Vladimir Putin has approved a secret deal for Scotch whisky to be smuggled into Russia –avoiding an exports ban.
The Sunday Mail can reveal he has signed an order allowing popular brands such as Bell’s, Johnnie Walker and Macallan in to the former Soviet Union via a process called parallel imports.
Also known as “the grey market”, it means the supply of goods without the consent of the manufacturer, owner or licence holder.
The goods for parallel import list features about 200 brands including Apple, Marvel, Disney Pixar and DC Comics.
The other big-selling Scotch whisky brands on the list are Black & White, White Horse, Lagavulin, Bowmore, Aberlour and Auchentoshan.
Products like Jägermeister, Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam and Malibu are also being sought for import.
All were widely available in Russia until manufacturers announced the suspension of supplies to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
Governments across the world including the UK, the US and the EU have slapped punishing sanctions on Russia and stopped or severely limited trade with the now largely pariah state.
More than 1000 foreign firms have also cut back or suspended operations with hundreds quitting Russia entirely. This has created massive shortages in shops.
The move by Putin is an attempt to get around the ban by sourcing the items from other suppliers or friendly countries who have not stopped trading with them. Nations whose companies still operate in Russia include China, India and Turkey.
Leaked Russian government documents show how Putin signed the law to legalise parallel imports in June 2022 against a backdrop of sanctions by countries like the UK, America and the EU.
On its website, Russia’s ministry of industry and trade explains the decision to have parallel imports, adding: “Import stimulation is aimed at those niches in which Russian production cannot yet fully meet the needs of industrial enterprises and end consumers.”
The Russian Association of Retailers asked Putin to allow parallel imports of alcohol, fearing a shortage of spirits due to the departure of the big international suppliers.
Cars, chemicals, household appliances, game consoles, clothes, shoes and toys are also to be imported through the grey market.
Putin has ruled that any item not manufactured in Russia can be imported.
The Scottish Whisky Association said: “We continue to closely monitor the situation and pass on any relevant government guidance on exports to our members.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Whisky Association said: “The industry is one of many sectors for which exports have been affected by the ongoing conflict.
“Our immediate concern remains the welfare of industry colleagues in Russia and Ukraine.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation and pass on any relevant government guidance on exports to our members.”
