mk.ru
Russia's Customs Service Clarifies Additional Duty Demands on Parallel-Imported Cars
The Russian Federal Customs Service denies mass mailings of additional duty demands for parallel-imported cars, but confirms 2,510 cases since 2022 resulting in 1.3 billion rubles in additional payments due to under-declared customs values, primarily affecting those using EAEU countries as intermediaries; electronic passports are not being canceled.
- What is the impact of the Russian Federal Customs Service's actions on car owners who imported vehicles through parallel import channels?
- The Federal Customs Service (FCS) of Russia denies mass mailing of additional duty demands to car owners, despite confirming 2,510 cases (0.3% of 815,000 imported vehicles) since 2022, resulting in 1.3 billion rubles in additional payments. These cases involve underpayment of customs duties, primarily affecting those importing vehicles via parallel import schemes.
- What specific methods are used by the FCS to identify and address cases of underpayment of customs duties on privately imported vehicles?
- The FCS actions target under-declared customs values on vehicles imported for personal use, often involving vehicles initially registered in Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, or Belarus. This practice leads to significant additional payments covering duties, VAT, and excise taxes, with a three-year statute of limitations.
- What are the long-term implications of the FCS's actions for the parallel import market in Russia, particularly regarding consumer trust and future import practices?
- The discrepancy between the FCS's claim of non-mass impact and the public perception stems from the focus on parallel importers. While a small percentage overall, these cases create considerable concern among individuals who import vehicles outside official channels, with potential future implications for those who imported vehicles in 2023 and 2024. The FCS confirmed that electronic vehicle passports are not being canceled in these situations, protecting secondary market buyers.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing leans towards downplaying the scale of the issue from the FCS's perspective. While presenting the FCS's denial of mass actions, the article prominently features the 1.3 billion rubles in additional duties collected and the numerous checks conducted. This gives considerable weight to the instances of undervaluation, even while the FCS claims the issue isn't widespread. The headline, if there was one, likely would also have influenced reader's perception; we can't assess that in the absence of the headline.
Language Bias
The language used is relatively neutral, however, the descriptions of the actions could be considered slightly loaded. For example, phrases like "'letters of happiness on a million'" in the context of tax demands are subjective and emotionally charged. A more neutral term could be 'notices of additional duty assessment.' Additionally, 'parallel import' while accurate, might have a slightly negative connotation. The article could benefit from adding neutral alternatives to increase objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the perspective of the Federal Customs Service (FCS) and car owners affected by additional duty assessments. However, it omits perspectives from importers or intermediaries who might have facilitated the undervaluation of vehicles. The potential role of these actors in the process is not explored, leaving a gap in understanding the full picture. Further, the article doesn't detail the specific processes or criteria used by the FCS to identify cases of undervaluation, making independent verification of their claims difficult. While acknowledging space constraints, including even a brief mention of the FCS's methods would enhance the article's objectivity.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by framing the issue as either a 'mass' action by the FCS or an insignificant number of isolated cases. While the FCS emphasizes the small percentage of vehicles affected (0.3%), the article acknowledges the significant impact on individual car owners and those active in parallel imports. This framing ignores the nuance of the situation – the impact might be proportionally small for the FCS, but substantial for certain individuals and groups.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how inconsistencies in customs duty payments disproportionately affect individuals involved in parallel imports, potentially exacerbating economic inequalities. Those with fewer resources may face greater challenges in complying with complex regulations and paying additional duties, widening the gap between different socioeconomic groups.