Import of satellite communications radio equipment into Russia is prohibited

By Resolution No. 488 of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 29.04.2026, for a period of 6 months, the import into the Russian Federation of radio equipment intended for transmitting and/or receiving radio waves from communications satellites in space (including dual-use equipment) of foreign states that do not have a State Commission decision allocating radio frequencies is prohibited. 
Amendments are being made to Resolution No. 923 of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 13.09.2012 on the list of strategically important goods and resources for the purposes of Article 226.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and on determining the types of strategically important goods and resources for which a value exceeding 100 thousand rubles is considered a large amount.

This includes, among other things:
• Satellite phones (such as Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya, etc.)
• Satellite internet terminals (Starlink, OneWeb, and similar)
• Other satellite communications equipment using foreign satellites.

A Rostest certificate is now required to import them. Only those with special authorization and access to operate on Russian frequencies will be able to import such devices. Experts warn that problems may arise even with phones purchased earlier.

The resolution entered into force on 1 May 2026.