Buying Apple products abroad has always been cheaper than in Russian retail. The price difference on the same iPhone could reach 20,000–30,000 rubles — especially when ordering directly from AliExpress or Ozon. But this will soon come to an end. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has supported the introduction of VAT on all foreign online orders, and this will completely change the balance of power in the market. Let’s break down how the new tax will affect prices and whether it will still make sense to order an iPhone from abroad.
Apple prices will soar even higher
How VAT on Parcels from Abroad Will Change Starting 2027
On May 6, 2026, it became known that Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade supported the introduction of VAT on foreign goods purchased online. Moreover, the ministry advocates for the maximum rate — 22% right away — starting January 1, 2027.
However, the amendments to the Tax Code prepared by the Ministry of Finance outline a phased approach:
- 2027 — 7% VAT
- 2028 — 14% VAT
- 2029 — 22% VAT
The initiative was supported by the Russian Union of Leather and Footwear Manufacturers, which appealed directly to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Major marketplaces — Ozon and Wildberries — favor a gradual increase. Their logic is clear: a sudden introduction of the full VAT would hit product assortment and push part of the trade into the gray zone — into cargo operator Telegram channels and private buyers.
New iPhones will become even more expensive as a result
Currently, when ordering goods from abroad cheaper than 200 euros, Russians pay no additional fees. Starting in 2027, VAT will be charged on all parcels — regardless of their value. The seller or marketplace will be required to pay it, but in practice these costs will be passed on to the buyer.
iPhone 17 Price from Abroad Including VAT
Let’s do the math with a specific example. Take the iPhone 17 with 256 GB — a model currently available for order on AliExpress. At the time of writing, the price of the iPhone 17 256 GB on AliExpress is 62,616 rubles. A customs duty of approximately 6,723 rubles is added to that, and starting in 2027 — VAT as well. Let’s calculate the total cost by year:
| Year | VAT Rate | VAT Amount | Total for iPhone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (current) | 0% | 0 ₽ | 69,400 ₽ |
| 2027 | 7% | 4,400 ₽ | 73,800 ₽ |
| 2028 | 14% | 8,800 ₽ | 78,200 ₽ |
| 2029 | 22% | 13,800 ₽ | 83,200 ₽ |
Now let’s compare with the price in Russian retail. At M.Video, the same iPhone 17 256 GB (black) costs 85,000 rubles — that’s the final price with all discounts included.
Comparing with M.Video and being stunned. There’s basically no difference in the end
The difference is clear. If in 2026 ordering from AliExpress saves you about 15,600 rubles, by 2028 the savings shrink to approximately 6,800 rubles. And by 2029, when VAT reaches 22%, prices will practically equalize — the difference will be only 1,800 rubles. And that’s without accounting for the risks: 2–3 weeks of delivery time, no warranty, and potential customs issues.
Why the Tax on Foreign Online Purchases Is Being Introduced
The authorities’ logic is simple: level the playing field for sellers — both Russian and foreign. Russian retail pays 22% VAT, while foreign sellers on marketplaces don’t. This means imported goods are automatically cheaper, and domestic retail loses out.
The head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, directly stated that the ministry is working on approaches to establish fairer conditions. At the same time, work is underway on equalizing marketplace commissions and fine-tuning the cross-border trade system.
It’s also worth noting that volumes of foreign orders are growing. Against the backdrop of a strengthening ruble, the number of online purchases from abroad has increased by 20–30%. The government wants this money to stay within the country — or at least generate tax revenue for the budget.
How Prices for iPhone, MacBook, and AirPods Will Change Due to the New VAT
If VAT is introduced gradually, prices on AliExpress will rise slightly in 2027 — by 5–7%. Ordering iPhones and accessories from abroad will still be worthwhile for now, although the difference will already start to shrink.
While there’s still a chance to save on Apple products from abroad, it’s better to take advantage of it
By 2028, the savings will become minimal, and by 2029 they will disappear completely. Buying an iPhone at M.Video, DNS, or re:Store will be not only easier but roughly the same price.
There’s another scenario: if the Ministry of Industry and Trade pushes through the immediate introduction of 22% starting in 2027, ordering from abroad will become pointless in just six months. Moreover, some foreign sellers may leave the Russian market — not everyone will want to register with the tax authorities and pay VAT. For buyers, the conclusion is clear: if you’ve been planning to order Apple products from AliExpress for a long time, 2026 is the last chance to do so at a truly good price. After that, the price difference will melt away with each passing year.
