Russia is extending the simplified procedure for importing electronic devices and equipment for a number of items until the end of 2024. The corresponding decree No. 2388 was adopted by the government on December 29, 2023, and signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The decision is aimed at providing consumers with goods containing equipment for encryption or cryptographic capabilities. For example, it is found in smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, microchips and radios. The simplified procedure concerns the procedure for issuing permits for the import of these products, as well as their submission to customs authorities.
The December decree amends the document that regulated the simplified procedure for importing electronic devices and equipment into Russia from mid-2022. This is Government Decree No. 834 of May 9, 2022 "On Establishing Specifics of Importation into the Russian Federation of Encryption (Cryptographic) Tools and Goods Containing Them".
For industry, the December decree means that industry associations can apply for notification to the Center for Licensing, Certification and Protection of State Secrets of the FSB of Russia for the import of all devices with cryptographic capabilities or encryption until the end of 2024. For example, electronics manufacturers. Previously, before May 9, 2022, only the manufacturer of technical products - conditional HUAWEI or Xiaomi - had this right.
If the devices or microchips are components for industrial production of equipment on the territory of Russia, then a number of systemically important enterprises in Russia are not required to submit information about their notification to the customs authorities. However, provided that these enterprises are included in the list of systemically important organizations of the Russian economy. This relaxation is also valid until the end of 2024.
The support measure has already been appreciated by major manufacturers. But it is not yet known whether smaller manufacturers of base stations, computers, smartphones and other domestic equipment will receive similar significant support from the state this year. We are talking about preferential loans to replenish warehouse stocks with foreign electronic components. The program, which opened in 2022, was not suitable for everyone. The minimum loan amount started at 3 billion rubles, and the maximum loan limit was set at 100 billion rubles. However, even in this form, it helped the development of Russian electronics, until the funds allocated to subsidize the program ran out in November 2023. The Ministry of Digital Development then assured that they were considering the issue of allocating additional funding for these purposes from the program for the development of the electronic and radio-electronic industry, but there is no positive news on this matter yet.
It is worth noting that the restriction of imports of foreign equipment is also being discussed by increasing prices for it through the introduction of a recycling fee. At the end of 2023, representatives of a number of industry consortia выступили с этой инициативой в Совфеде, предлагая его по пяти кодам ОКПД. These are "portable computers and smartphones", "tablet computers", "video cameras", "image recording and playback equipment" and "assembled printed circuit boards".
It is assumed that through the proceeds of the recycling fee on foreign smartphones, video cameras, boards and televisions, Russia will be able to receive new funds into the budget, which it will direct to the development of its similar industries. The Ministry of Industry and Trade then supported the initiative, but no specific time frame for the implementation of the idea has yet been announced.