Monitoring of the Federal Legislation dated 1.07.2009

Federal Law No. 323-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Procedure of Determination of the Minimum Amount of Shared Financing of Capital Repair of Apartment Homes, Resettlement of Citizens from the Breakdown Dwelling Space, Including the Need to Stimulate the Housing Market, at the Expense of the Budgets of Subjects of the Russian Federation and/or Local Budgets in 2009 and on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Reduces the volume of shared financing from the regional and/or local budgets in 2009 necessary for getting financial aid from the Fund of Assistance of Reformation of the Housing and Communal Sector.

Federal Law No. 320-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 27.5-2 of the Federal Law on the Securities Market

According to the amendments, exchange-tradable bonds may be issued not only by open-type joint-stock companies, but also by other economic companies, as well as the state corporations and international financial organisations.

Federal Law No. 318-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Articles 11 and 18 of the Federal Law on the Development of Agriculture

The budgets of subjects of the Russian Federation get subsidies for the reimbursement of the part of producer expenses to cover the interest under credits obtained in Russian credit organisations. The procedure applies to credits drawn up until January 1, 2013.

Federal Law No. 317-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Articles 46 and 76 of the Federal Law on the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (Bank of Russia)

Enhances control over the use by the banks of the monetary resources allocated to support the financial system of the Russian Federation.

Federal Law No. 315-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Banks and Banking Activities and Some Other Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Specifies the particulars of reorganisation of credit organisations in the form of a merger, incorporation and reorganisation.

Federal Law No. 311-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Improves the procedure of organisation and carrying out of the Winter Olympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi.

Federal Law No. 306-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Some of the Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Improvement of the Procedure of Exaction of the Pledged Property

Permits to conclude an agreement of extra-judicial sale of the object of pledge any time, not only after the failure of execution (improper execution) of the obligation by the debtor.

Federal Law No. 305-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 284 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

From January 1, 2009, the rate of profit tax from organisations is reduced from 24% to 20%.

Federal Law No. 302-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 8 of the Federal Law on the Auxiliary Farming Facilities

Refines the procedure of keeping of the ledger of auxiliary farming facilities.

Federal Law No. 299-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Ratification of the Peace Keeping Activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation

The ratified Agreement was signed in the city of Dushanbe on October 6, 2007.

Federal Law No. 297-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 16 of the Federal Law on the Circulation of Lands of Agricultural Use

The lease contracts for the land plots obtained by citizens in the course of privatisation concluded before its adoption must be brought in compliance with the given Law and requirements of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.

Federal Constitutional Law No. 8-FKZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Constitutional Law on the Government of the Russian Federation

According to the amendments, the Government of the Russian Federation must report to the State Duma on the annual basis, including the issues raised by the Parliament.

Law of the Russian Federation on the Amendment to the Constitution of the Russian Federation No. 7-FKZ of December 30, 2008 on the Authority of the State Duma to Control the Government of the Russian Federation

The State Duma of the Russian Federation is empowered with authority to control the Government of the Russian Federation.

Law of the Russian Federation on the Amendment to the Constitution of the Russian Federation No. 6-FKZ of December 30, 2008 on the Change of the Term of Office of the President of the Russian Federation and the State Duma

The term of office of the President of the Russian Federation is extended from 4 years to 6 years, and that of the State Duma, to 5 years.

Federal Law No. 324-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Federal Budget for the Year 2009 and for the Planed Period of 2010 and 2011

The Federal Law is expected to support the financial market and individual sectors of economy of the Russian Federation.

Federal Law No. 322-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Adoption of the Federal Law on the Ratification of the Convention Revising the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention of 1958 (Convention 185)

From January 1, 2014, the seafarer passport is excluded from the list of documents permitting the citizens of Russia to exit (enter) the country.

Federal Law No. 321-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on the Issues of Combating Terrorism

Refines the composition of the court processing criminal cases pertaining to terrorism.

Federal Law No. 316-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Patent Agents

Replaces the Regulation on the patent agents of February 12, 1993.

Federal Law No. 314-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Efficiency of Taxation in the Fishing Sector

Fishing organisations and independent entrepreneurs may apply the system of taxation for agricultural producers.

Federal Law No. 313-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Permitting to Replace Obligatory Certification with Declaration of Compliance

The amendments reduce administrative barriers in the entrepreneurial sphere.

Federal Law No. 312-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Part 1 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Refines the legal status of limited liability companies.

Federal Law No. 310-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation and the Federal Law on the Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Regulation of the Budget Process and on the Bringing of Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in Compliance with the Budget Legislation of the Russian Federation

Implements the measures of support of the financial market and a number of sectors of the economy of the Russian Federation.

Federal Law No. 309-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 16 of the Federal Law on the Protection of the Environment and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Improves legislation in the sphere of environmental protection, use of subsoil resources and handling waste.

Federal Law No. 308-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Placing of Orders for Supplies of Commodities, Carrying out Works, Rendering Services for the State and Municipal Needs and to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Participation in the placing of orders is permitted also through representatives.

Federal Law No. 307-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Audit Activities

Adoption of the new Federal Law is stipulated by the switchover from licensing to self-regulation in this sphere.

Federal Law No. 301-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 14 of the Federal Law on the Citizenship of the Russian Federation

Extends from January 1, 2009 to July 1, 2009 the time limit for adoption of the Russian citizenship according to the simplified procedure by the former citizens of the USSR having arrived to the Russian Federation from the former USSR constituent countries and registered as of July 2002 or having received a permission for temporary stay or residence permit.

Federal Law No. 300-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Ratification of the Convention between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Federal Republic of Brasilia on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Evasion of Income Taxes

Legal entities and natural persons of Russia and Brasilia will not pay taxes from the same incomes in both states.

Federal Law No. 298-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Ratification of the Convention between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Evasion of Taxes on Incomes and Capital

Excludes the cases of double payment of taxes from the same type of incomes and capital in both states.

Federal Law No. 296-FZ of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Insolvency (Bankruptcy)

Defines the notion of the "national association of self-regulating organisations of bankruptcy commissioners".

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1003 of December 24, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Federal Service for Tariff Rates

The Federal Service for Tariff Rates of Russia is empowered with additional authority to fix the list of standard tariff rates to determine the payment for connection to electric power lines.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1883 of December 31, 2008 on the Forming of the Federal Service for Regulation of the Alcohol Market

A new body is formed in the structure of the federal bodies of executive power - Federal Service for Regulation of the Alcohol Market.

Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 1048 of December 1, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 190 of March 15, 1999

Adjusts the procedure of examination of transport vehicles.

Regulation of the Central Bank of Russia No. 329-P of November 28, 2008 on the Terms for the Bank of Russia to Commit Direct REPO Transactions with Russian Credit Organisations at the Stock Exchange of the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange

Specifies the terms for committing direct REPO transactions at the Stock Exchange of the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2158-U of December 25, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 320-P of August 27, 2008 on the Procedure for the Central Bank of the Russian Federation to Administer Acceptance of Individual Types of Incomes in the Budget System of the Russian Federation

The amendments are stipulated by the introduction of the new procedure of registration by the Federal Treasury of receipts in the budget system of the Russian Federation, opening and keeping of personal accounts, cash services for the execution of budgets.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2148-U of December 1, 2008 on the Opportunities of Temporary Functioning of the Correspondent Subaccount of the Branch of the Credit Organisation Reorganised into an Internal Structural Division

The deadline to take the decision on the temporary functioning of the correspondent subaccount of the branch of the credit organisation converted into an internal structural division is extended until July 1, 2009.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2156-U of December 23, 2008 on the Particulars of Assessment of the Credit Risk for the Loans, Debts in Loans and Similar Debts

Credit organisations may abstain in certain cases from downgrading the assessment of quality of debt servicing in the presence of the world financial crisis.

Federal Law No. 294-FZ of December 26, 2008 on the Protection of Rights of Legal Entities and Independent Entrepreneurs in the Cases of State Control (Enforcement) and Municipal Control Measures (not yet entered into force)

Specifies the procedure of carrying out of checks of legal entities and independent entrepreneurs by the bodies of state power.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-09/141 of November 6, 2008 on the Profit Tax from Organisations in the Cases of Liquidation of Organisations They Were Members of

Examines the issue of registration for the purpose of collection of the profit tax from organisations of incomes and expenses of the founder of the limited liability company when this company is liquidated.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1042 of December 29, 2008 on the Measures of State Regulation of the Import of Commodities Delivered to the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation from the Ukraine

The protocols to the Intergovernmental Agreement of Russia and Ukraine on the free trade specify the deadlines for a stepwise revocation of tariff exclusions from the free trade regime for some types of commodities.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1017 of December 24, 2008 on the Production (Catch) of Rare and Perishable Types of Aquatic Biological Resources

Specifies the rules of production (catch) of rare and perishable types of aquatic bioresources, including those listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1007 of December 24, 2008 on the Fee for the Travel of Motor Vehicles Registered on the Territory of Foreign States over the Highways of the Russian Federation

Specifies the amounts of the fee for the use of highways of the Russian Federation by foreign carriers.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 996 of December 24, 2008 on the Amendments to Item 22 of the Rules of Drawing up of Invitations to Enter the Russian Federation for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

Refines the procedure of drawing up of invitations to enter the Russian Federation for foreign citizens and stateless persons.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 987 of December 24, 2008 on the Measures to Implement the Federal Law on the Federal Budget for the Year 2009 and for the Planned Period of 2010 and 2011

Adopts for execution the federal budget for the year 2009 and for the planned period of 2010-2011.

Order of the President of the Russian Federation No. 7-rp of January 10, 2009 on the Official Publication of the Constitution of the Russian Federation

3,000 copies of the Constitution of the Russian Federation will be published with adopted amendments.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1082 of December 31, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Metal Working Equipment

Introduces on the permanent basis the zero rates of import customs duties for individual types of metal working equipment.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1072 of December 29, 2008 on the Body in Charge of Accreditation of the Bodies of Certification and Testing Laboratories (Centres) Confirming Compliance of Milk and Dairy Products, Butter, Juices of Fruits and Vegetables

The Technical Regulations on milk and dairy products and on butter are entered into force in December 1008 and the Technical Regulation on juices of fruits and vegetables will enter into force in April 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1061 of December 29, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Control over Land Planning Measures

The need to endorse a new Regulation is stipulated by the entry into force from March 1, 2008 of the Federal Law on the state cadastre of immovable property and adoption of the Federal Law on the protection of rights of legal entities and independent entrepreneurs in the course of state control (enforcement) and municipal control.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1048 of December 29, 2008 on the Amendments to the Rules of Preparation of Normative Legal Acts of the Federal Bodies of Executive Power and Their State Registration

Refines the procedure of working out of draft normative legal acts of the federal bodies of executive power.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1020 of December 24, 2008 on the State Registration of the Contracts of Disposal of the Exclusive Right for the Invention, Useful Model, Industrial Prototype, Registered Layout of an Integrated Circuit, Computer Program, Database and Transfer without a Contract of the Exclusive Right for the Invention, Useful Model, Industrial Prototype, Trade Mark, Service Mark, Name of the Place of Origin of the Commodity, Registered Layout of an Integrated Circuit, Computer Program, Database

Specifies the procedure of state registration of appropriate contracts.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 988 of December 24, 2008 on the Endorsement of the List of Scientific Research and Design Works Permitting to Include the Taxpayer Expenses in Other Expenses in the Actual Amount with a factor 1.5 in Compliance with Item 2 of Article 262 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

The measures are aimed at stimulation of innovative activities in the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Agency for Fishing No. 368 of December 3, 2008 on the Typical Regulation on the Territorial Body of the Federal Agency for Fishing

In 2008, the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Fishing was reorganised into the Federal Agency for Fishing.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 10 of January 9, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Some Commodities Imported for Industrial Assembly of Motor Transport Vehicles, Their Components and Units

Introduces on the permanent basis the zero rate of the import customs duty for rolled stock of corrosion-resistant steel and a 5 percent rate of the import customs duty for refrigerator compressors.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 8 of January 9, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Machines, Equipment, Devices, Instruments and Parts Thereof

Introduces on the permanent basis reduced (two times or zero) rates of import customs duties for individual types of machines, equipment, devices, instruments and parts thereof.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1093 of December 31, 2008 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation for Individual Types of Aircraft

Introduces the zero rate of import customs duty for civil aircraft with the number of passenger seats up to 50 inclusive, unladen weight from 2 to 15 tons.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 148n of December 30, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Budget Accounting Instruction

Provides a new wording of the Budget Accounting Instruction.

Order of the Federal Service for Tariff Rates No. 475-t/2 of December 30, 2008 on the Exclusive Tariff Rate for Transportation of Cars by the Railway Transport to the Far-Eastern Federal District

Introduces an exclusive tariff rate in the form of the factor 0.54 to the actual tariff rates.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-3/606@ of November 18, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Tax Service No. SAE-3-22/417 of August 31, 2005 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Documents Necessary for the Application of the Simplified System of Taxation on the Basis of a Patent

The procedure of application of the simplifies system of taxation on the basis of a patent has changed.

Information Letter of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 127 of November 25, 2008 on the Review of the Practice of Application of Article 10 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation by Arbitration Courts

Examines some issues of the limits of civil rights and abuse of the law.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 145n of December 25, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Directions on the Procedure of Application of the Budget Classification of the Russian Federation

Endorses new Directions on the procedure of application of the Budget Classification of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 9 of January 9, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Rolled Stock and Pipes of Ferrous Metals

Increases for 9 months the rates of import customs duties for individual types of rolled stock and pipes of ferrous metals.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1053 of December 29, 2008 on Some Measures of Management of the Federal Property

The Ministry of Defence of Russia is authorised to manage the property of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and subordinate organisations.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1056 of December 29, 2008 on Some Measures to Implement Article 4.1 of the Federal Law on the Supplies of Products for the Federal State Needs

Strategic enterprises, joint-stock companies and their affiliated companies operating oil mainlines possessed by them, as well as the owner of the Joint Gas Supply System may purchase arms to guard the products supplied under the state contract and objects of production, processing, transportation, storage of these products.

Information of the Central Bank of Russia of December 30, 2008 on the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 2155-U of December 19, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 254-P of March 26, 2004 on the Procedure for Credit Organisations to Generate Reserves for Possible Losses in Loans, Debts in Loans and Similar Debts

The above Direction of the Bank of Russia is handed over for registration to the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 14 of January 9, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Settlement of Disputes Pertaining to the Fixing and Application of Payment for the Technological Connection and/or Tariff Rates Introduced by the Bodies of State Regulation of Prices (Tariff Rates) to Determine the Amount of Such Payment (Standard Tariff Rates)

Disputes pertaining to the fixing and application of payment for the technological connection to electric power lines and/or standard tariff rates shall be processed by the Federal Service for Tariff Rates of Russia and the bodies of power of subjects of the Russian Federation in charge of the state regulation of tariff rates.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1099 of December 31, 2008 on the Permitted Share of Foreign Workers in 2009 Used by Economic Subjects Engaged in Activities in the Sphere of Retail Trade and Sports on the Territory of the Russian Federation

Specifies the permitted share of foreign workers in the sphere of retail trade and sports for the year 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1070 of December 29, 2008 on the Non-State Expert Evaluation of Design Documentation and Results of Engineering Surveys

Specifies the procedure of non-state expert evaluation of design documentation for the objects of capital construction and/or results of engineering surveys for the preparation of such documentation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1052 of December 29, 2008 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation

Some authority of the Government of the Russian Federation is handed over to the federal bodies of executive power.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 24 of January 14, 2009 on the Measures of State Support of Russian Exporters of Industrial Products, Automobile Makers and Transport Engineering Organisations

The Government of the Russian Federation is permitted to allocate resources of the federal budget to support the financial market, the labour market and the industries of the economy, as well as to grant interbudget transfers to the Pension Fund of Russia.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 6 of January 8, 2009 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Federal Highway Agency and the Regulation on the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation

Extends the authority of the Ministry of Transport of Russia and the Federal Highway Agency.

Information Letter of the Federal Tax Service of January 19, 2009 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for December 2008

The rate of the tax on extraction of mineral resources making Rbl 419 per ton of extracted, dehydrated, demineralised and stabilised oil is multiplied by the coefficient of the dynamics of world prices for oil and the coefficient of development of the particular part of subsoil resources.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. BE-17-3/10@ of January 19, 2009 on the Declaration for the Income Tax from Natural Persons

The new from of the tax declaration for the income tax from natural persons and its filling procedure are not yet registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 64s of January 16, 2009 on the Measures to Prohibit Supplies of Products of Military and Dual Use to Georgia

Prohibits from January 16, 2009 until December 1, 2011 to sell, supply or hand over to Georgia from the territory of the Russian Federation products of military use, as well as the products of dual use that may be used for military purposes (regardless of the place of its origin).

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 2043-r of December 29, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Strategy of Development of the Financial Market for the Period until 2020

Endorses the strategy of development of the financial market of the Russian Federation until 2020. The strategy does not include the banking and insurance sectors.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 18 of January 10, 2009 on the Objects of Fauna Included in the Objects of Hunting

Purveyance of some objects of fauna requires obtaining a single license.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-56/pz-n of December 9, 2008 on the Handing over of Property in Payment for Investment Shares of the Closed-Type Investment Fund and the Deadlines of the Forming of the Closed-Type Investment Fund

The payment for investment shares besides money may include: securities, claims rights, shares in the registered capital, immovable property.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2151-U of December 16, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 312-P of November 12, 2007 on the Procedure for the Bank of Russia to Grant Credits Secured with Assets to Credit Organisations

The goal of the amendments is to give more chances for banks to ensure additional liquidity.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 153N of December 31, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Tax Declaration for the Income Tax from Natural Persons (Form 3-NDFL) and Its Filling Procedure

Endorses a new form of the tax declaration for the income tax from natural persons (3-NDFL), as well as its filling procedure on paper.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 25 of January 21, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Unalloyed Nickel and Copper Cathodes

Introduces the zero rate of the customs duty for the export of cathodes of refined copper and sections thereof, as well as for the export of unprocessed, unalloyed nickel (codes of the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 7403 11 000 0 and 7502 10 000 0 respectively).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 2 of January 8, 2009 on the Optimisation of the Functioning of the Joint State Automatic Information System of Registration of the Volume of Production and Circulation of Ethyl Alcohol, Alcoholic and Alcohol-Containing Products, As Well As on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation

Offers a number of measures to optimise the functioning of the Joint State Automatic Information System.

Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation No. 396 of December 26, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure to Admit Citizens to State and Municipal Institutions of Higher Professional Education for the Academic Year 2009/2010

The introduced procedure is somewhat different from the uniform one that was in effect earlier.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 782n of December 26, 2008 on the Endorsement and Procedure of Keeping of the Medical Documentation Certifying the Cases of Birth and Death

Endorses new registration forms of medical documentation certifying the cases of birth and death.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-3/634@ of December 2, 2008 on the Form of the Certificate

From January 1, 2009, one may enjoy a social tax exemption in the amount of additional insurance contributions to the accumulated part of the labour pension paid in the tax period.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-07/1-8 of January 12, 2009

According to the explanations of the Ministry of Finance, the decision on the delayed payment of the federal taxes is taken by the Federal Tax Service of Russia.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 139n of December 9, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 64n of August 2, 2004

Specifies the limiting amount of dwelling expenses reimbursed to workers of organisations financed from the federal budget when they are on business trips to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Federal Tax Service No. 948/MM-3-6/561 of October 31, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Interaction of the Divisions of the State Highway Traffic Inspection and the Tax Bodies When They Submit Information on Transport Vehicles and Persons They Are Registered with

Divisions of the State Highway Traffic Inspection must hand over to the departments of the Federal Tax Service of Russia information on transport vehicles and their owners to ensure the payment of the transport tax.

