Monitoring of the Federal Legislation dated 31.10.2007

Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development No. 2314-Pr/07 of August 17, 2007 on the Ethics Committee

The Committee is created to involve representatives of scientific, educational organisations and institutions, public associations, mass media, religious and other organisations in ethic expert evaluation of materials of clinical investigation of medicines.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 21, 2007. Reg. No. 10167.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 192 of September 21, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution of the State Function of Organisation of Search of the Debtor Organisation and the Property of the Debtor (Citizen or Organisation)

The sphere of reference of the Federal Bailiff Service shall include the search of the debtor organisation, as well as the search of the property of the debtor (citizen or organisation)
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 21, 2007. Reg. No. 10164.

Information Letter of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 07-2813-01/SZ of September 28, 2007 on the Insurance Reserve of the Non-State Pension Fund and on the Assessment of Assets Used to Place the Resources of the Pension Reserves of the Fund

The market cost of assets and the aggregate market cost of pension reserves are estimated to determine the share of assets in the structure of the pension reserves of the fund. The share of securities in the pension reserves of the fund is determined as a ratio of their market cost to the aggregate market cost of pension reserves. According to the common rule, the market cost of securities is determined proceeding from their amount in the pension reserves of the fund and the market cost of a single valuable paper, or in the case of absence of the latter, the average price of the signal valuable paper.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 625 of September 28, 2007 on the Amendments to the Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 400 of July 4, 2003 and No. 445 of July 23, 2005

The amount of labour remuneration for a lawyer assigned to act for the defence makes at least Rbl 275, however, not greater than Rbl 1,100 per day of participation in the criminal proceedings, and for the days-off or night-time work - at least Rbl 550, however, not greater than Rbl 2,200.

Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. 82 of June 28, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Federal Aviation Rules "General Rules of Transportation of Passengers, Luggage, Cargo by Air and the Requirements to the Servicing of Passengers, Consignors and Consignees"

The new rules define the terms of transportation by air of passengers, luggage, cargo, the rights and duties of the carrier, other parties involved, as well as the passengers, consignors and consignees.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 27, 2007. Reg. No. 10186.

Order of the Federal Service for Tariff Rates No. 166-e/1 of August 21, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Determination of the Cost of Electric Power Supplied at the Retail Market at Regulated Prices (Tariff Rates), Coverage of Deviations of the Actual Volumes of Consumption from Contractual Ones, As Well As Reimbursement of Expenses Because of the Changes of the Contractual Volume of Consumption of Electric Power

The cost of electric power supplied to consumers at the retail market at regulated prices (tariff rats) is determined proceeding from the actually supplied volumes and tariff rates specified for the appropriate category of consumers as a result of the estimated period (calendar month).
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 21, 2007. Reg. No. 10168.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 612 of September 27, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Sale of Commodities through Remote Techniques

The remote sale of commodities is implied to be the sale under the retail purchase and sale contract concluded when the buyer is familiarised with the description of commodities proposed by the seller in the catalogues or booklets or presented on photographs or through the means of communication.

Order of the Federal Service for Tariff Rates No. 193-s/17 of August 28, 2007 on the Endorsement of Tariff Rates for the Intercity Telephone Connection Provided to a User of a Fixed Telephone Communication Network for the Transfer of Voice Information, Fax Messages and Data by the OAO Rostelecom

Specifies the limiting tariff rates for the intercity telephone communication provided by the OAO Rostelecom to a user of a fixed telephone communication network for the transfer of voice information, fax messages and data.
      Tariff rates are introduced from the 1st of the month following the month of entry into force of the Order. The Order is entered into force according to established procedure.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 27, 2007. Reg. No. 10206.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-08-12 of September 20, 2007

Explains the procedure of submission of refined tax declarations and estimation of taxes by the tax bodies in the absence with the taxpayer of the documents necessary for the estimation of taxes.

Federal Law No. 228-FZ of October 2, 2007 on the Amendments to Article 4 of the Federal Law on the Particulars of Functioning of the Electric Power Industry in the Transient Period and on the Amendments to Some of the Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation and on Invalidation of Some of the Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Adoption of the Federal Law on the Electric Power Industry

The adopted Law adjusts the procedure of decision taking in the reorganisation of the OAO RAO Joint Power Supply System of Russia.
      The Federal Law is entered into force from the day of its official publication.

Federal Law No. 227-FZ of October 2, 2007 on the Ratification of the Additional Protocol between the Russian Federation and the International Atomic Energy Agency to the Agreement between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the International Atomic Energy Agency on the Use of Guarantees in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Ratifies the Additional Protocol between the Russian Federation and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defining the control measures applied in the Russian Federation to enhance the international regime of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Federal Law No. 226-FZ of October 2, 2007 on the Ratification of the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Latvian Republic on the Russian-Latvian State Border

Ratifies the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Latvian Republic on the Russian-Latvian state border signed in Moscow on March 27, 2007.

