Monitoring of the Federal Legislation dated 14.08.2008

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 983 0f December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Quota for 2008 of Invitations to Foreign Citizens to Enter the Russian Federation for the Purpose of Employment

The quota of invitations to foreign citizens in 2008 is fixed in the amount of 672,304.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 982 of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Quota of Employment Permissions for 2008

The quota for 2008 makes 1,828,245 employment permissions.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 989 of December 29, 2007 on the Budget Investments in 2008 into Objects of Capital Construction in the State Property of the Russian Federation and Objects of Capital Construction Owned by Legal Entities Not Being State or Municipal Institutions and State or Municipal Unitary Enterprises

Endorses the lists of construction projects and objects for the federal state needs for 2008 and the years of 2009-2010.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 985 of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Polycarbonates

Introduces for 9 months the zero rate of the import customs duty for polycarbonates for making optical data storage media.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-07/1-477 of December 11, 2007

Provides explanations on the procedure of submission to the tax bodies of tax declarations, on the payment of taxes in cases of reorganisation in the form of incorporation, on the setting off of the overpaid amounts of taxes and on the legality of penalties accrued with the reorganised organisation in the case of payment of taxes at the place of registration of the reorganised organisation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 955 of December 29, 2007 on the Procedure of Management of Resources of the Reserve Fund

Two methods are envisaged to manage the fund's resources: purchase of foreign currencies and their placing on the accounts in the Central Bank of the Russian Federation; placing of resources in liabilities of foreign states, foreign state agencies and central banks, international financial organisations, including those drawn up as securities, as well as in deposits in foreign banks and credit organisations.

Letter of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-07-11/648 of December 29, 2007

From January 1, 2008, the value added tax does not apply to the sale of exclusive rights for inventions, useful models, industrial prototypes, computer software, databases, layouts of integrated circuits, production secrets (know-how), as well as the sale of rights for the use of the mentioned results of intellectual activities on the basis of the license contract.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 988 of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Collection, Distribution and Paying out of Rewards to Performers and Makers of Phonograms for the Use of Phonograms Published for Commercial Purposes

Collection of rewards is carried out by organisations in charge of the management of the rights of performers and makers of phonograms on the collective basis that have state accreditation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 984 of December 29, 2007 on the Determination of the Need to Attract Foreign Workforce to the Russian Federation in 2008

Endorses distribution of the need to attract foreign workforce to the Russian Federation in 2008 by priority professional and qualification groups (1,828,245 persons).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 980 of December 29, 2007 on the State Regulation of Tariff Rates for the Services of Subjects of Natural Monopolies for Transportation of Oil and Oil Products

The state regulation includes the fixing of tariff rates or their limiting levels, as well as the measures of state control of the fixing (change, revocation) and application of tariff rates.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 951 of December 29, 2007 on the Amendments to Individual Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Particulars of Functioning of the Wholesale Market of Electric Power in the Transient Period on the Territories That Are Not Covered by the Pricing Zones

The amendments are stipulated by the particulars of the functioning of the wholesale market of electric power in the transient period on the territories that are not included in the pricing zones.

Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 65 of December 18, 2007 on Some Procedural Issues Emerging with Arbitration Courts Processing Taxpayer Applications on the Protection of the Right to Reimburse the Value Added Tax for Operations Subject to the 0 Percent Tax Rate

Explains individual issues pertaining to protection of the right to reimburse the value added tax in operations subject to the 0 percent tax rate.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 256 of December 27, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Instruction on the Procedure for the Heads of Local Administrations of Residential Settlements and Specially Authorised Officials of the Local Government of Residential Settlements to Commit Notary Actions

Permits the heads to local administrations and specially authorised officials of the local government to commit notary actions in the absence of the notary in the residential settlement.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 959 of December 29, 2007 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation for Some Commodities Imported for Industrial Assembly of Motor Vehicles and Their Units

The amendments introduce for 9 months new rates of import customs duties for some commodities imported for industrial assembly of motor vehicles and their units.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 254 of December 27, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution by the Federal Agency of Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property of the State Function of State Land Control

The state land control is carried out in the form of checks of execution by legal entities, independent entrepreneurs and natural persons of obligatory requirements of the land legislation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 992 of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the State Accreditation of Organisations Providing Collective Management of the Copyright and Adjacent Rights

Defines the terms and procedure of the state accreditation of organisations providing collective management of the copyright and adjacent rights.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 964 of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the List of Potent and Poisonous Substances for the Purposes of Article 234 and Other Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, As Well As the Large Amount of Potent Substances for the Purposes of Article 234 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation

The Government of the Russian Federation endorses the above lists.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 957 of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Licensing of Individual Types of Activities Pertaining to Encryption (Cryptographic) Means

Endorses new Regulations on the licensing of individual types of activities pertaining to encryption (cryptographic) means.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1485 of November 30, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Passenger Customs Declaration and Its Filling Procedure

Endorses a new form of the passenger customs declaration.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 5 of January 14, 2008 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

Introduces increased 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.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 2 of January 11, 2008 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 673 of November 5, 2003

Specifies the procedure of publication of draft normative legal acts of the Russian Federation and draft normative documents on the mentioned amendments.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 996 of December 29, 2007 on the Amendments to Individual Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Issues of Organisation of Activities of Guaranteed Suppliers of Electric Power

Introduces amendments to the rules of functioning of retail markets of electric power in the transient period of reformation of the electric power industry.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 228-T of December 29, 2007 on the Issue of Consumer Crediting

The amendments to the Law of the Russian Federation on the protection of consumer rights specified that in cases of consumer credits, the citizens must be informed of the amount of credit and the full amount due for payment, as well as the schedule of redemption of this amount.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 116 of December 18, 2007 on the Normative of Cost of 1 Square Meter of the Total Dwelling Space for the First Six Months of 2008 and the Average Market Cost of 1 Square Meter of Total Dwelling Space by the Subjects of the Russian Federation for the I quarter of 2008

Endorses the normative of the cost of 1 square meter of total dwelling space for the Russian Federation for the first six months of 2008 in the amount of Rbl 23,400.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1950-U of December 10, 2007 on the Forms of Records for the Currency Operations Carried out by Residents Except for the Credit Organisations and Currency Exchanges

For the purposes of currency regulation and currency control, defines the documents serving as forms to record currency operations carried out by residents, except for credit organisations and currency exchanges.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 225-T of December 29, 2007 on the Rouble Equivalents of the Figures Provided in the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1755-U of December 11, 2006

In the I quarter of 2008, the rouble equivalent of the minimum amount of the registered capital of the newly registered bank makes Rbl 179,705,000, the rouble equivalent of the minimum amount of the registered capital of the newly registered non-bank credit organisation - Rbl 17,970,500, rouble equivalent of the minimum amount of own resources (capital) of a bank, as well as a non-bank credit organisation requesting the status of a bank - Rbl 179,705,000.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 8 of January 15, 2008 on the Amendments to Item 5 of the Rules of Qualifying of Information Comprising the State Secret As Various Classification Degrees

Adjusts the rules to include information comprising the state secret in various classification degrees.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 7 of January 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Keeping of the Register of Sole Suppliers of Russian Armaments and Military Equipment

The Register is a federal information system containing information on material medium on the sole suppliers of Russian armaments and military equipment - organisations being the only producers of such armaments and military equipment that do not have Russian-made analogues; on the Russian armaments and military equipment and separately supplied units and component parts forming the systems, complexes of such armaments and military equipment that do not have Russian-made analogues and produced by sole suppliers.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1003 of December 29, 2007 on the Permitted Share of Foreign Workers in 2008 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 for 2008 for use by economic subjects engaged in individual types of activities on the territory of the Russian Federation in the sphere of retail trade envisaged in the All-Russia Classifier of the Types of Economic Activities.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation No. SK-6 11/25@ of January 17, 2008 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for December 2007

Provides information used to calculate the tax on extraction of mineral resources for oil for December 2007.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1079 of September 5, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Submission of Confirmation of the Registration of Information on the Alcoholic Products in the Joint State Automatic Information System of Registration of the Volume of Production and Circulation of Ethyl Alcohol, Alcoholic and Alcohol-Containing Products and the Notification of the Refusal to Register the Mentioned Information

When an importer submits application for the registration in the Joint State Automatic Information System of information on the alcoholic products labelled with excise duty stamps, the customs body shall send a confirmation of the registration of the submitted information no later than within 3 days from the date of acceptance.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 17 of January 19, 2008 on the Exemption from Customs Duties and Taxes of Surface and Underwater Drilling or Operational Platforms Temporarily Imported to the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation

Provides a full conditional exemption from customs duties and taxes for surface and underwater drilling and operational platforms temporarily imported by Russian entities for geological surveys.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 14 of January 19, 2008 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation

The Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation envisages limiting volumes of import of individual categories of meat and edible meat offal permitting importers to apply reduced rates of import customs duties.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 13 of January 19, 2008 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Meat of Bovine Animals and on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 732 of December 5, 2005

Reduces until December 31, 2008 the rates of import customs duties for individual types of meat of bovine animals to EUR 30 per ton, however, not less than EUR 0.3 per kg.

Letter of the Federal Agency for Construction and the Housing and Communal Complex No. VB-82/02 of January 16, 2008 on the Indices of Change of the Estimated Cost for the I Quarter of 2008

Provides recommended indices of change of the estimated cost of construction and installation works on the whole and by items of expenses for the I quarter of 2008 to the level of basic prices for 1991 and 2001 by subjects of the Russian Federation.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1965-U of January 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 222-P of April 1, 2003 on the Procedure for Natural Persons of the Russian Federation to Make Cashless Payments

Refines the procedure for the natural person to fill in the payment document to transfer monetary resources from the current account on the bank account of a legal entity or the current account of the natural person, as well as other accounts, including the accounts of the payer himself.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1964-U of January 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 2-P of October 3, 2002 on Cashless Payments in the Russian Federation

Introduces appropriate amendments to the Regulation on cashless payments in the Russian Federation and description of the fields of some documents used in cashless payments.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1497 of December 6, 2007 on the Endorsement of Obligatory Requirements to the Outfit, Equipment and Place of Location of Temporary Storage Warehouses

The requirements to the outfit, equipment and place of location of the temporary storage warehouses do not depend on whether the temporary storage warehouse is located in a building or on the open site.

