The Russian government reformed import tariffs in 2000-2001 to unify customs duties. They aimed to minimize losses from incorrect declarations by importers. The main motive was to collect tariff income, followed by improving citizen well-being and gaining support from business lobbies. Lower tariffs were set for goods prone to incorrect declarations, while higher tariffs were for goods that could hide incorrectly declared items. This strategy could lead to further unification of import duties after Russia joined the WTO.