economy Development Ministry has proposed making parallel import, which allows Russia to import goods without the consent of the rights holder, a permanent mechanism, the government reported following a strategic session on the development of the intellectual property sphere to 2036.

"The international system for the exhaustion of rights has been temporarily put in place in Russia, allowing an importer to import genuine goods. These rules cover a limited list of important goods. The Economy Development Ministry proposes considering changing this temporary measure into a permanent one in the post-sanctions era," the statement says.

The parallel import mechanism was introduced in 2022 and has been extended each year since then. The list of goods which may be imported without the consent of the rights holder is approved by the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry.