The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced an increase in utilization fee rates from August 1. The rate for passenger cars will be indexed by 1.7-3.7 times (depending on engine size), for LCV class vehicles – by 2.5-3.4 times, for trucks – by 1.7 times, for buses – by 2.2-4.8 times, and for electric buses – by 8.7 times. The new rates will apply to all cars imported into Russia – both new and used. The only exception is that the indexation does not affect electric vehicles.
The utilization fee is paid for all cars – both imported into the Russian Federation and manufactured in the country. However, local automakers who have concluded special investment contracts (SPIC) receive compensation for the utilization fee (depending on the degree of localization). In addition, domestic automakers who have concluded SPICs may receive a deferral in the payment of the utilization fee. This measure, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, should help automakers solve the problem of a shortage of working capital.