Federal Law No. 225-FZ of October 2, 2007 on the Amendments to Some of the Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

The Amendments are stipulated by the adoption of the new wording of the Federal Law on the executive proceedings.
      The Federal Law is entered into force from the day of its official publication except for individual provisions where other time limits are envisaged for the entry into force.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1057 of September 4, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Instruction on the Procedure of Filling of the Cargo Customs Declaration and the Transit Declaration

A distinguishing feature of the new instruction as compared to the previous one is that according to the new procedure, the cargo customs declaration does not show information on the currency and the total amount of the account, as well as the financial and banking information when declaring the currency and the securities.
      The new procedure of filling of the cargo customs declaration is introduced from January 1, 2008.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 26, 2007. Reg. No. 10183.

Federal Law No. 229-FZ of October 2, 2007 on the Executive Proceedings

The Federal Law provides a new wording for the Federal Law on the executive proceedings adopted in 1997 and improves the norms regulating the issues of executive proceedings.
      The Law is entered into force from February 1, 2008.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 628 of October 1, 2007 on the Endorsement on the Permanent Basis of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Auto Components Imported for Industrial Assembly and for Component Parts and a Number of Raw Materials for Production of Aircraft Engines

The Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 839 of December 30, 2006 introduced for 9 months the zero rates of import customs duties for auto components imported for industrial assembly and for component parts and a number of commodities for production of aircraft engines.
      The Decision is entered into force from October 2, 2007.

Order of the Federal Service for Tariff Rates No. 199-s/23 of August 28, 2007 on the Endorsement of Tariff Rates for the Services of Public-Use Telecommunication for the Transfer of Internal Telegram Provided by the OAO TsentrTelecom

Endorses tariff rates for the services of public-use telecommunication provided by the OAO TsentrTelecom to transfer an internal telegram.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 27, 2007. Reg. No. 10202.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 635 of October 4, 2007 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Visa Form, Procedure and Terms of Its Drawing up and Issuance, Prolongation, Restoration in Cases of Loss, As Well As the Procedure of Revocation

The amendments introduce a new rule permitting to draw up and issue the visa to a foreign citizen staying in the country other than the country of his citizenship on condition of the presence of the permission for permanent stay in this country for more than 90 days, define the grounds to draw up and issue the visa to a foreign citizen staying the country other than the country of his citizenship without observing this requirement.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 07-88/pz-n of August 14, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution by the Federal Service for Financial Markets of the State Function of Issuance of the Permission for the Placing and/or Circulation of Emission Securities by Russian Issuers outside the Russian Federation

The parties requesting the permission for the placing and circulation of emission securities of Russian issuers outside the Russian Federation may include Russian issuers of emission securities, issuers of foreign securities, holders of emission securities of the Russian issuer, parties having concluded the contract for the placing and circulation of foreign securities.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 27, 2007. Reg. No. 10187.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 647 of October 5, 2007 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Interaction of State and Municipal Ordering Parties, Bodies in Charge of the Placing of Orders for the State and Municipal Ordering Parties in Cases of Mutual Tenders

Refines the procedure of forming of the commission to carry out mutual tenders.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 646 of October 5, 2007 on the Procedure to Pay out and the Amounts of Incentives and the State Monetary Rewards Envisaged in Article 34 of the Law of the Russian Federation on Subsoil Resources

The state monetary reward shall be paid out in the amount of Rbl 50,000, however, not greater than 0.1% of the amount of the annual volume of tax on the extraction of mineral resources for the deposit under consideration.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 07-89/pz-n of August 14, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia on the Execution of the State Function of the Keeping of the State Register of Credit History Bureaus

Defines the time limits and the sequence of actions of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia in the course of execution of the state function of keeping of the State Register of Credit History Bureaus.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 3, 2007. Reg. No. 10246.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 655 of October 8, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Drawing up of Invitations to Enter the Russian Federation for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

Invitation to enter the Russian Federation for a foreign citizen serves as grounds to issue the visa to the foreign citizen or enter the Russian Federation according to the visa-free procedure in cases envisaged in the Federal Law or international treaty of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 07-93/pz-n of August 30, 2007 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Disclosing of Information by Issuers of Emission Securities Endorsed by the Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia No. 06-117/pz-n of October 10, 2006

Adjusts the procedure of disclosing of information at the stages of issue of exchange-traded bonds.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 3, 2007. Reg. No. 10250.

