Russian regulatory agency Rosstandart announced on Wednesday (July 30, 2025) a ban on the import and sale of multiple truck models from several Chinese brands.
The affected vehicles include:
- Dongfeng: DFH4180, DFH5200B
- Foton: BJ4189, H5, M4L chassis
- FAW: CA4250, CA4180, JH6-B 8X4
- Shandeka (Sinotruk): ZZHS
The ban cites safety threats to public health, with inspections revealing:
- Non-compliance in braking performance
- Improper seat belt installations
Enforcement measures:
- Suspension of OTTS certification (Vehicle Type Approval) and chassis type approvals for relevant models
- Mandatory recall of problematic vehicles and sales halt ordered for manufacturers, with penalties for non-compliance
- Dealers have suspended sales and are developing safety compliance plans
Quotes from netizens discussing Russia’s ban on Chinese truck brands:
- On Technical Standards & Market Protection:”The official reason given is safety issues… but Russian media calculated that these brands account for 27.6% of the truck market. Kamaz, the symbol of Soviet industrial glory, had to shorten working hours due to losses.”
- On Quality Concerns vs. Political Motives:”The banned Shandeka ZZHS had passed European certification… How can the objectivity of Russian standards not be questioned? This is clearly planned protectionism.”
- On Economic Priorities During War:”Russia’s foreign exchange is tight due to sanctions and wartime economy. Consumer imports must be compressed to prioritize military imports. China’s auto exports to Russia fell 32% in Q1.”
- On Russia’s Strategic Inconsistency:”While deeply besieged, Russia still found time to kick China… It introduced Korean brands even though South Korea supplies artillery shells to Ukraine. How can such a country have real friends?”
- On Media Narratives:”Russian media is actively trying to brainwash us: Chinese cars are junk… This is an organized smear campaign—Western forces, domestic automakers, and nationalism all play a role.
- On Dependency Risks:”Russia fears losing autonomy in core industrial sectors… China filled the void after Western brands left, but rising dependence makes Moscow uneasy.”
- On Alternatives to Chinese Trucks:”Why trust Russian-made passenger aircraft? They have nothing but oil. Importing them would be riskier than relying on China’s C919.”
