russian federation – measures implementing
russia's import substitution policy

Questions from the United States

The following communication, dated 2 September 2020, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of the United States.

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Background

The United States remains concerned about the localization measures adopted by the Government of Russia. The United States submitted written questions about a number of measures as found in document G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/8. Since those questions were submitted to the WTO in January 2018, Russia has adopted further localization measures applicable to state‑owned enterprises, private enterprises and consumers. Such measures include, but are not limited to:

·              Resolution No. 925 (September 16, 2019) granting a 15% price preference for any goods, works or services purchased by entities covered by Law No. 223‑FZ.

·              Resolution No. 878 (July 10, 2019) establishing a State Register of Russian Radio‑Electronics and mandating that SOEs apply a 30% price preference for Russian‑made products.

·              Resolution No. 309 (July 24, 2020) recommending that the Government and specific Ministries accelerate or create local content requirements in a variety of industry sectors.

·              Law No. 429 (December 2, 2019) mandating the pre‑installation of certain Russian software applications on certain "technically complex goods".

·              Proposal from the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media requiring the owners of elements included in the critical information infrastructure to "primarily use" Russian software and hardware.