The Government of the Russian Federation adopted Resolution No. 455 of April 23, 2026, amending Resolution No. 2425 of December 23, 2021 regarding the unified list of products subject to mandatory certification. The amendment introduces a new Section 28 covering general-purpose electric motors with power ratings from 1 to 400 kW.

The regulation applies to products classified under HS code 8501 and establishes mandatory compliance with interstate GOST standards related to energy efficiency and testing methods for asynchronous electric motors. Specifically, motors must comply with the requirements established in Sections 5.3 and 5.4 of GOST 31605-2012 concerning energy efficiency indicators, as well as Sections 7.4 to 7.7 of GOST 7217-87 concerning testing procedures for rotating electrical machines.

The resolution establishes that, until March 1, 2027, the manufacture, commercialization and importation of the affected products into the Russian Federation will be permitted without mandatory conformity assessment documents confirming compliance with the referenced standards. This transitional measure is intended to facilitate market adaptation before full enforcement of the certification requirements.

The resolution will officially enter into force on September 1, 2026.

This is a medium-impact regulatory change because it introduces new mandatory certification requirements for general-purpose electric motors with power ratings from 1 to 400 kW in the Russian market. The regulation affects manufacturers, importers and distributors of industrial electric motors, particularly those supplying products subject to Russian conformity assessment procedures. However, the impact is moderated by the existence of a transitional period until March 1, 2027, during which products may still be manufactured, imported and commercialized without mandatory conformity documents.

Key reasons for medium impact:

• New mandatory certification scope The resolution adds general-purpose electric motors (1–400 kW) to the unified list of products subject to mandatory certification in Russia.
• Energy efficiency requirements Affected products must comply with GOST 31605-2012 requirements related to energy efficiency indicators for asynchronous electric motors.
• Testing and conformity obligations Manufacturers and importers will need to demonstrate compliance with testing procedures established in GOST 7217-87.
• Industrial product focus The measure impacts a specific industrial equipment category rather than all electrical or consumer products.
• Transitional implementation period Until March 1, 2027, products may still circulate without mandatory conformity documents, reducing immediate operational disruption.
• Potential impact on imports Foreign manufacturers exporting motors to Russia may need additional technical testing, certification and documentation adjustments.
• Increased compliance preparation Companies will likely need to review technical files, energy efficiency classifications and conformity assessment strategies before full enforcement.

Who is affected?

• Manufacturers of industrial electric motors
• Importers and distributors of electric motors in Russia
• Industrial equipment suppliers using asynchronous motors
• Certification bodies and testing laboratories
• Regulatory compliance and market access teams
• Industrial automation and machinery manufacturers

Conclusion

This measure should be classified as medium impact because it creates new mandatory certification and testing obligations for a relevant category of industrial electrical equipment, while also introducing energy efficiency compliance requirements. However, the transitional period until March 2027 and the relatively narrow product scope reduce the immediate market disruption. The impact could become high for companies heavily dependent on exports of industrial electric motors to the Russian market.