Since April 1, 2026, Russia has implemented a new vehicle recycling tax calculation system. Personal import tax benefits have been cancelled, and Chinese vehicle costs in Russia have risen by up to 40%.
1. Key Changes
Core changes effective April 1:
Personal import benefits cancelled: personal imports treated as commercial
Annual rate increases: 2026 coefficient rises to 11.58, increasing 10-20% yearly
High-power vehicles affected: tax benefits for vehicles over 160 hp cancelled
Commercial vehicles covered: no more 50-ton limit, 20-ton+ trucks face 4.3M rubles
2. Cost Impact
Vehicle Type | Old Tax | New Tax | Increase | RMB Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20-ton van | 2.62M rubles | 4.30M rubles | +1.68M rubles | +147,200 yuan |
Large crane | 906k rubles | 4.30M rubles | +3.39M rubles | +297,700 yuan |
Passenger (1.8L) | 3.4-5.2k rubles | 300k+ rubles | 10x+ | +20-30k yuan |
3. Chinese OEM Responses
Local production acceleration: Great Wall Tula plant expanded to 200k units
Tech upgrades: Haval Moscow R&D center for cold climate adaptation
NEV substitution: China-Russia NEV exports up 40% in Q1 2025
Diversification: BYD, Chery exploring Kazakhstan transit channels