Information of the Central Bank of Russia of January 22, 2009

Adjustment of the rouble trading band against the dual currency basket is terminated on January 23, 2009.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2168-U of January 13, 2009 on the Amendment to Item 2 of the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 2134-U of November 27, 2008 on the List of Securities Included in the Lombard List of the Bank of Russia

Extends the list of mortgage secured bonds that may be included in the Lombard List of the Bank of Russia.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 66 of January 29, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Raw Oil and Individual Categories of Goods of Oil Exported from the Territory of the Russian Federation outside the Member-States of the Customs Union Agreements

Reduces from February 1, 2009 the rates of export customs duties for raw oil and individual oil products because of the continued drop of world prices for oil.

Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation No. 423 of December 3, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Typical Form of the Agreement between the Founder and the Federal Autonomous Institution on the Procedure and Terms to Grant Subsidies to Reimburse Normative Expenses for the Services Rendered to Natural Persons and/or Legal Entities

From January 8, 2007, there exists a new type of the state (municipal) institution - autonomous institution - operating strictly in compliance with the order of the founder.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1533 of December 8, 2008 on the Endorsement of the List of Divisions and Positions Permitting Employees to Increase the Salaries for the Occupied Position (Tariff Rates) Because of the Hazardous or Heavy Working Conditions

Specifies the list of divisions and positions of public health institutions of the Federal Tax Service permitting to increase the salaries (rates).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 29 of January 27, 2009 on the Placing in 2009 of the Temporarily Free Resources of the State Corporation Fund of Assistance of Reformation of the Housing and Communal Sector

The incomes from the placing of the temporarily free resources is one of the sources of generation of the property of the Fund of Assistance of Reformation of the Housing and Communal Sector.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 42 of January 27, 2009 on the List of Edible and Non-Edible Raw Materials Used for Production of Ethyl Alcohol, Including the Denatured One

The list of edible and non-edible raw materials used for production of ethyl alcohol, including the denatured one, will be specified by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia together with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of Russia and the Ministry of Finance of Russia.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 61 of January 27, 2009 on the Procedure to Grant Credits in 2009 to the Budgets of the Subjects of the Russian Federation from the Federal Budget

In 2009, the credits from the federal budget to the subjects of the Russian Federation will be granted in the total amount of Rbl 20 billion.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 65 of January 27, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Individual Types of Fertilisers Exported outside the Member-States of the Customs Union Agreements

Introduces the zero rate of the export customs duty for individual types of fertilisers exported outside the member-states of the Customs Union agreements.

Order of the Central Bank of Russia No. OD-93 of January 27, 2009 on the Amendments to the Order of the Bank of Russia No. OD-101 of February 14, 2008 on the Credits Secured with Assets and Granted by the Bank of Russia to Credit Organisations

Beginning with February 2, 2009, the banks may get credits of the Bank of Russia secured not only with assets but also with guarantees.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia and the Federal Antimonopoly Service Nos. 10-T, AK/1984 of January 28, 2009 on the Purchase of Stocks (Shares in the Registered Capital) of Banks in Compliance with the Federal Law on the Additional Measures to Enhance Stability of the Banking System in the Period until December 31, 2011

One of the measures to prevent bankruptcy of banks participating in the system of obligatory insurance of deposits of natural persons is the purchase by investors of stocks (shares in the registered capital) of the bank.

Amendment to the List of Full and Abbreviated Names of the Federal Bodies of Executive Power No. P41-2338 of January 27, 2009 (Order of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation and the Office of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 943/788 of July 16, 2008)

The Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Mass Communication is reorganised into the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Information Technologies and Mass Communication.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 50 of January 27, 2009 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation in the Sphere of Licensing of Individual Types of Activities

The name and the text of the Regulation on the licensing of activities of reproduction (making copies) of audio and video pieces and phonograms are being brought in compliance with the Federal Law on the licensing of individual types of activities.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-3/694 of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Tax Service of Russia No. SAE-3-04/706@ of October 13, 2006

Provides a new wording for the guides used to fill in the certificate of incomes of the natural person (Form 2-NDFL).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 53 of January 27, 2009 on the State Control in the Sphere of Environmental Protection (State Ecological Monitoring)

The main goal of the state ecological monitoring is ensuring execution of the legislation in the sphere of environmental protection by the federal bodies of power, bodies of power of the subjects of the Russian Federation, local government, organisations and independent entrepreneurs.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 49 of January 27, 2009 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 579 of July 31, 2008

Refines the new forms of the writs of execution issued by courts.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 37 of January 27, 2009 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Some Commodities Imported for Industrial Assembly of Motor Vehicles and Their Units

The Customs Nomenclature is extended to include new subheadings.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 72 of January 31, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Milk and Cream

Increases for 9 months the rates of import customs duties for milk and cream (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 0402).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 71 of January 31, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Butter and Individual Types of Dairy Products

Introduces for 9 months the rate of the customs duty for the import of butter, fats of milk (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 0405) in the amount of 15% of the customs cost, however, not less than EUR 0.35 per kg.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 43 of January 27, 2009 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Adoption of the Federal Law on the Placing of the Orders for Supplies of Commodities, Carrying out Works, Rendering Services for the State or Municipal Needs

Describes the sphere of reference of some bodies of executive power of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Treasury No. 13n of December 26, 2008 on the Invalidation of the Orders of the Federal Treasury

Introduces a new procedure for cash services for the execution of the budgets.

Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Federal Customs Service No. 1198/463/1700 of December 31, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Ministry of the Industry and Power Supplies of Russia, Federal Customs Service of Russia No. 659/192/804 of August 24, 2006, to the Regulation on the Certificates for Transport Vehicles and Certificates for Chassis of Transport Vehicles Endorsed by the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Ministry of the Industry and Power Supplies of Russia, Ministry of Economic Development of Russia No. 496/192/134 of June 23, 2005

Revises the procedure of issue of certificates for transport vehicles and certificates for chassis of transport vehicles.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2164-U of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Instruction of the Bank of Russia No. 109-I of January 14, 2004 on the Procedure for the Bank of Russia to Take the Decision of the State Registration of Credit Organisations and Issue the License for Bank Operations

Simplifies and optimises the procedure of the merger and incorporation of credit organisations.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2163-U of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 271-P of June 9, 2005 on the Processing of Documents Submitted to the Territorial Institution of the Bank of Russia to Take the Decision of the State Registration of Credit Organisations, Issue of Licenses for Bank Operations and the Keeping of Databases on Credit Organisations and Their Divisions

Reduces the time limits for the territorial institutions of the Central Bank of Russia to process the documents of the merger or incorporation of credit organisations.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2162-U of December 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 230-P of June 4, 2003 on the Reorganisation of Credit Organisations in the Form of a Merger or Incorporation

Simplifies the procedure of reorganisation of credit organisations in the form of a merger or incorporation.

Federal Law No. 17-FZ of February 9, 2009 on the Procedure of Application of Articles 132 and 139 of the Budget Code of the Russian Federation

The Federal Law is adopted to support the labour market and the sectors of the economy in the presence of the financial crisis.

Federal Law No. 11-FZ of February 9, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 16 of the Federal Law on the National Autonomies

Extends the list of sources to finance the activities of implementation of the rights of national autonomies.

Federal Law No. 10-FZ of February 9, 2009 on the Amendments to Articles 38 and 39 of the Law of the Russian Federation on Mass Media

The procedure for mass media to provide information on activities of the bodies of power is being brought in compliance with the Federal Law on the access to information on the activities of the state bodies and bodies of local government.

Federal Law No. 7-FZ of February 9, 2009 on the Amendments to Article 225 of Part 1 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and Chapter 33 of the Code of Civil Procedures of the Russian Federation

Specifies the particulars of transfer of the proprietary right for the ownerless immovable property in the cities of federal significance.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 137n of December 8, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Tax Declaration for the Uniform Imputed Income Tax for Individual Types of Activities and Its Filling Procedure

The Order is issued pursuant to the entry into force from January 1, 2009 of the amendments to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.

Federal Law No. 14-FZ of February 9, 2009 on the Invalidation of Individual Provisions of Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Invalidates the norm permitting the bodies of state power of the subjects of the Russian Federation to provide resources in the regional budgets to render aid to national autonomies.

Federal Law No. 9-FZ of February 9, 2009 on the Amendments to the Code of Administrative Violations of the Russian Federation Enhancing Administrative Responsibility for the Violation of the Legislation of the Russian Federation on Joint-Stock Companies, Limited-Liability Companies, on the Securities Market and on Investment Funds of the Russian Federation and the Federal Law on the Securities Market Refining the Definition and Specifying the Signs of Manipulation of Prices at the Securities Market

The Federal Law protects the rights and legal interests of investors at the securities market.

Federal Law No. 8-FZ of February 9, 2009 on the Access to Information on the Activities of State Bodies and Bodies of Local Government

Introduces a uniform procedure to provide access for citizens and organisations to information on the activities of state bodies and bodies of local government.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 6n of January 23, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Requirements to the Agreement on the Direct Reimbursement of Losses, Procedure to Clear Payments between Insurers, As Well As Accounting Particulars for Operations of Direct Reimbursement of Losses

From March 1, 2009, the victim in a road accident may apply directly to his own insurer, rather than the one of the perpetrator, with an insurance claim.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2183-U of February 9, 2009 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1376-U of January 16, 2004 on the List, Forms and Procedure of Drawing up and Submission of the Forms of Reports of Credit Organisations to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation

Provides a new wording of the Reporting Form 0409302 "Information on the Placed and Attracted Resources of Credit Organisation".

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 98 of February 9, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Control of the Use of Payment for the Technical Connection and/or Standard Tariff Rates Specifying This Payment

Application by the territorial network organisations of the payment for the technological connection and/or standard tariff rates specifying this payment is controlled by the body of power of the subject of the Russian Federation in charge of the state regulation of tariff rates

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2179-U of February 9, 2009 on the Interest Rates for the Credits Secured with Assets or Guarantees

Introduces the interest rates for the credits secured with assets or guarantees (instead of the rates for the credits secured with guarantees only).

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2178-U of February 9, 2009 on the Interest Rates for the Lombard Credits of the Bank of Russia

Increases from February 10, 2009 the interest rates for the lombard credits of the Bank of Russia.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2177-U of February 9, 2009 on the Interest Rates for the Deposit Operations of the Bank of Russia

Increases from February 10, 2009 the fixed interest rates for the deposit operations of the Bank of Russia.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 13-T of February 4, 2009

From February 5, 2009, the Bank of Russia uses a new form of the correspondent account contract with credit organisations.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. MN-22-6/50@ of January 21, 2009 on the Procedure of Registration in the Tax Bodies of Independent Entrepreneurs Pursuant to the Introduction of Amendments to Article 346.25.1 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation Together with the Appendix "Rules of Filling of Machine-Oriented Forms of Documents Used for the Registration of Organisations and Natural Persons and Submitted on Paper"

The procedure of application of the simplified system of taxation by independent entrepreneurs on the basis of a patent changed from January 1, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 99 of February 10, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Pipes

Includes a new subheading in the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia to identify pipes of ferrous metals more than 406.4 mm in diameter for oil and gas pipelines with a concrete weight coating.

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 139-r of February 9, 2009 on the Distribution of Additional Budget Allocations of the Federal Budget

Russian credit organisations granting credits in 2009 to citizens for the purchase of home-made automobiles up to Rbl 350,000 worth may enjoy governmental support.

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 132-r of February 4, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Concept of a Stable Development of Small Native Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation

Endorses the concept of a stable development of small native peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East for the years 2009-2055.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. MN-22-6/64 of January 23, 2009 on the Entry in the Joint State Register of Legal Entities of the Record of a Legal Entity Being in the State of Reorganisation

Beginning with December 31, 2008, the Joint State Register of Legal Entities is used to enter records of legal entities being in the process of reorganisation.

Federal Law No. 20-FZ of February 13, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation

Enhances criminal responsibility for the violation of traffic rules by drunk drivers.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-41/pz-n of October 23, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Procedure of Calculation of Own Resources of Professional Participants of the Securities Market, Management Companies of Investment Funds, Shared Investment Funds and Non-State Pension Funds

Introduces a new procedure of calculation of own resources of professional participants of the securities market and management companies of investment and non-state pension funds.

Order of the State Corporation for Nuclear Power Rosatom No. 658 of December 12, 2008 on the Procedure of Publication and Entry into Force of the Acts of the State Corporation Rosatom Recognised by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation As Not Needing the State Registration

The state corporation Rosatom replaces the Federal Agency for Nuclear Power.

Decision of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 2 of February 10, 2009 on the Practice of Processing by Courts of the Cases Challenging the Decisions, Actions (Failure to Act) of the Bodies of State Power, Bodies of Local Government, Officials, State and Municipal Servants

Describes the types of decisions and actions that may be challenged.

Decision of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 1 of February 10, 2009 on the Practice of Processing by Courts of Appeals Covered by Article 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedures

Explains some issues of processing by courts of appeals against decisions and actions (failure to act) of the investigator, head of the investigation body and the prosecutor.

Federal Law No. 22-FZ of February 14, 2009 on the Navigation Activities

Specifies the legal fundamentals of navigation activities in the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 94 of February 4, 2009 on the Procedure of Determination of the Amount of Once-Only Payments for the Use of Subsoil Resources on the Parts Allocated for Use without Contests and Auctions for Prospecting and Extraction of Mineral Resources or for Geological Surveys of Subsoil Resources, Prospecting and Extraction of Mineral Resources under a Combined License

Specifies the procedure of determination of the amount of the above payments.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1670 of December 25, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Customs Service of Russia No. 1057 of September 4, 2007

Improves the procedure of declaring of commodities moved across the customs border of the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. BE-22-3/140@ of February 17, 2009 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for January 2009

Provides information necessary for the calculation of the tax on extraction of mineral resources for oil for January 2009.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 1-P of January 30, 2009 on the Case of Constitutionality of Provisions of Items 2, 3 and 4 of Article 13 and Paragraph 2 of Item 1.1 of Article 14 of the Federal Law on the Circulation of Lands of Agricultural Destination Pursuant to the Appeal of Citizen L.G.Pogodina

The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation did not find reasons to recognise as unconstitutional the norms regulating the procedure of allocation of parts of land as shares in the common proprietary right for the land of agricultural destination.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 105 of February 14, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Additional Entries of the Russian Federation to Group 02 "Meat and Edible Meat Offal" of the Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activities of the Russian Federation for the Year 2009

Specifies the limiting aggregate volumes of import of individual categories of meat and edible meat offal for the year 2009

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 154n of December 31, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of the Ledger of Incomes and Expenses of Organisations and Independent Entrepreneurs Applying the Simplified System of Taxation, the Ledger of Incomes of Independent Entrepreneurs Applying the Simplified System of Taxation on the Basis of a Patent and Their Filling Procedures

Introduces a new form of the above ledgers pursuant to the change of the procedure of determination of incomes and expenses for the cases of application of the simplified system of taxation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 109 of February 14, 2009 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation

The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation is authorised to accredit rating agencies and keep the register of accredited agencies. The procedure of accrediting and the keeping of the register is specified by the Ministry of Finance of Russia.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 17 of January 29, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Granting Subsidies in 2009 and for the Planned Period of 2010 and 2011 at the Expense of the Federal Budget to the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organisation International Study and Methodology Centre of Financial Monitoring

Specifies the above procedure. The International Study and Methodology Centre of Financial Monitoring provides for the participation of Russia in the activities of the Eurasia Group for the Combating of Legalisation of Criminal Incomes and Financing of Terrorism.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 130 of February 14, 2009 on the State Support in 2009 of the Training of Workers and Specialists for Hi-Tech Production Facilities in the State Institutions of Initial Professional and Secondary Professional Education Introducing Innovative Educational Programs

Provides budget allocations for the above purposes.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 121 of February 14, 2009 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 109 of February 26, 2004

Envisages two options of regulated tariff rates (prices) for the thermal power supplied to consumers - a single-rate tariff and a dual-rate tariff.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 7n of January 26, 2009 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 143n of December 17, 2008

In addition to the earlier envisaged grounds, the summary sheet of the federal budget and the limits of budget obligations may be changed by the Ministry of Finance of Russia.

Order of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation No. 257 of December 17, 2008 on the Endorsement of Strict-Accountability Forms

Endorses strict-accountability forms "Ticket", "Season Ticket" and "Excursion Accommodation" used by institutions of culture when they render services to the population without cash registers.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 119 of February 14, 2009 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 109 of February 26, 2004

The amendments pertain to the payment for the technological connection to electric power lines.

Order of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation No. 78 of February 20, 2009 on the Endorsement of the List of Automotive Equipment Produced on the Territory of the Russian Federation for the Purchase by the Federal Bodies of Executive Power

Rbl 12.5 billion are allocated additionally from the federal budget for the purchase of automobiles produced in the Russian Federation in 2009.

Order of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation No. 77 of February 20, 2009 on the Endorsement of the List of Cars Produced on the Territory of the Russian Federation Permitting to Reimburse the Shortfall in Income to Credit Organisations in 2009, 2010 and 2011 If They Are Purchased by Natural Persons on Credit in 2009 Proceeding from Two Thirds of the Rate of Refinancing of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation

Russian credit organisations having granted credits in 2009 to natural persons for the purchase of cars produced in Russia for up to Rbl 350,000 are entitled for a reimbursement of shortfall in income.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 158n of December 31, 2008 on the Amendment to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 185n of December 29, 2006 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Tax Declaration for the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources and Its Filling Procedure

Extends the list of grounds to apply the zero rate of the tax and other particulars of calculation and payment of the tax.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 143 of February 24, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Raw Oil and Individual Categories of Commodities of Oil Exported from the Territory of the Russian Federation outside the Member-States of the Customs Union Agreements

Increases export duties for raw oil and individual commodities of oil exported from the Russian Federation outside the member-states of the Customs Union agreements.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 142 of February 24, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Working out and Endorsement of the Federal State Educational Standards

Endorses the federal state educational standards instead of the state standards of professional education.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-7-6/5@ of January 14, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Applications to Register and Remove from Records Organisations and Independent Entrepreneurs As the Payers of the Uniform Imputed Income Tax for Individual Types of Activities

Envisages new forms of applications to register as the payers of the uniform imputed income tax.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/60 of February 12, 2009 on the Registration for the Profit Taxation Purposes of Expenses in the Form of Reimbursement of Underpaid Actual Earnings in the Cases of Temporary Disability, As Well As on the Collection of the Uniform Social Tax and the Income Tax from Natural Persons from These Payments

If such payments are envisaged in the local normative acts of the organisation, labour contracts and/or collective contracts, these amounts may be included by the employer organisation in the labour remuneration expenses when calculating the profit tax.

