03.11.2026 Regulation #Russia #EAEU #Import #Bans

Russia bans satellite comms equipment imports again for six months from 1 Nov

Russian Government Resolution No. 1444 of 31 October 2026 bans imports of radio-electronic equipment used to communicate with foreign satellites. It took effect on 1 November 2026 and runs for 6 months, that is, until the end of April 2027. It replaced the earlier restriction, whose term expired on 31 October.

Which equipment is covered

The ban applies to radio-electronic devices designed to transmit and/or receive radio waves from space communication objects of foreign states. The resolution defines these as communication satellites, including dual-use ones. The condition is that the equipment has no decision of the State Commission for Radio Frequencies (SRFC) allocating radio-frequency bands. The text names no specific satellite systems, operators or manufacturers. It gives a single reason: protecting national security, citing Articles 29 and 47 of the EAEU Treaty.

The annex contains one entry with four EAEU HS codes, all within heading 8517:

8517 61 000 2
8517 61 000 8
8517 62 000 9
8517 69 900 0

A footnote to the list requires applying both the code and the product description. A matching code alone is not enough: the equipment must be for communication with foreign satellites.

A new act rather than an extension

Resolution No. 488 of 29 April 2026 introduced a similar ban with the same list of codes: it took effect the day after its publication on 30 April and ran for 6 months, according to TKS.RU from 1 May to 31 October 2026 inclusive. Resolution No. 1444 was adopted on the last day of that term. Formally it is a standalone act, not an extension of No. 488, but the restrictions continue without a break.

Enforcement lies with the Federal Customs Service and the FSB.

Smuggling of strategically important goods: Article 226.1 of the Criminal Code

Paragraph 3 of Resolution No. 488 amended Resolution No. 923 of 13 September 2012, which approves the list of strategically important goods and resources for the purposes of Article 226.1 of the Criminal Code on smuggling and defines the goods for which a "large amount" is a value above RUB 100,000. According to TKS.RU, the relevant radio-electronic equipment was included in that list; the outlet notes that classification depends on the specific circumstances and the elements of the offence.

When the ban applies to importers

Under paragraph 1 of the resolution, the ban applies when three conditions are met at the same time:

the EAEU HS code of the goods is one of the four listed codes;
the description and purpose of the goods match the list, that is, a device for transmitting or receiving radio waves from space communication objects of foreign states;
the equipment has no SRFC decision allocating radio-frequency bands.

Where an SRFC decision exists, the ban does not apply. The Federal Customs Service and the FSB oversee compliance until the end of April 2027.

Primary sources

Mentioned codes

8517

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.