From December 1, gadgets will rise in price in Russia

General Director of the Russian division of Pantum Alexander Kukin explained how this will affect the final cost of electronics for ordinary customers.

According to his estimates, on average, smartphones will rise by 500 rubles, and laptops – by about 1000 rubles. At the same time, such an increase will be more noticeable for budget models, but it will practically not affect the cost of flagships.

The new rules will hit the least known brands that are not included in the register of the Honest Sign system. Registered manufacturers will pay a lower fee compared to suppliers of Chinese counterparts.

The expert advises not to panic and not to buy equipment for the future. “Consumers will not even notice this increase because it is minimal. The price increase of 300-500 rubles can be easily compensated by currency fluctuations or changes in the trade margin, Kukin said.

The real danger lies in the possible segmentation of the market. Official retailers selling large volumes of low-cost devices will be required to pay a new fee. At the same time, grey importers who are now focusing on expensive models (such as Apple’s appliances) can switch to the budget segment, evading payouts.

As a result, on marketplaces, “gray” smartphones can become 10-15% cheaper than in official stores. Therefore, choosing a gadget after December 1, you should carefully assess not only the attractive price, but also the reliability of the seller, so as not to lose quality and warranty.