The market for used and new cars in Russia is undergoing a global transformation. Official dealers have stopped direct deliveries of many brands, including Skoda Auto, which created a shortage of new copies on the market. However, the demand for popular models such as Octavia, Kodiaq and Superb, remained consistently high. Under these conditions, the scheme parallel import has become the only legal way to purchase the car you want without waiting for official deliveries.
The essence of the process is to purchase a vehicle abroad through intermediaries or independently with subsequent import into the territory of the Russian Federation. This is a complex mechanism that requires a deep understanding of customs legislation, logistics routes and legal intricacies of registration. Mistakes at any stage can lead to significant financial losses or complete seizure of the car at the border. Therefore, it is important to approach the issue with the utmost seriousness.
Many buyers mistakenly believe that parallel import is simply โbought abroad and brought back.โ The reality is much more complicated. You will interact with foreign sellers, customs brokers and certification centers. Each step requires the preparation of documents and a thorough check of the car. Without professional support, the risk of encountering problems when registering with the traffic police increases many times over.
Import schemes and choice of donor country
The choice of the country from which the purchase will be made plays a key role in the final cost of the car and the timing of its delivery. Main directions for import Skoda now these are China, the countries of the UAE, Tรผrkiye and the states of the European Union (mainly Poland and Germany). Chinese versions are distinguished by specific equipment and are often adapted to local conditions, which may not be suitable for Russian drivers.
European markets offer cars that are as close as possible to those previously sold in the Russian Federation. However, logistics from Europe can be difficult due to closed borders and high tariffs. Tรผrkiye and the UAE are becoming increasingly popular departure points, as they offer right-hand drive (rarely) or left-hand drive models, adapted to different climate zones. It is important to consider that customs value in different countries may differ by 10-15% due to exchange rate differences.
It is also important to remember that some countries have restrictions on the export of new cars. For example, in Germany or Poland, dealers may refuse to sell to an individual without a local registered address. In such cases, specialized intermediary companies come to the rescue; they formalize the transaction in their name and then resell the car to you. This increases the final price, but guarantees the legality of the transaction.
Customs clearance and calculation of duties
Calculation of customs duties is the most difficult stage of preparation. For individuals, rates depend on the age of the car, engine size and cost. If you are importing a car older than 3 years, the duty is calculated depending on the engine size in euros per cubic centimeter. For Skoda Octavia with a 1.4 l engine the amount can be one, but for Skoda Kodiaq with a 2.0 l engine - significantly higher.
For legal entities and individual entrepreneurs importing cars for subsequent resale, different rules apply. Here a prerequisite is the presence certificate of conformity per batch or unit of goods. Without this document, customs clearance is impossible. It is important to understand that customs rates change regularly, so before starting a transaction you need to update the data on the FCS website or with a professional broker.
Particular attention should be paid to recycling fees. For commercial purposes it amounts to hundreds of thousands of rubles, while for personal use (subject to conditions) it is much less. However, if you import a car as an individual and sell it after 12 months, the state will require you to pay the difference in the salvage fee up to the commercial level. This is a critical point that beginners often miss.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not try to underestimate the invoice value of the car in the documents. Customs authorities have access to international price databases and, if discrepancies are identified, they will charge a duty based on the real market value, plus impose large fines.
- China
- UAE
- Tรผrkiye
- Europe
Certification and receipt of EPTS
After passing through customs, the car must undergo a certification procedure. This is necessary to receive EPTS (Electronic vehicle passport). Without an EPTS, the car will not be registered with the traffic police. The process includes checking whether the vehicle design complies with Russian technical regulations. If the factory parameters do not meet the requirements, modification will be required at a certified enterprise.
The most common problems arise with safety and environmental systems. For example, the lack of certain sensors or non-compliance of exhaust gases with Euro 6 standards can become an obstacle. In some cases, it is necessary to install additional elements, such as reflectors or daytime running lights. For models Skoda Fabia or Skoda Kamiqimported from countries with different standards, this may be critical.
The procedure for obtaining EPTS takes from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the workload of testing laboratories. All certification costs are the responsibility of the buyer. It is important to choose accredited centers that work directly with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to avoid the risks of receiving an invalid document. Errors in the registration of EPTS can lead to refusal to register a car for several months.
โ๏ธ Check before certification
Legal risks and buyer protection
Purchasing a car through parallel imports involves certain legal risks. The main one is the risk of fraud from unscrupulous intermediaries. They may take an advance payment and disappear, or deliver a car with significant defects not specified in the contract. Always request a detailed report on the condition of the machine and a video review before paying. Never transfer money to personal accounts of individuals.
The purchase and sale agreement must be drawn up in as much detail as possible. It must indicate all the characteristics of the car, VIN number, seller data and conditions for transfer of goods. If the transaction goes through an intermediary, it is important to clearly state who is responsible for customs clearance and certification. Companies often use vague language that allows them to avoid liability in the event of force majeure.
It is also worth considering that the import of a car may be blocked if a registration ban is imposed on it in the country of export. For example, if the car was pawned in a bank or is stolen. Checking the history using the VIN code is required before purchasing. Use international databases and car history checking services to ensure the integrity of the transaction.