Regulation of the Central Bank of Russia No. 310-P of September 7, 2007 on the Supervisors of Credit Organisations

Supervisors are assigned with the goal of improvement of banking enforcement, including a better understanding and assessment of such aspects of activities of the credit organisation as financial stability, corporate management (including the risk and internal control systems, strategic planning) transparency of the property structure, structure of the group where the credit organisation acts as the parent organisation or participant.
      The Regulation must be published officially in the Herald of the Bank of Russia and is entered into force from January 1, 2008.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 3, 2007. Reg. No. 10249.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 160-T of October 3, 2007 on the Rouble Equivalents of the Figures Envisaged in the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1755-U of December 11, 2006

According the Federal Law on the banks and banking activities, the minimum amount of the registered capital of the newly registered bank and non-bank credit organisation is fixed in the amount of the rouble equivalent of EUR 5 million and EUR 500,000 respectively. Besides, a requirement is also introduced from January 1, 2007 to the minimum amount of own resources (capital) for the acting banks and non-bank credit organisations requesting the status of a bank in the amount of the rouble equivalent of EUR 5 million.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-6-18/716@ of September 14, 2007 on the Procedure of Application of Explanations of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation on the Issues of Application of the Legislation of the Russian Federation on Taxes and Fees

The Federal Tax Service of Russia emphasises that the letters of the Ministry of Finance of Russia expressing the position of the Ministry of Finance of Russia on particular or general issues available in the appeals of citizens and organisations may not be regarded as introducing obligatory for the tax bodies rules of conduct for application on the permanent basis in the course of implementation of the functions of tax control.

Regulation of the Central Bank of Russia No. 311-P of September 7, 2007 on the Procedure for the Bank to Report to the Tax Body in the Electronic Form the Opening or Closing of the Account, Changes of Requisites of Accounts

The Regulation specifies the procedure for the bank to report in the electronic form to the tax body at the place of location the opening (closing) of the account, the changing of requisites of the account opened on the basis of the bank account contract to be used to enter or spend monetary resources of the organisation (independent entrepreneur), private notary, lawyer having founded a lawyer cabinet.
      The Regulation is entered into force 30 days after the day of its official publication in the Herald of the Bank of Russia.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 8, 2007. Reg. No. 10265.

Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 772 of August 31, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Procedure for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation to Provide for the Safeguarding of the Property of Natural Persons and Legal Entities under Contracts

The issue of safeguarding of the property of natural persons and legal entities is examined on the basis of a written application drawn up in a free from in the division of the non-agency guard service.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 8, 2007. Reg. No. 10264.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-13/563@ of October 8, 2007 on the Amendments to the Formats for Submission of Tax Declarations, Estimates (Refined Tax Declarations, Estimates), Accounting Reports and Other Documents Used to Calculate and Pay the Taxes and Fees in the Electronic Form

Adjusts the format for submission of tax and accounting reports in the electronic form (version 2.00), as well as the format for submission of tax declarations, accounting reports and other documents used for the calculation and payment of taxes, fees in the electronic form (version 3.00).
      The Order is entered into force for the tax reports in the electronic form submitted after January 1, 2008.

Order of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring of the Environment No. 293 of September 12, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Carrying out of Independent Expert Evaluation of Draft Administrative Regulations on the Execution of State Functions and Administrative Regulations on the Provided State Services Worked out by the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring of the Environment and of Selection of Organisations Providing Their Interdependent Expert Evaluation

Regulates independent expert evaluation of draft administrative regulations on the execution of the state functions and administrative regulations on the provided state services worked out by the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring of the Environment.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 3, 2007. Reg. No. 10240.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 660 of October 10, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Wheat, Meslin and Barley Exported outside the Member-States of the Customs Union Agreements

Introduces on the temporary basis the rates of the export customs duties for wheat, meslin and barley exported from the territory of the Russian Federation outside the member-states of the Customs Union agreements.
      The Decision is entered into force one month after the day of its official publication to be applied until April 30, 2008 inclusive.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 656 of October 10, 2007 on the Amendments to Item 2 of the Rules of Filling of the Certificate Attached to the Cargo Customs Declaration

The certificate attached to the cargo customs declaration is filled out for the commodities of the same name in the same consignment placed under the customs regime of release for internal consumption and also under the customs regime of free customs zone applied in compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on the territory of the Special Economic Zone in the Kaliningrad Province and on the territory of the Special Economic Zone in the Magadan Province.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 07-90/pz-n of August 21, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution by the Federal Service for Financial Markets of the State Function of Licensing of Activities of Professional Participants of the Securities Market

The endorsed Administrative Regulation specifies the procedure of issuance, redrawing, suspension and revocation of the license of a professional participant of the securities market.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 3, 2007. Reg. No. 10248.

Order of the Federal Agency for Construction and the Housing and Communal Sector No. 264 of September 14, 2007 on the Content and Form of Submitted Reports on the Execution of the Transferred Authority in the Sphere of State Expert Evaluation of Design Documentation and Results of Engineering Surveys

Endorses the content and form of submitted reports on the execution of the transferred authority in the sphere of state expert evaluation of design documentation and results of engineering surveys.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on September 27, 2007. Reg. No. 10184.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1359 of October 11, 2007 on the Federal Agency for the Construction of Facilities of the State Border of the Russian Federation

The newly-established agency improving the structure of federal executive governmental bodies is intended to define and implement the state policy of equipping Russia's state border, for instance, by means of setting up and developing border check-points and supporting them and to act as a state customer in this field. It will be directed by the Government of the Russian Federation. The decree enters into force as of the date of its official publication.

