Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the development of measures to limit Tetra Pak-style packaging imports from Asian countries, particularly India and China, to protect domestic packaging producers. The directive follows a proposal by Alexander Krivolapov, CEO of Packaging Systems, who emphasized the threat posed to Russian dairy and beverage packaging manufacturers by cheaper Asian imports. The move coincides with Russia’s recent launch of a domestic alternative to Tetra Pak in the Moscow region.
In a move aimed at shielding domestic packaging manufacturers, Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the creation of a mechanism to restrict the import of Tetra Pak-style packaging from Asian nations such as India and China. The instruction came during a high-level meeting with business leaders, as part of broader efforts to boost self-reliance in the country’s packaging sector.
The proposal was initiated by Packaging Systems, a Russian company specializing in dairy and beverage packaging solutions. CEO Alexander Krivolapov raised concerns about increasing competition from cheaper imports, particularly from India and China, which he said threatened the viability and capacity utilization of new packaging facilities under development across Russia.
President Putin referenced similar protective efforts seen in the automotive industry, where a recycling fee was introduced to support local manufacturers. “There are subtle mechanisms… Everything can be done if we work calmly and rhythmically,” Putin said, underlining the government’s intent to use strategic policies while staying within international trade rules.
Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, pointed out that under current World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, import tariffs on packaging materials cannot be raised beyond 5% for so-called “friendly countries.” This limitation means that Russia must consider non-tariff tools to support its domestic packaging sector.
This policy direction coincides with the opening of a new Russian facility in the Moscow region dedicated to producing packaging for long-term beverage storage. The plant serves as a local alternative to Tetra Pak’s products, following the multinational packaging company’s withdrawal from the Russian market amid geopolitical and trade disruptions.
The planned import restrictions are part of a larger national strategy to encourage local production, reduce foreign dependency, and strengthen the competitiveness of Russian industry. With rising pressure from Asian suppliers and increased demand for domestic innovation, the move is seen as critical for the country’s dairy and beverage packaging sector.