Federal Law No. 26-FZ of February 26, 2009 on the Amendment to the Federal Law on the Federal Budget for the Year 2009 and for the Planned Period of 2010 and 2011

According to the Council of the Federation, the given Federal Law revises the program of state financial and export credits for the year 2009 and for the planned period of 2010 and 2011.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 154 of February 24, 2009 on the Federal Service for the Regulation of the Alcohol Market

Defines the authority and procedure of organisation of activities of the newly created Federal Service for the Regulation of the Alcohol Market.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 153 of February 24, 2009 on the Validity until July 1, 2009 of the Passports of the Citizen of the USSR of the Specimen of 1974 for Certain Categories of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

Extends until July 1, 2009 the period of validity of the passports of the citizen of the USSR of the specimen of 1974.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 144 of February 24, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Equipment for the Medical Industry

Introduces on the permanent basis the zero rate of import customs duties for individual types of equipment for the medical industry.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 28n of January 29, 2009 on the Agreements to Grant Subsidies from the Federal Budget to the Budget of the Subject of the Russian Federation for the Financial Support in 2009 of Expenses to Implement the State Order for Hi-Tech Medical Aid to Citizens of the Russian Federation Rendered at the Expense of the Federal Budget by Medical Institutions Supervised by the Subject of the Russian Federation and Municipal Formations Located on Its Territory

Continues in 2009 the financing of the state order to render hi-tech medical aid to citizens.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 146n of December 25, 2008 on the Activities of State Financial Control

Endorses the Regulation on the requirements to the activities of the federal bodies of executive power pertaining to the financial control of in the sphere of budget relations.

Federal Law No. 28-FZ of February 28, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Banks and Banking Activities

The banks with the capital less than Rbl 180 million as of January 1, 2007 must increase it evenly within four years.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 179 of February 14, 2009 on the Seasonal Duties for Rice and Fours of It Imported to the Territory of the Russian Federation in 2009

Introduces the rates of seasonal duties for rice and flours of it imported to Russia until May 15, 2009 inclusive.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 174 of February 26, 2009 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation for Special-Purpose Motor Vehicles

Introduces for 9 months the rates of import customs duties for new and used special-purpose motor vehicles.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 173 of February 26, 2009 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation for Some Dairy Products

The rate of the duty for milk and kefir with the fat content 1% to 6% by weight in the primary package, net weight up to 0.35 l makes 15% of the customs cost.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 166 of February 24, 2009 on the Procedure of Submission by the Bodies and Agents of Currency Control to the Body of Currency Control Authorised by the Government of the Russian Federation of Documents and Information Necessary for the Execution of Its Functions

Introduces a new procedure of submission and transfer of documents and information by the bodies and agents of currency control to the Federal Service of Financial and Budget Enforcement.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 165 of February 24, 2009 on the Amendments to the Classification of Fixed Assets Included in the Amortisation Groups

Some drilling equipment for oil extraction and prospecting is transferred from the third to the second amortisation group.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 163 of February 24, 2009 on the Accreditation of the Bodies of Certification and Testing Laboratories (Centres) Carrying out Works of Compliance Confirmation

Specifies the procedure of accreditation of the bodies of certification and testing laboratories (centres) providing compliance confirmation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 160 of February 24, 2009 on the Procedure to Fix Security Zones of Electric Network Facilities and the Special Terms of Use of the Land Plots within the Boundaries of Such Zones

According to the Land Code of the Russian Federation, security zones of object of the power supply industry may be located on the lands of any category.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 147 of February 24, 2009 on the Processing of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

Federal Law No. 134 of July 19, 2007 permits the processing of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, including those withdrawn from illegal circulation, for further use in educational, expert, investigation work and medical certification, as well as to obtain substances other than narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 112 of February 14, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Transportation of Passengers and Luggage by the Road Transport

Specifies the following types of transportation: regular transportation, transportation to order and transportation by taxi.

Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 128 of February 12, 2009 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 310 of May 26, 1997

If the parent's foreign passport contains information on the child, the child's photograph must be added regardless of the age.

Federal Law No. 30-FZ of February 28, 2009 on the Amendments to Articles 22 and 33 of the Federal Law on the Obligatory Insurance of Civil Liabilities of Owners of Transport Vehicles

Changes the procedure of generation of the insurance reserve by insurers.

Federal Law No. 29-FZ of February 28, 2009 on the Ratification of the Protocol on the Mechanism of Rendering of the Military and Technical Aid to the Member-States of the Organisation of the Collective Security Treaty in the Presence of the Hazard of Aggression or Act of Aggression

The ratified Protocol specifies the procedure and terms of rendering of the military and technical aid to the member-states of the Organisation of the Collective Security Treaty.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 108 of February 14, 2009 on the Amendments to Some Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation

Refines the list of the bodies participating in the issue of licenses for the export and import of commodities (works, services).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 151 of February 24, 2009 on the Cost of Living in Per Capita Figures and for the Main Socio-Demographic Groups of Population of the Russian Federation for the III Quarter of 2008

The cost of living for the whole of the Russian Federation for the III quarter of 2008 in fixed in the amount of Rbl 4,630 per capita, Rbl 5,017 for the able-bodied population, Rbl 3,660 for pensioners, Rbl 4,418 for children.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 152 of February 24, 2009 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation for Individual Asynchronous Electric Motors

Introduces for 9 months increased rates of import customs duties for some asynchronous electric motors.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 10n of February 2, 2009 on the Amendment to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 108n of November 13, 2007

The list of off-shore zones includes the Republic of the Seychelles.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 190 of March 3, 2009 on the Coefficient of Indexing of the Amount of the Monthly Insurance Payment under Obligatory Social Insurance against Industrial Accidents and Occupational Diseases

The payment is indexed to take account of the inflation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 194 of March 4, 2009 on the Delivery by the Open-Type Joint-Stock Company Russian Railways of New Cars Made on the Territory of the Russian Federation to the Railroad Stations Located on the Territory of the Far-Eastern Federal District

In 2009, Russian Railways will get subsidies up to Rbl 2 million as a reimbursement of expenses to deliver new cars made in the Russian Federation to the Far East.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 195 of March 5, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Carrying out of the Expert Evaluation of Draft Normative Acts and Other Documents to Reveal Provisions Inspiring Corruption

The expert evaluation for propensity for corruption is carried out for the draft normative and legal acts pertaining, in particular, to the rights and freedoms of man and citizen worked out by the federal bodies of executive power (except for the documents containing the state secret).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 196 of March 5, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Method of Carrying out of the Expert Evaluation of Draft Normative Legal Acts and Other Documents to Reveal Provisions Inspiring Corruption

The method defines the requirements to the expert evaluation, provides the list of factors inspiring corruption.

Decision of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 10962/08 of December 23, 2008. The Court Having Sent the case for Revision Specified That the Provider Is Not Responsible for the Transferred Information If It Is Not Him Who Initiates the Transfer, Chooses the Recipient, Affects the Integrity of the Transferred Information

A holder of the copyright for the musical pieces appealed to court demanding compensation from a hosting provider for an illegal placing of these pieces on the Internet site.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 702n of December 9, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution by the Federal Service of Labour and Employment of the State Function of Providing Information and Advice to Employers and Employees on the Issues of Observation of the Labour Legislation and Other Normative Legal Acts Containing the Norms of the Labour Law

Regulates the sequence and time limits of actions of the Federal Service of Labour and Employment and its territorial bodies to provide information and recommendations to employers and employees on the issues of observation of the labour legislation and other normative legal acts containing the norms of the labour law.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-07/1-75 of February 18, 2009 on the Documents Reclaimed by the Tax Body from the Taxpayer Three Months After Submission of the Tax Declaration

From January 1, 2009, the deadline to carry out a cameral tax check makes three months from the day of submission of the tax declaration (estimate) to the tax body.

Decision of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 10458/08 of February 3, 2009. The Court Refused to Bring a Company to Administrative Responsibility for Illegal Use of the Trade-Mark, Since the Object of Violation Is Issued by the Holder of the Right for the Same Trade-Marks and Does Not Contain Signs of Illegal Reproduction of Trade-Marks

Refutes erroneous judgment that importing a car bearing the trade-mark without the permission of the holder of the right for this trade-mark serves as grounds for administrative responsibility.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 261 of March 10, 2009 on the Federal Program "Reformation and Development of the System of State Service of the Russian Federation (Years 2009-2013)"

Assessment of activities of state servants depends, in particular, on the quality of state services rendered to citizens and organisations.

Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 43 of January 21, 2009 on the Amendment to the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 282 of March 28, 2002

Provides a new wording of the list of digital codes used on the registration plates identifying transport vehicles owned by diplomatic representations, consular institutions, international organisations.

Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Nos. 14, 24, 58 of January 28, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Requirements to Educational Programs of Professional Development of Expert Technicians

Specifies the requirements to educational programs of professional development of expert technicians participating in the independent expert evaluation of transport vehicles for the purposes of obligatory insurance of civil liabilities of owners of transport vehicles.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 225 of March 10, 2009 on the Amendments to Insurance Tariff Rates for Obligatory Insurance of Civil Liabilities of Owners of Transport Vehicles, Their Structure and Procedure of Application by Insurers in the Determination of the Insurance Premium

Revises individual coefficients to insurance tariff rates of obligatory insurance of civil liabilities of owners of transport vehicles.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/82 of February 24, 2009

Examines the taxation procedure for profits of separate divisions of the organisation at their closing.

Federal Law No. 39-FZ of March 14, 2009 on the Amendments to Articles 404 and 405 of the Code of Criminal Procedures of the Russian Federation

Envisages opportunities to revise as an enforcement procedure a convictive judgement, as well as a court ruling or decision because of the need to apply a heavier crime law in view of the mild punishment or for other reasons impairing the convict status, as well as revise a judgment of acquittal or a court decision dismissing the criminal case.

Federal Law No. 38-FZ of March 14, 2009 on the Amendments to Articles 40 and 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedures of the Russian Federation

The bodies of the Federal Bailiff Service are included in the bodies of investigation.

Federal Law no. 35-FZ of March 14, 2009 on the Ratification of the Protocol between the Russian Federation and the Turkish Republic on the Amendments to the Consular Convention between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Turkish Republic of April 27, 1988

Ratifies the protocol envisaging amendments to the Consular Convention between the USSR and Turkey.

Federal Law No. 32-FZ of March 14, 2009 on the Amendments to the Forestry Code of the Russian Federation and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Parts of forests located in green zones may be used for development of mineral resources if the licenses were obtained before January 1, 2007.

Federal Law No. 36-FZ of March 14, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 251 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

According to the amendments, the proprietary contribution of the Russian Federation in the property of the state corporation or fund created on the basis of a federal law is not included in the calculation of the taxable base for the profit tax.

Federal Law No. 31-FZ of March 14, 2009 on the State Registration of Rights for Air Vessels and Transactions with Them

According to the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the rights for immovable property (including the air vessels) are subject to the state registration, however, the Federal Law on the state registration of rights for immovable property and transactions with it did not cover the rights for air vessels. The adopted Federal Law eliminates the gap.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 214 of March 10, 2009 on the Amendments to the Rules of Generation and Use of Budget Allocations of the Investment Fund of the Russian Federation

The Investment Fund of the Russian Federation was created to finance at the expense of the federal budget of investment projects of state significance implemented on the terms of state and private partnership. The amendments refine the composition of participants of such projects.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 213 of March 10, 2009 on the Procedure to Grant Subventions from the Federal Budget in 2009 to the Budgets of the Subjects of the Russian Federation for the Implementation of the Authority of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Control of the Quality of Education, Licensing and State Accreditation of Educational Institutions, Enforcement and Control of Observation of Legislation of the Russian Federation in the Sphere of Education

From January 1, 2009, the regions will implement individual authority of the Russian Federation in the above sphere.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 209 of March 10, 2009 on the Interbudget Transfers Provided to the Budget of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation to Redeem at the Expense of the Maternity (Family) Capital the Main Debt and Interest under Credits or Loans for the Purchase (Construction) of Dwelling Space, Including the Mortgage Ones Granted to Citizens under a Credit Contract (Loan Contract)

From January 1, 2009, the maternity (family) capital may be used to redeem the main debt and interest under mortgage credits attracted until December 31, 2010 inclusive.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 198 of March 10, 2009 on the Financial Support in 2009 at the Expense of the Federal Budget of Measures Expected to Improve the Organisation of Medical Aid to Victims of Road Accidents

Introduces a procedure of granting subsidies in 2009 to the regional budgets as a co-financing of the purchase of equipment for public health institutions.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 231 of March 17, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Granting Subsidies in 2009 to Organisations of the Air Transport to Ensure Affordability of Air Transportation for Passengers from the Far East to the European Part of the Country and Back

Subsidies are allocated from the federal budget to air carriers transporting passengers from the Far East to the European apart of the country and back in regular transportation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 223 of March 10, 2009 on the Limits (Limiting Volumes) and Quotas of Consumption (Intake) of Water Resources from the Water Object and Waste Water Disposal

Specifies the procedure of fixing the limits (limiting volumes) and quotas of consumption (intake) of water resources from the water object and waste water disposal.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 220 of March 10, 2009 on the Amendment to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 863 of December 28, 2004

Regulates the issue of payment of fees for the customs registration of commodities undergoing periodic temporary declaring.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 205 of March 10, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Granting Subsidies in 2009-2011 from the Federal Budget to Russian Organisations of Agricultural and Tractor Building Mechanical Engineering, Forestry Complex, Mechanical Engineering for the Oil and Gas Complex and Machine Tool Industry to Reimburse Part of Expenses to Pay the Interest under Credits Obtained in Russian Credit Organisations for the Technical Modernisation for up to 5 Years

The state reimburses in 2009-2011 part of expenses to Russian organisations of individual sectors of economy to pay the interest under credits obtained in Russian credit organisations for the technical modernisation for up to 5 years.

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 304-r of March 10, 2009 on the List of National Standards Containing the Rules and Methods of Investigation (Testing) and Measurements, Including the Rules of Selection of Specimens, Necessary for the Application and Execution of the Federal Law "Technical Regulation on the Fire Safety Requirements" and Assessment of Compliance

The Technical Regulation introducing a uniform approach to organisation of fire safety protection is entered into force in May 2009.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 09-5/pz-n of February 10, 2009 on the Temporary Exemption from the Requirements to Capitalisation of Stocks When They Are Excluded from Quotation Lists of Stock Exchanges

Stock exchanges are permitted to exempt until January 1, 2010 from the requirements to capitalisation of stocks the stocks suggested for inclusion in quotation lists A and B when a decision is taken to exclude them from the above lists.

Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 532 of December 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Classification of the Natural Fire Hazard of Forests and Classification of Fire Hazard in Forests According to Weather Conditions, As Well As the Requirements to Fire Safety Measures in Forests Depending on the Designation of Forests, Figures of Natural Fires Hazard of Forests and Figures of Fire Hazard in Forests According to Weather Conditions

Fire safety measures in forests must be taken while taking into account the figures characterising the fire hazards.

Order of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation No. 231 of December 8, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Strict-Accountability Form "Cinema Ticket"

Endorses the strict-accountability form Cinema Ticket used when the services to the population are rendered without cash registers.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-07-15/39 of March 6, 2009 on the VAT Collection from Payment (Partial Payment) for Anticipated Supplies of Commodities (Fulfilled Works, Rendered Services, Transfer of Proprietary Rights) and Particulars of Drawing up of Invoices for the Advanced Payment

Explains the particulars of drawing up of invoices and VAT collection procedure in the above cases.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 232 of March 17, 2009 on the Procedure of Export of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances for the Purposes of Humanitarian Aid (Assistance) or Aid in Emergency Situations

The Federal Law No. 136-FZ of July 22, 2008 permits to export narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the above cases.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 228 of March 16, 2009 on the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Mass Communication and Information Technologies

Specifies the authority and procedure of organisation of activities of the new service after being reorganised from the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Mass Communication.

Order of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 19217 of December 11, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution of the State Function of Issue of the Temporary Identification Document of the Citizen of the Russian Federation Permitting to Enter (Return to) the Russian Federation

Regulates the procedure of issue of the certificate for the entry in (return to) the Russian Federation.

Program of Anti-Crisis Measures of the Government of the Russian Federation for the Year 2009

Works out the program of anti-crisis measures of the Government of the Russian Federation for the year 2009.

Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 17 of February 26, 2009 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 23 of June 22, 2006 on Some Issues of Application by Arbitration Courts of the Norms of the Budget Code of the Russian Federation

The need for the amendments is stipulated by the changes introduced in the Budget Code of the Russian Federation after preparation of initial explanations, i.e. those having entered into force after January 1, 2008.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-22-3/204@ of March 18, 2009 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for February 2009

Provides information used for the calculation of the tax on extraction of mineral resources for oil for February 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 244 of March 19, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Granting Subsidies from the Federal Budget in 2009 to Russian Credit Organisations to Reimburse Shortfall in Incomes under Credits Granted by Russian Credit Organisations in 2009 to Natural Persons for the Purchase of Cars

Russian credit organisations where natural persons got credits in 2009 for the purchase of cars produced in the Russian Federation for up to Rbl 350,000 may get reimbursement of shortfall in incomes.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 242 of March 17, 2009 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation

The amendments are stipulated by the introduction of the obligatory expert evaluation of draft normative legal acts and other documents to reveal provisions inspiring corruption.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2185-U of February 12, 2009 on the Amendments to the Instruction of the Bank of Russia No. 110-I of January 16, 2004 on the Obligatory Normatives of Banks

The amendments are expected to promote a conceptual approach in the course of assessment of credit risks for resources placed on correspondent accounts of banks in contracting credit organisations.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 239 of March 17, 2009 on the Amendment to the List of International, Foreign and Russian Awards for the Outstanding Achievements in Science and Technology, Education, Culture, Literature, Arts and Mass Media Where the Amounts Received by Taxpayers Are Exempted from Taxation

The Russian Booker award is included in the list of awards exempted from the income tax from natural persons.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 241 of March 17, 2009 on the Endorsement of the List of Products Which, in Order to Be Placed under the Customs Regimes Permitting Alienation or Use According to Their Destination on the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation, Are Subject to Obligatory Confirmation of Compliance with the Requirements of the Federal Law "Technical Regulation on the Fire Safety Requirements"

A declaration of compliance or certificate of compliance is submitted to the customs bodies together with the customs declaration for the above products.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 237 of March 17, 2009 on the Initial (Limiting) Price of the Contract (Lot Price) When an Order Is Placed for Supplies of Commodities, Carrying out Works, Rendering Services for the State or Municipal Needs in Small Businesses and on the Amendments to the List of Commodities, Works, Services for the State and Municipal Needs the Orders for Which Are Placed in Small Businesses

The above price is fixed in the amount of Rbl 15 million.

Order of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation No. 39 of February 3, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation on the Execution of the State Function of State Protection of Victims, Witnesses, Other Participants of Criminal Proceedings and Their Relatives

The bodies of the Federal Security Service of Russia shall provide for the state protection of participants of criminal proceedings.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 247 of March 21, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Coefficient of Additional Increase from April 1, 2009 of the Insured Part of the Labour Pension

From April 1, 2009, the insured part of the labour pension is increased by 17.5% more.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 248 of March 21, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Coefficient of Indexing of the Estimated Pension Capital of the Insured

The coefficient of indexing of the estimated pension capital of the insured as of January 1, 2008 is fixed in the amount of 1.269.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-22-3/215@ of March 23, 2009 on the Procedure of Application of VAT Exemptions in Cashless Forms of Payments in the Transient Period

Amendments in the procedure of application of VAT exemptions have entered into force since January 1, 2009. However, in commodity exchange operations, claims rights off-setting, in estimates for securities, amounts of tax put forward to the taxpayer for the purchase of commodities (works, services) and accepted for exemption before December 31, 2008 inclusive, are subject to exemption according to the procedure that was in effect as of the date of their acceptance.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-22-3/216@ of March 23, 2009 on the Procedure of Application of Individual Provisions of the Federal Law No. 224-FZ of November 26, 2008

Beginning with the first tax period of 2009, tax declaration for VAT shows both the calculated amounts of tax and the amounts due for exemption.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 256 of March 26, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Raw Oil and Individual Categories of Commodities of Oil Exported from the Territory of the Russian Federation outside the Member-States of the Customs Union Agreements

Reduces the above rates because of the drop of world prices for oil.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2195-U of March 6, 2009 on the Amendments to the Instruction of the Bank of Russia No. 110-I of January 16, 2004 on the Obligatory Normatives of Banks

Amends the method of calculation of obligatory normatives of banks.