Order of the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communication of the Russian Federation No. 108 of September 11, 2007 on Endorsing the Requirements Applicable to the Provision of Telegraph Communication Services in as Much as It Concerns the Receiving, Transmitting, Processing, Storing and Delivering of Telegrams

These Requirements set out a procedure for the provision of telegraph services in terms of the operational and technological processes and forms intended for specific types of message, and they are binding on all communication operators involved in telegraphy. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10209 of October 1, 2007.

Order of the Ministry of Culture and Mass Communications No. 1182 of July 21, 2007 on Endorsing the List of Typical Archival Documents Produced as the Result of Organisations' Scientific, Technological and Production Activities Including Retention Periods

A new list of typical archival documents in the area of scientific, technological, production, design, construction and other activities is instituted to supersede the previous one adopted in the former USSR in 1988. It is intended for selecting documents for being sent to federal, regional and municipal archives to be permanently preserved there. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10194 of September 27, 2007.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 525 of August 6, 2007 on Occupational Qualification Groups and on Endorsing Criteria for Classifying Trades of Workers and Positions of Clerical Workers under Occupational Qualification Groups

In accordance with the Labour Code of the Russian Federation basic salary and wage rates for employees of state and municipal institutions are set according to occupational qualification groups. Accordingly, criteria are established for classifying trades of workers and positions of employees under such groups with due regard to the type of economic activity and complexity of work in several categories. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10191 of September 27, 2007.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 662 of October 10, 2007 on Endorsing the Regulations on Performance of the Functions and Powers of a Founder of a Federal Independent Institution by a Federal Executive Governmental Body

A procedure is established for a federal executive governmental body to carry out the functions and powers of a founder of an independent institution based on property in federal ownership. The decision on forming the institution is taken by Russia's government. The body confirms the charter of the institution, sets assignments for it, takes decisions on the formation or liquidation of branches and representative offices thereof, and on the re-organisation or liquidation of the institution etc.

Letter of the Federal Agency on Construction, Housing and the Communal Sector No. SK-3752/02 of October 10, 2007 on Cost-Estimate Value Variation Indices for the Fourth Quarter of 2007

Cost-estimate value variation indices are established for construction and erection works as a whole and for specific cost items for the fourth quarter of 2007 for the subjects of the Russian Federation. They are intended to calculate the cost of construction and form an initial bidding price by the basis-and-index method and to do general economic calculations relating to investment for projects using federal budget funds.

Letter of the Federal Agency on Construction, Housing and the Communal Sector No. SK-3742/02 of October 9, 2007 on Prices for Design and Survey Works for Construction for the Fourth Quarter of 2007

Design and survey cost variation indices are offered for construction for the fourth quarter of 2007.

Letter of the Department of Taxation and Customs-Tariff Policies of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-07-13/1-26 of October 1, 2007

The cost of the services of transporting Belarusian goods shipped into Russia both via the territory of Belarus and the territory of Russia is included by the buyer in the tax base for VAT for the goods. VAT sums paid to the providers of the services are not included in the cost.

Letter of the Department of Taxation and Customs-Tariff Policies of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-11-05/234 of October 3, 2007

Explanations are offered to the taxpayers practicing a simplified taxation system on the use of a deflation factor in 2007 to calculate the threshold sum of incomes affecting the applicability of the system.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 674 of October 15, 2007 on the Temporary Rates of Import Customs Duty on Milk and Dairy Products

Import customs duty rates are lowered for a six-month term for milk and dairy products (from 15 to 5 per cent of customs value). The decision takes effect as of the date of official publication thereof.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 671 of October 12 on Seasonal Duties on Raw Cane Sugar and Certain Types of Sugar Imported into the Territory of the Russian Federation in 2007 and 2008

Rates of seasonal duty on raw cane sugar and sugar with flavourings or dyeing additives shipped into Russia from December 1 through December 31, 2007 and from January 1 through May 31, 2008 are confirmed. Given the NYMEX average monthly raw sugar price of up to $99.21 per ton, the rate of import duty will be $270 per ton. It will be $250 for $99.22 to $182.98, $235 for $182.99 to 198.42, and $220 for over 198.43. The rates might cease to be applicable if Russia joins the WTO or if the NYMEX price exceeds $259.99 per ton. The decision takes effect one month after its official publication.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 669 of October 12, 2007 on the Rules for Pre-Judiciary Examination of Disputes That Have to Do with Setting and Applying the Prices (Tariffs) Regulated in Accordance with the Federal Law on Natural Monopolies

A dispute is considered on an application filed with the Federal Service on Tariffs by a natural monopoly, its consumers or the executive governmental body of a subject of the Russian Federation charged with state tariff regulation. A final decision on the results of such consideration must be taken within 90 days after the application is received. The decision enters into force as of January 1, 2008.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 666 of October 12, 2007 on Amending Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation on Communication Matters

The procedure for connecting communication networks and for interaction of such networks has been updated. Now, connection may be provided to local phone network operators both by fixed zone phone network operators and other operators as well. In their turn local phone network operators may offer connections to operators of all zone phone networks. Requirements governing the operators of networks being connected are set out. Also the procedure for provision of roving communication services is updated.

