MOSCOW, March 28. /TASS/. Parallel imports do not mean legalization of counterfeit goods, a source in the press service of the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry told TASS on Monday, adding that the issue is particularly about importation of original goods through alternative channels.
"In accordance with the decisions taken by the government of the Russian Federation, the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry has drafted a decree recalling responsibility for parallel imports of products on a definite range of products. Meanwhile, the list of products will be approved by the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry," the press service said, adding that "parallel imports do not mean legalization of counterfeit goods, with the issue being particularly about importation of original goods through alternative channels."
The list of products will be defined on the basis of proposals of relevant federal executive authorities, the ministry noted, adding that products necessary "for saturating the consumer market" will be put on the list. "Currently there is no ban on parallel imports as such. The task is to neutralize the risk of bringing importers to civil responsibility from the side of rightsholders, whose products will be imported beyond the official distribution channels," the ministry explained.
Parallel imports suggest importation of goods produced overseas to Russia by any person without receiving the approval of producer-rightsholder.
Earlier on Monday a representative of the press service of the Russian Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) told TASS citing the head of the service Maksim Shaskolsky, that parallel imports trigger an expansion of the Russian market of goods, as well as push prices for products sold down. Parallel imports should not be used if rightsholders or other persons with their consent have localized and ensured uninterrupted production of goods on Russian soil, according to FAS.