Digest | 27 November – 4 December 2025

The Russian government is considering extending the parallel import mechanism through the end of 2026. Lawmakers continue to debate a nationwide ban on vapes, while proposed amendments to the platform economy law may be postponed amid disagreements between banks and online marketplaces. Large IT companies will soon be required to invest part of their tax savings in higher education, and new proposals could introduce separate legal frameworks for professional taxi drivers and self-employed drivers.

The State Duma has approved, in the first reading, a bill extending the government's sanctions-response powers through 2026, including the parallel import mechanism.

Earlier, the Ministry of Industry and Trade updated the list of products eligible for parallel imports. The revised list removes brands such as Ricoh (printing equipment), Biorepair (oral care products), Braun (electric shavers), Trimble (GPS receivers), as well as Torneo, Oral-B and Amazone. At the same time, A&D medical devices have been added.

The parallel import mechanism has been in place since 2022, allowing certain goods to be imported into Russia without the consent of intellectual property rights holders. The official list of eligible products is set out in Ministry of Industry and Trade Order No. 2701 of July 21, 2023.

A group of lawmakers has drafted amendments introducing a complete ban on the sale and circulation of vapes and vape liquids. The proposal is expected to be considered during the second reading of the bill on licensing retail sales of tobacco and nicotine-containing products.

The initiative has previously received the President's support, while the Ministry of Finance proposed allowing regional authorities to prohibit vape sales within their territories. A stricter regulatory approach is expected to primarily benefit manufacturers and suppliers of heated tobacco products.

According to Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Alexey Guznov, a decision on whether to proceed with amendments to the platform economy law or postpone them will be made in the near future. He stressed the importance of taking into account the positions of both banks and online marketplaces.

For more background on the dispute, see our previous digest.

Under a new government resolution, accredited IT companies employing more than 100 people and generating annual revenue above RUB 1 billion will be required to allocate at least 3% of the savings they receive from IT tax incentives to higher education initiatives. Companies will also have to sign at least one cooperation agreement with a university.

Around 500 companies currently meet these criteria, although only about 20% already cooperate with higher education institutions.

The Self-Employed Association of Russia has proposed creating a separate legal framework for self-employed taxi drivers. The proposal would require mandatory registration, operation exclusively through digital platforms with driver verification, annual medical examinations, and mandatory insurance coverage.

Earlier, State Duma deputy Dmitry Gusev put forward a similar initiative. In addition, the Government Commission on Legislative Activity has approved a bill allowing taxi drivers to obtain passenger transport permits regardless of their place of residence.

The proposed reforms are intended to formalize the taxi market and improve passenger safety through greater digital oversight. Removing regional residency requirements could increase competition in major cities but may also worsen driver shortages in smaller regions. Taxi industry representatives note that, internationally, traditional taxi fleets and private ride-hailing drivers represent two distinct business models that require different regulatory approaches.