Order of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Federal Migration Service No. 366/789/197 of September 10, 2007 on Endorsing the Instructions on Organising the Interaction of Military Commissariats, Bodies of Internal Affairs and the Territorial Bodies of the Federal Migration Service in the Work of Ensuring the Execution of the Duty to Undergo Military Service by Citizens

A new procedure is established for the interaction of military commissariats, bodies of internal affairs and territorial bodies of the Federal Migration Service in finding out the whereabouts of citizens evading military service, and for taking measures relating to conscript registration and draft. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10315 of October 11, 2007.

Order of the Federal Service on Financial Markets No. 07-94/pz-n of September 13, 2007 on Endorsing the Procedure for Inspecting the Organisations Subject to Control and Supervision by the Federal Service on Financial Markets

New rules govern the procedure for preparing and carrying out inspections of issuers, joint-stock investment companies, entities dealing with accumulated pension funds, non-state pensions, compulsory pension insurance and professional pension insurance, mortgage agents, managers of mortgage security and specialised depositaries of mortgage security, professional participants in the securities market, the managing companies of joint-stock investment companies, investment trusts and non-state pension funds, the specialised depositaries of investment companies, investment trusts and non-state pension funds, credit referencing offices, accumulation housing cooperatives and the self-regulating organisations thereof. Inspections may be schedule or off-schedule. The new procedure supersedes the one previously effective. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10300 of October 10, 2007.

Order of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation No. 307 of September 11, 2007 on Endorsing the Rules for Keeping the Register of Federal Property

The register is kept by officials of the Federal Agency for Federal Property Management and territorial bodies thereof. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10297 of October 10, 2007.

Direction of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation No. 1891-U of October 10, 2007 on Setting the Rates of Compulsory Reserves (Reserve Claims) of the Bank of Russia

To help credit organisations manage their liquidity, starting from October 11, 2007 the rates of compulsory reserves are cut from 4.0 to 3.0 per cent for the liabilities of credit organisations owing natural persons in the Russian currency, from 4.5 to 3.5 per cent for liabilities owing non-resident banks and other credit organisations' liabilities in the Russian and foreign currencies. The averaging factor is increased. The direction enters into force when it is signed.

Direction of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation No. 1892-U of October 10, 2007 on Amending Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1601-U of August 5, 2005 on the Terms for the Bank of Russia to Provide Credit Organisations with Credits Secured by the Pledge of Bills of Exchange, Things in Action under Credit Contracts of Organisations or Sureties of Credit Organisations

Starting from October 11, 2007 interest rates is set at 7 per cent per annum on credits of the Bank of Russia for a term of up to 90 calendar days (earlier it was 0.6 of the refinancing rate of the Bank of Russia), 8 per cent per annum on credits of the Bank of Russia for a term from 91 to 180 calendar days (earlier it was 0.75 of the refinancing rate of the Bank of Russia). The direction enters into force as of October 11, 2007.

Information Letter of the Federal Service on Financial Markets No. 07-VM-01/20826 of October 11, 2007 on Showing the Assets into Which Fund's Pension Reserves Are Placed in Special Reports

Explanations are offered concerning the completion of special reporting forms for non-state pension funds relating to the placement of pension reserve funds under the management of a trustee. While completing the forms a non-state pension fund has to be governed by the bookkeeping policy it has been adopted for the accounting year.

Order of the Federal Service on Financial Markets No. 07-100/pz-n of September 20, 2007 on Amending Some Orders of the Federal Service on Financial Markets

This order has deleted Section IV from the Regulations on the Financial Status and Business Reputation of Participants in a Credit Referencing Office approved by Order of the Federal Service on Financial Market No. 05-52/pz-n of October 27, 2005 and Section II from the Procedure for Licensing Types of Professional Activity in the Securities Market approved by Order of the Federal Service on Financial Market No. 07-21/pz-n of March 6, 2007 concerning the documents required for licensing purposes. Now, the lists of such documents are established only by administrative rules of the Federal Service on Financial Markets. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10327 of October 15, 2007.

Order of the Federal Service on Financial Markets No. 07-97/pz-n of September 13, 2007 on Amending the Forms of Managing Companies' Reports on the Investment of Funds Accumulated for Housing for Military Servicemen, on Incomes from Investment of Such Accumulated Funds, and Also on Transactions Accomplished in Deviation from Market Prices Endorsed by Order of the Federal Service on Financial Markets No. 05-85/pz-n of December 20, 2005

These amendments modify the form of a report filed by a managing company on incomes from the investment of accumultated funds for housing for military servicemen for instance to show the yield of the trust management of such funds. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10326 of October 15, 2007.

