Russia Exploring Legalization of 'Grey Imports'
Russia is considering allowing retailers to import products without the permission of trademark holders, Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service said March 18. FAS said it met with Russia's biggest online retailer Wildberries and discussed the legalization of "grey imports." Reuters reported the draft resolution prepared by FAS is currently under consideration by the Russian government.
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"The FAS initiative allowing parallel imports will be an effective support measure," said Tatyana Bakalchuk, director of Wildberries, in a statement to Reuters. "Small and medium-sized businesses will be allowed to legally import foreign goods without seeking additional permission, and the consumer will get access to a wider assortment of goods of a high quality for reasonable prices," which is "especially important for socially-significant goods like medicines, foodstuffs and children's products."