Order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation No. 91 of February 24, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Form and Procedure of Registration of the Fire Safety Declaration

The fire safety declaration is worked out on the obligatory basis for objects of capital construction requiring the state expert evaluation, buildings of kindergartens, nursery homes for the elderly, hospitals, hostels of educational institutions.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 5-P of March 17, 2009 on the Case of Constitutionality of the Provision of Paragraphs 4 and 5 of Item 10 of Article 89 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Appeal of the Limited-Liability Company Varm

Recognises as unconstitutional the norms of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation permitting tax bodies to repeat a tax check if the results of the initial check are already assessed by the court and the court ruling is entered into force.

Order of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 18584 of November 28, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution of the State Function of Drawing up and Issue of the Passport Identifying the Citizen of the Russian Federation outside the Territory of the Russian Federation to Exit the Russian Federation and Enter the Russian Federation

Citizens of the Russian Federation living abroad may apply for their passports to the consular institutions abroad.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/136 of March 13, 2009

According to the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, the Tax Code of the Russian Federation does not prohibit to accrue amortisation for the objects of fixed assets revealed in the course of inventory taking or obtained free.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 336 of March 30, 2009 on the Call-up to the Military Service for the Citizens of the Russian Federation in April-May 2009 and Dismissal from the Military Service for Draft Servicemen

The call-up to the military service scheduled from April 1 to July 15, 2009 applies to the citizens of the Russian Federation 18 to 27 years of age registered for the military service and not being in the reserve.

Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation No. 57 of February 24, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Procedure to Carry out the Uniform State Examination

Introduces a new procedure to carry out the uniform state examination as a state (final) certification of school leavers.

Letter of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-05/21 of February 16, 2009 on the Return of Overpaid Amounts of the Profit Tax

The Federal Law No. 224-FZ of November 26, 2008 permits taxpayers to change the procedure of calculation of advance payments for the profit tax for the IV quarter of 2008.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 272 of March 31, 2009 on the Procedure to Estimate the Fire Safety Hazard

Specifies the procedure of estimation of the fire safety hazard when drawing up the fire safety declaration.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 79 of March 25, 2009 on the Average Market Cost of 1 Square Meter of the Total Dwelling Space by the Subjects of the Russian Federation for the II quarter of 2009

Specifies the average market cost of 1 square meter of total dwelling space by the subjects of the Russian Federation for the II quarter of 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 290 of April 1, 2009 on the Measures to Implement the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1370 of September 17, 2008

Specifies the authority of the Business Management Department of the President of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 289 of March 31, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Accreditation of Legal Entities to Assess Vulnerabilities of Objects of Transport Infrastructure and Transport Vehicles

Provides assessment of vulnerabilities of transport vehicles and objects of transport infrastructure for the cases of illegal interference, including a terrorist act.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 285 of March 31, 2009 on the List of Objects Subject to the Federal State Ecological Control

Specifies a new list of objects subject to the federal state ecological control.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 281 of March 31, 2009 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Licensing of Audit Activities

The Regulation on the licensing of audit activities is being brought in compliance with the new federal law on the mentioned activities.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 276 of March 31, 2009 on the Prolongation of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Clothes of Natural Fur

Prolongs for 9 months more the reduced import duties for clothes of natural fur.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 275 of March 31, 2009 on the Prolongation of the Rate of Import Customs Duty for the Rolled Stock of Aluminium Alloys Measuring in Thickness over 0.2 mm, Painted, Varnished or Coated with Plastic

Prolongs for 9 months the rate of the import customs duty for the rolled stock of aluminium alloys measuring in thickness over 0.2 mm, painted, varnished or coated with plastic (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 7606 12 500 0).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 274 of March 31, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rate of Import Customs Duty for Raw Materials for Making Glass Cases

From March 21, 2009, introduces on the permanent basis the zero rate of the import customs duty for raw materials for production of glass cases (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 3920 73 900 0).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 273 of March 31, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Receivers for TV Communication

Increases for 9 months the rates of import customs duties for individual types of receivers for TV communication (codes according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 8528 72 810 0 and 8528 72 890 0).

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 446-r of April 2, 2009 on the Increase of Budget Allocations to Grant Subsidies in 2009 to Strategic Organisations of the Defence Industry

Increases by Rbl 3 billion the subsidies granted in 2009 to strategic organisations of the defence industry to prevent bankruptcy.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 378 of March 4, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Procedure to Carry out Customs Operations for Marine Products Moved Across the Customs Border of the Russian Federation by Fishing Vessels

Introduces a new procedure to carry out customs operations for marine products moved across the customs border of Russia by fishing vessels.

Federal Law No. 52-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement on the Beneficial Terms of Supplies of Special Equipment and Special Outfit for the Law Enforcement Bodies and Special Services of the Member-States of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation

The ratified Agreement envisages beneficial terms of supplies of special equipment and special outfit for the law enforcement bodies and special services of the member-states of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

Federal Law No. 49-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement on the Procedure of Operative Deployment, Use and Comprehensive Support of Collective Quick-Response Forces of the Central Asia Collective Security Region

The ratified Agreement introduces international legal fundamentals of control of collective quick-response forces of the Central Asia Collective Security Region.

Federal Law No. 48-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Procedure for the Residents of the Frontier Territories of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan to Cross the Russian-Kazakhstan State Border

Ratifies the Agreement between the Governments of Russia and Kazakhstan on the procedure for the residents of the frontier territories to cross the Russian-Kazakhstan state border.

Federal Law No. 47-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 4 of the Federal Law on the State Control of the International Highway Transportation and Responsibility for the Violation of These Procedures

Specifies the hazardous cargo requiring a special permission in the cases of international highway transportation.

Federal Law No. 46-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 3 of the Federal Law on the Development of Agriculture

Removes inconsistencies in the Federal Law on the development of agriculture and the Tax Code of the Russian Federation where they pertain to the notion of "agricultural producer".

Federal Law No. 45-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 4 of the Law of the Russian Federation on the Property Tax from Natural Persons

Property tax exemptions are available for the persons entitled for support in compliance with the legislation on the social protection of citizens having been exposed to radiation because of the disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station, accident at the Mayak Production Association and disposal of radio active waste in the river of Techa.

Federal Law no. 44-FZ of April 5, 20-09 on the Amendment to Article 144 of the Code of Civil Procedures of the Russian Federation

Extends the list of persons who can discard provisional remedy.

Federal Law No. 43-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Amendments to Articles 45 and 131 of the Code of Civil Procedures of the Russian Federation

The prosecutor is entitled to appeal to court to protect social rights of citizens following an appropriate appeal of citizens.

Federal Law No. 40-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Guarantees of Rights of Small Native Peoples of the Russian Federation

Improves the legislation on the small native peoples of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 288 of March 31, 2009 on the Amendments to the Rules of Price Forming for the Russian-Made Armaments and Military Equipment That Do Not Have Russian Analogues and Are Made by a Single Producer

Refines the price forming procedure for the above armaments and military equipment.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 279 of March 31, 2009 on the Body of Scientific and Technical Information of the Federal Body of Executive Power in Charge of Scientific, Technical and Innovation Activities

Document creators must submit an obligatory copy of reports of scientific research, experimental design works, algorithms, software and dissertation papers to the body of scientific and technical information of the federal body of executive power in charge of scientific, technical and innovation activities.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 277 of March 31, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Licensing of Educational Activities

Endorses a new Regulation on the licensing of educational activities.

Letter of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 02-06-07/1411 of March 30, 2009 on the Methodology Directions on the Switchover to the New Provisions of the Budget Accounting Instruction

From January 1, 2009, introduces a new procedure of budget accounting work.

Federal Law No. 41-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the General Principles of Organisation of Legislative (Representative) and Executive Bodies of State Power of the Subjects of the Russian Federation and the Federal Law on Political Parties

Refines the procedure of forming of the regional bodies of power.

Federal Law No. 42-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Amendments to Articles 25 and 26 of the Federal Law on Political Parties and the Federal Law on the Main Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right to Participate in the Referendum of the Citizens of the Russian Federation

Introduces a new procedure of participation of public associations not being political parties in the elections of deputies of municipal bodies through proportional electoral system.

Federal Law no. 50-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation on the Terms of Stay of the United Headquarters of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation on the Territory of the Russian Federation

Ratifies the above Agreement.

Federal Law No. 51-FZ of April 5, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on the Transit Shipment of Commodities Moved between the Customs Bodies of the Russian Federation and the Customs Bodies of the Republic of Belarus

The ratified Agreement was signed in Moscow on June 29, 2007 and simplifies the procedure of customs registration and customs control of commodities moved in transit shipments under the customs control between the customs bodies of Russia and the Republic of Belarus.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 304 of April 7, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Assessment of Compliance of Objects of Protection (Products) with Specified Fire Safety Requirements through Independent Assessment of Fire Risk

The property of citizens or legal entities, state or municipal property, including buildings, structures, transport vehicles, process plants must meet fire safety requirements specified in the special Technical Regulation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 301 of April 6, 2009 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Issue of the Permission for Temporary Residence to Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

The procedure of issue of the permission for temporary residence to foreign citizens and stateless persons is being brought in compliance with the Federal Law on the legal status of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation No. 84 of February 27, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Form of the License and Application for the License

The Ministry of the Industry and Trade of Russia issues licenses for export and import operations with individual types of goods.

Order of the Federal Fishing Agency No. 143 of February 25, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Distribution of Industrial Quotas of Fresh Water Objects among the Subjects of the Russian Federation

Introduces a new procedure of distribution among the subjects of the Russian Federation of industrial quotas for the catch of aquatic bioresources in fresh-water objects of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 329 of February 25, 2009 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Customs Service of Russia No. 750 of August 9, 2006

Introduces a number of new requirements to the outfit, construction and planning of the special economic zone.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1656 of December 23, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Customs Service on the Execution of the State Function of Introduction of Special, Simplified Procedures of Customs Registration for Individual Persons

The Federal Customs Service and its subordinate customs offices introduce simplified procedures of customs registration for the parties importing commodities to the customs territory of Russia and assuming the duty of release of commodities.

Federal Law No. 58-FZ of April 9, 2009 on the Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

The amendments provide for the balancing of the federal budget in the presence of the world financial crisis.

Federal Law No. 56-FZ of April 9, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 825 of Part 2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and on Invalidation of Article 10 of the Federal Law on the Entry into Force of Part 2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

Specifies which organisations may conclude factoring contracts as financial agents.

Federal Law No. 55-FZ of April 9, 2009 on the Ratification of the Protocol to the Convention between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Czech Republic on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Evasion of Taxes on Incomes and Capital

Ratifies the Protocol to the Convention between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of evasion of taxes on incomes and capital.

Federal Law No. 54-FZ of April 9, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Chinese People's Republic on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Capital Investments and the Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Chinese People's Republic on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Capital Investments

The ratified Agreement and Protocol were signed by the sides on November 9, 2006 in Peking.

Federal Law No. 53-FZ of April 9, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Federal Republic of Brazil on the Mutual Protection of Technologies Pertaining to Cooperation in Investigation of the Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes

The ratified Agreement was signed on December 14, 2006 in the city of Brasilia.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 314 of April 8, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of State Control of the Economic Concentration in the Sphere of Use of Water Objects

The Water Code of the Russian Federation prohibits monopolistic activities and unfair competition in the sphere of use of water objects.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 313 of April 8, 2009 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Patents and Trade-Marks

The Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Patents and Trade-Marks is empowered with a new function of control of protection and use of results of works of civil destination carried out at the expense of the federal budget.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 311 of April 8, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Fixing of Time Limits of Processing of Commodities in Excess of 2 Years for Armaments and Military Equipment

Armaments and military equipment produced on the territory of the Russian Federation and supplied abroad are placed under the customs regime of processing on the customs territory when imported to Russia for repair.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 89 of March 31, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on the Execution of the State Function of Providing Information on the Registered Organisations to Natural Persons and Legal Entities

The Ministry of Justice of Russia assumes the authority of registration of non-commercial organisations earlier vested in the Federal Registration Service.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 84 of March 25, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Documents Necessary for the Creation and Carrying out of Activities on the Territory of the Russian Federation of Branches and Representations of International Organisations and Foreign Non-Commercial Non-Governmental Organisations

Introduces a new form of the notification pursuant to the transfer of the function of the Federal Registration Service to the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1657 of December 23, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Application of Special, Simplified Procedures of Customs Registration

Persons importing commodities to Russia may apply simplified procedures of customs registration.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 96 of March 31, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on the Execution of the State Function of State Registration of Non-Commercial Organisations

Introduces a new procedure of registration of non-commercial organisations pursuant to the transfer of the function from the Federal Registration Service to the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 92 of March 31, 2009 on the Accreditation of Legal Entities and Natural Persons As Independent Experts Authorised to Carry out Expert Evaluation of Draft Normative Legal Acts and Other Documents for Propensity for Corruption

Draft normative legal acts shall undergo expert evaluation for propensity for corruption.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 90 of March 31, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on the Execution of the State Function of Control of Compliance of Activities of Non-Commercial Organisations with Statutory Goals and Tasks, Activities of Branches and Representations of International Organisations, Foreign Non-Commercial Non-Governmental Organisations with Proclaimed Goals and Tasks, As Well As of Observation of the Legislation of the Russian Federation by Them

The control function is handed over from the Federal Registration Service to the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Migration Service No. 36 of February 26, 2009 on Some Issues of Issue of Employment Permissions to Foreign Citizens Having Arrived to the Russian Federation According to the Procedure That Does Not Require a Visa

For foreigners having arrived to Russia without the visa, the limit of temporary stay amounts to 90 days.

Order of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation No. 60 of February 16, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Federal Aviation Rules to Provide for a Uniformity of Aviation Activities of the Pilots of the State Aviation

Specifies the procedure to check and permit to fly to pilots of the state aviation, as well as the procedure of organisation of additional professional training for such personnel.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2196-U of March 6, 2009 on the Amendments to the Instruction of the Bank of Russia No. 105-I of August 25, 2003 on the Procedure to Carry out Checks of Credit Organisations (Their Branches) by Authorised Representatives of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation

Adjusts the procedure to carry out checks of credit organisations (their branches) by authorised representatives of the Bank of Russia.

Letter of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 02-06-07/1505 of April 10, 2009 on the Methodology Recommendations to Switch over to the New Provisions of the Budget Accounting Instruction

Relations after January 1, 2009 are covered by the new budget accounting Instruction.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 316 of April 9, 2009 on the Additional Measures to Support the Labour Market of the Russian Federation

Additional subventions are allocated from the federal budget to the subjects of the Russian Federation and the city of Baykonur.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 307 of April 7, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Technical Regulation on the Safety of Products for Children and Teenagers

Introduces safety requirements for baby care items, toys, clothes and shoes, items of textile materials, leather, furs, baby carriages and bicycles, printed items, electronic textbooks, school utensils, table games.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 22n of March 11, 2009 on the Amendments to the Accounting Regulation "Accounting Policy of the Organisation" (PBU 1/2008)

The organisation must disclose accounting methods affecting decision taking of users of accounting reports.

Decision of the Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation No. 23 of April 9, 2009 on the Enhanced Enforcement of Sale of Smoking Mixtures

Prohibits circulation on the territory of the Russian Federation of smoking mixtures containing Salvia divinorum, Argyreia nervosa or Nymphea caerulea.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 85n of March 3, 2009 on the Organisation of Work to Grant Monthly Compensations to Unemployed Women Dismissed Because of Liquidation of the Organisation and Having Children up to Three Years Old

Unemployed women in the above cases are entitled for compensation payments in the amount of Rbl 50.

Decision of the Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation No. 14 of March 2, 2009 on the Endorsement of SanPiN 2.1.8/2.2.4.2489-09

Specifies the limiting levels of attenuation of geomagnetic fields, as well as the requirements to the methods of control of hypogeomagntic conditions and preventive medical measures.

Letter of the Federal Service of Labour and Employment No. 1143-TZ of March 11, 2009 on the Procedure of Dismissal of the General Director of the Organisation

The head of the organisation, when he discontinues the labour contract at his own initiative, shall warn of it his employer (one of the founders) in writing.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/191 of March 26, 2009 on the Registration for the Purposes of the Profit Tax from Organisations of Employee Travel Expenses from the Place of Stay on Business Trip If the Date of the Return Indicated in the Travel Document Is Different from the One Mentioned in the Business Trip Certificate

Travelling expenses do occur regardless of the minor differences in dates and must be redeemed anyway.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 329 of April 15, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Baby Safety Seats

Prolongs for 9 months the zero rates of customs duties for the imported baby safety seats installed in transport vehicles.

Decision of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 5/29 of March 26, 2009 on Some Issues Pertaining to the Entry into Force of Part 4 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

Explains issues pertaining to the rights for the results of intellectual activities and the means of personification.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-7-6/85@ of February 25, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Documents Used by the Tax Bodies When They Implement Their Authority in Compliance with the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Tax Service of Russia Endorsed by the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 9N of January 18, 2008

Tax bodies shall accept tax declarations also in the electronic form.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-22-3/309@ of April 20, 2009 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for March 2009

Provides information used in the calculation of the tax on extraction of mineral resources for oil for March 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 332 of April 20, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Hens and Individual Types of Eggs

From April 10, 2009, applies on the permanent basis the zero rates of import customs duties for live hens weighing up to 185 g (item 0105 11 of the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia) and eggs for hatchery (code 0407 00 190 0 according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia).

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-22-3/279@ of April 10, 2009 on the Procedure of Filling out of the Appendix to the Tax Declaration for the Value Added Tax Endorsed by the Order of the Ministry of Finance of Russia No. 136n of November 7, 2006 in the Cases of Modernisation (Reconstruction) of the Object of Immovable Property

If the modernisation was carried out in less than 15 years from the putting of object in operation, and the modernised object is not excluded from the amortised property, a separate appendix is filled out for the VAT amount declared for exemption.

