This morning Telegram exploded with panic: supposedly Russia has banned the import of iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel devices. The reason — a new government decree banning devices with satellite communication capabilities. Some channels have already declared the entire smartphone market in the country dead. But is it really that bad? Let’s calmly look at the facts.
Could the iPhone be banned due to satellite communication?
What Satellite Equipment Import Ban Has Been Introduced in Russia
On April 30, 2026, the Russian government published Decree No. 488, which came into effect on May 1. The document prohibits the import of radio-electronic devices designed to transmit and receive radio waves from communication space objects of foreign states. In simple terms — equipment for working with foreign satellites.
The ban applies to devices that do not have a decision from the State Radio Frequency Commission on the allocation of radio frequency bands. Enforcement is assigned to the Federal Customs Service and the FSB of Russia. The measure is temporary — it will be in effect for six months. The appendix to the decree lists a specific list of goods with HS codes of the EAEU. And this is where things get interesting.
Which HS Codes Were Used to Restrict Equipment Imports to Russia
This is what the decree looks like
The appendix to the decree lists four codes:
- 8517 61 000 2
- 8517 61 000 8
- 8517 62 000 9
- 8517 69 900 0
All of them belong to the category of radio-electronic devices designed to transmit and receive radio waves from communication satellites of foreign states. Essentially, this refers to satellite terminals and modems — like those used by SpaceX’s Starlink system.
And now the key point. Smartphones fall under code 8517 13 000 0. This code is not on the list. Other types of telephone devices — code 8517 18 000 0 — are also absent. So formally, smartphones are not subject to the ban.
Where Did the Rumors About an iPhone Ban in Russia Come From
The reason is simple: modern flagship smartphones can indeed work with satellites. iPhone 14 and later models have the Emergency SOS via satellite feature — emergency communication via the Globalstar network. Similar capabilities are appearing in Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel lineups.
iPhones have had the ability to send messages via satellite for a while now
One of the Telegram channels published a post claiming that due to the decree, the import of flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Google into Russia could be banned. The logic was: since the phone has a satellite communication module, it falls under the restrictions. And for importing, supposedly there’s the threat of confiscation and even criminal liability under the smuggling statute.
Sounds frightening. But let’s look at it from another angle.
The Difference Between iPhone and Satellite Equipment
Several things need to be clarified here. First, the decree operates with specific HS codes — and smartphones are not among them. Code 8517 13 000 0, under which smartphones are processed during customs clearance, is absent from the appendix to the decree.
Second, satellite communication in the iPhone is not the device’s primary function. The iPhone is classified as a smartphone, not as a satellite terminal. Customs classification is determined by the primary purpose of the product, not by the presence of additional features.
Third, the Emergency SOS satellite function in the iPhone doesn’t work in Russia anyway. Apple clearly states on its support website that for devices purchased in Russia, satellite features are unavailable. So even at the hardware level, iPhones purchased for the Russian market cannot connect to Globalstar satellites.
Devices That Have Fallen Under the Import Ban
The decree is primarily aimed at Starlink terminals and similar equipment. These are satellite antennas, modems, and receivers that provide internet access through foreign satellite constellations.
Starlink was the primary target
Starlink is a global satellite internet system from Elon Musk’s SpaceX. It is actively used in the conflict zone in Ukraine and has repeatedly been called critical infrastructure for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Russia has long been working on restricting access to foreign satellite networks on its territory. The current decree is a logical continuation of this policy.
Additionally, Russia is simultaneously developing its own infrastructure: the company “Bureau 1440” is developing a domestic low-orbit satellite constellation. And the Ministry of Digital Development prepared a regulatory framework last year for controlling Direct to Cell technology — direct communication between smartphones and satellites via 5G networks.
Can Your iPhone Be Confiscated Due to Satellite Communication
As of now — no. No one will confiscate or ban your iPhone. The decree concerns the import of specific categories of satellite equipment, not smartphones.
However, the situation could change in the future. Satellite communication technology in smartphones is developing rapidly. Apple is expanding the geography of Emergency SOS, Samsung is integrating satellite features into its flagships, and Starlink has announced plans to provide direct signal reception on smartphones supporting 4G and 5G.
If such technologies become widespread, it cannot be ruled out that regulators may turn their attention to smartphones with satellite communication modules. But for now, this is only a theoretical scenario — there are no legislative initiatives in this direction.
