The Russian government’s decision to increase import duties on used cars has proven to be efficient, prime minister Vladimir Putin has said.

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This was a forced measure, but it proved its value, Putin told Prime-Tass.

In January 2009, the Russian government increased its import duties on used foreign cars that were less than five years old to 35% from 25%. Duties for the cars were set at no less than EUR1.2–2.8 per cubic centimetre of engine capacity. Duties for cars more than five years old were set at between EUR2.5 and EUR5.8.

The move led to protests in the east where many used cars were imported from Japan.

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