The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to implement a technology levy on smartphones and laptops. Manufacturers and importers of devices registered in the state monitoring system, Chestny Znak, may receive a 33% discount on the base rate. Conversely, products absent from this system will face a 33% surcharge.
The levy is a non-tax payment introduced to stimulate local production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The calculation methodology uses a base rate derived from the median customs value of goods imported in 2025, adjusted for 4% inflation. The payment obligation for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs begins on December 1, 2026.
The government expects the levy to generate 136 ₽ billion in budget revenue over six years. These funds are earmarked for subsidizing the development of the domestic radio-electronic and micro-electronic industries. The total market for smartphones and laptops in 2025 was estimated at 520 ₽–540 billion and 160 ₽–170 billion, respectively.
Industry representatives note that the final impact of the levy on consumer prices will depend on broader economic factors, including VAT rates, logistics costs, and currency volatility. While the levy may be negligible for high-end electronics, it is expected to have a more pronounced effect on the pricing of lower-cost devices.