Letter of the Federal Agency for Construction and the Housing and Communal Complex No. VB-5/02 of January 9, 2008 on the Prices for Design and Survey Works in Construction for the I Quarter of 2008

Provides induces of change of the cost of design and survey works in construction recommended for application in the I quarter of 2008.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-04/689@ of December 20, 2007 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Tax Service of Russia No. SAE-3-04/706@ of October 13, 2006

The amendments to the procedure of filling of form 2-NDFL Certificate of Incomes of the Natural Person for the Year 200_ are stipulated by the refining of the list of incomes exempted from the incomes tax from natural persons and tax exemptions.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 114n of December 20, 2007 on the Amendments to the Accounting Regulation PBU 8/01 "Contingencies of Economic Activities"

Contingencies of economic activities and their consequences are registered in accounting work of commercial organisations regardless of the possibility of reduction or increase in the future of economic benefits of the organisation stipulated by the fact of economic activities of the organisation.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 143n of December 20, 2007 on the Amendments to the Accounting Regulation PBU 7/98 "Events after the Reporting Date"

The amendments specify that significance of the event after the reporting date shall be determined by the organisation independently proceeding from common requirements to accounting reports.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 142n of December 20, 2007 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 146n of November 14, 2006

Provides a new wording for the Guide of Codes of the Types of Excisable Commodities, except for tobacco items, and the Guide of Codes of the Types of Excisable Commodities (Tobacco Items).

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 132n of December 17, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Tax Declaration for the Uniform Social Tax for Independent Entrepreneurs, Lawyers, Private Notaries and Its Filling Procedure

The declaration is submitted by taxpayers, including the heads of the peasant (farmer) enterprises, to the tax bodies at the place of residence no later than the 30th of April of the year following the expired tax period.

Order of the Federal Agency for Tourism No. 141 of December 19, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Agency for Tourism on the Rendering of the State Service of Informing According to Established Procedure of Tour Operators, Tour Agencies and Tourists of the Security Hazards for Tourists in the Country (Place) of Temporary Stay

The duty to inform tour operators, tour agencies and tourists of the security hazards for tourists in the country (place) of temporary stay is vested in the Federal Agency for Tourism.

Order of the Ministry for Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation No. 645 of December 12, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Norms of Fire Safety "Study of the Measures of Fire Safety for Employees of Organisations"

The main methods to teach employees of organisations the measures of fire safety is fire safety instructions and the minimum knowledge of fire safety techniques.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 07-247/pz of December 13, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Content of Information on the Activities of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia to Be Placed on the Internet Site of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia and the Procedure to Provide Access for Citizens and Organisations to the Information Resource

Defines the content of information on the activities of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia to be placed on the Internet site of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia at the address of: http://www.fcsm.ru.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 8-T of January 18, 2008 on the Application of Item 1.3 of Article 7 of the Federal Law on the Combating of Legalisation (Laundering) of Incomes Obtained in a Criminal Way and Financing of Terrorism

The Federal Service for Financial Monitoring issued a report on the definition of "foreign public figures".

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 1-P of January 17, 2008 on the Case of Constitutionality of Provisions of Articles 9 and 10 of the Federal Constitutional Law on the Arbitration Courts in the Russian Federation and Articles 181, 188, 195, 273, 290, 293 and 299 of the Code of Arbitration Procedures of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Appeals of the Closed-Type Joint-Stock Company SEB Russian Leasing, Limited-Liability Company Nefte-Standart and the Limited-Liability Company Research and Production Enterprises Nefte-Standart

The applicants challenged constitutionality of individual provisions of the Federal Constitutional Law on the arbitration courts in the Russian Federation (sphere of reference of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation) and the Code of Arbitration Procedures of the Russian Federation (procedure for appealing against judicial acts, including the cases of challenged normative legal acts).

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 245 of December 20, 2007 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 16 of March 4, 2005

Adjusts the rules of entry of records on the rights for the enterprise as a property complex and transactions with it in the Joint State Register of Rights for Immovable Property and Transactions with It and interaction between the Federal Registration Service and its territorial bodies.

Decision of the Management Board of the Pension Fund of Russia No. 275p of November 2, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Instruction on the Work with Appeals of Citizens, the Insured, Organisations and Insurants in the Executive Board of the Pension Fund of Russia and the Revision Commission of the Pension Fund of Russia and of the Regulation on the Organisation of Reception of Citizens, the Insured, Representatives of Organisations and Insurants in the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation

Introduces a uniform procedure to process appeals of citizens, the insured, organisations and insurants in the Executive Board of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation and the Revision Commission of the Pension Fund of Russia, as well as the procedure of reception of the mentioned persons in the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 23 of January 24, 2008 on the Amendments to the Lists of License Terms for Activities in the Sphere of Appropriate Communication Services

The license terms shall include in addition submission of information on the estimate base for obligatory deductions (non-tax payments) to the multiple services reserve according to the procedure and form specified by the federal body of executive power in charge of communication.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 153n of December 27, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Accounting Regulation PBU 14/2007 "Registration of Non-Material Assets"

Introduces new rules of generation in accounting work and accounting reports of information on non-material assets of organisations being legal entities in compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation (except for credit organisations and budget-supported institutions).

Order of the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communication of the Russian Federation No. 1 of January 9, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Requirements on the Protection of Communication Networks against Unauthorised Access to Them and Information Transferred through Them

The endorsed requirements apply to telecommunication networks forming part of a public-use communication network, except for TV and radio broadcasting communication networks.

Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation No. 445 of December 20, 2007 on the Amendments to the Methodology Directions on the Determination of the Cadastral Cost of the Newly Created Land Plots and Existing Land Plots in Cases of Change of the Category of Lands, Type of Permitted Use or Refining of the Area of the Land Plot Endorsed by the Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia No. 222 of August 12, 2006

If several earlier registered land plots are revealed within the single cadastral quarter, one act of determination of the cadastral cost of land plots is drawn up. If a single earlier registered land plot of the same land use is revealed, the act of determination of the cadastral cost of the land plots is drawn up for each cadastral quarter.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1960-U of December 28, 2007 on the Amendment to Item 6.3 of the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 254-P of March 26, 2004 on the Procedure of Generation of Reserves for Possible Losses by Credit Organisations for Loans, Debts in Loans and Similar Debts

Orders of the funds of entrepreneurial support and the funds of assistance of crediting of small and medium businesses formed by the subjects of the Russian Federation are included in quality category II of loan security.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 30 of January 25, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Rent for the Use of Land Plots Not Permitted for Privatisation in Compliance with the Legislation of the Russian Federation That Are Handed over to Organisations of the Nuclear Power Supply Complex under Lease Contracts

Introduces the rates of rent for the use of land plots not permitted for privatisation in compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation that are handed over to organisations of the nuclear power supply complex under lease contracts.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 29 of January 25, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Forming of Prices for the Russian-Made Armaments and Military Equipment That Do Not Have Russian-Made Analogues and Made by the Sole Producer

The sole supplier shall form the price per item of products proceeding from its production and sale expenses taking into account the particulars of production of individual types of military equipment or by indexing of the price by items of expenses using appropriate producer price indices for the types of economic activities assuming as a basic one the earlier registered price for this product and taking into account the factors reducing its production expenses.

Letter of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-07-01/13 of January 28, 2008 on the Application of the Actual Form of the Tax Declaration for the Incomes Tax from Natural Persons for the Incomes of Taxpayers Obtained by Them in 2007 and on the Endorsement of the New Form of the Tax Declaration

The Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 162n of December 29, 2007 endorses the new form of the tax declaration for the incomes tax from natural persons (form 3-NDFL) and its filling procedure.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 07-113/pz-n of December 27, 2007 on the Requirements to the Procedure of Keeping of the Register of Holders of Personal Securities by Issuers of Securities

Introduces additional requirements to the procedure of keeping of the Register of Holders of Personal Securities by issuers of these securities.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 33 of January 30, 2008 on the Amendment to Item 1 of the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 769 of November 10, 2007

Executive bodies of state power of the Russian Federation are permitted to conclude agreements with economic subjects producing foodstuffs and/or selling them to envisage measures to reduce and/or maintain the prices for individual types of socially significant commodities until April 30, 2008.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 147n of December 25, 2007 on the Amendments to the Accounting Regulation PBU 3/2006 "Registration of Assets and Liabilities in Foreign Currencies"

Introduces a new rule permitting to recalculate, in the presence of insignificant changes of the official rate of the foreign currency to the rouble, the cost of assets or liabilities expressed in foreign currencies into roubles at the average rate for the month or a shorter period.

Information of the Department of External and Public Relations of the Central Bank of Russia of February 1, 2008

To restrain inflation and reduce the dynamics of the monetary mass, the Bank of Russia changes the rate of refinancing, interest rates for operations carried out by the Bank of Russia and normatives of obligatory reserves.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 40 of January 30, 2008 on the Invalidation of Some of the Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Issue of Creation of Tax Posts

Invalidates the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation envisaging creation of permanent tax posts in organisations producing ethyl alcohol.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 2-P of January 31, 2008 on the Compliance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation of the Provision of Item 2 of Article 14 of the Federal Law No. 122-FZ of August 22, 2004 on the Amendments to Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation and on Invalidation of Some of the Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation pursuant to Adoption of the Federal Laws 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 on the General Principles of Organisation of Local Government in the Russian Federation

Recognised as not complying with the Constitution of the Russian Federation the provision of the Federal Law No. 122-FZ of August 22, 2004 having changed the mechanism of legal regulation of the procedure of providing dwelling space to judges needing improvement of housing conditions.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 130 of February 4, 2008 on the Introduction of the Day of Lawyer

Introduces a new professional holiday - Day of Lawyer - to be celebrated on December 3.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 162n of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Tax Declaration for the Incomes Tax from Natural Persons (Form 3-NDFL) and Its Filling Procedure

Endorses a new form of the declaration on the tax on incomes of natural persons (form 3-NDFL), as well as its filling procedure. The new wording is stipulated by introduction of some changes entering into force from January 1, 2008.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 163n of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Tax Declaration for the Uniform Social Tax for Taxpayers Making Payments to Natural Persons and Its Filling Procedure

The Federal Law No. 216-FZ of July 24, 2007 adjusted the procedure of calculation and payment of the uniform social tax by the persons making payments to natural persons.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1975-U of February 1, 2008 on the Amount of the Rate of Refinancing of the Bank of Russia

To restrain inflation and reduce the dynamics of the monetary mass, the rate of refinancing of the Bank of Russia is increased from February 4, 2008 from 10% to 10,25% annual.

