29.09.2026 Regulation #Russia #Import #Duties

Russia proposes technology levy rates on electronics from December 1

On September 24, 2026 Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade (Minpromtorg) published a draft order setting out the list of electronic modules and industrial products containing electronic modules that are subject to a technology levy, along with the levy rates and the method for calculating them (PRIME; alta.ru). The levy was introduced by Federal Law No. 425-FZ of November 28, 2025, which amended Law No. 488-FZ "On Industrial Policy in the Russian Federation" (RusCable). Collection will start on December 1, 2026, pushed back from the originally planned September 1 (RusCable; 3DNews). The document is still a draft: the rates have been proposed, not approved.

Laptops, smartphones and telephones come first

At launch the levy will cover five product groups: computers weighing up to 10 kg (laptops), smartphones and three types of telephone sets — corded phones with a cordless handset, cellular-network handsets and other telephone sets (3DNews; Kommersant). Base rates per unit (vc.ru):

laptops — 746 rubles;
smartphones — 373 rubles;
corded phones with a cordless handset — 149 rubles;
cellular-network handsets — 75 rubles;
other telephone sets — 37 rubles.

Under the draft, the levy may not exceed 5,000 rubles per unit (Mail Finance; PRIME).

A discount for trademark and model data

Rates are differentiated by product type and by whether the trademark and model are included in the Reference Registry of Trademarks and Models (alta.ru). According to 3DNews, this refers to data in the Chestny Znak state marking system: if the trademark and model are listed there, the lower rate applies; if not, the payment almost doubles. For laptops that means 500 versus 992 rubles, for smartphones 250 versus 496 rubles, for corded phones with a cordless handset 100 versus 198 rubles, for cellular handsets 50 versus 100 rubles, and for other telephone sets 25 versus 49 rubles (3DNews). Kommersant describes the same scheme as a one-third reduction or increase from the base rate (Kommersant). Mandatory marking of these types of devices has been in effect since March 1, 2026 (Mail Finance).

Payers of the levy and use of proceeds

The levy is paid by legal entities and individual entrepreneurs that import into Russia or manufacture electronic components, electronic modules and industrial products containing such modules; the proceeds will go to support the radio-electronics industry (RusCable). According to Minpromtorg, the rate differentiation is meant to offset inflation risks associated with the levy and protect consumer-market segments (Moscow 24).

Checking model data: a practical step for importers

For companies importing laptops, smartphones and telephone sets, the levy on the same model can differ almost twofold depending on whether its trademark and model data are in the system. The draft order is still under discussion, and the final rates and product list may change before adoption.

Primary sources

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