Russian govt extends export ban on certain types of goods, equipment until end of 2025

MOSCOW. Dec 27 (Interfax) - The Russian government has extended temporary restrictions on the export of some types of products and equipment from the country until the end of 2025, while introducing relief for systemic enterprises and certain categories of goods.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved the relevant decree, the government press service said.

The export restrictions apply to technological, medical equipment, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, turbines, nuclear reactors, fiber-optical cables, certain types of aircraft, radar devices, batteries, and machine tools for metal processing, the government said.

The export of goods from these categories is prohibited to all countries, along with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The decree introduces a number of exceptions with regard to certain types of medical devices, which were previously imported into Russia for state registration, refrigeration equipment, certain types of pumps and a number of categories of ships. Their export from Russia will not be restricted.

In addition, restrictions on the export of certain types of goods by systemic enterprises and their subsidiaries are being relaxed. The decision on export in this case will be made by the government based on the proposals made by the relevant ministries and departments, the government said in a statement.

It is also envisaged to tighten the export procedure for transformer equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Industry and Trade Ministry's press service said. Permits for the export of transformer equipment regardless of the country of destination (including the EAEU countries) will be issued by the prime minister or his deputies based on the proposals made by the Industry and Trade Ministry. As for UAVs, restrictions on export to unfriendly countries will be extended to vehicles designed for passenger transportation, as well as vehicles with a small maximum takeoff weight.

In general, the ministry adheres to a stance of gradual shortening of the list of goods subject to restrictions, the Industry and Trade Ministry said in a statement. "This work will continue next year, a new package of goods for exclusion has already been agreed, which is expected to be adopted by the Russian government in the coming year," the statement said.

Restrictions on the export of a number of goods and equipment from Russia were imposed in the spring of 2022 in accordance with the presidential decree on the application of special economic measures in the area of foreign economic activity in order to ensure Russia's security and were in effect until the end of this year. The lists of goods subject to restrictions are to be approved by the government.