Information Letter of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 123 of December 18, 2007 on Some Issues Pertaining to Application of the Provisions on the Calculation of the Amounts of Tax Due from Independent Entrepreneurs Using the Simplified System of Taxation or the System of Taxation in the Form of the Uniform Imputed Income Tax

According to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, taxpayers using the simplified system of taxation with the object of taxation "incomes" are entitled for an exemption to within 50% of the amount of tax, in particular, amount of insurance contributions for obligatory pension insurance paid for the same period of time.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1973-U of February 1, 2008 on the Interest Rates for the Deposit Operations of the Bank of Russia

Pursuant to the increase of the rate of refinancing of the Bank of Russia, increases from February 4, 2008 the fixed interest rates for the deposit operations of the Bank of Russia carried out with credit organisations in the currency of the Russian Federation.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1971-U of February 1, 2008 on the Interest Rates for the Credits of the Bank of Russia

Beginning with February 4, 2008, the interest rate for the secured credits of the Bank of Russia is fixed in the amount of 9.25% annual, for the lombard credits of the Bank of Russia granted for one calendar day, in the amount of 8.25% annual.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1970-U of February 1, 2008 on the Normatives of Obligatory Reserves (Reserve Claims) of the Bank of Russia

From March 1, 2008, the normative of obligatory reserves of credit organisations in obligations to non-resident banks in the Russian and foreign currencies is increased from 4.5% to 5.5%, in obligations to natural persons in the currency of the Russian Federation, from 4% to 4.5%, in other obligations in the Russian and foreign currencies, from 4.5% to 5%.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 48 of February 5, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rate of the Import Customs Duty for Sticking Paper and Paperboard

Endorses on the permanent basis the rate of the import customs duty for sticking paper and paperboard (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 4811 41 900 0) in the amount of 5% of the customs cost.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1972-U of February 1, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1601-U of August 5, 2005 on the Terms for the Bank of Russia to Grant Credits to Credit Organisations Secured with Promissory Notes, Claims Rights under Credit Contracts of Organisations or Guarantees of Credit Organisations

Specifies new interest rates for the credits of the Bank of Russia secured with promissory notes, claims rights under credit contracts of organisations or guarantees of credit organisations.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 11-T of January 31, 2008 on the Reduced Corporate Name of the Credit Organisation

When the credit organisation uses the words "bank" ("non-bank credit organisation") in its full corporate name, there is no need to repeat them in the reduced corporate name.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 53 of February 7, 2008 on the Import to the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation of Products Subject to Obligatory Confirmation of Compliance

Endorses the rules of import to the customs territory of the Russian Federation of products subject to obligatory confirmation of compliance.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 52 of February 7, 2008 on the Procedure of Conveying of Cadastral Cost of Land Plots to Taxpayers

Information on the cadastral cost of land plots in the form of cadastral number of the object of immovable property and its cadastral cost is provided free of charge to the written application of the taxpayer by the territorial bodies of the Federal Agency of Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 47 of February 5, 2008 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 III quarter of 2007

Fixes the above figures for the whole of the Russian Federation for the III quarter of 2007.

Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 678 of December 29, 2007 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia No. 569 of June 26, 2000

Introduces appropriate adjustments to the procedure of issue of long-term licenses for the use of objects of fauna included in objects of hunting.

Federal Law No. 2-FZ of February 11, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Ukraine on the Prolongation of the Period of Operation of the Missile Complex 15P118M

The ratified agreement was signed in Moscow on February 21, 2006 to prolong the period of operation of the missile complexes 15P118M produced in cooperation by the enterprises of the Russian Federation and the Ukraine.

Federal Law No. 1-FZ of February 11, 2008 on the Denunciation of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Ukraine on the Means of Systems of Warning of the Missile Attack and Control of the Outer Space

Denounces the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Ukraine on the means of systems of warning of the missile attack and control of the outer space signed in Kiyev on February 28, 1997.

Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation No. 454 of December 24, 2007 on the Amendments to the Procedure of Coordination of the Carrying out of the Closed Contest, Closed Auction, Opportunities of Concluding of the State or Municipal Contract with the Sole Supplier (Executor, Contractor) Endorsed by the Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia No. 124 of May 3, 2006

Extends the requirements to the appeal for coordination of opportunities of concluding of the state or municipal contract with the sole supplier (executor, contractor), as well as the list of documents attached to the appeal.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-13/20@ of January 24, 2008 on the Procedure of Development of Draft Tax Declarations (Estimates) and Other Documents Serving As Grounds for the Calculation and Payment of Taxes and Fees

Specifies the procedure of development (changing), coordination and endorsement of draft forms and filling procedures for the above documents.

Federal Law No. 4-FZ of February 13, 2008 on the Reorganisation of the Courts of General Jurisdiction of the Kamchatka Province and the Koryak Autonomous District Pursuant to the Forming of the Kamchatka Territory

Creates the Kamchatka Territory Court, with Kamchatka Province Court and the Court of the Koryak Autonomous District being abandoned while handing over the issues of their jurisdiction to the Kamchatka Territory Court.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 64 of February 9, 2008 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Individual Types of Metal Working Equipment

To stimulate the technical modernisation of the metal working industry, reduces to zero (for 9 months) the rates of import customs duties for metal working equipment.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 43 of February 2, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Used Motor Transport Vehicles

From February 1, 2008, introduces on the permanent basis a reduced rate of import customs duty for transport vehicles intended for carrying from 10 to 120 persons, 5 to 7 years old.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 3n of January 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of Strict-Reporting Forms

Endorses new strict-reporting forms: "Mortgage Ticket", "Deposit Slip". The forms are used by pawnshops when rendering services to the population.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 137 of February 6, 2008 on the Some Issues of the State Regulation of Fees for the Air Navigation Services to Users of the Air Space of the Russian Federation

To improve the state regulation of tariff rates (fees) for the services in the sphere of civil aviation, hands over the function of determination of the rates of fees for the air navigation services for users of the air space of the Russian Federation to the Federal Service for Tariff Rates of Russia.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1966-U of January 25, 2008 on the Amendments to Item 1 of the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1430-U of May 25, 2004 on the Amount of Payment for the Right of Use of Intraday Credits

The amendments are stipulated by the endorsement of the Regulation on the procedure of granting intraday, overnight and other credits secured with assets by the Bank of Russia to credit organisations

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 1665 of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Committing of Individual Customs Operations When Using the Customs Regime of Moving of Stocks

When importing to the Russian Federation commodities remaining aboard the sea (river) vessel, air vessel, they may be declared with standard carrier documents if these contain information on all names and quantities of operational, consumer and/or sold stocks, as well as the customs cost of the sold stocks.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 74 of February 15, 2008 on the Temporary Prohibition to Export Wheat and Meslin Exported from the Territory of the Russian Federation to the Member-States of the Customs Union Agreements

Introduces a temporary prohibition for the export of wheat and meslin (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature 1001) exported from the territory of the Russian Federation to the member-states of the Customs Union agreements.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-09/11@ of January 17, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Reports of Taxpayers of Information Envisaged in Items 2, 3 of Article 23 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

The taxpayers out of organisations and independent entrepreneurs must report to the tax body in writing at the place of location of the organisation or the place of residence of the independent entrepreneur the following information: the opening or closing of the accounts (personal accounts); all cases of participation in Russian and foreign organisations; all separate divisions created on the territory of the Russian Federation; reorganisation or liquidation of the organisation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 94 of February 16, 2008 on the Types of Control in the Points of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation

In addition to the border and customs control in the points of transfer through the state border of the Russian Federation, the following types of control shall be also implemented: sanitary quarantine; veterinary and phytosanitary quarantine; transportation; control over execution by the owners of transport vehicles of the duty to insure civil liabilities

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 71 of February 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Typical Regulation on the Institution of Higher Professional Education

The new Regulation specifies the rules of admission, defines the procedure of educational, scientific, international and foreign trade activities, procedure of management, specifies the rights and duties of students and employees, regulates the issues of training of the teaching and research staff and professional development.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-6 3/115@ of February 19, 2008 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for January 2008

Provides information necessary for the calculation of the tax on extraction of mineral resources for oil for January 2008.

Order of the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communication of the Russian Federation No. 3 of January 9, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of Excerpt from the Register of Accredited Organisations Engaged in Activities in the Sphere of Information Technologies

When organisations engaged in activities in the sphere of information technologies get state accreditation and are entered in the appropriate register, they get an excerpt from the register.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1979-U of February 14, 2008 on the Interest Rate for Credits Secured with Assets

The interest rate for the credits secured with assets and granted for the period up to 30 calendar days inclusive is fixed in the amount of 9.25% annual.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 101 of February 19, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Medical Units

To support the medical industry, the rates of import customs duties for other assembly structures of ferrous metals (other than greenhouses), as well as of other materials (other than wood and ferrous metals) intended for medical uses are reduced from 20% to 5% of the customs cost for 9 months.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 80 of February 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Licensing of Audit Activities

Introduces a new procedure of licensing of audit activities.

Order of the Central Bank of Russia No. OD-101 of February 14, 2008 on the Credits Secured with Assets to Be Granted by the Bank of Russia to Credit Organisations

Defines the list of territorial institutions of the Bank of Russia entitled to conclude general credit contracts for the credits of the Bank of Russia secured with assets.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 87 of February 16, 2008 on the Composition of Sections of the Design Documentation and Requirements to Their Content

Endorses the Regulation defining the composition of sections of the design documentation for various types of objects of capital construction and for individual stages of construction, reconstruction and capital repair of these objects, as well as the requirements to the content of the sections of the appropriate design documentation.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 34 of February 20, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Applications on the State Cadastral Registration of Immovable Property

Endorses the forms of the following applications: on the cadastral registration of objects of immovable property; on the state cadastral registration of changes of objects of immovable property; on the removal from state cadastral records of the object of immovable property.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 32 of February 18, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Cadastral Certificates of Buildings, Structures, Objects of Unfinished Construction, Rooms, Land Plots

Endorses the forms of cadastral certificates of buildings, structures, objects of unfinished construction, rooms, land plots.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 110 of February 21, 2008 on the Lists of Points of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation Specially Equipped and Intended for the Import to the Territory of the Russian Federation of Commodities, Chemical, Biological and Radio Active Substances, Waste and Other Cargo Hazardous for the Human Being, Foodstuffs, Materials and Items

Specifies the rules of determination of the lists of points of transfer through the state border of the Russian Federation specially equipped and intended for the import to the territory of the Russian Federation of commodities, chemical, biological and radio active substances, waste and other cargo hazardous for the human being, foodstuffs, materials and items.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 109 of February 21, 2008 on the Lists of the Points of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation Specially Equipped and Intended for the Import to the Territory of the Russian Federation of Animals, Products of Animal Breeding and Fodders, Products (Materials, Cargo) Subject to Quarantine Measures

The import to the territory of the Russian Federation of animals, products of animal breeding, fodders, as well as plants, products of vegetable origin, containers, packages, soil or other organisms, objects and materials that may carry detrimental organisms or promote their dissemination is permitted in specially equipped and intended for these purposes points of transfer through the state border of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. ShT-3-6/67@ of February 18, 2008 on the Amendment to the Format for Submission of Tax Declarations, Accounting Reports and Other Documents Serving As Grounds for the Calculation and Payment of Taxes and Fees in the Electronic Form (Version 3.00)

Introduces a new version of Part VIII Composition and Structure of Figures of the Tax Declaration for the Uniform Social Tax for Taxpayers Making Payments to Natural Persons (version 3.00003) of the format for submission of tax declarations, accounting reports and other documents serving as grounds for the calculation and payment of taxes and fees in the electronic form (version 3.00).

Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 14 of February 14, 2008 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 17 of March 12, 2007 on the Application of the Code of Arbitration Procedures of the Russian Federation When Revising Court Rulings Having Entered into Force Because of the Newly Revealed Circumstances

According to the amendments, the newly revealed circumstances permit to revise a court ruling adopted on the basis of provisions of the legislation where the practice of application after its adoption is defined by the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation in the decision of the Plenum or Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation, including the one adopted as a result of processing of another case according to the enforcement procedure.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 77 of February 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Registration in the Points of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons Entering the Territory of the Russian Federation (Including Those Seeking Asylum), Travelling in Transit through the Territory of the Russian Federation and the Rules of Interaction of the Bodies of the Border Control and the Bodies of Immigration Control

The bodies of border control must hand over within one day to the bodies of immigration control information on the facts of entry of a foreign citizen (stateless person) to the territory of the Russian Federation, exit from the territory of the Russian Federation (including the transit travel through the territory of the Russian Federation), as well as the following information on the foreign citizen (stateless person): type and details of the personal identification document; type and details of the document confirming the right of stay (residence) in the Russian Federation (including the transit travel through the territory of the Russian Federation); full name; date and place of birth; sex; citizenship; goal of entry to the Russian Federation; declared time of stay (residence) in the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 89 of February 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Issue of Russian Permissions to Foreign Carriers, As Well As Foreign and Multilateral Permissions to Russian Carriers

To determine the annual demand for foreign permissions and multilateral permissions, Russian carriers shall submit applications to the points of issue of permissions. The application to determine the demand for foreign permissions is submitted at least 3 months in advance, and for the multilateral permissions, at least 5 months in advance of the beginning of the following year.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 85 of February 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Permission for the Right of Navigating under the Flag of a Foreign State over Internal Waterways of the Russian Federation

Regulates the procedure for the vessels under the flag of a foreign state to obtain the permission for the right of navigation over the internal waterways of the Russian Federation, including the one for transit purposes.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 130 of February 29, 2008 on the Amendments to the 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

From March 1, 2008, changes the rules of forming of insurance tariff rates for obligatory insurance of civil liabilities of owners of transport vehicles pertaining to some coefficients of insurance tariff rates.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 129 of February 29, 2008 on the Amendments to the Rules of Obligatory Insurance of Civil Liabilities of Owners of Transport Vehicles

From March 1, 2008, introduces a new form of insurance policy of obligatory insurance of civil liabilities of the owner of transport vehicle.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1978-U of February 5, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1755-U of December 11, 2006 on the Procedure of Determination of the Rouble Equivalent of the Minimum Amount of the Registered Capital of the Newly Registered Credit Organisation, Minimum Amount of Own Resources (Capital) of the Bank (Including the One Requesting the General License), Minimum Amount of Own Resources (Capital) of a Non-Bank Credit Organisation Requesting the Status of a Bank

Specifies the procedure of determination of the rouble equivalent of the minimum amount of the registered capital of the newly created bank or own resources (capital) of a bank younger than two years requesting the right to attract in deposits monetary resources of natural persons.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1977-U of February 5, 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 on the State Registration of Credit Organisations and Issue the Licenses for Bank Operations

The Bank of Russia now issues separate licenses for activities of the newly created banks attracting in deposits monetary resources of natural persons in roubles and foreign currencies.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-09/10 of January 17, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Tax Service No. SAE-3-09/861 of December 13, 2006 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Bank Reports of the Opening (Closing) of the Account, Change of Account Details

Enters into force a new procedure for the bank to inform in the electronic form the tax body at the place of location of the opening (closing) of the account, change of details of the account opened on the basis of the bank account contract and used to enter and spend monetary resources of the organisation (independent entrepreneur), private notary, lawyer having founded a lawyer office.

Federal Law No. 20-FZ of March 3, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 22 of the Federal Law on the Banks and Banking Activities

Credit organisations (their branches) are permitted to open internal structural divisions outside the places of location of credit organisations (their branches) in the forms and according to the procedure specified in the normative acts of the Central Bank of Russia.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 118 of February 27, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Technical Regulation on the Requirements to the Automobile and Aircraft Gasoline, Diesel and Ship Fuel, Fuel for Jet Engines and Fuel Oil

Specifies the main requirements to the fuels released for circulation and available in circulation.

Federal Law No. 24-FZ of March 4, 2008 on the Ratification of the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the United Mexican States on the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Cases

The Treaty specifies the volume of legal aid, grounds to refuse it, content of requests for legal aid.

Federal Law No. 23-FZ of March 4, 2008 on the Ratification of the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Angola on the Handing over of Persons Convicted for Imprisonment to Serve the Term

The Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Angola signed in Moscow on October 31, 2006 contributes to protection of rights and legal interest of Russian citizens.

Federal Law No. 22-FZ of March 4, 2008 on the Ratification of the Convention between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Morocco on the Handing over of Persons Convicted for Imprisonment

Envisages the transfer of persons convicted for imprisonment on the territory of one of the sides to the territory of the other side to serve the term.

Federal Law No. 19-FZ of March 3, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Federal Budget for the Year 2008 and for the Planned Period of 2009 and 2010

The changing of the main figures of the federal budget for the year 2008 and for the planned period of 2009 and 2010 is stipulated by the high rates of economic growth in the Russian Federation in 2007, record prices for oil, growth of prices for foodstuffs, as well as the strengthening of the rouble rate to the US dollar.

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 236-r of February 27, 2008

Orders for supplies of commodities (carrying out works, rendering services) for the state or municipal needs that are fulfilled other than to specific requests where there is a functioning market and that can be compared by prices only shall be placed exclusively through auctions.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-2/03-n of January 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia No. 07-105/pz-n of October 23, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Foreign Financial Instruments Qualified As Securities

Adjusts the procedure to carry out operations with foreign financial instruments and qualify them as securities.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 312 of March 4, 2008 "Issues of the Federal Agency of Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property"

Endorses a new Regulation on the Federal Agency of Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property pursuant to the entry into force from March 1, 2008 of the Federal Law on the state cadastre of immovable property, as well as the handing over of the Federal Agency of Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property to the Ministry of Justice of Russia.

Decision of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation No. 104/777-5 of March 7, 2008 on the Results of Election of the President of the Russian Federation

Reports the results of election of the President of the Russian Federation having taken place on March 2, 2008.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-6/45@ of February 5, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Applications for the Registration of Organisations and Independent Entrepreneurs - the Payers of the Uniform Imputed Income Tax in the Tax Body at the Place of Entrepreneurial Activities

The new forms of applications do not require to indicate information of the certificate of registration of the organisation at the place of location on the territory of the Russian Federation. Besides, independent entrepreneur does not need to indicate in the application the date and place of birth, citizenship, passport details, address of the place of residence.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 150 of March 6, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Federal Agency for Supplies of Armaments, Military, Special Equipment and Material Resources

Defines the authority and organisation of activities of the Federal Agency for Supplies of Armaments, Military, Special Equipment and Material Resources.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 22-T of March 11, 2008 on the Rouble Equivalents of the Figures Specified in the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1755-U of December 11, 2006

In the I quarter of 2008, the rouble equivalent of the minimum amount of the registered capital of the newly registered bank, own resources (capital) of the operating bank, as well as a non-bank credit organisation requesting the status of a bank, makes Rbl 179,705,000. The rouble equivalent of the minimum amount of the registered capital of the newly registered non-bank credit organisation is fixed in the amount of Rbl 17,970,500, registered capital (own resources) of the newly registered bank or bank younger than two years requesting the right to attract in deposits monetary resources of natural persons - Rbl 3,594,100,000.

Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 288-r of March 7, 2008

A system of monitoring of export of commodities from the territory of the Russian Federation and control of legality of application of the 0% VAT rate for the export of commodities will be created in Russia.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 23n of February 11, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 114n of November 19, 2002

Accounting Regulation PBU 18/02 Registration of Profit Tax Estimates is being brought in compliance with the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. 23 of February 11, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Drawing up and the Forms of Forwarding Documents

Specifies the forms of the forwarding documents, as well as their filling procedure.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 21 of February 27, 2008 on the Average Market Cost of 1 Square Meter of the Total Dwelling Space in the Subjects of the Russian Federation for the II quarter of 2008

To fulfil the state obligations to provide dwelling space to individual categories of citizens in the frame of the federal program Housing for the years 2002-2010, endorses the average market cost of 1 square meter of the total dwelling space for the subjects of the Russian Federation.

Information Letter of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 124 of February 5, 2008 on Some Issues of the Practice of Application by Arbitration Courts of Individual Provisions of Articles 40 and 40.1 of the Federal Law on the Privatisation of the State and Municipal Property

Explains individual issues of application in practice of legislative provisions on the share of the state or municipal formation in the registered capital of open-type joint-stock companies created in the course of privatisation, as well as the open-type joint-stock companies included in strategic ones, in the cases of augmentation of the registered capital of these companies through additional issue of stocks.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 166 of March 12, 2008 on the Currency Operation Carried out by the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation

The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation is entitled to carry out all kinds of currency operations without restrictions.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 179 of March 17, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Use of Internet Sites Carrying out Open Auctions in the Electronic Form and on the Requirements to the Technological, Software, Linguistic, Legal and Organisational Means of Support of the Use of the Mentioned Sites, As Well As to the Systems Providing Open Auctions in the Electronic Form

To carry out an open auction in the electronic form, the ordering party may attract on the basis of the contract concluded in compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on the placing of orders an operator possessing the means of software and technological support and the site.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 173 of March 17, 2008 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

The rate of the export customs duty for raw oil is fixed in the amount of USD 340.1 per ton (at present USD 333.8 per ton).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 159 of March 11, 2008 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

Reduces the rates of export customs duties for individual types of fertilisers exported outside the member-states of the Customs Union agreements.

Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Mass Communication and Protection of Cultural Heritage No. 315 of October 22, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution of the State Function of Registration of Mass Media

Regulates execution by the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Mass Communication and Protection of Cultural Heritage and its territorial bodies of the state function of registration of mass media.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 351 of March 17, 2008 on the Measures to Ensure Information Security of the Russian Federation in the Cases of Use of Information Telecommunication Networks of International Information Exchange

It is not permitted to connect information systems, information telecommunication networks and computers used for storage, processing or transfer of information comprising the state secret or information belonging to the state bodies and comprising the service secret to information telecommunication networks permitting to transfer information abroad, including the international computer network Internet.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 175 of March 17, 2008 on the Benefits Granted to Institutions and Enterprises of the Criminal Execution System and Organisations of Invalids Involved in the Placing of Orders for Supplies of Commodities, Carrying out Works, Rendering Services for the State and Municipal Needs

Endorses the lists of commodities (works, services) permitting to grant benefits to institutions and enterprises of the criminal execution system or organisations of invalids for the placed orders.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 24-T of March 13, 2008 on the Improvement of the Efficiency of Work to Prevent Doubtful Operations

In the recent time, there is a significant growth of volumes of monetary resources in foreign currencies and roubles transferred by residents to non-residents in the form of advance payments under contracts of import of commodities on the terms of commercial crediting. There are numerous cases of violation of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the course of such operations.

