Russia allows parallel imports of some L'Oreal brands

MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) - Perfume and cosmetic products from the brands Lancome, Redken, Yves Saint Laurent, Helena Rubinstein, Valentino, Giorgio Armani and Kerastase can now be imported into Russia under the mechanism of so-called parallel imports, an Industry and Trade Ministry order published on Friday indicated.

These brands were previously included in a list of exceptions from the group of cosmetics and perfume products, which was approved for parallel imports almost completely (unlike other TN VED trade codes, the list of perfume and cosmetic products included brands that were exceptions rather than those that can be imported).

"Some brands have been removed from the list of exceptions, since retail chains are receiving an insufficient amount of goods from these brands," the ministry said.

In the first list of goods for parallel imports, which allow imports of products without the consent of rights holders, published on May 6, 36 cosmetics and perfume brands were listed as exceptions. This included almost 30 brands under which L'Oreal manufactures perfumes, cosmetics and hair products: Garnier, L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline, NYX, L'Oreal Professionel, Matrix, Redken, Kerastase, La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Skinceuticals, Cerave, Lancome, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl's, Valentino, Prada, Helena Rubinstein, Atelier Cologne, Azzaro, Biotherm, Cacharel, Diesel, Maison Margiela, Mugler and Urban Decay.

The order dated July 21 also makes changes regarding imports of textile products. Silk, wool, cotton, other plant textile fibers, paper yarn and paper yarn fabric, synthetic thread and synthetic fibers (sections 50-55 TN VED EAEU) were removed from the list, "since a broad range of Russian analogs is represented on the market," the ministry said.

"In addition, there is a sufficient amount of these products from foreign brands and there are goods from friendly countries," the ministry said.

"Going forward, the Industry and Trade Ministry of Russia, together with other agencies, will continue to monitor the situation with imports and, if necessary, given items will be added to or excluded from the list," the ministry said.