Order of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Russia No. 280 of October 30, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Service of Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Enforcement on the Execution of the State Function of Control and Enforcement of Observance of Industrial Safety Requirements in the Course of Designing, Construction, Operation, Conservation and Liquidation of Hazardous Industrial Objects, Manufacture, Installation, Setting up, Maintenance and Repair of Technical Devices Used at Hazardous Industrial Objects, Transportation of Hazardous Substances at Hazardous Industrial Objects

Specifies the time limits and sequence of actions of the Federal Service of Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Enforcement and its territorial bodies in the course of control and enforcement in the sphere of industrial safety.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-22-3/302@ of April 17, 2009 on the Procedure of Application of Individual Provisions of the Federal Law No. 224-FZ of November 26, 2008

Since January 1, 2009, tax agents for the value added tax include the buyers of the state property not attached to the state enterprises and institutions forming the state treasury of the Russian Federation, treasury of the subjects of the Russian Federation, as well as the municipal property not attached to the municipal enterprises and institutions forming the municipal treasury.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 136n of March 26, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Method of Determination of the Adjustment Coefficient of the Average Market Cost of 1 Square Meter of Total Dwelling Space Used in the Calculation of the Amount of Lumpsum Subsidy for the Purchase of Dwelling Space

The lumpsum subsidy may be granted from the federal budget to federal civil servants needing dwelling space.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2202-U of March 23, 2009 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 323-P of October 16, 2008 on the Credits without Security Granted by the Bank of Russia to Russian Credit Organisations

Increases from six months to one year the time limits for the credits without security granted by the Bank of Russia to Russian credit organisations.

Information of the Central Bank of Russia of April 23, 2009

From April 24, 2009, the rate of refinancing of the Bank of Russia is fixed in the amount of 12.5% annual.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 441 of April 23, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Procedure of Introduction and Processing of Proposals on the Candidates for the Position of the Higher Official (Head of the Higher Executive Body of State Power) of the Subject of the Russian Federation

According to the Federal Law No. 41-FZ of April 5, 2009, the candidate for the position of the higher official of the subject of the Russian Federation is proposed to the President of the Russian Federation by the political party having won at the regional elections.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 359 of April 22, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Radio Frequency Cables (Coaxial)

Increases for 9 months the rate of the import customs duty for coaxial cables and other coaxial electric conductors.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 325 of April 15, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Raw Sugar of Cane and Individual Types of Sugar and on the Amendments to the Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 786 of December 15, 2004 and No. 695 of September 16, 2008

Increases the rates of import customs duties for raw sugar of cane and sugar with flavouring and dyeing additives.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 334 of April 21, 2009 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Issues of Improvement of the Procedure of Technological Connection of Consumers to Electric Power Networks

Refines the rules of technological connection to electric power networks.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 339 of April 22, 2009 on the Amendment to the Regulation on the Use of Uniform Rates of Customs Duties, Taxes for Commodities Moved across the Customs Border of the Russian Federation by Natural Persons for Personal Use

Increased rates of customs duties are applied from January 12, 2009 for used cars imported by natural persons for personal use.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 366 of April 25, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Raw Oil and Individual Categories of Oil Exported from the Territory of the Russian Federation outside the Member-States of the Customs Union Agreements

Increases from May 1, 2009 the rates of export customs duties for raw oil and individual categories of oil exported from the territory of the Russian Federation outside the member-states of the Customs Union agreements.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-7-6/149@ of March 31, 2009 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Tax Service of Russia No. MM-3-09/536@ of September 17, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Information Envisaged in Article 85 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

Amends individual forms of information pertaining to taxpayers and submitted to tax bodies.

Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 110 of March 27, 2009 on the Limiting Prices for Grain in the Course of State Procurement Interventions in 2009

Specifies the limiting prices for grain permitting the state procurement interventions in 2009.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 07-05-08/156 of April 13, 2009

According to the Federal Law on the accounting work, organisations having switched over to the simplified system of taxation do not have to keep accounting records. However, the Ministry of Finance of Russia believes that limited-liability companies using the simplified system of taxation must keep accounting records and submit accounting reports in compliance with the commonly accepted practice.

Federal Law No. 60-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to Articles 1 and 27 of the Federal Law on the Protection of Rights of Legal Entities and Independent Entrepreneurs in the Course of State Control (Enforcement) and Municipal Control

Shifts from July 1 to May 1, 2009 the entry into force of the law on the protection of rights of organisations and independent entrepreneurs in the course of checks.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 356 of April 22, 2009 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 654 of November 4, 2006

Adjusts the procedure of work of foreign state bodies and organisations in adoption of children on the territory of Russia carried out through their representations.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 340 of April 22, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Forming, Correction and Implementation of Priority Directions of Development of Science and Technologies in the Russian Federation and the List of Critical Technologies of the Russian Federation

Specifies the above procedure.

Federal Law No. 79-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Budget of the Federal Fund of Obligatory Medical Insurance for the Year 2009 and for the Planned Period of 2010 and 2011

Excludes from the budget of the Federal Fund of Obligatory Medical Insurance the figures pertaining to the planned period of 2010-2011.

Federal Law No. 75-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on Political Parties in View of the Stepwise Reduction of the Minimum Number of Members of Political Parties

Envisages a stepwise reduction of the minimum number of members of political parties and introduction of rotation of the leaders of collegiate bodies of the political party.

Federal Law No. 74-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Securities Market and Article 5 of the Federal Law on the Protection of Rights and Legal Interests of Investors at the Securities Market

Introduces a new procedure to provide access for quality foreign securities.

Federal Law No. 73-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

The Federal Law is aimed at protection of interests of creditors in the cases of bankruptcy of organisations.

Federal Law No. 68-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to Article 55 of the Federal Law on the Placing of Orders for Supplies of Commodities, Carrying out Works, Rendering Services for the State and Municipal Needs

According to the amendments, the Government of the Russian Federation, and also the President of the Russian Federation, may now nominate the sole supplier (executor, contractor) under the state contract.

Federal Law No. 64-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Ratification of the Protocol between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Amendment to the Lease Treaty for the Baykonur Complex between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan of December 10, 1994

Ratifies the protocol amending the lease contract for the Baykonur Complex concluded between the Governments of Russia and Kazakhstan.

Federal Law No. 63-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Lithuanian Republic on the Navigation in the Kurshsky Bay and the Water Ways in the Kaliningrad Province of the Russian Federation and in the Lithuanian Republic

The ratified Agreement was signed by the parties in the city of Svetlogorsk on December 4, 2007.

Federal Law No. 62-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 20 of the Federal Law on Self-Regulating Organisations

The keeping of the Register of Self-Regulating Organisations is vested in the body of executive power authorised by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Federal Law No. 61-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 24 of the Code of Internal Water Transport of the Russian Federation

The Code of Internal Water Transport of the Russian Federation is being brought in compliance with the legislation on the hypothec (mortgage for immovable property).

Federal Law No. 78-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Budget of the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation for the Year 2009 and for the Planned Period of 2010 and 2011

Adjusts the main characteristics of the budget of the Social Insurance Fund of Russia because of the switchover to the one-year budget planning.

Federal Law No. 77-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Budget of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation for the Year 2009 and for the Planned Period of 2010 and 2011

Revokes the provisions pertaining to the planned period of 2010 and 2011.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 368 of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation

Brings the Regulation on the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia in compliance with the Federal Law on the protection of rights of legal entities and independent entrepreneurs in the course of state control (enforcement) and municipal control entered into force from May 1, 2009.

Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. 214 of December 19, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Drawing up, Issuance and Keeping of the Sailor Book

The sailor book is handed out to sailors from January 1, 2009 - the document containing information of sailor employment history as a member of the crew of the sea vessel.

Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. 213 of December 19, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Instruction on the Procedure of Application of the Regulation on the Sailor Identification Card

The sailor identification card is issued to merchant marines.

Federal Law No. 76-FZ of April 28, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Federal Budget for the Year 2009 and for the Planned Period of 2010 and 2011

The amendments are stipulated by the refinement of the forecast of the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation for 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 373 of April 30, 2009 on the Body in Charge of Accreditation of the Bodies of Certification and Testing Laboratories (Centres) Carrying out Works to Confirm Compliance of Products with Fire Safety Requirements

The Technical Regulation on the fire safety requirements has entered into force from May 1, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 370 of April 29, 2009 on the Amendments to the List of Goods Subject to Obligatory Certification

The list of goods subject to obligatory certification does not include now juices of fruits and/or vegetables.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 379 of April 30, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Civil Airplanes

Introduces on the permanent basis the zero rate of the import customs duty for civil airplanes not more than 20,000 kg laden weight with the number of passenger seats for up to 19 persons.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 372 of April 30, 2009 on the Endorsement of the List of Technological Equipment (Including Component and Spare Parts for It) the Analogues of Which Are Not Produced in the Russian Federation and Import of Which to the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation Is Exempted from the Value Added Tax

Specifies the list of technological equipment not produced in the Russian Federation import of which to the Russian Federation is exempted from the value added tax.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 19n of March 10, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Implementation by the Federal Tax Service of the State Function of Registration According to Established Procedure of Cash Registers Used by Organisations and Independent Entrepreneurs in Compliance with Legislation of the Russian Federation

Introduces the procedure of implementation by the territorial tax bodies of the function of registration of cash registers.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 386 of April 30, 2009 on the Cases Permitting Agreements between Credit and Insurance Organisations

Agreements between economic subjects restricting competition are prohibited. However, in certain conditions, such agreements may be permitted.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 385 of April 30, 2009 on the Amendment to the Regulation on the Federal Agency for State Property Management

Federal Law No. 296-FZ of December 30, 2008 refined the procedure of assessment of the property of the unitary enterprise and joint-stock company where more than 25% of stocks is in the state (municipal) possession.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 380 of April 30, 2009 on the Amendment to the List of Foreign States Where They Preserve Trade Representations of the Russian Federation and Offices of Trade Advisors of Embassies of the Russian Federation Are Reorganised into Trade Representations

Adjusts the list of foreign states where they preserve trade representations of the Russian Federation and offices of trade advisors of embassies of the Russian Federation are reorganised into trade representations.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 369 of April 29, 2009 on the Endorsement of the List of Products of Juices of Fruits and/or Vegetables Subject to Obligatory Confirmation of Compliance When Placed under the Customs Regimes Permitting Alienation or Use of These Products to Their Destination on the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation

Specifies the list of products of juices of fruits and/or vegetables subject to obligatory confirmation of compliance when imported to the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-08/28 of April 8, 2009 on the Use by Taxpayers of Written Explanations of the Ministry of Finance of Russia and Tax Bodies on the Issues of Application of Legislation of the Russian Federation on Taxes and Fees

Taxpayers, payers of fees and tax agents may take into account written explanations of the Ministry of Finance of Russia on the issues of application of legislation on taxes and fees.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 387 of April 30, 2009 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation

Extends the sphere of reference of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia because of the changes in the Federal Law on insolvency (bankruptcy)

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 384 of April 30, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of State Registration of Contracts of Disposal of the Exclusive Right for a Selection Achievement and Transfer of Such Right without the Contract

Specifies the procedure of state registration of contracts of disposal of the exclusive right for a selection achievement, as well we the transfer of the mentioned right without the contract.

Federal Law No. 91-FZ of May 7, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Assistance of Development of Housing Construction and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Envisages an obligatory assessment of land plots and other immovable property of the Federal Fund of Assistance of Development of Housing Construction in cases of their sale, leasing or pledge.

Federal Law No. 85-FZ of May 7, 2009 on the Ratification of the 2nd Protocol on the Amendments to the Agreement on the Main Principles of Military and Technical Cooperation between Member-States of the Collective Security Treaty of May 15, 1992 and the 2nd Protocol on the Amendment to the Protocol on the Procedure of Control of Use for Designated Purposes of Products of Military Destination Supplied in the Framework of the Agreement on the Main Principles of Military and Technical Cooperation between Member-States of the Collective Security Treaty of May 15, 1992

The ratified Protocols were signed in Dushanbe on October 6, 2007.

Federal Law No. 81-FZ of May 7, 2009 on the Ratification of the Protocol on the Amendments to the Agreement on the Legal Status of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation of October 7, 2002

Ratifies the Protocol amending the above Agreement.

Federal Law No. 93-FZ of May 8, 2009 on the Organisation of the Meeting of Heads of States and Governments of Participating Countries of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in 2012, on the Development of the City of Vladivostok As a Centre of International Cooperation in the Asia Pacific Region and on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

The adoption of the law is stipulated by the large volume of expected works.

Federal Law No. 89-FZ of May 7, 2009 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Assigning of Additional Authority to the State Corporation of Assistance of Development, Production and Export of Hi-Tech Industrial Products Rostekhnologii to Build Its Property

The state corporation is empowered with additional authority in assistance of development, production and export of hi-tech industrial products.

Federal Law No. 88-FZ of May 7, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the State Corporation Rostekhnologii

The state corporation is permitted to render aid not only to Russian developers and producers of hi-tech products but also to other organisations where the corporation can influence decision taking.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 402 of May 8, 2009 on the Special Duty for Large Diameter Pipes Imported to the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation and Originating in the Chinese People's Republic

Introduces a special duty in the amount of 8% of the customs cost for the import to Russia of large diameter pipes originating in China.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 397 of May 7, 2009 on the Procedure of Stay on the Territory of the Russian Federation for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons Arriving to the Russian Federation for Tourism on Ferries Having Permission for Passenger Transportation

Creates an interagency commission for coordination of work of creation, functioning and development of techno parks in the hi-tech sphere.

Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Well-Being No. 321 of April 7, 2009 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Well-Being No. 402 of May 20, 2005

Personal medical books and sanitary certificates for designated transport vehicles for transportation of foodstuffs shall be drawn up on protected forms.

Federal Law No. 95-FZ of May 12, 2009 on the Guarantees of Equality of the Parliamentary Parties When They Elucidate Their Activities on the State TV and Radio Channels Available to the Public

The Federal Law is expected to ensure such equality.

Federal Law No. 94-FZ of May 12, 2009 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Introduced because of the Increased Representation of the Electorate in the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

The amendments ensure representation in the State Duma of the electorate having voted for the political parties failing to participate in the distribution of deputy mandates.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 537 of May 12, 2009 on the Strategy of National Security of the Russian Federation until 2020

Endorses the strategy of national security of the Russian Federation until 2020.

Information of the Central Bank of Russia of May 13, 2009 on the Reduction of the Rate of Refinancing of the Bank of Russia and the Interest Rates for Individual Operations Carried out by the Bank of Russia

From May 14, 2009, the rate of refinancing of the Central Bank of Russia is reduced by 0.5 percent points to make 12% annual.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 397 of May 7, 2009 on the Procedure of Stay on the Territory of the Russian Federation of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons Arriving to the Russian Federation for Tourism on Ferries Having the Permission for Passenger Transportation

Introduces a visa-free regime of entry and stay in the Russian Federation for foreign tourists arriving to Russia for up to 3 days on passenger ferries.

Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation No. 141 of April 30, 2009 on the Implementation of the Provisions of the Federal Law on the Protection of Rights of Legal Entities and Independent Entrepreneurs in the Course of State Control (Enforcement) and Municipal Control

The Federal Law on the protection of rights of legal entities and independent entrepreneurs having entered into force from May 1, 2009 envisages planned (extraordinary) checks of organisations and private enterprises.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 411 of May 10, 2009 on the Amendments to the Rules of Functioning of Retail Trade Markets of Electric Power in the Transient Period of Reformation of the Power Supply Industry

The amendments pertain to the arrangement of payments at the retail trade markets of electric power.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 399 of May 8, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Tropical Oils

Increases to 10% of the customs cost the rate of the import customs duty for individual types of tropical oils.

Order of the Federal Migration Service, Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and the Federal Fishing Agency No. 89/202/62/323 of April 21, 2009 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Migration Service of Russia, Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of Russia, Ministry of Transport of Russia, State Fishing Committee No. 1/4/1/2 of January 11, 2008

In pursuance of the changes in the migration legislation, adjusts the procedure of issuance of statements on the attraction and use of foreign workforce, permissions for its use, as well as employment permissions to foreign citizens.

Order of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation No. 127 of March 12, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation over Implementation of the State Function of Keeping of the State Register of Cash Registers

Regulates the keeping of the State Register of Cash Registers.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 561 of May 18, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Placing of Information on Incomes, Property and Proprietary Liabilities of Persons Occupying State Positions of the Russian Federation, Federal State Servants and Members of Their Families on the Official Sites of the Federal State Bodies and State Bodies of Subjects of the Russian Federation and Granting This Information to Russian Mass Media for Publication

For the purposes of combating of corruption, personnel management services of state bodies must place the above information on the official sites of these bodies and grant it to the Russian mass media to their requests.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 560 of May 18, 2009 on the Submission of Information on Incomes, Property and Proprietary Liabilities by Citizens Wishing to Occupy Leading Positions in State Corporations, Funds and Other Organisations, Persons Occupying Leading Positions in State Corporations, Funds and Other Organisations

Citizens wishing to occupy leading positions in a state corporation, fund or another organisation founded on the basis of a federal law or already occupying such positions must submit certificates of incomes, property and proprietary obligations.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 549 of May 15, 2009 on the Commission of the President of the Russian Federation for Countermeasures against Attempts of Falsification of History to the Detriment of Interests of Russia

Forms the above Commission and specifies its working procedures.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 559 of May 18, 2009 on the Submission by Citizens Wishing to Occupy Positions of the Federal State Service and Federal State Servants of Information on Incomes, Property and Proprietary Obligations

Extends the list of declared incomes, property and proprietary obligations.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 558 of May 18, 2009 on the Submission by Citizens Wishing to Occupy State Positions of the Russian Federation and Persons Occupying State Positions of the Russian Federation of Information on Incomes, Property and Proprietary Obligations

Regulates the procedure of submission by persons occupying state positions of the Russian Federation and candidates for the mentioned positions of information on incomes, property and proprietary obligations.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 557 of May 18, 2009 on the Endorsement of the List of Positions of the Federal State Service Requiring the Citizens Appointed to Them and Occupying Them to Submit Information on Their Incomes, Property and Proprietary Obligations, As Well As the Information on Incomes, Property and Proprietary Obligations of Their Spouse and Underage Children

Specifies the list of such positions of the federal state service consisting of three sections.

Information Letter of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 129 of April 14, 2009 on Some Issues of the Practice of Application by Arbitration Courts of Provisions of Paragraph 2 of Item 1 of Article 66 of the Federal Law on Insolvency (Bankruptcy)

Explains which of the debtor transactions are arguable and which are null.

Information Letter of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 128 of April 14, 2009

Explains the issues of nullity of debtor transactions concluded with a party involved, as well as transactions having resulted in a priority satisfaction of claims of one or several creditors.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 418 of May 18, 2009 on the Cost of Living in Per Capita Figures and for the Main Socio-Demographic Groups of Population for the Whole of the Russian Federation for the IV Quarter of 2008

The cost of living for the whole of the Russian Federation in the IV quarter of 2008 amount to Rbl 4,693 per capita, Rbl 5,086 for the able-bodies population, Rbl 3,712 for pensioners, Rbl 4,472 for children.

Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 34 of April 30, 2009 on the Application of Part 3.1 of Article 38 and Item 4 of Part 2 of Article 39 of the Code of Arbitration Procedures of the Russian Federation by Arbitration Courts

According to the explanations, if the arbitration court having accepted the application for processing is invited later as a third party, such case must be handed over to another arbitration court.

Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 33 of April 30, 2009 on the Amendments to Section IV of the Regulation of Arbitration Courts of the Russian Federation

The Regulation of arbitration courts of the Russian Federation now includes a chapter dedicated to the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 32 of April 30, 2009 on Some Issues of Challenging of Transactions on the Grounds Envisaged in the Federal Law on Insolvency (Bankruptcy)

The explanations describe a wide range of issues of challenging of bankrupt transactions.