Information Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 13 of February 29, 2008 "Summary of the Practice of Application of the Federal Law on the Combating of Legalisation (Laundering) of Incomes Obtained in a Criminal Way and Financing of Terrorism and the Normative Acts of the Bank of Russia Adopted in Pursuance of It"

Obligatory control applies to: payments in the framework of the contact of financial leasing; operations of entry of monetary resources on the account (deposit) or writing off from the account (deposit) of the legal entity; transactions of purchase and sale of precious metals and stones; operations of interest-free loans granted by a legal entity not being a credit organisation to a natural person and/or another legal entity, as well as the getting of such loan, if the lender and borrower are the clients of the same credit organisation.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 5-P of March 13, 2008 on the Case of Constitutionality of Individual Provisions of Subitems 1 and 2 of Item 1 of Article 220 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation Pursuant to Appeals of Citizens S.I.Anikin, N.V.Ivanova, A.V.Kozlov, V.P.Kozlov and T.N.Kozlova

Recognises as not contradicting the Constitution of the Russian Federation provisions of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation on the procedure of distribution of the property tax exemption for the incomes tax from natural persons for the cases of purchase of property (flat) in common shared possession.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 183 of March 18, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Submission by the Employer or the Ordering Party of Works (Services) of the Notification of Attraction and Use for the Purposes of Employment of Foreign Citizens and /or Stateless Persons Having Arrived to the Russian Federation According to the Visa-Free Procedure with Employment Permission

From January 15, 2007, employers or the parties ordering works (services) may attract and use for the purposes of employment foreign citizens and/or stateless persons having arrived to the Russian Federation according to the procedure that does not require the getting of the visa who have employment permission without the need to obtain the permission to attract and use foreign work force, however, with obligatory notification of such attraction and use of the territorial body of the Federal Migration Service of Russia and the body of executive power in charge of the population employment in the appropriate subject of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 182 of March 18, 2008 on the Terms and Procedure of Drawing up of the Founder Order for the Autonomous Institutions Created on the Basis of the Federally Owned Property and on the Procedure of Financial Support of the Execution of the Order

Defines the procedure and terms for the federal body of executive power executing the functions and authority of the founder of drawing up of the order for the autonomous institutions created on the basis of the federally owned property and the procedure of financial support of the execution of the order.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 27n of February 20, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of the Tax Declaration and the Tax Estimate for the Advance Payment for the Property Tax from Organisations and Their Filling Procedures

Endorses new forms of the tax declaration for the property tax from organisations and the tax estimate for the advance payment for the property tax from organisations, as well as their filling procedures.

Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. AM-23-r of March 14, 2008 on the Entry into Force of the Methodology Recommendations "Norms of Consumption of Fuels and Lubricants on the Highway Transport"

The methodology recommendations "Norms of Consumption of Fuels and Lubricants on the Highway Transport" are intended for the motor carrier enterprises, organisations engaged in management and control, entrepreneurs operating vehicles and special motor driven equipment on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 369 of March 20, 2008 on the Measures to Create the State Corporation for Nuclear Power Rosatom

Pursuant to the creation of the State Corporation for Nuclear Power Rosatom, discontinues the Federal Agency for Nuclear Power (Rosatom).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 191 of March 20, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Sulphur of All Types, Other Than Sublimed, Precipitated or Colloidal, As Well As for Natural Calcium Phosphates, Natural Aluminium and Calcium Phosphates and Phosphate Chalk

The rates of export customs duties for sulphur of all types, other than sublimed, precipitated or colloidal (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 2503 00), as well as for natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium and calcium phosphates and phosphate chalk (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 2510) are temporarily increased from 5% to 6.5% of the customs cost.

Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development No. 290-Pr/08 of February 4, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Certificate for the Right of Import (Export) of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors

The Government of the Russian Federation introduces a special procedure of import to the Russian Federation and export for the Russian Federation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, including consolidated cargo, diagnostics, laboratory and other sets including separately packed narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors.

Federal Law No. 27-FZ of March 4, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the United Mexican States on Avoidance of Double Taxation for the Incomes Tax

Ratifies the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the United Mexican States on avoidance of double taxation for the incomes tax signed in the city of Mexico on June 7, 2004.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 188 of March 20, 2008 on the Amendments to the Rules of Granting of Resources of the Federal Budget Earmarked for the State Support of Small Businesses Including the Peasant (Farmers') Enterprises

Adjusts the rules of granting of resources of the federal budget for the state support of small businesses, including the peasant (farmers') enterprises.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 73n of February 18, 2008 on the Distribution of the Quota for Employment Permissions to Foreign Citizens Endorsed by the Government of the Russian Federation for the Year 2008

The quotas do not include foreign citizens being skilled specialists and getting their jobs in their professions in accordance with the endorsed list of professions (occupations, positions).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 195 of March 23, 2008 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 604 of October 12, 2005

Introduces a special customs duty for the import from the Ukraine to the Russian Federation of chewing gum containing 60% or more of saccharose by weight, except for the one in stripes (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 1702 90 990 0).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 184 of March 19, 2008 on the Procedure of Registration of Vessels of the Fishing Fleet, the Catches of Aquatic Biological Resources and Products of Their Processing and the State Control in the Sea Ports of the Russian Federation

A notification procedure and selective state control shall be applied to the vessels and products in the sea ports of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of the Industry and Power Supplies of the Russian Federation No. 68 of February 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Rules of Testing of Gambling Machines with a Monetary Reward to Endorse the Type and Control Their Compliance with the Endorsed Type Endorsed by the Order of the State Standards Committee of Russia No. 22 of January 24, 2000

The amendments are stipulated by the adoption of the Federal Law No. 244-FZ of December 29, 2006 having introduced a new regime of state regulation of activities of organisation of games of chance.

Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 677 of December 29, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Organisation of the Veterinary Enforcement of the Import, Processing, Storage, Transportation and Sale of Imported Meat and Raw Materials

Endorses the rules specifying the procedure of enforcement of the import, processing, storage, transportation and sale of imported meat and raw materials.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 206 of March 25, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Index of Growth of the Average Monthly Earnings in the Russian Federation for the Year 2007 and the Index of Growth of Incomes of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation Per Pensioner Allocated to Pay out the Insured Part of Labour Pensions for the Year 2007

According to the Federal Law on labour pensions in the Russian Federation, an additional reason for the indexing of the insured part of the labour pension is the surplus of the annual index of growth of the average monthly earnings in the country over the aggregate coefficient of indexing of the insured part of the pension in the same year (the indexing applies from April 1 next year).

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 205 of March 25, 2008 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, 2007 is fixed in the amount of 1,204.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 204 of March 25, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Coefficient of Additional Increase from April 1, 2008 of the Amount of the Insured Part of the Labour Pension

According to the Federal Law on labour pensions in the Russian Federation, the coefficient of indexing of the amount of the insured part of the labour pension is determined proceeding from the level of inflation in the previous period of indexing.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 207 of March 25, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rate of the Import Customs Duty for Unprocessed Industrial Diamonds

To support the domestic diamond cutting industry, the rate of the import customs duty for unworked industrial diamonds or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 7102 21 000 0) in the amount of 10% of the customs cost is fixed on the permanent basis.

Federal Law No. 33-FZ of March 29, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Norway on the Delineation of the Water Area Near the Varanger Fjord

The Agreement is being brought in compliance with the World Geodetic System of 1984.

Federal Law No. 32-FZ of March 29, 2008 on the Ratification of the Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Establishing a Partnership between the Russian Federation on the One Hand and the European Communities and Their Member-States on the Other Hand to Take Account of the Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union

Bulgaria and Rumania joined the European Union on January 1, 2007.

Federal Law No. 31-FZ of March 29, 2008 on the Accession of the Russian Federation to the Agreement between the Governments of the Kingdom of Denmark, Republic of Estonia, Republic of Finland, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Latvia, Republic of Lithuania, Republic of Poland, Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Sweden on the Privileges and Immunities of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission

The Agreement defines the volume of privileges and immunities granted to the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 217 of March 28, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Federal Antimonopoly Service

The Regulation on the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia is being brought in compliance with the Federal Law on the protection of competition.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-4/pz-n of February 7, 2008 on the Licensing of Activities of Investment Funds, Activities of Management of Investment Funds, Shared Investment Funds and Non-State Pension Funds, Activities of Specialised Depositaries of Investment Funds, Shared Investment Funds and Non-State Pension Funds, As Well As Activities of Non-State Pension Funds in Pension Support and Pension Insurance

Endorses the Regulation defining the procedure of granting and redrawing of licenses for the mentioned types of activities, as well as the rules of keeping of registers of licenses.

Letter of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-VM-03/4874 of March 18, 2008 on the Holder Notification of the Purchase or Change of the Share of Ordinary Stocks

Provides a sample form of the notification of the purchase or change of the share of ordinary stocks.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 225 of March 29, 2008 on the Prolongation of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Wheat, Meslin and Barley

Prolongs the rates of export customs duties for wheat, meslin and barley exported outside the member-states of the Customs Union agreements until June 30, 2008 inclusive.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 218 of March 28, 2008 on the Amendment to Item 2 of the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 671 of October 12, 2007 on the Seasonal Duties for Raw Cane Sugar and Individual Types of Sugar Imported to the Territory of the Russian Federation in 2007 and 2008

Abandons the rule stating that the mentioned rates of seasonal duties are invalidated before the specified time limit if the average monthly price for raw sugar at the New York Commodity Exchange becomes greater than USD 259.99 per ton.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 227 of March 29, 2008 on the Procedure for Placing the Resources of the Federal Budget on Bank Deposits

Specifies the rules of placing of resources of the federal budget on bank deposits.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 29n of February 26, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Documents Envisaged in the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 522 of August 25, 2006 on 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 and Their Filling Procedures

The Government of the Russian Federation endorsed the rules of 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 maintained by the Federal Tax Service.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-5/pz-n of February 7, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Additional Requirements to the Procedure of Preparation, Convocation and Keeping of the General Meeting of Holders of Investment Shares of the Closed-Type Investment Fund

Introduces new requirements to the procedure of preparation, convocation and keeping of the general meeting of holders of investment shares of the closed-type shared investment fund.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-06/27 of January 29, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Taxation of Russia No. BG-3-06/627@ of November 17, 2003

Some amendments to Part II of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation are entered into force from January 1, 2007 pertaining to the checks carried out by the tax bodies.

Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation No. 60 of March 6, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Carrying out and the Terms of the Contest to Choose the Organiser of Tenders to Attract Investments for the Federally Owned Objects of Immovable Property

Defines the terms and procedure of carrying out of the contest to choose the organiser of tenders to attract investments for the federally owned immovable property carried out by the federal state unitary enterprise wishing to construct, reconstruct, restore immovable property.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 66 of March 19, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of the Cadastral Excerpt for the Land Plot and the Cadastral Plan of Territory

Endorses the forms of the mentioned cadastral documents, specifies the procedure of their drawing up.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 234 of April 3, 2008 on the Housing and Other Construction on the Federally Owned Land Plots

Introduces a prohibition for the federal bodies of executive power to coordinate transactions for the federally owned land plots. The federal bodies of executive power are also prohibited to coordinate transactions for the federally owned immovable property located on the above land plots.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 231 of April 2, 2008 on the Amendments to the Rules of Keeping of the Joint State Register of Taxpayers

The keeping of the Joint State Register of Taxpayers is arranged not only with the use of computers but also with the use of other information technologies.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 220 of March 28, 2008 on the Amendments to and Invalidation of Some of the Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation Improving the Migration Policy of the Russian Federation

The amendments are stipulated by the fact that the Federal Migration Service of Russia is withdrawn from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia while preserving the functions of this ministry in the sphere of migration record keeping.

Information of the Central Bank of Russia of March 31, 2008 "Answers and Explanations on Some Issues of Application of 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 and the Letter of the Bank of Russia No. 141-T of September 7, 2007 on the Registration in Accounting Work of Operations of Purchase and Sale of Securities Envisaging Their Subsequent Purchase and Buy out Obligation"

New rules of accounting work in credit organisations located on the territory of the Russian Federation have entered into force from January 1, 2008.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-7/pz-n of February 28, 2008 on the Endorsement of the List of Expenses Pertaining to Trust Control of the Property Forming the Assets of the Joint-Stock Investment Fund or the Property Forming the Shared Investment Fund

According to the Federal Law No. 334-FZ of December 6, 2007, the property of the investment fund may be used to cover only individual expenses pertaining to trust control of the property forming the assets of the joint-stock investment fund or the property forming the shared investment fund.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 249 of April 7, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Licensing of Activities in the Sphere of Circulation of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Included in List I in Compliance with the Federal Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

In 2007, a permission was issued to process narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances of List I withdrawn from illegal circulation for subsequent use in scientific, educational, expert, investigation work and in medical certification.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 37-T of April 2, 2008 on the Rouble Equivalents of the Figures Envisaged in the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1755-U of December 11, 2006

Specifies the rouble equivalents of the figures specified in above Direction for the II quarter of 2008.

Federal Law No. 46-FZ of April 8, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 30 of the Federal Law on the Banks and Banking Activities

The amendments are aimed at protection of interests of the population getting credits in banks: the borrowers must get true information on the existing terms of the credit contract.

Federal Law No. 34-FZ of April 1, 2008 on the Ratification of the Protocol between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on the Procedure of Collection of Indirect Taxes When Carrying out Works, Rendering Services

The Protocol confirms the principle of collection of indirect taxes when carrying out works and rendering services at the place of their implementation on conditions envisaged in the national legislation; specifies the procedure of determination of the place of their implementation and endorses the list of documents confirming such implementation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 246 of April 7, 2008 on the Cost of Insurance Year for the Year 2008

Endorses the cots of insurance year for the year 2008 used to determine the fixed payment for independent entrepreneurs, lawyers, private notaries to pay insurance contributions for obligatory pension insurance.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 241 of April 7, 2008 on the Amendments to Some of the Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Issues of Licensing of Individual Types of Activities

The Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development is empowered with authority of licensing of medical activities of organisations of the state system of public health, activities in the sphere of hi-tech medical aid, as well as activities in the sphere of circulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances of organisations of the wholesale trade of medicines and apothecaries of the federal organisations of public health.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 253 of April 7, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Determination of the Boundaries of the Point of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation

Regulates the procedure of determination of the boundaries of the point of transfer through the state border of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 237 of April 7, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Export Customs Duties for Individual Types of Polymers of Ethylene

To promote the export of commodities of the domestic chemical industry, introduces the zero rates of the export customs duties for the following types of ethylene polymers in the primary form exported outside the member-states of the Customs Union agreements: polyethylene (items of the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature 3901 10 and 3901 20); other (item 3901 90 900 0).

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 36-T of March 31, 2008 on the Recommendations on the Organisation of Management of Risks When Credit Organisations Carry out Operations Using Internet Banking Systems

Remote bank servicing of clients over the Internet is ever growing in the recent time.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 460 of April 8, 2008 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the President of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Creation of the State Corporation of Nuclear Power Rosatom

The Federal Agency for Nuclear Power was dissolved pursuant to the creation of the state corporation of the nuclear power Rosatom providing state management on behalf of the Russian Federation in the sphere of use of nuclear power, development, manufacture utilisation of nuclear arms and nuclear power plants of military destination.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 33 of March 24, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Amounts of the Average Cost of Repair of 1 Square Meter of the Total Area of Private Homes Owned by Family Members of Servicemen Having Lost the Breadwinner by the Subjects of the Russian Federation for the Year 2008

Family members of servicemen having lost the breadwinner may repair once in ten years their private homes at the expense of resources of the federal budget.

Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. 15 of January 29, 2008 on the Form of the Passenger Ticket and the Luggage Slip for the Automatic Coupon Registration in Civil Aviation

The passenger ticket and the luggage slip of the automatic coupon registration in civil aviation are transportation documents used to certify the contract of transportation of the passenger and the luggage.

Order of the Federal Agency of Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property No. P/0058 of March 4, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Publication and Entry into Force of the Acts of the Federal Agency of Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property Recognised by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation As Not Needing the State Registration

Regulates the procedure of publication and entry into force of the acts of the Federal Agency of Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property recognised by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation as not needing the state registration.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 263 of April 14, 2008 on the Amendment to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 732 of December 5, 2005

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation is ordered to issue licenses for the import of poultry meat from April 15, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 261 of April 12, 2008 on the Prolongation of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Machines, Equipment, Devices, Instruments and Parts Thereof

To promote technical modernisation of the domestic industry, introduces the zero rates of import customs duties for some types of equipment for 9 months from July 14, 2007.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 260 of April 11, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Automobile Trailers Older Than 7 Years

From April 15, 2008, endorses on the permanent basis the rates of the import customs duties for automobile trailers older than 7 years.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-11/pz-n of March 18, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Insurance Reserve of the Non-State Pension Fund

As before, the insurance reserve may be formed at the expense of part of incomes from the placing of resources of pension reserves and tied receipts.

Decision of the Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation No. 17 of March 5, 2008 on the Endorsement of SanPiN 2.3.2.2351-08

Extends the list of plants containing potent, narcotic or poisonous substances.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 267 of March 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Instruction on the Individual Customs Operations in the Cases of Application of the Customs Regime of Processing outside the Customs Territory

The customs regime of processing outside the customs territory permits to temporarily export Russian-made commodities to carry out production processes or repair abroad followed by subsequent import of the products of processing under full or partial exemption from import customs duties and taxes.

Letter of the Federal Agency for Construction and the Housing and Communal Complex No. VB-1305/02 of April 4, 2008 on the Indices of Change of the Estimated Cost for the II Quarter of 2008

Provides recommended indices of change of the estimated cost of construction and installation works on the whole and by items of expenses for the II quarter of 2008 by the subjects of the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Federal Agency for Construction and the Housing and Communal Complex No. VB-1302/02 of April 4, 2008 on the Prices for Design and Survey Works in Construction for the II Quarter of 2008

Reports recommended for application in the II quarter of 2008 indices of change of the cost of design and survey works in construction.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 269 of April 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Particulars of Activities of a Specialised Depositary of a Non-State Pension Fund

The specialised depositary provides for the registration and transfer of the rights for securities used to place the resources of the pension reserves.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 40-T of April 14, 2008 on the Codes of Classification of the Incomes of the Budget System of the Russian Federation Administered by the Department of Licensing of Activities and Financing of Rehabilitation of Credit Organisations of the Bank of Russia and on the Requisites of Payment Orders to Transfer These Incomes

Reports the codes of the classification of incomes of the budgets and the types of incomes received in the budget system of the Russian Federation administered by the Department of Licensing of Activities and Financial Rehabilitation of Credit Organisations of the Bank of Russia.

Information Letter of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-VM-03/6834 of April 10, 2008 on the Transfer of the State Duty for Committing Legally Significant Actions Envisaged in Subitems 44-49 of Item 1 of Article 333.33 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

Provides explanations of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation on the filling of the payment documents confirming the fact of transfer by the representative of the legal entity or natural person of the state duty for committing legally significant actions pertaining to activities at the securities market and activities of investment funds, management companies.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 279 of April 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulations on the Licensing in the Sphere of Explosives of Industrial Destination

Introduces a new procedure of licensing of production, storage, application and distribution of explosives of industrial destination.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 278 of April 16, 2008 on the Reimbursement of Expenses Pertaining to the Use of Transport Vehicles Owned by Organisations or Natural Persons in the Course of Anti-Terrorist Operation

Expenses are reimbursed with monetary payments to the owners of transport vehicles by the federal body of executive power whose representative used the transport vehicle in the course of the anti-terrorist operation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 285 of April 19, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules to Pay out the Reward to the Author in Cases of Public Sale of Original Pieces of Art, Author Manuscripts (Signatures) of Literary and Musical Pieces

The paying out of the reward is permitted while observing certain conditions.

Order of the Federal Migration Service, Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, State Fishing Committee of the Russian Federation No. 1/4/1/2 of January 11, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the State Service Provided by the Federal Migration Service, Bodies of Executive Power of the Subjects of the Russian Federation Implementing the Authority of the Russian Federation in the Sphere of Assistance of Employment of Population, Federal Agency of the Sea and River Transport and the State Fishing Committee of the Russian Federation to Issue Statements of Attraction and Use of Foreign Work Force, Permission to Attract and Use Foreign Work Force, As Well As Employment Permissions to Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

The bodies of the state service of employment of population of the subjects of the Russian Federation shall issue the statements of attraction and use of foreign work force.

The Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Mass Communication and Protection of Cultural Heritage No. 104 of March 5, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution of the State Function of Licensing of Reproduction (Making Copies) of Audio and Video Pieces of Art and Phonograms on Any Media

The licensing of reproduction (making copies) of audio and video pieces of art and phonograms on any media is vested in the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Mass Communication and Protection of Cultural Heritage.

