Russia Imposes 35% Import Tariffs On Cosmetics & Perfumes From Unfriendly Countries

Russia’s Trade & Industry Ministry has stated that Russia will impose increased customs duty of 35% on perfume, eau de toilette, powder, hair and lip makeup products, as well as skin care products imported from unfriendly countries. The tariffs are immediately effective.

The Ministry notes said that the updated list of goods subject to duty was determined jointly with the Russian business community. The new measure will affect only those types of products where Russian manufacturers already produce products that are not inferior in quality and range.

The tariffs will hit primarily United States, most European, Japanese and South Korean cosmetics manufacturers, although French perfumes were excluded and are subject to only 20% import duty.

A way around these tariffs would instead to commit to manufacturing these products in Russia itself. A similar situation is evolving within the Russian auto market. Chinese and Indian cosmetics and perfumery producers may also benefit in Russia when competing against Western imports.

The ministry stated that these measures have proven effectiveness and beneficial for Russia’s domestic manufacturers, saying that “Russian production in these sectors grew by 22% in 2024 compared to 2023. An increase in the localization of production was also observed. The niches freed up as a result of the departure of Western manufacturers and timely support from the state in promoting Russian brands contributed to the fact that the share of national brands by the end of 2024 accounts for 68% of the total market, which is almost 17% more than in 2023.”

The Russian cosmetics market is a large and rapidly growing segment of the beauty industry, estimated at being worth US$3.12 billion in 2024 and projected to reach US$3.47 billion by 2028. This market is characterized by a shift towards domestic manufacturing and a focus on Asian markets for retailers.