Decision of the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation No. 92 of April 13, 2009 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation

Adjusts the forms of the estimate sheet for the resources of the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation and the report of insurance contributions to the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 126 of April 8, 2009 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia No. 85 of March 4, 2009

In 2009-2011, the regions will get subsidies from the federal budget to support agricultural production.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 28n of March 20, 2009 on the Form of Statistical Report No. 1-S "Information on the Main Figures of Activities of the Insurance Organisation for January-___ of 20__ and the Procedure of Its Drawing Up and Submission

Introduces a new form of statistical report 1-S "Information on the Main Figures of Activities of the Insurance Organisation".

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 09-11/pz-n of April 2, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Typical Forms of the Contract for the Services of the Specialised Depositary to a Federal Body of Executive Power in Charge of the Functioning of the Accumulated Mortgage System of Housing Support for Servicemen, Contract of Trust Control of Accumulated Resources of Housing Support of Servicemen and the Contract for the Services of the Specialised Depositary to the Management Company Providing Trust Control of Accumulated Resources of Housing Support for Servicemen

From January 1, 2009, some authority of the Government of the Russian Federation is handed over to the federal bodies of executive power.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-08/31 of April 15, 2009 on the Submission of Tax Declarations (Estimates) by the Taxpayer in the Electronic Form

According to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, some categories of taxpayers must submit tax declarations (estimates) in the electronic form.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 438 of May 20, 2009 on the Endorsement of the List of Codes of Commodities According to the Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activities of the Russian Federation Exempted from the Value Added Tax If Imported to the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation from January 1, 2009 to January 1, 2012 by Agricultural Producers Meeting the Criteria Envisaged in Item 2 of Article 346.2 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Russian Organisations Engaged in Leasing Activities to be Later Supplied to Agricultural Producers Meeting the Criteria Envisaged in Item 2 of Article 346.2 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

Exempts from the value added tax until January 1, 2012 the import to the Russian Federation of pedigree bovine animals, pedigree swine, sheep and goats, semen and embryos of the mentioned animals, pedigree horses and ova.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 431 of May 19, 2009 on the Limiting Time of Temporary Import of Harvesting Combines

Harvesting combines (codes according to the Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activities of Russia 8433 51 000 1, 8433 51 000 9) may be imported temporarily to the Russian Federation for up to 5 calendar days.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 427 of May 18, 2009 on the Procedure of Checking of the Correctness of Determination of the Estimate Cost of Objects of Capital Construction Financed While Attracting Resources of the Federal Budget

The checks will be carried out from January 1, 2010.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 415 of May 18, 2009 on the Amendments to the Instruction on the Procedure of Providing Access to the State Secret to Officials and Citizens of the Russian Federation

Specifies that access to the state secret to the heads of self-regulating organisations of bankruptcy commissioners and bankruptcy commissioners shall be drawn up by the federal body of executive power supervising activities of bankruptcy commissioners and self-regulating organisations of bankruptcy commissioners.

Budget Message of the President of the Russian Federation on the Budget Policy in 2010-2012 of May 25, 2009

Specifies the main goals and tasks of the budget policy for the years 2010-2012 and further on.

Federal Law No. 98-FZ of May 23, 2009 on the Ratification of the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks

Ratifies the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

Federal Law No. 97-FZ of May 23, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Capital Investments

The ratified Agreement was signed by the sides on February 13, 2007 in the city of Amman.

Federal Law No. 96-FZ of May 23, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the State of Qatar on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Capital Investments

Ratifies the intergovernmental Agreement of Russia and Qatar singed on February 12, 2007 in the city of Doha.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 579 of May 20, 2009 on the Commission of the President of the Russian Federation for Modernisation and Technological Development of the Economy of Russia

Forms the above Commission under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 441 of May 23, 2009 on the Federal Body of Executive Power Authorised to Issue Permissions for Construction and Permissions for Putting in Operation of Objects of Capital Construction

The Ministry of Regional Development is authorised to issue permissions for construction and putting in operation of the following objects of capital construction: those located on the territory of two or more subjects of the Russian Federation, embassies, consulates and representation of the Russian Federation abroad, in the exclusive economic zone and on the continental shelf of the Russian Federation, in internal sea waters and in the territorial sea of the Russian Federation; defence and security objects; other objects where information comprises the state secret; highways of federal significance; historical and cultural monuments of federal significance; hazardous, technical complicated and unique objects.

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 691-r of May 19, 2009

The endorsed program of development of completion in the Russian Federation specifies the priorities and main directions of the competition policy for the period until 2012.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 8-P of May 14, 2009 on the Case of Constitutionality of the Provision of Subitem "b" of Item 4 of the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Determination of the Payment and Its Limiting Amounts for the Environmental Pollution, Deployment of Waste, Other Types of Adverse Impact Pursuant to the Request of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Tatarstan

Recognises as unconstitutional the norm permitting the regions to exempt individual organisations from the payment for the environmental pollution.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 230n of April 30, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Adjustment Coefficient for the Amount of Average Market Cost of 1 Square Meter of Total Dwelling Space for 2009 Taking into Account the Place of the State Civil Service of the Russian Federation of the Federal State Civil Servant

The federal civil servant may get once during the service a lumpsum subsidy for the purchase of dwelling space.

Order of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation No. 274 of April 15, 2009 on the Endorsement of the List of the Types of Production Facilities and Groups of Products of Popular Crafts to Qualify Them As Such

According the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, VAT does not apply to the sale of items of popular crafts of acknowledged artistic value registered appropriately.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 447 of May 26, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Raw Oil and Individual Categories of Commodities of Oil Exported from the Territory of the Russian Federation Outside the Member-States of the Customs Union Agreements

Increases the rates of export customs duties for raw oil and individual categories of commodities of oil exported outside the member-states of the Customs Union Agreements.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 451 of May 26, 2009 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 914 of December 2, 2000

Adjusts the procedure of keeping of books of invoices, books of purchases and sales for VAT estimates.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 442 of May 25, 2009 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Tanned Leather

Introduces for 9 months the zero rates of import customs duties for individual types of tanned leather.

Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 160 of April 22, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Carrying out of Phytosanitary Quarantine Investigations

Phytosanitary quarantine investigations are carried out to find pests and causative agents not present or present in limited amounts on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 36n of April 23, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Procedure for the Federal Treasury and Its Territorial Bodies to Submit Representations to Suspend Operations in the Currency of the Russian Federation on the Accounts Opened to Participants of the Budget Process in Institutions of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and Credit Organisations in Violation of the Budget Legislation of the Russian Federation

Specifies a new procedure of interaction of the departments of the Federal Treasury with divisions of the payment network of the Bank of Russia and credit organisations.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-7-6/252@ of April 21, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Taxpayer Reports for Information Envisaged in Items 2, 3 of Article 23 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

Organisations and independent entrepreneurs must report in writing to the tax body the opening or closing of accounts, all cases of participation in Russian and foreign organisations, creation of all separate divisions in the Russian Federation, reorganisation or liquidation of the organisation.

Order of the Federal Service of State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography No. 13 of May 5, 2009 on the Invalidation of the Order of the Federal Registration Service No. 60 of April 25, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Specimens of Documents Necessary for the State Registration of a Political Party and Its Regional Division

Invalidates the Order of the Federal Registration Service having endorsed the specimens of documents necessary for the state registration of a political party and its regional division.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. VE-22-3/402@ of May 18, 2009 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for April 2009

Provides information for the calculation of the tax on extraction of mineral resources for April 2009.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 276n of May 27, 2009 on the Procedure of Forming of the Draft List of Vital and Most Important Medicines

The state shall regulate the prices for the vital and most important medicines by registration of the limiting manufacture prices and fixing the limiting mark-ups.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 09-13/pz-n of April 9, 2009 on the Amendments to the Rules of Brokerage Activities for Transactions at the Securities Market Using Monetary Resources and/or Securities Handed over by the Broker in Loan to the Client (Margin Transactions) Endorsed by the Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia No. 06-24/pz-n of March 7, 2006

Refines the rules of brokerage activities when transactions at the securities market are committed using monetary resources and/or securities handed over by the broker to the client in loan (margin transactions).

Federal Constitutional Law of the Russian Federation No. 2-FKZ of June 2, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation

Changes the procedure of empowering with authority of the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation and his deputies.

Federal Law of the Russian Federation No. 100-FZ of June 2, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 6 of the Law of the Russian Federation on the Status of Judges in the Russian Federation

Refines the procedure of empowering with authority of the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 462 of June 1, 2009 on the Amendments to the Rules of the Wholesale Market of Electric Power in the Transient Period

Adjusts some provisions of the rules of the wholesale market of electric power in the transient period.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 277n of May 27, 2009 on the Monitoring of Prices and the Variety of Medicines in Stationary Treatment and Prevention and Apothecary Institutions (Organisations) of the Russian Federation

Introduces a monthly monitoring of prices and variety of medicines in the stationary treatment and prevention and apothecary organisations to ensure affordability of medicines.

Information of the Central Bank of Russia of June 4, 2009

From June 5, 2009, the rate of refinancing of the Central Bank of Russia is reduced from 12% to 11.5% annual.

Federal Law No. 121-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Adoption of the Federal Law on Activities of Acceptance of Payments of Natural Persons Carried out by Paying Agents

Specifies the terms of acceptance of payments from natural persons by bank paying agents - organisations not being credit organisations and independent entrepreneurs.

Federal Law No. 120-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 219 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

Extends the list of taxpayers enjoying a social exemption for the income tax from natural persons in the amount of expenses for studies.

Federal Law No. 118-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 14 of the Federal Law on the Main Guarantees of Rights of Children in the Russian Federation

Children under 18 years of age are subject to restrictions pertaining to access to printed, audio a video products not recommended for them.

Federal Law No. 117-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendments to Article 217 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

Extends the list of incomes exempted from the income tax from natural persons.

Federal Law No. 116-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendments to Article 15 of the Federal Law on the Retail Market Places and on the Amendments to the Labour Code of the Russian Federation

Companies managing market places must provide facilities for sale of agricultural products of farmers.

Federal Law No. 115-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on Joint-Stock Companies and Article 30 of the Federal Law on the Securities Market

The goal of the Law is creation of a mechanism of resolving of deadlock situations.

Federal Law No. 114-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Additional Social Support of Members of Crews of Air Vessels of Civil Aviation

Refines the procedure and time limits of payment of contributions of organisations using flight crews to increase pensions of civil pilots.

Federal Law No. 113-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Ratification of the Agreement on Cooperation of CIS Member-States in the Combating of Stealing of Motor Vehicles and Ensuring Their Return

Ratifies the Agreement on cooperation of CIS member-states in the combating of stealing of motor vehicles and ensuring their return.

Federal Law No. 112-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 28.7 of the Code of Administrative Violations of the Russian Federation

Envisages opportunities of carrying out of administrative investigations in the cases of violation of the migration legislation.

Federal Law No. 111-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendment to Article 20 of the Criminal Execution Code of the Russian Federation

Provisions of the Criminal Execution Code of the Russian Federation on the judicial control are being brought in compliance with the Code of Criminal Procedures of the Russian Federation.

Federal Law No. 108-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Reduction of the Number of Signatures of the Electorate in Support of the Federal Lists of Candidates for Elections of Deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and Refining of the Grounds of Registration of Candidates, Lists of Candidates for Elections of the Bodies of State Power and Bodies of Local Government

Decision is taken on the stepwise reduction of the number of signatures of the electorate.

Federal Law No. 105-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Invalidation of Individual Provisions of Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation

Invalidates the provisions having permitted to revoke permissions for temporary stay if the quotas are exhausted.

Federal Law No. 104-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Amendments to the Code of Administrative Violations of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Administrative Responsibility for the Violation of the Legislation of the Russian Federation in the Sphere of Education and Article 12 of the Law of the Russian Federation on Education

Prohibits from December 1, 2009 educational activities in representations of the educational institution.

Federal Law No. 103-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Activities of Acceptance of Payments of Natural Persons Carried out by Paying Agents

Adoption of the Law is stipulated by the absence of regulation in the given sphere of activities.

Federal Law No. 102-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Report of the Government of the Russian Federation and Information of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation on the Implementation of Measures of Support of the Financial Market, Banking System, Labour Market, Sectors of the Economy of the Russian Federation, Social Support of Population and Other Measures of the Social Policy

The Government of the Russian Federation must submit a report, and the Bank of Russia, information on the implementation of the anti-crisis measures.

Federal Law No. 101-FZ of June 3, 2009 on the Ratification of the European Social Charter (Revised) of May 3, 1996

Ratification of the Charter fulfils one of the obligations of the Russian Federation assumed when joining the Council of Europe.

Decision of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. VAS-3454/09 of May 21, 2009 on the Invalidation of Sheet 02 Pertaining to the Figure Shown in Line 050 and Appendix 3 to Sheet 02 Pertaining to the Figures Shown in Line 290 and Line 360 of the Tax Declaration for the Profit Tax from Organisations Endorsed by the Order of the Ministry of Finance of Russia No. 54n of May 5, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Tax Declaration for the Profit Tax from Organisations and Its Filling Procedure

Individual provisions of the form of the tax declaration for the profit tax do not comply with the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation No. 329 of April 28, 2009 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Publication and Entry into Force of the Acts of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Recognised by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation As Not Needing the State Registration

The acts of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of Russia not needing the state registration must be published officially in the journal Energiya Promyshlennogo Rosta.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-08/43 of May 27, 2009 on the Application of Written Explanations of the Ministry of Finance of Russia on the Issues of Application of the Legislation of the Russian Federation on Taxes and Fees

Letters of the Ministry of Finance of Russia are not normative legal acts and must not be published officially. They may not be regarded as official comments to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 12010/08 of May 12, 2009

The limiting amount of incomes permitting taxpayers to apply the simplified system of taxation must be indexed taking into account the changes in consumer prices.

Decision of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 15956/08 of April 21, 2009

Renews investigation of the case of restriction of competition of suppliers of foodstuffs.

Order of the Federal Service for Tariff Rates No. 103-e/1 of May 29, 2009 on the Amendments to the Rules of Determination of the Cost of Electric Power Supplied at the Retail Market at Regulated Prices (Tariff Rates), Payment for the Deviation of the Actual Volumes of Consumption from Contractual Ones, As Well As the Reimbursement of Expenses Because of the Change of Contractual Volume of Consumption of Electric Power Endorsed by the Order of the Federal Service for Tariff Rates of Russia No. 166-e/1 of August 21, 2007

Changes the procedure of calculation of the coefficient of distribution of eclectic power supplied at the retail market at regulated prices by guaranteed suppliers being the subjects of the wholesale market, guaranteed suppliers not being such subjects, power supply and power sale organisations.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-07/2-97 of June 3, 2009

The date of submission of the tax declaration over telecommunication channels is the date of its sending as recorded in the confirmation of the specialised communication operator.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-05-01/402 of June 2, 2009

According to the Ministry of Finance, the Tax Code of the Russian Federation does not provide for an exemption for the income tax from natural persons in the case of purchase of rights for an apartment in the house under contraction under the rights cession contract.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-07/1-275 of May 27, 2009

The Tax Code of the Russian Federation specifies an exhaustive list of reasons permitting to grant a respite or extension schedule for the payment of tax or fee.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 210 of June 10, 2009 on the Standard Value of One Square Metre of Dwelling Premises Total Area for the Second Half of the Year 2009 and the Average Market Value of One Square Metre of Dwelling Premises Total Area for the Subjects of the Russian Federation for Quarters 2 and 3 of the Year 2009

Due to a price fall on the housing market a new average market value of 1 sq. m of dwelling premises total area is established for the subjects of the Russian Federation for Quarters 2 and 3 of 2009. It is equal to that of Quarter 1 of 2009. For instance, the market value of 1 sq. m is as follows: 73,800 roubles in Moscow, 44,300 roubles in St.Petersburg, 35,900 roubles in Tver Region, 31,800 roubles in Maritime Territory. The average per square metre value of dwelling premises is used to calculate the social allowances payable to those who relocate from Extreme North areas and the areas qualifying as such so that they buy housing for them. The rate of disbursement towards acquisition of living quarters for other categories of citizens (like servicemen, forced migrants or the citizens exposed to radiation) is calculated on the basis of the standard value of 1 sq. m of dwelling premises total area for Russia. This rate keeps unchanged at 26,500 roubles.
      The Order takes effect when officially published. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. Registration No. 14066 of June 10, 2009.

Decision of the Plenary Session of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 36 of May 28, 2009 on the Application of the Arbitration Procedural Code of the Russian Federation in the Hearing of Cases by an Appellate Arbitration Court

Clarification is provided on some issues concerning appellate court proceedings. For instance, courts' attention is drawn to certain details when an appeal is filed by a person that has not been party to the case. Sequence of courts' actions is defined for cases when an appeal is accepted for hearing by mistake as no appeal is applicable. Attention is paid to the observance of preclusive term in certain categories of cases. Some aspects of appeals from trial courts' rulings are touched upon (for instance, if a ruling is subject to appeal separately from the court's conclusive judgement or not). It is stated that an appeal may be filed in respect of either one court's judgement or several court's judgements turned out in one case, with each of them being subject to separate appeal. According to the Plenary Session this appellate procedure is consistent with the Arbitration Procedural Code. Still, one appeal cannot be filed in respect of court's judgements issued when various cases were heard. Some controversial matters are raised concerning the computation and reinstatement of the term for appeal. As a rule the following is not deemed good reason for appeal laches: the need for seeking approval from a higher body or another person to file an appeal; the applicant's representative being on a business trip or vacation; personnel reshuffle or the lack of a lawyer on the organisation's staff; the change of CEO or his being on a business trip or vacation etc. Also explanations are provided concerning performance under a court's demand for elimination of the circumstances deemed ground for the dismissal of an appeal. So, applicant's sending missing documents by post short of the deadline set by the court is not necessarily deemed as discharge of said court's demand. The explanations on similar matters that have been prepared earlier are no longer valid.

Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation No. 179 of May 26, 2009 on Endorsing the Procedure for Enrolment of Foreign Citizens in State-Accredited Higher Professional Education Institutions for the Academic Year 2009/2010 and on Amending Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation No. 4 of January 15, 2009 on Endorsing the Procedure for Enrolment of Citizens in State-Accredited Secondary Vocational Education Institutions

According to the new version of the Federal Law on Higher and Post-Graduate Professional Education foreigners enrol in state-accredited higher education institutions in the procedure established by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.
Accordingly, a detailed procedure is fixed for admitting foreigners in such institutions for the academic year 2009/2010.
Enrolment takes place under international treaties and inter-governmental agreements at the expense of budget funds (for instance within the quotas set by the government of Russia) and under contracts for payment.
Also, the Procedure for Foreigners' Admittance to State-Accredited Institutions is updated in line with the amendments made to the Law of the Russian Federation on Education. Henceforth, the Procedure extends to foreigners.
The formerly effective procedure for enrolment and study of foreign citizens in state higher education institution is superseded.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14052 of June 9, 2009.

Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation No. 128 of April 14, 2009 on Endorsing the Procedure for Recognising and Establishing the Equivalence of Foreign States' Documents on Education

A new procedure is defined for recognising and establishing in Russia the equivalence of foreign states' documents on education and issuing relevant certificates. This enables citizens to keep studying and working in Russia. A person concerned (or his/her representative) is to file an application together with a document on foreign educational background with a Russian translation. If the document is subject to an international treaty on mutual recognition and equivalence its compliance with the treaty is verified (no recognition procedure takes place), and if it is not then it undergoes an expert examination paid for by the applicant. Assessment is made of the guidelines and level of education on which recognition is possible; comparison is made of the scope of courses and subjects, the requirements applicable to the results of studies under curricula; the equivalence of academic and/or professional rights is established. Previously account had been also taken of scores and topics of graduation qualification works, and sometimes interviews and tests had been held. If the document on education is recognised in Russia a relevant certificate is issued to the applicant.
If the document on education is recognised only as a paper confirming that the person has covered a set of subjects and/or has undergone training under a curriculum of a certain level a statement is issued.
The persons holding documents on education recognised in Russia are not relieved from the duty to observe the general rules for enrolment in educational institutions or for being hired.
The formerly effective recognition and equivalence-establishing procedure is deemed no longer valid.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14043 of June 9, 2009.

Review of the Legislation and Judicial Practices of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation for Quarter 1 of the Year 2009 (endorsed by Decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of June 3, 2009)

The review contains a selection of criminal and civil case materials (including those of the Military Panel of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation), examples of cases heard by the European Court and explanations of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation concerning labour, pension, social and public-relationships matters mainly showing how courts apply the rules of procedure.
For instance, a reinstatement claim by an employee of a branch addressed to the head organisation may be filed with the court where the labour contract is performed, i.e. where the branch is located.
Concerning the application of the Civil Procedural Code of the Russian Federation it is clarified that if a complaint is not considered due to plaintiff's failure to appear (on a repeated summons) he may be liable for bearing the defendant's costs incurred in connection with the case (as if the claim were waived).
When a disbursement relating to the driver's civil liability insurance scheme is impossible for instance due to the liquidation of the insurer a compensation is paid to the injured party by a union of insurers. According to the explanation, such union is the Russian Union of Motor Vehicle Insurers rather than the All-Russia Union of Insurers.
Examples from the European Court's practices concern the procedures for reviewing courts' judgements in line of supervision and disputing deportation decisions in courts. The European Court's attitude to repayment of debts of state enterprises is described. According to it a court's decision on collection of funds from a state unitary enterprise for the benefit of a citizen cannot be ignored if the enterprise is liquidated. Liability for the debts of a federal state unitary enterprise must be borne by the state. In such case the authorities cannot refer to lack of funds.
Also insurance indemnity in cases of health problems due to chronic occupational diseases and other matters are dealt with.

Letter of the Department of Tax and Customs Tariff Policies of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-08/46 of June 3, 2009 on the Procedure for Taking Appeal from a Decision of a Tax Body on Holding Someone Accountable for a Tax Offence

An explanation is provided concerning the procedure for taking appeal from tax bodies' decisions.
A decision on holding someone accountable for a tax offence according to the results of inspections or on refusing to hold someone accountable is subject to appeal in court only after it has been appealed in a higher tax body.
A person that has been subjected to a tax inspection is entitled to participate in person and/or through his representative in the consideration of case materials. However, according to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation there is no provision for a taxpayer's participation in the consideration of his complaint by a higher tax body.

Direction of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation No. 2238-U of May 22, 2009 on the Details of the Grant of a Right of Compulsory Reserve Averaging to Credit Organisations

For current liquidity regulation purposes a credit organisation is entitled to use compulsory reserve averaging, such right being available for credit organisations classified under Group 1 or Group 2 according to an economic situation assessment.
However, from October 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009 that right is available for credit organisations with no regard to their classification group, provided they qualify, i.e. lack arrears on contributions or fines for breach of compulsory reserve standard and on payments owing the Central Bank of the Russian Federation; and averaged their compulsory reserves in the preceding averaging period (if entitled). It is decided to extend the effective term of this privilege.
The Direction enters into force as of July 1, 2009 and keeps effective to March 1, 2010.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14070 of June 11, 2009.

Direction of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation No. 2237-U of May 22, 2009 on Excluding the Liabilities Owing the State Corporation "The Agency for Insurance of Deposits and/or Liabilities Owing Investors Not Deemed Credit Organisations" from the Composition of Reserved Liabilities

While calculating the amount of the compulsory reserves to be deposited with the Bank of Russia, credit organisations are allowed to temporarily neglect the liabilities owing the Deposit Insurance Agency as well as some liabilities owing investors not deemed credit organisations, namely, the liabilities occurring as financial assistance is provided under the bank bankruptcy prevention plans where the Agency is involved.
This procedure is effective starting from the compulsory reserve calculation for the accounting period from July 1 through August 1, 2009.
The Direction is subject to official publication in Vestnik Banka Rossii, and it enters into force as of July 1, 2009 and keeps effective to March 1, 2010.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14085 of June 15, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 457 of June 1, 2009 on the Federal Service on State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography

By Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1847 of December 25, 2008 the Federal Registration Service is re-named to "the Federal State Service on State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography" ("Rosreestr"). Simultaneously the Federal Agency on Geodesy and Cartography and the Federal Cadastral Agency are abolished, their functions being transferred to Rosreestr.
According to its newly-defined powers and operation organisation procedure, Rosreestr is responsible for keeping the Comprehensive State Register of Rights to Immovable Property and of Transactions in Such Property, the state cadastre of immovable property, the state register of cadastral engineers, the comprehensive state registers of self-regulated organisations of appraisers and arbitration insolvency practitioners and the state databank holding data resulting from land management.
Rosreestr is charged with state land and geodetic control and with the cadastral appraisal and monitoring of lands. The service is a licensor for geodetic and cartographic activities. Also, it is responsible for the names of geographic features.
The Service is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, its head being appointed and removed by the Government of the Russian Federation on a proposal of the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Tariffs Service No. 116-t/1 of June 10, 2009 on Indexing Railway Freight Tariffs, Fees and Charges

Russian railway freight tariffs, fees and charges are being raised, including for instance mark-up coefficients for basic freight tariff, fee and charge rates relating to freight services, infrastructure services, the use of wagons and containers, cargo handling operations etc. For instance, the mark-up coefficient for payment for the use of wagons and containers rose from 2.23 to 2.357, for cargo handling from 2.819 to 2.98.
Mark-down rates for freight tariffs for wagons and containers depending on the type thereof are reviewed (2.357 in place of 2.23).
The increase does not extend to the rates of the fee charged for announcement of the value of a cargo.
The Order enters into force in the established procedure, in any case not before July 1, 2009.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14093 of June 16, 2009.

Order of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation No. 328 of April 28, 2009 on Endorsing the Administrative Rules for the Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology to Carry out the State Function of Adopting and Putting into Force All-Russia Classifications of Technical-Economic and Social Information, Amending Them and Keeping the All-Russia Classifications of Technical-Economic and Social Information

Regulation is provided for the procedure for the Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology to adopt and keep all-Russia classifications of technical-economic and social information. Draft classifications and amendments thereto are elaborated by relevant federal executive governmental bodies. They have to undergo a compulsory expert examination in the Technical Committee on All-Russia Classifications to be further adopted and put into force by an order of the Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology.
Adopted classifications are to be sent to the Federal State Statistics Service for being included in its information computer network and to designers for being entered in the automated databases of all-Russia classifications.
All-Russia classifications are subject to official publication, and they are included in the federal corpus of technical regulations and standards.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14061 of June 9, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 498 of June 15, 2009 on Amending Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1033 of December 30, 2000

This decision updates the procedure for refund of the value added tax sums paid when goods (works and services) are purchased by foreign diplomatic missions and by the missions qualifying as such (for official use) or by diplomatic or administrative & technical personnel of such missions and their family members residing together with them (for personal use).
Now, VAT amounts paid are also refundable for missions (previously only personnel were entitled). The VAT payers selling goods for above needs have to present invoices indicating the tax rate of 18 (10)% or bearing the inscription "Without tax (VAT)". Previously, invoices were presented with an indication of zero tax rate and the annotation "For diplomatic needs".
VAT refund is provided on an application filed on behalf of a mission registered with a tax body in the Russian Federation. Documents must be filed with the tax body in cases when the goods were sold to the mission under a contract or for cash and they will be used to substantiate VAT refund.
The application and documents are to be submitted to the tax body within three years after the latest of the following dates: the date of the invoice or the date of the actual payment for the goods.
Within three months the tax body checks out the availability of good ground for the refund of the VAT sum presented. Refunded tax is remitted to the mission's account opened in a Russian bank.
The VAT amounts that have been paid by a mission at the purchase of goods since April 1, 2007 are to be refunded in the updated procedure.
The Decision enters into force upon the expiry of one month after its official publication, but in any case not before the first day of next tax period for VAT purposes.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 495 of June 15, 2009 on Establishing Requirements Applicable to a Concessionaire in Respect of the Banks That Issue Irrevocable Banker's Guarantees, the Banks in Which the Concessionaire's Bank Deposit May be Opened as Subject to the Rights Which May Be Assigned by the Concessionaire to the Awarding Authority as Pledged Item and in Respect of the Insurance Organisations with Which a Concessionaire May Conclude a Contract of Insurance of the Risk of Liability for Breach of Obligations under an Agreement on Concession

The concession is an instrument of state investment policy. Under an agreement on concession an individual entrepreneur or legal entity (concessionaire), creates or renovates at his expense a piece of immovable property which is owned or is going to be owned by the Russian Federation, a subject of the Russian Federation or a municipal formation (awarding authority) which in its turn undertakes to grant a right of possessing and using said immovable property to the concessionaire for a fixed term.
The condition sine qua non of a concession is security provided by the concessionaire for his undertaking in one of the three forms, i.e. an irrevocable banker's guarantee, the pledge of concessionaire's rights to the awarding authority under a contract of bank deposit and the insurance of the risk of the concessionaire's liability.
Qualifications are established for a bank and insurance organisation entitled to provide security for a concessionaire's obligations. First, it has to hold a relevant licence. Second, it must have operated for at least three years after state registration (for cases of merger of banks or insurance organisations the term is counted for the organisation with the earliest state registration date; the term not being interrupted in the case of transformation). Third, the bank or insurance organisation is to have an unconditionally positive auditor's report for the past year. Also, the actual solvency margin of the insurance company is to exceed its standard rate by at least 30 per cent.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 486 of June 15, 2009 on Amending Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation on Licensing the Gathering, Using, Decontaminating, Transporting and Placing of Waste, Hazard Class I-IV

A new version of the Federal Law on Licensing Specific Types of Activity takes effect as of June 30, 2009 according to which the gathering, using, decontaminating, transporting and placing of waste, Hazard Class I-IV (other than dangerous waste), are subject to licensing.
Accordingly, amendments have been made to the Regulations on the Licensing of the Gathering, Using, Decontaminating, Transporting and Placing Dangerous Waste.
The description of the licensed activities is updated.
The following are licence terms and conditions: the availability of a sanitary-epidemiological statement on the property to be used to pursue said activities, a positive statement resulting from a state ecological expert examination of the design documentation of facilities relating to the placement and decontamination of waste, Hazard Class I-IV, save facilities commissioned before the entry into force of the decision whereby the Regulations have been confirmed.
The licences issued before June 30, 2009 keep effective until the expiry of the term specified therein.
The Decision enters into force as of June 30, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 485 of June 15, 2009 on Amending the Procedure for the Issuance and Redemption of the State Housing Certificates Provided to the Citizens of the Russian Federation Who Have Lost Dwelling Premises Due to an Emergency or Natural Calamity

The area of living quarters provided under a housing certificate to a person that has lost his/her residence due to an emergency or natural calamity is increased from 36 to 42 sq. m. The previously issued certificates are going to be substituted.
New certificates shall keep effective for one year after the date of issue.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 484 of June 15, 2009 on Amending Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Regulation of Foreign Economic Activities in Respect of Specific Types of Products

According to these amendments record is to be kept of the exportation of special-purpose non-nuclear materials, equipment and technologies to the countries not having nuclear weapons, and notification about it is to be given by exporters to the State Scientific Centre of the Russian Federation "Physics and Energy Institute".
A list of strong-effect and poisonous substances not deemed precursors of the narcotic or psychotropic substances imported and exported under licences is provided. Some substances are included in the list and some removed.
The list of the documents filed by those seeking a permit for exportation (importation) of the equipment, materials and technologies that can be used to create missile or chemical weapons is updated.
Adjustments are made in the procedure for industrial explosive transit via the territory of Russia. Financial guarantees for a compensation for possible damage are to be provided when the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation take a decision on the possibility of such transit rather than at the customs-house.
One needs not a licence to transfer the equipment and materials subject to control if they fall within the framework of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 478 of June 15, 2009 on the Uniform System of Information Support for Citizens and Organisations on Interaction with Executive Governmental Bodies and Local Self-Government Bodies by Means of the Information-Telecommunication Network Internet

A concept of a uniform system of information support for citizens and organisations on interaction with executive governmental and local self-government bodies by means of the Internet is provided, aimed at ensuring the transparency of governmental bodies' activities, enhancing the quality and accessibility of the state and municipal services they provide.
The system incorporates a consolidated register and a comprehensive portal for state and municipal services and functions as well as regional registers and portals.
For co-operation between federal and regional bodies in the operation of the system the Government of the Russian Federation appoints an operator of the consolidated register and comprehensive portal, an empowered body charged with the keeping of the information resources of the consolidated register and an empowered body charged with the use of electronic digital signatures.
Information for the comprehensive register shall be shaped up by federal, regional and local authorities and placed within seven days after the entry into force of legal acts defining (modifying) the body responsible for the provision of a service (performance of a function) and/or the procedure for the provision thereof.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 477 of June 15, 2009 on Endorsing Paperwork Rules for Federal Executive Governmental Bodies

A uniform paperwork procedure is introduced in the federal executive governmental bodies both for paper and electronic documents. Details of letterhead paper formats and document particulars for specific types of documents are established.
The new procedure does not extend to documents containing state secrets.
Documents are delivered by post, courier service and electric communication systems.
Each body forms its own corpus of the documents resulting from its operation in accordance with the document file classification agreed upon with a commission of the relevant federal state archives. Permanent-storage and temporary-storage document files are to be put in archives, and ten-year storage document files destroyed.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 471 of June 15, 2009 on Amending the List of Seasonal Industries and Types of Activity Used to Grant a Deferment or an Instalment Payment Scheme for Tax Payment Purposes

According to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation a person pursuing a seasonal activity can get a deferment or an instalment payment scheme for his tax payments. Apart from other activities the list now includes vegetable oil and fat production.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-22-3/492@ of June 18, 2009 on the Data Required to Calculate the Mining Tax on Oil for the Month of May 2009

Starting from January 1, 2007 the rate of mining tax on oil equal to 419 roubles per ton of produced water-free salt-free stabilised oil is to be multiplied by a coefficient characterising world oil price variation (Kts) and a coefficient characterising the degree of depletion of the specific subsoil tract (Kv).
Data is provided for mining tax calculation for oil for the month of May 2009. Given the average price of Urals oil on the Mediterranean and Rotterdam oil markets of $56.73 per barrel and the average US dollar exchange rate to the rouble of 32.0652, the value of Kts is set at 5.1267 (its was equal to 4.3070 in the preceding tax period), and that of Kv is to be set by the taxpayer on his own.
Thus, due to the oil price growth the rate of mining tax on oil has grown as compared with the preceding tax period.
The data used for mining tax calculation for the month of April 2009 is available in Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. VE-22-3/402@ of May 18, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 492 of June 15, 2009 on the Significant Conditions and Procedure for Settling Disagreements Concerning a Right of Concluding Contracts in Respect of the Electric Grid Facilities Incorporated in the Unified National (All-Russia) Electric Grid

The electric grid facilities incorporated in the unified national (all-Russia) electric grid are used by their possessors by agreement with the organisation charged with the management of the unified national (all-Russia) electric grid. A list of the significant conditions of an agreement on the procedure for an organisation to use such facilities is defined.
For instance, the organisation has to conclude contracts for power transmission through the use of the facility and to transfer proceeds collected to the possessor of the facility. On his part, the possessor undertakes to seek agreement from the organisation for the procedure for using the facility and to notify all electricity consumers of the conclusion of the agreement with the organisation on the procedure for using the facility.
In some cases the possessor of the facility is entitled to conclude on his own contracts for power transmission.
Apart from the rights and duties of parties the significant conditions of the contract include the effective term thereof, information on the facility and the rate of the payment under the contract.
Disputes as to a right to conclude contracts for power transmission are resolved by the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation.
A procedure is established for setting tariffs for power transmission through the unified national (all-Russia) electric grid.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-7-6/148@ of March 31, 2009 on Endorsing the Procedure for the Provision in an Electronic Form of Public and Generally-Accessible Information from the Comprehensive State Register of Legal Entities and from the Comprehensive State Register of Individual Entrepreneurs

To broaden opportunities for users to get access to the public and generally-accessible information available in these registers a new procedure is defined for the provision of such information in an electronic form.
No significant changes have occurred in the procedure for the provision of information. As before, the recipients of information from the registers are governmental bodies, local self-government bodies, the Bank of Russia, natural persons and legal entities. Applications for provision of information are to be filed with the Federal Tax Service or its territorial bodies.
Natural persons and legal entities can get information for a pay at the rate of 50,000 roubles for one-off provision of information or 150,000 roubles for an annual subscription for one workplace.
The previously effective procedure for the provision of information from the registers in an electronic form is superseded.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14081 of June 11, 2009.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 715 of June 24, 2009 on All-Russia Compulsory Publicly Available Television and Radio Channels

A list of the free-of-charge television and radio channels to be compulsorily broadcast on the entire territory of Russia is endorsed.
The ground broadcasting of said television and radio channels including the formation and deployment of digital ground networks is to be provided by the federal state unitary enterprise "Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network".
The government is instructed to arrange for the approval of the federal target programme "The Development of Television and Radio Broadcasting in the Russian Federation for the Years 2009-2015".
The Decree takes effect as of the date of its official publication.

Order of the Federal Fund for Mandatory Medical Insurance No. 98 of May 8, 2009 on Endorsing the Recommendations for Making Sure Citizens Are Informed of Rights When They Receive Medical Assistance in the Conditions of Mandatory Medical Insurance

The territorial funds for mandatory medical assistance and medical insurance organisations are provided with recommendations for the provision of information to the public on rights in the area of public health including the details to be provided and the means whereby this is to be done, for instance the Internet.
Medical personnel are to be fully knowledgeable of the Russian legislation on public health, and special training is envisaged to make sure they are.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 710 of June 22, 2009 on Deeming as No Longer Effective Paragraph 6 of Item 15 of Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 314 of March 9, 2004 on the System and Structure of Federal Executive Governmental Bodies in as Much as It Concerns Transferring the Functions of Adopting Normative Legal Acts to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation

The following is deemed no longer effective: the provision under which the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation acquired the functions of the State Customs Committee of the Russian Federation transformed into the Federal Customs Service concerning the adoption of normative legal acts on customs affairs. This provision is contained in the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation that endorsed the system and structure of federal executive governmental bodies in 2004.
The reason for it is that in 2006 the Federal Customs Service acquired the function of state policy elaboration and normative legal regulation that belonged to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation which in 2008 was transformed into the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
The Decree takes effect as of the date when it is signed.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 512 of June 22, 2009 on Amending Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 109 of February 26, 2004

These amendments affect tariffs for the electricity supplied by guaranteeing suppliers, power-supplying and power-selling organisations.
The executive governmental bodies of Russian regions charged with state tariff regulation are permitted to set tariffs for agricultural commercial producers other than tariffs for the rest of consumers, depending on regional characteristics.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 511 of June 22, 2009 on Amending Some Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Issue of Vehicle Certificates for Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles and Other Types of Self-Propelled Machines

It is established that vehicle certificates for motor vehicles and electric-motor powered chassis manufactured or imported after August 7, 2008 are issued by the manufacturers or customs bodies respectively. If they were manufactured or imported before that date vehicle certificates for them are to be issued by the State Road Traffic Safety Inspectorate at registration.
A similar procedure applies when vehicle certificates are drawn up for self-propelled machines and other types of electric-motor powered vehicles, though the registration body is this case is the state technological supervision service.