Order of the Ministry of Industry and Energy of the Russian Federation No. 406 of September 24, 2007 on Endorsing the Rates of Natural Loss in the Storage (Discharge, Filling) of Chemical Products

New cap rates of natural loss are confirmed for the storage of mineral fertilisers, liquid cryoproducts, paints, varnishes, other coatings and chemicals. The rates used to assess the admissible value of irreparable losses from a shortage and/or damage of materials are classified as material expenses and they reduce tax base for profit tax purposes. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10322 of October 15, 2007.

Order of the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communication of the Russian Federation No. 112 of September 26, 2007 on Endorsing the Procedure for the Interaction of Fixed Telephone Communication Networks, Communication Networks Intended for General Use for the Purpose of Ensuring the Right of Subscribers of These Networks to Select a Communication Operator to Provide Trunk and International Telephone Services when Telephone Connection Is Automatic

Organisational and technical details are defined to enable a subscriber to select a communication operator to provide trunk and international phone services either in advance or every time a call is made. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10285 of October 8, 2007.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1373s of October 18, 2007 on Some Measures for Ensuring the Social Protection of Specific Categories of Retirees

According to the decree in connection with the 25-per cent rise in allowance of money for the military servicemen and personnel of internal affairs bodies in 1994-1998 for service with various governmental bodies an additional lump sum will supplement in 2008 the pensions of these persons after their discharge from active service. The decree enters into force when it is signed.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 683 of October 17, 2007 on Deeming as No Longer Effective Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 564 of June 3, 1998 on Endorsing the Regulations on Licensing the Activity of International Information Exchange and the amendments thereto are deemed no longer effective. It was adopted on the basis of Federal Law No. 85-FZ of July 4, 1996 on Participation in International Information Exchange that has been superseded by Federal Law No. 149-FZ of July 27, 2006 on Information, Information Technologies and the Protection of Information.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 681 of October 15, 2007 on Amending Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Issues of Implementation of the Federal Target Programme "Dwelling" for the Years 1002-2010

Starting from January 1, 2008 a change will occur in the procedure for setting the subsidies for acquisition of living quarters under the federal target programme "Dwelling" for the Years 2002-2010 with federal budget funds payable to the citizens who took part in elimination of the aftermath of the Chernobyl and Mayak nuclear accidents, who suffered as the result thereof, and to special-risk unit veterans. The amount of subsidy will be based on the rated value of 1 sq. metre of residential premises, while previously it used to be based on the average market value of 1 sq. metre. Also the rules for issuing state housing certificates and the procedure for payment for acquired premises have been modified.

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1420-r of October 15, 2005

A list of the public and religious associations whose activities have been suspended or which are covered by a court's decision that has become final on liquidation or ban on activity due to their pursuing extremist activities will be published, for instance, in Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Letter of the Department for Taxation and Customs-Tariff Policies of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/717 of October 11, 2007

Explanations are provided concerning the deeming an electronic air ticket on a paper medium as strict-accountability form for the purpose of keeping record of the sum for which the ticket was bought for profit tax assessment. For example, a print-out of an electronic air ticket acquired by an employee sent on a business trip and the boarding pass will be used by accountants to recognise expenses for profit taxation purposes.

Federal Law No. 230-FZ of October 18, 2007 on Amending Some Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in Connection with the Improvement of Delineation of Powers

Amended are 35 federal laws, including the Code of Administrative Offences, the Labour Code, the Civil Procedural Code and the Housing Code of the Russian Federation. The amendments are aimed at delineating powers and improving state governance in priority areas of public relations like public health, education, jobs, fire safety, natural monopoly regulation, aviation, welfare, housing and local self-government organisation. The federal law enters into force when officially published, except for certain provisions.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1377 of October 18, 2007 on Raising the Monetary Remuneration for the Persons Occupying the State Offices of the Russian Federation

Effective from December 1, 2007, monetary remuneration is increased by 15% for the persons in state offices of the Russian Federation, including President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, deputy chairmen, federal ministers, directors of federal services etc. Last time it was done in January 2007 (1.1-fold). The decree enters into force when signed.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1376 of October 18, 2007 on Raising the Monthly Allowance of Money for the Persons Occupying Federal State Civil Service Positions

Every year the rates of allowance of money for federal civil service positions are increased (indexed) with regard to inflation (consumer prices) level. Accordingly, it is decided to increase, effective from December 1, 2007, 1.15 times the monthly salary of the diplomatic staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, diplomatic missions and consulates etc., and also of federal state civil servants. The decree enters into force when signed.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 685 of October 18, 2007 on Amending Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 396 of June 28, 2006

The date is postponed from November 1, 2007 to November 1, 2008 for switching to the automated record-keeping by means of a comprehensive system of the content and amount of water-free alcohol in finished products and of finished products proper. Also relative error rates are updated for the purposes of automated record-keeping. The decision enters into force as of November 1, 2007.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1374 of October 18, 2007 on Additional Measures for Countering Illegal Transactions in Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors Thereof

