Moscow — Russia has eased safety standards for cars produced on its territory, such as dropping the requirement for airbags, after Sanctions against the WestOver the war in UkraineThis caused a shortage in electronic components and car parts. The Russian government announced that it would reduce the requirements for certifying certain types of new vehicles manufactured in Russia by signing a decree on May 12.
It covers cars without Anti-Lock Braking System sensors, airbags, or Emergency Locking Retractors for seatbelts. The decree is effective until February 1, 2023.
Musa Sadulayev/AP
According to the same decree Russia will also significantly lower its environmental standards on cars, Kommersant business newspaper reported Monday, bringing them back up to standards for vehicles manufactured in 1988.
Moscow sent troops to Ukraine in February. The West responded with a barrage sanctions targeting Russia, including a ban on the export of car parts.
Numerous car manufacturers have stopped selling their parts or cars to Russia, including Audi and Jaguar, Porsche, and BMW, Ford, Hyundai and Mercedes. However, Russian production was halted by Volvo, Ford, Hyundai and Mercedes.
Russia granted permission to import hundreds of different goods, including major brands of cars and spare parts, earlier this month. This was to avoid restrictions imposed by the Ukraine conflict.
While President Vladimir Putin repeatedly stated that Russia’s economy has escaped the sanctions well over the years, economists believe that there is still a lot of economic damage to come.
