The Russian Federation plans to replace imported SIM cards with foreign ones on a mandatory basis from September next year. The Russians will also use only their own cryptographic standards to verify users.
The Russian Federation plans to replace imported SIM cards with foreign ones on a mandatory basis from September next year. The Russians will also use only their own cryptographic standards to verify users.
The Russian Ministry of Digital Affairs has developed a draft order that defines technical and production standards for SIM cards of mobile operators. The initiative aims to completely replace foreign components with domestic ones, as well as strengthen network security by introducing Russian cryptographic solutions.
According to Kommersant, the report is quoted by Mediasat, the draft document stipulates that new USIM cards will be accompanied by a statement of production on Russian territory. The operating system of such cards must be entered into the official software register of the department. Cryptographic keys for verifying subscribers will also be generated within the country. All products must comply with government resolution No. 1387, which establishes the rules for confirming the conformity of communication equipment.
The new rules will come into effect on September 1, 2026. Operators will be able to use previously purchased foreign SIM cards until their current stock runs out. However, stricter requirements will apply to fifth-generation networks.
In 5G networks, user verification will be carried out exclusively using Russian cryptographic standards. Access keys will be generated by organizations that have received a certificate from the Federal Security Service. «Accordingly, the USIM manufacturer must also be domestic. A foreign manufacturer cannot be certified by the FSB,» the ministry explained.
Therefore, the development of 5G networks in Russia will be possible only with the use of domestic SIM cards. According to Kommersant, the Russian software registry contains at least three operating systems for SIM/USIM. The registry of radio electronic products contains cards from only two manufacturers: Eastcompeace and GLONASS.