A State Anti-Narcotic Committee is set up to improve state governance in fighting against illegal transactions in narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors thereof. The committee chaired by the director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation will prepare proposals for the President of the Russian Federation, annual reports, coordinate the activities of executive governmental bodies and anti-narcotic commissions in the subjects of the Russian Federation etc. The decree enters into force when signed.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 83n of September 20, 2007 on Amending Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 8n of January 17, 2006 on Endorsing the Form of a Tax Return for the Purposes of the Uniform Tax on Imputed Income for Certain Types of Activity and the Procedure for Completing the Form

Amendments are made to the procedure for completing a tax return for the purposes of the uniform tax on imputed income for certain types of activity in as much as it concerns indicating base profitability per unit of a physical indicator per month for the relevant type of activity. The amendments are applicable for the first tax period of the Year 2008. Also the codes of newly formed subjects of the Russian Federation are updated for being indicated in a tax return. The form of a tax return for the said tax is modified in respect of error correction in the formula used to calculate the tax. The order enters into force at least upon the expiry of one month since its official publication but not earlier than the first day of next tax period for the purposes of the tax. Registered by the Ministry of Justice, registration No. 10353 of October 19, 2007.

Letter of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation No. 166-T of October 19, 2007 on the Methodology of Assessing Business Development Expenses (Losses)

For the purpose of recognising the financial stability of a bank sufficient for its participation in the deposit insurance system the indicator of profitability of its assets is taken into account among other things. It is calculated as a ratio in percentage points per annum of the bank's financial result to the mean amount of its assets. According to the methodology certain expenses (losses) may be assessed that need not be included in the calculation of the bank's financial result because they are business development expenses like those relating to the formation of new branches and internal units of the bank and to the running thereof. The bank's expenses relating to the opening of representative offices and recruiting part-time employees cannot be classified as business development expenses. A special table form is provided as recommended for showing business development expenses.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 689 of October 22, 2007 on Endorsing the Regulations on Licensing the Activity of Detecting Electronic Devices Intended for Covertly Obtaining Information on Premises and in Technical Facilities (Except for Cases when This Activity is Pursued for the Legal Entity's or Individual Entrepreneur's Own Needs)

A new procedure is established for licensing the activity of detecting eavesdropping electronic devices on premises and in technical facilities. The licensor is the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. The list of licence terms and conditions and the list of the documents filed for licensing purposes have been modified. The effective term of the licence remains unchanged, i.e. 5 years. The licensing procedure so established does not extend to activities relating to state secret protection.

Direction of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation No. 1887-U of September 25, 2007 on Amending Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1446-U of June 11, 2004 on the Bookkeeping Procedure for Authorised Banks to Keep Record of Certain Types of Banking Transactions and Other Transactions in Foreign Currencies and the Russian Currency in Cash, Cheques (Including Traveller's Cheques) Denominated in a Foreign Currency as Involving Natural Persons

The amendment made are due to the entry into force, effective January 1, 2008, of the new Regulations on Bookkeeping Rules for the Credit Organisations Located on the Territory of the Russian Federation. The direction is to be officially published in Vestnik Banka Rossii and it enters into force as of January 1, 2008. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10351 of October 19, 2007.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 199/87n of October 15, 2007 on Endorsing the Procedure for Calculating the Remuneration Payable to a Barrister Taking Part as Defence in Criminal Judicial Proceedings by Appointment of Inquiry or Preliminary Investigation Bodies or a Court Depending on the Complexity of the Criminal Case

A barrister cannot be appointed by a prosecutor. The rate of payment due a barrister per day is from 275 to 1,100 roubles or 550 to 2,000 per day-off, holiday or night-time. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10349 of October 17, 2007.

Federal Law No. 235-FZ of October 25, 2007 on the Ratification of the Consular Convention between the Russian Federation and Serbia and Montenegro

The Consular Convention between the Russian Federation and Serbia and Montenegro signed in Belgrade on November 7, 2005 is ratified.

Federal Law No. 234-FZ of October 25, 2007 on Amending the Law of the Russian Federation on Protecting Consumers' Rights and Part 2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

Given the consumer credit expansion, when a citizen gets a loan he must be informed about the sum of the loan, full repayment sum and repayment schedule. The buyers of hi-fi products have their rights expanded. The importer's liability for poor-quality goods is enhanced. The buyer's liability is established for a breach of the term for delivering a pre-paid product to the consumer. Consumers shall be notified of genetically-modified products contained in goods. The federal law enters into force upon the expiry of 45 days after the official publication thereof.

Federal Law No. 233-FZ of October 25, 2007 on Amending the Federal Law on the State Benefits Payable to the Citizens Having Children

The amendments are due to the annulment, effective January 1, 2008, of draft deferment in the event of pregnancy of the conscript's wife or if a conscript has a child under three years. New types of benefit are added, effective January 1, 2008 -- a monthly benefit for a child of a military serviceman undergoing military service on draft and a lump-sum benefit for the pregnant wife of a serviceman undergoing military service on draft. The law enters into force as of January 1, 2008, except for certain provisions.

