The business of the logistics industry reports massive problems with the storage of empty containers in the Moscow region. Market participants claim that the regional authorities are consistently closing terminals, issuing multimillion-dollar fines to their owners for non-compliance with the new requirements.
Since July 2025, a new regulation for container storage sites has entered into force in the Moscow Region. It provides for expensive requirements: concrete or asphalt pavement throughout the territory, a system of storm sewers and sewage treatment plants, connection to the "Safe City" system and the installation of an inspection and inspection complex (IDC) - an X—ray machine for clearing containers. The cheapest IDC costs from 170 million rubles, and its installation takes months, while the business has not been provided with a transition period.
According to Dmitry Anisimov, the owner of the Tetris terminal network, officials from the Moscow region have already closed two of his facilities — in Naro-Fominsk and Elektroglyakh. The entrances are blocked with concrete blocks, the gates are sealed, and containers that cannot be removed now remain on the territory. Three more sites of the company were fined 500 thousand rubles each. Anisimov argues that the requirements are virtually impossible to fulfill and create conditions for ousting private players from the market.
The problems also affected other industry participants. For example, Georgy Stepanov, CEO of TKL LLC, said that due to the new rules, he was forced to close the business, which had been operating since 2004. According to him, in 30 days it is impossible to cover a multi-hectare area with asphalt, connect cameras to a "Safe City" and buy an IDC, especially if the site is rented.
Experts note that in parallel, a so—called "Single Operator" is being created in the region - a commercial structure that will be allocated a site for free and which will perform the functions of container storage and disposal. According to businessmen, the strict regulations may be related to lobbying the interests of this company.
The new rules have already led to the fact that about two thirds of container terminals in the Moscow region have closed or are on the verge of closing. Kirill Latinsky, Executive Director of Transasia Logistics, believes that the remaining players who meet the requirements will raise tariffs, and this will inevitably affect the cost of transportation.
The Ministry of Transport earlier criticized the decision of the regional authorities, pointing out errors and inconsistencies in the regulations. The affected entrepreneurs have already applied to the Federal Antimonopoly Service, the prosecutor's office and the State Duma, hoping for a revision of the rules. Meanwhile, the container storage market in the Moscow Region is experiencing a serious crisis that could lead to higher prices and job cuts.
