From September 1, 2026, a new technological fee (tech fee) will come into effect in Russia. Importers and manufacturers of electronic products will make the payment. Industry experts have assessed the possible consequences of introducing the new fee.
The fee is aimed at financing programs for the development of the domestic radio-electronic industry and supporting local production. Its size will be fixed for each category of goods — no more than 5,000 rubles per unit.
At the first stage, the fee will apply to smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs and other electronics, and later it may also affect electronic components.
According to experts, the technological fee will become an additional burden on business. Companies are likely to pass these costs on to consumers, which will lead to higher prices for electronics. On average, the increase in price may be from 3 to 10 percent, depending on the category of goods and the brand's policy.
Experts believe that for importers this is actually a new tax, reducing the profitability and attractiveness of importing finished equipment. At the same time, manufacturers with a high proportion of Russian components will be able to receive benefits or exemption from payment. This, according to experts, will be an incentive to transfer assembly capacities and component production to Russia.
Experts note that in the short term, the innovation will lead to higher prices and a reduction in the range, and in the long term, it may contribute to the development of the domestic electronics market and the strengthening of the country's technological independence.