Federal Law No. 232-FZ of October 24, 2007 on Amending Some Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation (in as Much as It Concerns Setting Higher Professional Education Levels)

A two-tier higher professional education system is established, each level being deemed independent and having specific standards and attestations producing a specific degree/qualification -- bachelor, master or specialist. It will take four years to become a bachelor, at least five years a specialist and two years a master. Depending on specialisation the term may vary. Only maters or specialists will have access to post-graduate studies. The federal law enters into force when officially published. From that time until September 1, 2009 education in higher educational institutions in bachelor, master and specialist curricula will take place by a decision of the institution's academic council according to approved state educational standards.

Federal Law No. 231-FZ of October 24, 2007 on Amending Article 1.1 of the Federal Law on the Days of Military Glory and the Commemorative Dates of Russia

Yet another date is included in the list of commemorative dates of Russia -- June 22 as Day of Memory and Sorrow. It refers to the beginning of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 699 of October 24, 2007 on Amending Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 866 of December 31, 2005

Amendments are made to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation on Marking Alcoholic Products with Excise Stamps to expand among other things businesses' obligations relating to the use of excise stamps and modify the rules effective in the field.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 698 of October 24, 2007 on Endorsing the Rates of Export Customs Duty on Certain Products

Zero rates of export customs duties temporarily set for tungsten ore and concentrates and also for certain types of chemicals will become applicable on a permanent basis. The decision enters into force upon the expiry of one month after the official publication thereof.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1166 of September 20, 2007 on Endorsing the Sets of Forms "Form for Adjusting Customs Value and Customs Payments (KTS-1)", "Additional Sheet (KTS-2)" and the Instructions on the Procedure for Completing the Forms for Adjusting Customs Value and Customs Payments

In connection with the confirmation of new Instructions for Completing a Cargo Customs Declaration and a Transit Declaration new sets of forms and instructions for completing them have been elaborated. The order enters into force upon the expiry of 90 days after its official publication. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, registration No. 10336 of October 17, 2007.

Decision of the Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation No. 62 of August 27, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Sanitary Rules

Endorses and enters into force from November 1, 2007 the sanitary rules for a motor carrier possessing a service station fuelling and operating dimethyl ether vehicles.
      The document will be in force for 3 years.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 22, 2007. Reg. No. 10373.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1893-U of October 11, 2007 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 302-P of March 26, 2007 on the Rules of Accounting Work in Credit Organisations Located on the Territory of the Russian Federation

Refines the description of some accounts.
      The Direction is entered into force from January 1, 2008.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 23, 2007. Reg. No. 10390.

Order of the Federal Tax Service 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

Works out the forms for submission of information pertaining to taxpayers.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 19, 2007. Reg. No. 10369.

Order of the Federal Antimonopoly Service No. 293 of September 20, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Antimonopoly Service on the Execution of the State Function of Coordination of Creation and Reorganisation of Commercial Organisations in Cases Specified in the Antimonopoly Legislation of the Russian Federation

Regulates the procedure of submission of the request (notification) to the antimonopoly body. Provides the list of documents and information attached to it.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 19, 2007. Reg. No. 10364.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 705 of October 26, 2007 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Wood Pulp of Eucalyptus

On the temporary basis (for 9 months) reduces the rates of the import customs duties for wood pulp, soda or sulphate, other than dissolving grades, semi-bleached or bleached, non-coniferous, where eucalyptus fibres make 100% of the total mass, used to make paper serving as basis for coating materials (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature 4703 29 000 1).
      The Decision is entered into force 2 months after the day of its official publication.

Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation No. 261 of October 8, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Agency for Use of Subsoil Resources on the Execution of the State Function of Keeping of State Records and the Keeping of the State Register of Works of Geological Investigation of Subsoil Resources, Parts of Deposits Provided for Extraction of Mineral Resources, As Well As for Other Purposes Other Than Extraction, and Licenses for Use of Subsoil Resources

The Federal Agency for Use of Subsoil Resources or its territorial body shall provide, no later than 10 working days from the day of registration of the request, for the registration and entry of information in the State Register of Works of Geological Investigation of Subsoil Resources or shall send a motivated refusal to the user of subsoil resources. The licenses are registered and information in the state register is entered simultaneously with the state registration of the license for use of subsoil resources.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 25, 2007. Reg. No. 10400.

Order of the Federal Service of Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Enforcement No. 643 of September 20, 2007 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 Fixing the Limits of Deployment of Waste

The limits of deployment of waste worked out to the normatives of the limiting hazardous impacts on the environment, the quantity, types and classes of hazards of generated waste and the area (volume) of their deployment object define the limiting amount of waste of specific type permitted for deployment in a certain way within specified time in the waste deployment objects taking into account the ecological situation on the given territory.
      The endorsed Regulation does not apply to issues of handling of radio active waste.
      Registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on October 17, 2007. Reg. No. 10347.