Russia reclassifies iPad as PC, drops 5% import tax

Russia’s Federal Customs Service has dropped the 5 percent import tax previously levied upon the iPad by changing the device’s classification from a “navigator” to a personal computer, according to a new report. Citing Russian language Vedomosti (Translated Link), AppleInsider reports the change was made due to the fact that 3G-equipped iPads include GPS hardware, while Wi-Fi-only models do not. The original article did not state whether the new policy draws a distinction between iPad models with GPS and those without, although the Customs Service did say that “other” tablets with GPS would still be classified as navigation devices and will thus be subject to the tax. The iPad 2 launched in Russia in May 2011.