What to do if your car is detained at customs?
If the car is detained, you must urgently contact the customs broker. Additional documents or payment of fines may be required. In some cases, the machine may be sent to storage, which will incur additional costs for each day of downtime.
Specifics of service and spare parts
After purchasing and registering a car, the question of its further maintenance arises. Official dealers Skoda Now they only work with cars imported under โgrayโ schemes, but they can refuse warranty service if the car has not passed official certification. This means that repairs and maintenance will have to be carried out in unofficial services or private workshops.
Spare parts for models Skoda Rapid, Scala and Superb are available on the market, but their prices have increased significantly. Many components are now imported through the same parallel import schemes as the cars themselves. This leads to increased delivery times. If you need an original part that is only stocked in Europe, the wait may take between 2 and 6 weeks.
Maintenance should not differ from the manufacturerโs regulations, but it is important to use high-quality consumables. Many owners switch to analogues of well-known brands, which are not inferior in quality to the original, but are cheaper. However, for complex systems such as DSG gearboxes or turbo engines, it is better to use original oils and filters to avoid costly repairs in the future.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Avoid using low quality non-original spare parts for critical vehicle components. Saving on brake pads or shock absorbers can lead to accidents on the road.
Before purchasing spare parts, always check the part numbers with those listed in the service book of your car. This will help avoid ordering errors and ensure compatibility of parts.
Cost and final benefit
Many buyers are wondering whether it is profitable to buy a car through parallel imports. On the one hand, you get a new or nearly new car that would otherwise be unaffordable. On the other hand, the final price may be 20-30% higher than before the introduction of sanctions. This is due to logistics, customs duties, intermediary commissions and exchange rates.
However, for some models such as Skoda Kodiaq in the maximum configuration, parallel import remains the only way to get a car โhere and nowโ. The wait for official deliveries may take years, and prices on the secondary market have already risen. In this case, overpaying for urgency and availability may be justified.
It is also important to take into account possible hidden costs, such as insurance, registration with the traffic police and the first maintenance. All these expenses must be budgeted in advance. If you plan to use the car for commercial purposes, calculate the return on investment taking into account all expenses. In some cases, buying a used car on the secondary market may be more profitable.
| Model Skoda | Average price in the Russian Federation (before sanctions) | Current import price | Difference in % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octavia | 2 500 000 โฝ | 3 200 000 โฝ | +28% |
| Kodiaq | 3 800 000 โฝ | 4 900 000 โฝ | +29% |
| Superb | 4 200 000 โฝ | 5 500 000 โฝ | +31% |
| Karoq | 3 100 000 โฝ | 3 900 000 โฝ | +26% |
โ ๏ธ Attention: Prices for cars with parallel imports may change daily due to currency fluctuations and changes in customs rates. Don't rely on old data when planning your budget.
Market prospects and legislative changes
The situation with parallel imports is unstable. The state periodically introduces new restrictions or, conversely, simplifies procedures for certain categories of goods. For example, there were times when the recycling fee for certain groups of cars was reduced, which made importation more profitable. Follow the news on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Federal Customs Service so as not to miss opportunities to optimize costs.
In the future, official supply channels through friendly countries may appear. This can stabilize prices and simplify the registration process. However, for now, parallel imports remain the main source of new cars Skoda on the Russian market. Importing companies are actively developing their supply chains, offering more and more turnkey services.
For buyers, this means the market is becoming more structured. Specialized sites and services are appearing that take on all the risks and difficulties. This increases the transparency of transactions and reduces the likelihood of fraud. However, trust in intermediaries must still be justified and verified.
Parallel import is a complex but working mechanism. Using it requires careful preparation, a budget for hidden costs, and preparedness for possible delays in delivery and paperwork.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to import a right-hand drive Skoda through parallel import?
Technically, import is possible, but registration of such vehicles with the traffic police is prohibited. You can import a car, but you will not be able to register it and drive it on public roads. The exception is for cars imported before the introduction of the relevant bans, but this only applies to older models.
How long does the entire import process take?
On average, the process takes from 1.5 to 3 months. This includes time to find a car, delivery to the border, customs clearance and obtaining an EPTS. In some cases, if there are problems with documents or delays at customs, the period may increase to 4-5 months.
Do they provide a guarantee for cars imported through parallel imports?
The official manufacturer's warranty does not apply to such vehicles. A guarantee can only be provided by the selling company or service center with which you enter into a separate agreement. The quality and duration of such a guarantee depend on the conditions of the particular seller.
Is it possible to clear a car through customs without a certificate of conformity?
No, it is impossible to register a car without a certificate of conformity and EPTS. Obtaining a certificate is a mandatory step for legalizing a car in Russia. There are no exceptions to this rule.
What happens if you sell your car within 12 months?
If you imported a car as an individual and then sold it within 12 months, the government will require you to pay the difference between the personal and commercial disposal fees. This can amount to hundreds of thousands of rubles, so selling the car in the first year is not recommended.