Information Letter of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 130 of June 4, 2009 on Some Issues Relating to the Transitional Provisions of Federal Law No. 296-FZ of December 30, 2008 on Amending the Federal Law On Insolvency (Bankruptcy)

Recommendations are provided concerning the rules used to apply the new version of the Law on Bankruptcy that entered into force as of December 31, 2008.
The amendments are applicable when courts are hearing the bankruptcy cases in which rulings on acceptance of applications have been issued after December 31, 2008.
A case commenced before December 31, 2008 is subject to the law with no regard to the amendments until the completion of the proceeding commenced before that date. Upon the completion of the proceeding the case is further considered with account being taken of the rules set out in the new version of the law. Unless a new bankruptcy proceeding is instituted, the case is considered according to the previously-effective rules.
A court's approval of an arbitration insolvency practitioner after December 31, 2008 is subject to the amendments, irrespective of the date of institution of the bankruptcy proceeding. However, the fee and expenses of the practitioner are subject to the old rules when a proceeding commenced before December 31, 2008 is in question.
Also, explanations are provided for the cases in which proceedings were commenced before December 3, 2002. Until July 1, 2009 bankruptcy proceeding petitions may be filed by parties to such cases. Unless petitions are received, the cases are terminated, though a decision on termination cannot be taken by a court before July 2, 2009. If petitions are filed the cases are to be heard according to the new rules set out in the law.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 526 of June 23, 2009 on the Rules for Sending Information for Placement in the Internet Concerning a Public Sale of Mortgaged Immovable Property in the Course of an Execution Proceeding

According to the new version of the Federal Law on Mortgage information must be placed in the Internet on a public sale of mortgaged immovable property in the course of an execution proceeding.
A procedure for sending such information is provided. The information to be placed on official websites of the Federal Bailiff Service and its territorial bodies must be sent from 30 to 10 days before the sale. In the Internet it will be available 24 hours free of charge.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 508 of June 22, 2009 on Establishing State Quotas for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

New state quotas are set for the manufacture, storage, importation and exportation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to supersede the previously effective ones.
The list of narcotic drugs is expanded from 12 to 24 items, while the list of psychotropic substances is reduced from 18 to 5 items.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 537 of June 26, 2009 on Endorsing the Rate of Import Customs Duty on up to One Millimetre Thick Tropical Wood Veneer Sheets for Furniture

A permanent zero rate is set for import customs duty on up to 1-mm thick tropical wood veneer sheets for furniture (CC FEA of Russia code 4408 39 310 0). Previously zero import duty was introduced for nine months from October 24, 2008.
The Decision takes effect as of July 25, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 536 of June 26, 2009 on Endorsing the Rates of Export Customs Duties on Crude Oil and Specific Categories of Products Made from Oil Which Are Exported from the Territory of the Russian Federation to Areas Outside of the Member States of the Agreements on the Customs Union

The rates of export duties on crude oil and some categories of products made from it which are shipped to areas outside of the member states of the agreements on the Customs Union are increased.
The rate of duty is set at $212.6 per ton (instead of $152.8) for crude oil, $155.5 per ton for light and medium distillates, gas-oil and benzene, toluene and xylenes (instead of $115.2).
Export duty rose from $62.1 to $83.8 for liquid fuels, oils, worked-out petroleum products, petroleum jelly etc. (except for those subject to zero rate), and also petroleum coke, bitumen etc.(except for calcined petroleum coke subject to zero rate).
Starting from July 12, 2009 calcined petroleum coke will have a new CC FEA code, 2713 12 000. Its previous code, 2713 12 000 0, is to be used until July 11.
Zero rate of export duty on propane, butane, ethylene, propylene, butylene and butadiene as well as other liquefied gases keeps effective.
The Decision takes effect as of July 1, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 532 of June 25, 2009 on Endorsing the List of the Communication Facilities Subject to Compulsory Certification

The list of the communication facilities subject to compulsory certification is updated in view of the development of public communication networks and new equipment.
Some obsolete equipment is no longer on the list, while new facilities appeared on it.
The certificates issued earlier will keep effective until the end of the effective term thereof.

Order of the Federal Migration Service No. 119 of May 21, 2009 on Making Arrangement within the Federal Migration Service for Taking Decisions on the Undesirability of the Sojourn (Residence) of Foreign Citizens or Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation

In certain cases a decision may be taken that the sojourn (residence) of a foreign citizen or stateless person in Russia is undesirable. For instance, if the person's stay is illegal, if he has not been permitted to enter or if his stay (residence) is a threat to the state's defence or security, public order or public health.
A procedure is provided for a decision to be taken in such cases, with a territorial body of the Federal Migration Service preparing materials and the decision being taken by the director of the Service.
Such decision serves as ground for refusal to issue or extend a residence permit, for annulment thereof and for later refusal to allow entry into Russia.
If a person whose sojourn (residence) is deemed undesirable fails to leave this country he will be deported.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14118 of June 23, 2009.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 245n of May 15, 2009 on Endorsing the Rules for Filing an Application for a Lump-Sum Disbursement at the Expense of a Maternity (Family) Capital and the Procedure for Making Such Disbursement

Starting from January 1, 2007 women giving birth (adopting) a second or subsequent child and men being sole adopted parents of a second, third and subsequent child are entitled to a maternity (family) capital and receive a relevant state certificate.
On certain conditions a lump-sum disbursement, 12,000 roubles, may be received at the expense of the capital on an application filed with a territorial body of the Pension Fund.
The Order extends to legal relationships that have come into being since May 4, 2009 and is effective until May 1, 2010.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14116 of June 23, 2009.

Federal Constitutional Law No. 3-FKZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending the Federal Constitutional Law on the Court-Martials of the Russian Federation

This law is aimed at improving the procedure for the manning of court-martials and judicial bodies and for the operation thereof.
The attachment of military servicemen to court-martials and military service in court-martial positions is abolished.
A ban on the recruitment of personnel from the Armed Forces for supporting the activities of court-martials and judicial bodies is imposed. Thus, the positions of judges of court-martials, the Military Panel of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and staff of court-martials, the Military Panel and the Judicial Department under the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation will be occupied by persons not being military servicemen.
The military servicemen who are now judges of court-martials or of the Military Panel must either get their discharge from military service or have it suspended. The same is true for the military servicemen who are undergoing military service as members of the staff of court-martials, the Military Panel or the Judicial Department under the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation. These positions are going to be taken by federal state civil employees.
The law enters into force as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 141-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and the Criminal Procedural Code of the Russian Federation

The law makes a provision for pre-judicial agreements between the prosecution and the defence to incite according to an elaborate procedure the co-operation of members of the criminal community by cutting their sentences and putting them under state protection. It involves a special procedure for preliminary investigation and taking a judicial judgement without court-room hearing if a deal is struck.
A sentence for an accused who has co-operated with the investigation agencies cannot exceed a half of the maximum term for a given crime. If the accused faces life imprisonment or death penalty it will not be applied, and the term for him cannot exceed 2/3 of the maximum term.
If mitigating circumstances exist the maximum sentence is now lower than before.

Federal Law No. 140-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending Article 3 of the Federal Law on Amending Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

These amendments affect the rules for the payment of the uniform tax on imputed income by consumer co-operatives. Now they enjoy a postponement of switching to the new rules which for them take effect from 2013 rather than 2010.
The law takes effect as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 139-FZ of June 29, 2009 on the Abolishment of Some Rayon Courts in the Udmurt Republic

The law concerns three courts of small districts (rayons) composed of two judges each, their jurisdiction being transferred to nearby rayon courts.
The law takes effect as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 138-FZ of June 29, 2009 on the Formation and Abolishment of Some Rayon (Town) Courts of Kostroma Oblast

The court system of Kostroma Oblast is brought in line with the federal legislation, and this allows to implement the provision of the Criminal Procedural Code of the Russian Federation under which cases of grave and especially-grave crimes are to be heard by a three-judge panel, without increasing the number of judges.
Save some provisions, the law takes effect as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 137-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Suspending Items 1 and 2 of the Federal Law on the Shadrinski Rayon Court of Kurgan Oblast

In Kurgan Oblast the Shadrinski Rayon Court had been abolished in a re-organisation which is requiring additional time for being completed. So the abolishment is postponed until January 1, 2010.
The law takes effect as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 136-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending the Federal Law on the Arbitration Assessors of the Arbitration Courts of the Subjects of the Russian Federation

The amendments are to implement the position of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation according to which professional judges and arbitration assessors are to have equal status and the same powers to ensure the impartiality of the court.
The assessor cannot be over 70 years of age, a person who occupies a state position, a position of the state civil service, a municipal position or a position of the municipal service or a judge.
The law enters into force upon the expiry of 180 days after its official publication.

Federal Law No. 135-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending the Federal Law on Veterans

Rules are changed for the provision of housing to veterans and invalids of the Great Patriotic War.
The law takes effect as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 134-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation

Administrative accountability is established for driving a small-size vessel without the necessary documents.

Federal Law No. 133-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending Article 28.7 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation

The procedure for extending the term for administrative investigation is updated. Now the term may be extended by a decision of the head or deputy head of the body responsible for the case proceeding, and in some cases of the head or deputy head of a higher body. The decision is in the form of a ruling.

Federal Law No. 131-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending the Federal Law on the Federal Budget for the Year 2009 and for the Plan Period of the Years 2010 and 2011

Some indicators of the 2009 federal budget and of the 2010-2011 plan period are reviewed.
Russian Railways will receive a 50 bn rouble subsidy to compensate for the losses doe to the state regulation of freight tariffs and fares.
The mechanism whereby the state provided guarantees for strategic enterprises in 2009 is improved.
The effective term of a state guarantee after loan repayment established by a credit contract is reduced from two years to 70 days.
The law enters into force as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 130-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending the Federal Law on Labour Pensions in the Russian Federation in As Much as It Concerns the Ordering of a Labour Pension in the Case of Loss of Breadwinner for Children Who Have Lost Both Parents and the Reinstatement of Pensions

Provision is made for two insurance portions of a loss-of-breadwinner labour pension for children who have lost both parents.
The law takes effect as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 129-FZ of June 28, 2009 on the Ratification of the Treaty between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Working Activity of, and the Protection of the Rights of, Working Migrants Deemed Citizens of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Uzbekistan and of Working Migrants Deemed Citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Russian Federation

The treaty extends to all working migrants with few exceptions. It contains rules other than those set out in the Russian law.
The Federal Migration Service and the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation are responsible for implementing the treaty.

Federal Law No. 128-FZ of June 28, 2009 on Amending the Civil Procedural Code of the Russian Federation

The term for the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation to consider applications concerning some categories of civil cases is changed.
The term for consideration of a complaint contesting a normative legal act is increased from one to three months, and a complaint contesting a decision or action/omission of a governmental body or official from ten days to two months.

Federal Law No. 126-FZ of June 28, 2009 on Amending Some Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on Issues of Court-Martials and on Deeming as No Longer Effective Some Legislative Acts (Provisions of Legislative Acts) of the Russian Federation

The law affects the procedure for manning, and supporting the deliberations of, court-martials and judicial bodies.
The law takes effect as of the date of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 125-FZ of June 28, 2009 on Amending Some Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in Connection with the Organisation and Conduct of XXII Winter Olympic Games and XI Paralympic Games in 2014 in the City of Sochi and the Development of the City of Sochi as a Mountain Climatic Resort Area

The law gives coverage to the previously uncovered areas of legal regulation for the preparation for the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi to ensure the equivalency of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For instance, that means that the state corporation responsible for the construction of Olympic facilities and other facilities in Sochi is to be governed inter alia by the rules of the International Paralympic Committee. Customs duty and VAT exemption matters are also affected.
The law takes effect as of the date of its official publication save for some provisions thereof.

Federal Law No. 124-FZ of June 28, 2009 on Amending Some Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

An administrative fine is introduced for a postal service operator's breach of the term and/or procedure for service by post.
Also guarantees are established for the timely completion of forensic inquiries.
The amendments are expected to cut court hearing duration.

Federal Law No. 123 of June 28, 2009 on Amending Article 17.2 of the Federal Law on the Fundamentals of Tourism Business in the Russian Federation

The minimum amount of financial security for the activities of the tour operators engaged in travel to foreign countries is increased. Security which previously was equal to 10 million roubles, now is to be 30 million roubles for companies with annual proceeds under 100 million roubles, 60 million roubles for 100 to 300 million roubles, and 100 million roubles for over 300 million roubles.
A tour operator is to make sure compliance with the new requirements is attained within 60 days after the entry into force of the present law. Otherwise, the operator will be removed from the comprehensive federal register.

Federal Law No. 122-FZ of June 28, 2009 on Amending the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation

Now legal entities' liability for breach of the rules for carrying out transactions in narcotics, psychotropic substances and their precursors is enhanced.
The rates of fines for organisations' breach of the rules are doubled, and a legal entity's operation may be suspended for up to 90 days.
Cases of such breaches are to be heard by judges.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 9-P of June 16, 2009 on the Case of Verification of the Constitutionality of Some Provisions of Articles 24.5, 27.1, 27.3, 27.5 and 30.7 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation, Item 1 of Article 1070 and Paragraph 3 of Article 1100 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and Article 60 of the Civil Procedural Code of the Russian Federation in Connection with the Complaints of the Citizens M.Yu.Karelin, V.K.Rogozhkin and M.V.Filandrov

The complaints contested norms, including those regulating administrative detention as a measure of security for proceedings in a case of administrative offence.
According to the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation the legal ground for detention is not to be assessed solely by the criterion of observance of formal rules but also by the purpose of such measure.
Despite procedural differences detention, arrest and custody mean deprivation of liberty. The purposes of detention are to make the detainee appear before the competent body as a suspect, prevent the commission of an offence by the detainee or prevent his escape. Detention cannot be deemed well grounded if the detainee's actions could not be deemed a breach of law when they were being committed. Still, the fact that a detainee has not been made to appear before the court after the detention does not necessarily mean that the detention was illegal.
Thus an administrative detention of up to 48 hours may take place only if there exist sufficient ground for deeming it necessary and commensurate as security for proceedings in the case of an offence for which administrative arrest is possible.
In a case of administrative detention with no legal ground the person detained is entitled to claim compensation for harm (including moral harm).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 528 of June 25, 2009 on Endorsing the Rules for Provision of Subsidies from the Federal Budget to Reimburse a Portion of Expenses towards the Payment of Interest on the Loans Received by Forestry and Wood-Processing Organisations from Russian Credit Organisations in 2008-2009 for the Purpose of Creating Inter-Seasonal Stocks of Timber, Raw Materials and Fuels

Quarterly, subsidies are provided to forestry and wood-processing organisations if a credit is used for intended purposes and the interest and principal are timely repaid.
To obtain a subsidy one is to file an application together with certain documents with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation before the fifth day of the last month of the quarter.

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 872-r of June 25, 2009 on Endorsing a List of the State Services and/or Functions Realised through the Use of Information and Telecommunication Technologies (for Instance in an Electronic Form)

By 2015 according to the Strategy for the Development of an Information Society in the Russian Federation all state services must be provided to the public through the use of information and telecommunication technologies.
The order provides a list of the state services and functions to be provided through the Internet starting from 2011, like the registration of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, registration for taxation purposes, the payment of taxes and fees, motor vehicle registration/deregistration, the payment of fines for breach of road traffic rules, the licensing of specific types of activity, registration at the place of residence etc.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. ММ-7-2/328@ of June 19, 2009 on Feeding a List and Format of Details in the Fiscal Memory of Cash Registers

Rules are provided for tax bodies to feed certain details in the fiscal memory of a cash register when it is being registered and re-registered.
Notably, the technical characteristics and parameters of cash register operation are endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade by agreement with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Federal Security Service.

Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 185 of March 2, 2009 on Endorsing the Administrative Rules for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation to Carry out the State Function of Exercising Control and Supervision over the Observance of Road Traffic Safety Requirements by Participants in the Road Traffic

Among other things, regulation is provided for the performance of the following administrative procedures: halting a motor vehicle or a pedestrian, regulating road traffic, checking the identification numbers of a motor vehicle and documents, taking a driver's licence etc.
Appeal from actions or decisions of a state motor vehicle inspectorate's personnel may be taken to a higher body/official or directly to court.
Complaints may be presented by post, phone, in a personal visit, via public information systems or the Internet websites of internal affairs bodies.
The forms of relevant procedural documents are established.
The Administrative Rules enter into force as of September 1, 2009.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 14112 of June 18, 2009.

Federal Law No. 127-FZ of June 28, 2009 on Amending Articles 6 and 7 of the Federal Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation and Article 14 of the Federal Law on the Citizenship of the Russian Federation

The list of the foreigners and stateless persons who may use a simplified procedure to obtain a permit for temporary residence in Russia and Russian citizenship is broadened.
According to the general rule a permit may be issued within the quota set by the Government of the Russian Federation.
With no regard to the quota, permits will be issued to the foreigners and stateless persons having a minor child being a Russian citizen or an adult child deemed to lack dispositive capacity or have a limited dispositive capacity.
Said persons may become Russian citizens in a simplified procedure with no need to have continuously resided in Russia for five years and to hold a Russian residence permit. This rule applies if the other parent - a Russian citizen - of the aforesaid categories of children has died, is unaccountable for, is lacking dispositive capacity or has a limited dispositive capacity, has been deprived of his/her parental rights or has limited parental rights.
Also no regard to the quota is made to issue a permit to the minor foreigners and stateless persons who receive the permit on an application of a parent (adoptive parent or guardian)being a Russian citizen or who receive it together with a parent being a foreign citizen or stateless person to whom it is also issued with no regard to the quota. The new provision also extends to the persons who have reached the age of 18 and are deemed as lacking dispositive capacity or having a limited dispositive capacity under the legislation of a foreign state.
If a foreign citizen having a child being a Russian citizen has been deprived of his/her parental rights the temporary residence permit that has been issued will be annulled.

Federal Law No. 142-FZ of June 30, 2009 on Amending the Federal Law on Labour Pensions in the Russian Federation

These amendments concern the adjustment (review) of the insurance portion of a labour pension. Until now for this purpose working retirees had to file a relevant application with bodies of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation.
Now such adjustment (review) is automatic, i.e. pension bodies are going to do it on their own from the first of August every year depending on the sum of insurance contributions received.
Nevertheless, the possibility of pension review on an application keeps effective, i.e. a retiree is entitled to waive the annual pension review by means of filing a relevant application.

Federal Law No. 132-FZ of June 29, 2009 on Amending Article 424 of Part 1 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

The powers of local self-government bodies are broadened in the area of civil legal relationships.
Now according to the Civil Code of the Russian Federation local self-government bodies are entitled to set or regulate in the cases established by a law the prices (tariffs and rates) payable under contracts. Previously this right belonged only to empowered governmental bodies. This eliminates a conflict between the Civil Code and some laws.