Software import substitution

Import Substitution

Software import substitution is a state policy of transition to domestic software to ensure technological sovereignty and security.

What is software import substitution in simple words
Regulatory framework
Fintech products in the Register

What is software import substitution in simple words

Software import substitution is a strategic state policy of the Russian Federation aimed at reducing dependence on foreign software and ensuring technological sovereignty. In simple words, it is a transition from foreign software products (Microsoft, Oracle, SAP) to Russian analogues (Astra Linux, Postgres Pro, 1C).

Software import substitution — term diagram

Imagine that you are used to buying products in one store, but suddenly this store closed or raised prices several times. You have a choice: either stay without products, or learn to buy them in other stores or even grow your own. Software import substitution works in approximately the same way — when foreign software becomes unavailable (due to sanctions) or too expensive, we switch to domestic solutions.

The import substitution policy is implemented through regulatory regulation, the creation of the Register of Domestic Software and the establishment of bans on the purchase of foreign software for state needs. This means that state and municipal customers cannot buy foreign software if there is a domestic analogue with similar functionality in the Register.

Import substitution covers all levels of IT infrastructure: from operating systems and office suites to specialized industry solutions. This is not just replacing one product with another — it is a comprehensive transformation of the entire IT ecosystem that requires time, resources and staff training.

Regulatory framework

Key documents regulating software import substitution:

Government Decree No. 1236: Ban on the admission of foreign software in public procurement. According to this document, customers are obliged to give preference to domestic software included in the Register.
Government Decree No. 325: Rules for maintaining the Register of Domestic Software. The document determines which products can be included in the Register and how the inclusion procedure works.
Presidential Decree No. 166: Ban on the purchase of foreign software for critical information infrastructure (CII) facilities without coordination with the FSTEC of Russia.

Since January 1, 2025, there is a complete ban on the use of foreign software at CII facilities. This means that all critical infrastructure facilities (energy, transport, communications, finance) must use only domestic software.

There are also requirements for the transition to domestic software for CII facilities and systems processing personal data under 152-FZ. This creates a huge demand for domestic software solutions and stimulates their development.

Fintech products in the Register

All key company products are included in the Register of Domestic Software:

Sintezm: An alternative to foreign low-code platforms (OutSystems, Mendix). Allows creating business applications with minimal programming.
SKIF-BP: An alternative to SAP ERP Public Sector and other foreign budget accounting management systems.
Biomark: A biometric identification platform, an alternative to foreign fingerprint recognition solutions.

Inclusion in the Register allows customers to use these products in public procurement and at CII facilities without additional approvals. This confirms that the products comply with the requirements of Russian legislation and can be used to replace foreign software.

The research service helps conduct an audit of the software used and develop a plan for the transition to domestic solutions. The training service prepares employees to work with domestic software. Read more about approaches in the technologies section.

Sources: Import substitution on Wikipedia

Frequently asked questions

What is software import substitution?

Software import substitution is a strategic process of transition of government structures and business from foreign software products to domestic analogues. The goal is to ensure technological sovereignty, protect critical infrastructure from sanctions and prevent data leaks. The transition is strictly regulated by the government and is mandatory for state companies and CII facilities. Our products Sintezm and SKIF-BP are included in the Register of Domestic Software.

Who is required to use Russian software?

All state and significant corporate structures, including owners of critical information infrastructure (CII) facilities, are required to transfer their systems to Russian software. For state customers, the use of domestic software from the Register is a mandatory requirement for procurement under 44-FZ and 223-FZ. Our products Sintezm and SKIF-BP comply with these requirements.

What are 3 examples of import substitution?

Examples of import substitution: the financial sphere — the creation of the Mir national payment card system; information technology — the development of domestic operating systems (Astra Linux) and office suites (MyOffice); agriculture — the construction of agro-industrial complexes to ensure food independence. In the software sphere, our products Sintezm and SKIF-BP are examples of successful import substitution.

What does inclusion in the Russian software register give?

Inclusion in the Russian Software Register gives tax benefits (VAT exemption on sales), advantages in public procurement (priority in purchases for state needs), access to grants and preferential lending, and also increases trust in the product. Our products Sintezm and SKIF-BP are included in the Register. The research service will help you choose suitable solutions.

Why switch to domestic software?

The transition to domestic software ensures technological sovereignty, protection from sanctions risks, data security and compliance with legislative requirements. Only software included in the Register is allowed to participate in tenders under 44-FZ and 223-FZ. Our products Sintezm and SKIF-BP are ready-made solutions for import substitution. The training service will help employees master new systems.

What is the plan for the transition to domestic software?

The transition plan includes an inventory of the foreign software used, selection of analogues from the Register of Russian Software, pilot testing, data migration and employee training. The transition deadlines are set by regulators — for CII facilities until January 1, 2028. Our products Sintezm and SKIF-BP are ready for implementation. The design service will help develop a roadmap.

What are the disadvantages of import substitution?

The disadvantages of import substitution may include rising prices due to reduced competition, the need to improve product quality to meet standards, and increased production costs due to the cost of creating new products. However, for critical information infrastructure, import substitution is an unavoidable necessity. Our products Sintezm and SKIF-BP offer competitive solutions.