Sanctions ban the import of second-hand clothes into Russia

Ivan Zubov

Curious processes are taking place in Russia after the departure of many Western brands from the country. As Novye Izvestia has already reported, almost immediately after the imposition of sanctions, Russians became seriously interested in goods from second-hand stores and thrift stores. According to experts, the number of purchases of used clothing and accessories, including luxury brands, has increased two and a half times over the past 8 months. Marketplaces such as Post Bank and Yandex.Market began to sell them.

However, this joy seems to be coming to an end: the sanctions have now extended to the supply of second-hand goods. In any case, according to the head of the GW-Cargo sales department, Nadezhda Kologreyeva, stores will have to refuse to import used clothes, since the latest package of EU sanctions includes goods under customs code 6309, which includes used clothes, since they can be use for "dual use, that is, for military purposes."

In addition, the cost of transporting such things from European countries has also increased by 10-20%, including due to changes in exchange rates and higher fuel prices. The GW-Cargo company brought its goods for sale in second-hand stores from the Baltic countries, Italy, and Britain.

What about in return? Old clothes are now being replaced by new and well-known brands, but from old collections and with cut labels and tags. Initially, it was intended for the countries of Africa and Asia, but now Russian dealers are hunting for it. Outdated products from the brands Zara, H&M, Nike and Adidas are bought in bulk. It turns out that in European countries there are special factories that prepare “outdated” or worn items for resale. After the start of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, in order to send such things to Russia and the CIS countries, labels must be cut off, because otherwise, cars with clothes from brands that have suspended work in our country are not allowed to cross the border.