Information Letter of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 125 of March 4, 2008 on the Settlement of Disputes of Coordination of Uniform Technological Processes of Work of Non-Public-Use Railways and Connecting Stations

Prepares information for the courts on the issues of settlement of disputes of coordination of uniform technological processes of work of non-public-use railways and connecting stations.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1996-U of April 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1375-U of January 16, 2004 on the Rules of Drawing up and Submission of Reports by Credit Organisations to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation

Credit organisations must provide explanations on the submitted reports only if there are appropriate requests of the Bank of Russia and its territorial bodies.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1991-U of March 31, 2008 on the Amendments to the Instruction of the Bank of Russia No. 110-I of January 16, 2004 on the Obligatory Normatives for Banks

Adjusts the methods of calculation of the normatives of the bank's immediate, current and long-term liquidity.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-6-3/289@ of April 16, 2008 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for March 2008

Provides information used for the calculation of the tax on extraction of mineral resources for oil for march 2008.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-12/pz-n of March 18, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Procedure to Recognise the Persons As Qualified Investors

The person may be recognised as qualified investor by the broker, manager, management company of the shared investment fund or other persons in compliance with the federal legislation.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-10/pz-n of March 18, 2008 on the Procedure, Time Limits and Form of the Notification of the Change of the Composition of the Board of Directors (Supervisory Board) and Executive Bodies of the Joint-Stock Investment Fund, Management Company, Specialised Depositary and the Composition of Executive Bodies of a Non-State Pension Fund

Endorses the forms of notifications of the change of the composition of executive bodies and of the change of the composition of the board of directors (supervisory board) of the joint-stock investment fund, management company, specialised depositary, as well as the forms of notifications of the change of the personal executive body and of the change of the composition of the collegiate executive body (executive board) of a non-state pension fund.

Decision of the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation No. 76 of April 2, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Average Values of the Main Figures for the Calculation of Discounts and Mark-Ups to Insurance Tariff Rates for Obligatory Social Insurance against Industrial Accidents and Occupational Diseases in 2008

Endorses the average values of the figures for the year 2008.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08/14/pz-n of March 20, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulations on the Registration of the Rules of Organisation and Implementation of Internal Control in the Management Company, Rules of Organisation and Implementation of Internal Control in the Specialised Depositary and Amendments to Them and the Rules of Organisation and Implementation of Internal Control in the Non-State Pension Fund and Amendments to Them

Provides the list of documents necessary for the registration.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-8/pz-n of March 12, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Procedure and Time Limits to Notify the Management Company, Specialised Depositary and the Federal Service for Financial Markets by the Person Possessing (Providing Trust Control for) 5 and More Percent of Ordinary Stocks (Shares) of the Management Company or Specialised Depositary

Specifies the time limits and procedure to send appropriate notifications.

Federal Law No. 51-FZ of April 24, 2008 on the Accession of the Russian Federation to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Russia joined the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control adopted in Geneva on May 21, 2003.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 293 of April 23, 2008 on the State Regulation and Control of Prices (Tariff Rates, Fees) for the Services of Subjects of Natural Monopolies in Transport Terminals, Ports, Airports and the Services of Use of the Infrastructure of Internal Water Ways

Endorses the procedure of state regulation and control of prices (tariff rates, fees) for the services of subjects of natural monopolies in transport terminals, ports, airports and the services of use of the infrastructure of internal water ways.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 295 of April 23, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Licensing of Activities of Development, Production, Sale and Purchase for the Purpose of Sale of Special Technical Means of Secret Obtaining of Information by Independent Entrepreneurs and Legal Entities Engaged in Entrepreneurial Activities

Adjusts the procedure of licensing of activities of development, production, sale and purchase for the purpose of sale of special technical means of secret obtaining of information.

Information of the Central Bank of Russia of April 28, 2008

From April 29, 2008, the rate of refinancing of the Bank of Russia is increased from 10.25% to 10.5% annual.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 300 of April 24, 2008 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Baby Safety Seats

Introduces for 9 months the zero rates of import customs duties for baby safety seats used in transport vehicles.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 299 of April 24, 2008 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Individual Types of Equipment for the Medical Industry

Introduces for 9 months the zero rates of import customs duties for individual types of equipment for the medical industry.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-06-02/37 of April 16, 2008

According to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, the taxable base for the uniform social tax of taxpayer organisations is determined as an appropriate sum of payments and other rewards accrued with the taxpayer for the tax period in favour of natural persons.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 307 of April 25, 2008 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Combating of Legalisation (Laundering) of Incomes Obtained in a Criminal Way and Financing of Terrorism

According to the Federal Law No. 275-FZ of November 28, 2007, commercial organisations concluding contracts of financing on the terms of monetary claims cession as financial agents must take measures against legalisation of incomes obtained in a criminal way and financing of terrorism.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2000-U of April 28, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1601-U of August 5, 2005 on the Terms for the Bank of Russia to Grant Credits to Credit Organisations Secured with the Pledge of Promissory Notes, Claims Rights under Credit Contracts of Organisations and Guarantees of Credit Organisations

To confine inflation, introduces new interest rates for the credits of the Bank of Russia secured with the pledge of promissory notes, claims rights under credit contracts of organisations or guarantees of credit organisations.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1998-U of April 28, 2008 on the Interest Rates for Deposit Operations of the Bank of Russia

Pursuant to the increase from April 29, 2008 of the rate of refinancing of the Bank of Russia by 0.25 percentage points (to 10.5% annual), the fixed interest rates for the deposit operations of the Bank of Russia are also increased from the mentioned date.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1997-U of April 28, 2008 on the Rate of Refinancing of the Bank of Russia

To confine inflation and reduce dynamics of the monetary mass, the rate of refinancing (bank rate) of the Bank of Russia is increased from April 29, 2008 from 10.25% to 10.5% annual.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 319 of April 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Baby Juices

Import to the Russian Federation of some kinds of baby juices in the packages of up to 0.35 l in volume will be subject to the customs duty in the amount of 15% of the customs cost, however, not less than EUR 0.07 per l.

Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 22 of April 10, 2008 on Some Issues of the Practice of Examination of Disputes Pertaining to Application of Article 169 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

Explains individual aspects of application of provisions of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation on transactions committed in violation of the fundamentals of the legal order and moral (the so-called antisocial transactions).

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-6/pz-n of February 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia on the Execution of the State Function of Annual Publication in Mass Media of Reports of Resources of Accumulated Pensions and Financial Results of Their Investing, Audit Statements on the Reports of the Subjects of Relations of Generation and Investing of Resources of Accumulated Pensions, Information on the Generation and Financial Results of the Placing of Resources of Pension Reserves and on the Generation and Financial Results of Investing of Resources of Accumulated Pensions

Regulates execution by the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia of the state function of annual publication in mass media and placing of the above information on the service official site.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 38n of April 7, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Documents Used in the Course of Licensing in Compliance with the Federal Law on the Licensing of Individual Types of Activities

In view of the prolongation until July 1, 2008 of the licensing of audit activities, endorses the forms of documents used in the given sphere.

Federal Law No. 59-FZ of May 4, 2008 on the Amendments to Articles 1 and 17 of the Federal Law on the Licensing of Individual Types of Activities

The adopted Federal Law helps combat violations in the sphere of intellectual property.

Federal Law No. 58-FZ of April 29, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation and on Invalidation of Individual Provisions of Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Adoption of the Federal Law on the Procedure for Foreign Investments in Economic Companies of Strategic Significance for the Country's Defence and the State Security

The Law of the Russian Federation on subsoil resources is amended where it pertains to the procedure of inclusion of parts of subsoil resources in subsoil resources of federal significance, drawing up of the federal fund of reserved parts of subsoil resources, refining of the authority of the federal and regional bodies of state power in the sphere of regulation of relations of use of subsoil resources, the grounds permitting to use subsoil resources, requirements to users, as well as the terms of contests and auctions.

Federal Law No. 57-FZ of April 29, 2008 on the Procedure for Foreign Investments in Economic Companies of Strategic Significance for the Country's Defence and the State Security

Defines the procedure to make foreign investments in economic companies of strategic significance for the country's defence and the state security.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 1993-U of April 9, 2008 on the Amendment to Item 2 of the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1283-U of May 28, 2003 on the Procedure for the Bank of Russia to Set the Book Prices for Refined Precious Metals

Adjusts the procedure for the Bank of Russia to set the book prices for refined precious metals.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-06-01/86 of April 15, 2008

In the course of corporate events, as well as other cases, their participants may get incomes in kind.

Federal Law No. 60-FZ of May 6, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

The amendments specify the procedure for the Russian Federation to implement international treaties on the readmission, as well as specifies the particulars of the legal status of the pertinent foreign citizens and stateless persons.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 306 of April 25, 2008 on the Prolongation of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Combines

From July 26, 2007, introduces for grain and silage combines (codes according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 8433 51 000 9 and 8433 59 110 9) for 9 months the rate of the import customs duty in the amount of 5% of the customs cost.

Federal Law No. 63-FZ of May 7, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 1 of the Federal Law on the Total Number of Justices of the Peace and the Number of Court Districts in the Subjects of the Russian Federation

The total number of justices of the peace and court districts in the Arkhangelsk Province is increased from 64 to 69.

Federal Law No. 62-FZ of May 7, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 1 of the Federal Law on the Total Number of Justices of the Peace and the Number of Court Districts in the Subjects of the Russian Federation

Introduces the name of the new subject of the Russian Federation - Kamchatka Territory.

Federal Law No. 61-FZ of May 7, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 1 of the Federal Law on the Total Number of Justices of the Peace and the Number of Court Districts in the Subjects of the Russian Federation

Increased the number of justices of the peace in the Leningrad Province from 75 to 81.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 724 of May 12, 2008 "Issues of the System and Structure of the Federal Bodies of Executive Power"

Introduces a new structure of the federal bodies of executive power.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 359 of May 6, 2008 on the Procedure to Make Payments in Cash and/or Payments with Pay Cards without Cash Registers

Organisations and independent entrepreneurs may accept payments in cash and/or with pay cards without the cash registers when rendering services to the population if they hand out appropriate strict accountability forms.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 347 of May 6, 2008 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 2007

Specifies the cost of living for the whole of the Russian Federation for the IV quarter of 2007.

Federal Law No. 65-FZ of May 13, 2008 on the Amendments to Articles 1, 6 and 24 of the Federal Law on the Procedure to Exit the Russian Federation and Enter the Russian Federation

The President of the Russian Federation is empowered with authority to regulate the procedure of entry in the Russian Federation and exit from the Russian Federation for foreign citizens and stateless persons including the simplification of this procedure.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 52-T of May 5, 2008 on the Memorandum for the Borrower in a Consumer Credit

To improve financial attainments of the population, the Bank of Russia developed a prompt note to help the borrowers (potential borrowers) when they take decisions to get a consumer credit.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 51-T of April 30, 2008 on the Methodology Recommendations on the Procedure for Credit Organisations to Draw up and Submit Financial Reports

Introduces a new procedure of drawing up and submission of financial reports by credit organisations in compliance with international accounting standards.

Federal Law No. 70-FZ of May 13, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 27 of the Federal Law on Advertising

To restrict distribution of advertising of games of chance, introduces general requirements to distribution of advertising of related services.

Federal Law No. 69-FZ of May 13, 2008 on the Amendments to Articles 13 and 21 of the Federal Law on the Fund of Assistance of Reformation of the Housing and Communal Complex

Provides additional opportunities to place temporarily free resources of the state corporation Fund of Assistance of Reformation of the Housing and Communal Complex.

Federal Law No. 67-FZ of May 13, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Financial Rehabilitation of Agricultural Producers

Simplifies the terms of inclusion of agricultural producers in the program of financial rehabilitation.

