Russia lowered the standards for vehicle manufacturing on its territory, allowing the production of cars without ABS or airbags, due to shortages of electronic components and spare parts due to Western sanctions.
In a decree issued on May 12, the Russian government established a list of simplified standards to be able to certify new vehicles produced in the country.
Among these new regulations, the government allows manufacturers not to equip vehicles with ABS sensors or airbags, or even seat belt pre-tensioners.
The decree is in force until February 1, 2023. According to it, Russia also considerably lowers environmental standards, the daily Kommersant reported in its Tuesday edition.
The newspaper notes that the vehicles return to a level equivalent to those manufactured in 1988.
Following the Russian offensive in Ukraine, Western countries imposed severe sanctions on the Russian automobile sector, in particular banning exports of spare parts to Russia.
In addition, many producers have announced that they will stop selling components or cars to Russia, such as Audi, Honda, Jaguar or Porsche.
In May, Russia published a list of 100 categories of goods that are allowed to be imported without the consent of intellectual property owners in order to circumvent restrictions.
Among these products are the main brands of automobiles and spare parts.
Vladimir Putin shouts that the West has unleashed an economic war against his country, but that Russia resists sanctions and now has the opportunity to develop its own national productions.
