How to import a vintage car into Russia: lawyer's advice

      April 20, 2026 13:14 Society NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Polina Zubova Importing a car older than 30 years from abroad has its peculiarities. Despite the relaxations, the procedure remains technically and bureaucratically complex. Andrey Polozov, a member of the regional branch of the Russian Lawyers Association and a lawyer, told NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" what to pay attention to when registering a retro car. According to the expert, certain benefits are provided for passenger cars older than 30 years. In particular, it is not required to pay the recycling fee, confirm the environmental class, and install the "ERA-GLONASS" system. However, a key condition is that the car must meet the requirements of GOST R 58686-2019, which regulates the status of rare vehicles. "The main thing is that the body, frame, and engine must be completely preserved or restored to factory condition. Original numbers of the units and their original configuration are mandatory," the lawyer emphasized. At the same time, the condition of the identification numbers often becomes a problem. Over the decades, they may be subject to corrosion or damage. Any traces of cleaning or restoration are revealed by expertise, which can lead to a refusal of import. Serious tuning, installation of a non-original engine, or custom body elements also become grounds for refusal. If the engine is replaced, it must correspond to the era and factory versions of the model. Before purchasing, it is necessary to check the car's history through international databases by VIN number. Marks such as total loss, salvage, or rebuilt, indicating serious damage and restoration, may lead to a ban on registration. To recognize the car as rare, a historical and technical expertise must be passed. Specialists study the car's design and verify the unit numbers, confirming the authenticity of the main components. Customs payments are calculated taking into account the age of the car, its estimated value, and environmental class. If the car is planned to be used on public roads, electronic PTS registration will be required. If it will only be an exhibit without operation, PTS is not needed. In some regions, additional requirements may apply, such as a certificate from the Ministry of Culture. Additionally, customs may require a deposit of up to 20% of the car's value. These funds are returned only in the absence of claims and correct document processing. Errors in documents or disputed conclusions of expertise can lead to the car being stuck at customs. "Technically and bureaucratically, the registration of such cars is more complicated than importing newer cars. The economic sense exists only when it can be proven that this is indeed a rarity and cultural value," added Andrey Polozov. If the car is imported for everyday use without recognition of historical value, duties are charged as for modern transport, including the recycling fee. In practice, for cars older than 30 years with an engine capacity of 2-3 liters, payments can range from 3,000 to 8,000 euros or more. Communication with the lawyer took place as part of a joint project of the media group NOIC and the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of the Russian Lawyers Association "So You Know." Earlier, Nizhny Novgorod residents were told how to obtain compensation from an auto service if their car was damaged during repairs. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.