Queues of imported cars at Russian borders persist amid new recycling fee rules

Long queues of imported cars at Russia’s border are likely to continue until the end of November, with reports indicating that thousands of vehicles are waiting to enter the country.

The congestion, particularly at the Kazakhstan border, has been attributed to fears of price hikes stemming from upcoming changes to Russia's recycling fee rules, which were initially set to take effect in November but have now been postponed until December 1, Caliber.Az reports, ciitng Russian media. 

According to industry sources, around 3,000 to 4,000 car transporters, mostly carrying vehicles from China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, are currently stuck in queues as they await clearance to cross into Russia. Most of these shipments pass through Kazakhstan, which is facing the most severe border delays.

Oleg Chernikov, a representative of an independent service company, reported that up to 9,000 trucks are waiting at border checkpoints between Russia and Kazakhstan. This is exacerbated by reports of “paid” queue practices, where drivers pay to jump the line, further lengthening waiting times. Experts say delays at some points have increased by over 30% compared to the previous month.

The situation has sparked concern among Russian car dealers, who are rushing to import vehicles before the new recycling fee regulations come into force. The Federal Customs Service of Russia has assured that the peak congestion seen in late October has passed and that border crossings are now operating smoothly.

Since November 1, the number of car carriers entering Russia has significantly increased. According to the Federal Customs Service, over 1,000 car transporters (equivalent to 5,528 vehicles) have arrived through the Primorsky Krai road border crossings, almost four times the volume seen in the same period last year. In response to the surge, the customs service has increased staffing levels and extended working hours at checkpoints to expedite vehicle processing.

By Sabina Mammadli