Federal Law No. 66-FZ of May 13, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation and Invalidation of Individual Legislative Acts (Provisions of Legislative Acts) of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Adoption of the Federal Law on the State Cadastre of Immovable Property

Brings individual legislative acts of the Russian Federation in compliance with the Federal Law on the state cadastre of immovable property having entered into force from March 1, 2008.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 39 of April 9, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Strict Accountability Form

Endorses the strict accountability form "Slip for Payment for the Veterinary Services".

Order of the Federal Migration Service No. 40 of February 29, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the State Service of Issue of the Permission for Temporary Stay in the Russian Federation to Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

Regulates the procedure of issue by the territorial bodies of the Federal Migration Service of Russia of the permission for temporary stay in the Russian Federation to foreign citizens and stateless persons.

Order of the Federal Migration Service No. 41 of February 29, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the State Service of Issue of the Residence Permit to Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

Application for the residence permit may be submitted to the territorial body of the Federal Migration Service of Russia no later than 6 months in advance of the expiry of the permission of temporary stay.

Federal Law No. 75-FZ of May 16, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Ecological Expert Evaluation and Articles 49 and 54 of the City Planning Code of the Russian Federation

Design documentation for the objects intended for construction, reconstruction and capital repair on the lands of the specially protected natural territories is subject not only to the state expert evaluation but also to the state ecological expert evaluation.

Federal Law No. 74-FZ of May 16, 2008 on the Amendments to Articles 3.5 and 7.27 of the Code of Administrative Violations of the Russian Federation

The stealing of property is of minor amount implying administrative responsibility if the cost of the stolen property is up to Rbl 1000.

Federal Law No. 73-FZ of May 16, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 32 of the Federal Law on the Obligatory Insurance of Civil Liabilities of Owners Transport Vehicles

Until December 31, 2008, suspends the authority of the customs bodies to control the presence of insurance policy with the owners of automobiles imported to the Russian Federation.

Federal Law No. 71-FZ of May 16, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Eurasia Economic Community on the Terms of Stay of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Eurasia Economic Community on the Territory of the Russian Federation

Specifies the legal status of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 797 of May 15, 2008 on the Immediate Measures to Eliminate Administrative Restrictions for Entrepreneurial Activities

The Government of the Russian Federation is ordered to work out and introduce in the State Duma within 2 months a number of draft laws to create favourable conditions for business.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-3/176@ of April 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Form of the Notification

Amends the form of the notification of the confirmation by the tax body of the taxpayer right for a property tax exemption.

Order of the Federal Service of Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Enforcement No. 182 of March 27, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Service of Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Enforcement No. 204 of April 5, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Estimate of Payment for the Negative Interference in the Environment and the Procedure of Filling and Submission of the Form of the Estimate of Payment for the Negative Interference in the Environment

Endorses a new form of the estimate of payment for the negative interference in the environment.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 373 of May 19, 2008 on the Amendment to the Rules of Keeping and Storage of Work-Books, Making Blank Work-Books and Providing Them to Employers

Adjusts the rules of keeping of work-books, making blank work-books and providing them to employers.

Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development No. 2600-Pr/08 of April 9, 2008 on the Additional Leaves for Overtime Work

Specifies the length of additional leaves for overtime work to the servants of the central office of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 815 of May 19, 2008 on the Measures to Combat Corruption

Forms the Council on the Countermeasures against Corruption under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-6-3/331@ of May 5, 2008 on the Social Tax Exemption for the Amounts of Transferred Pension Contributions

Explains some issues of documentary confirmation of the right of the social tax exemption for the amounts of transferred pension contributions to non-state pension funds registered on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation and the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation No. 177n/91 of April 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Explanations on the Procedure to Assign and Pay out the Monthly Child Care Allowance

Explains individual issues pertaining to the assignment and paying out of the monthly child care allowance.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 76n of February 19, 2008 on the Amendments to the Rules to Apply for the Length-of-Service Pension to Federal State Servants, to Assign and Pay out It, Endorsed by the Decision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 44 of June 30, 2003

Increases to one month the time limit for the federal body to process the application of the state servant for the length-of-service pension.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 378 of May 22, 2008 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 Members-States of the Customs Union Agreements

From June 1, 2008, increases 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.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 374 of May 19, 2008 on the Interim Rate of the Import Customs Duty for High-Tenacity Yarn of Polyesters

Introduces for 9 months the zero rate of the import customs duty for high-tenacity yarn of polyesters (code according to the Foreign Trade Commodity Nomenclature of Russia 5402 20 000 0).

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 435 of April 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Declaration of the Customs Cost (DTS-3 and DTS-4) for Commodities Exported from the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation and the Instruction on the Procedure of Filling of the Declaration of the Customs Cost

Endorses the forms of declaration of the customs cost (DTS-3 and DTS-4), as well as their filling Instruction.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2014-U of May 26, 2008 on the Normatives of Obligatory Reserves (Reserve Requirements) of the Bank of Russia

Specifies the normatives of obligatory reserves for credit organisations from July 1, 2008.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2003-U of April 28, 2008 on the Amendment to Item 2 of the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1843-U of June 20, 2007 on the Limiting Amount of Payments in Cash and Spending of Cash in the Cash Department of the Legal Entity or Independent Entrepreneur

The unconditional right to make payments in cash rests with citizens only if this does not involve entrepreneurial activities.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2006-U of May 6, 2008 on the Amendments to Item 1.7 of the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 245-P of March 26, 2004 on the Procedure for Credit Organisations to Generate Reserves for Possible Losses for Loans, Debts in Loans and Similar Debts

Defines the classification of the categories of quality of portfolios of similar loans.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 430 of April 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Issue of the Permission for the Import (Export) of Commodities and Transport Vehicles When They Are Brought in to the Territory of the Special Economic Zone and Brought out from the Territory of the Special Economic Zone

The import/export of commodities in the special economic zone for industrial production or technical innovation activities by residents and non-residents is possible with the permission of the customs bodies.

Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation No. 102 of April 23, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Application Requesting the Use of a Water Body

Persons wishing to conclude a contract for the use of a water object shall apply to the bodies in charge with an application.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2004-U of April 29, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1482-U of July 28, 2004 on the List of Securities Included in the Lombard List of the Bank of Russia

Amends the list of securities included in the Lombard List of the Bank of Russia.

Decision of the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation No. 81 of April 7, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Methodology Directions on the Procedure of Assigning, Carrying out of the Documentary On-Site Checks of Insurants in Obligatory Social Insurance and on the Measures Taken As a Result of Them

Specifies new requirements for the regional divisions of the Social Insurance Fund of Russia and their branches to assign and carry out documentary checks of insurants in obligatory social insurance paying the uniform social tax, employer insurants applying special tax regimes, including those paying insurance contributions on the voluntary basis.

Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Mass Communication and Protection of Cultural Heritage No. 117 of March 14, 2008 on the List of Cultural Values Covered by the Law of the Russian Federation No. 4804-1 of April 15, 1993 on the Export and Import of Cultural Values and on the Documents Permitting Their Export from the Territory of the Russian Federation

Endorses the list of cultural values requiring the certificate for the right of export of cultural values from the territory of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 46n of April 16, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 187n of December 29, 2006

Endorses new programs of professional development of auditors.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 51n of May 5, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 114n of November 22, 2007

Adjusts the procedure of keeping of the summary list of the federal budget and changing of the limits of budget obligations of chief administrators of resources of the federal budget.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 44 of April 11, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Working out and Endorsement of the Normatives in the Sphere of Estimate Norms and Price Forming in the Sphere of City Planning Activities

Introduces general requirements to the procedure of working out, examination and endorsement of the norms of estimates and prices in the sphere of city planning activities, as well as the methodology documents regulating the procedure of their working out and application.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 226n of May 12, 2008 on the Amendments to the Procedure of Keeping of the Joint Register of Licenses, Including Those Granted by the Bodies of State Power of the Subjects of the Russian Federation in Compliance with Transferred Authority, Endorsed by the Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 689 of November 9, 2007

From January 1, 2008, the bodies of state power of the subjects of the Russian Federation enjoy the authority of licensing of the following types of activities: medical activities of organisations of the municipal and private public health systems (except for the hi-tech medical aid); pharmacy activities and activities associated with circulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except for the activities of organisations of the wholesale trade of medicines and apothecaries of the federal public health organisations).

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 528 of May 4, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Application of the Natural Person and Its Filling Procedure

Specifies a new form of the application of the natural person declaring commodities moved across the customs border in unattended luggage and sent to a natural person who is not crossing the border.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2008-U of May 13, 2008 on the Procedure of Calculation and Conveying of the Cost of Credit to the Borrower Natural Person

Defines the procedure for the credit organisation to calculate and convey to the borrower natural person the full cost of the credit granted under the credit contract or the bank account contract (in the case of crediting).

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 48n of April 29, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Accounting Regulation PBU 11/2008 "Information on the Interconnected Parties"

Specifies the procedure of disclosing of information on the interconnected parties in the accounting reports of commercial organisations except for credit organisations.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2010-U of May 14, 2008 on the Amendments to Item 5.1 of 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 for the Cases of Loans, Debts in Loans and Similar Debts

The banks are obliged to disclose to the borrower natural persons the full cost of the credit (including all commission and fees) before concluding the credit contract or changing its terms if they result in the change of the cost of the credit.

Order of the Customs Service No. 578 of May 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Committing of Customs Operations for the Products of Fishing Moved Across the Customs Border of the Russian Federation by Fishing Vessels

Introduces a new procedure of committing of customs operations for the Russian fishing vessels crossing the customs border of the Russian Federation and for the products of fishing moved across the customs border of the Russian Federation in these vessels.

Letter of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-VM-03/10748 of May 27, 2008 on the Particulars of Distribution of Stocks of Joint-Stock Companies Created As a Result of the Reorganisation of the OAO RAO Joint Power Supply System of Russia

The reorganisation of the RAO Joint Power Supply System of Russia will be over on July 1, 2008.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2005-U of April 30, 2008 on the Assessment of the Economic Standing of Banks

The procedure of assessment of the economic standing of banks has been worked out to ensure uniform approaches to the assessment of activities of banks carried out by the Bank of Russia in the course of enforcement activities and approaches used for assessment of banks for compliance with the requirements of participation in the deposit insurance system.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-18/pz-n of April 15, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Procedure of Registration of the Property Handed over As a Coverage of the Investment Shares of the Shared Investment Fund

The management company of the shared investment fund must keep records of the property handed over in payment for the investment shares of this fund.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 8-P of May 27, 2008 on the Case of Constitutionality of the Provision of Part 1 of Article 188 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Appeal of Citizen M.A.Aslamazyan

The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation recognised as unconstitutional the norm of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on smuggling where it pertains to the import to the Russian Federation of foreign currencies and/or the currency of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 428 of June 4, 2008 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Barndoor Hens and Individual Types of Poultry Eggs

Introduces for 9 months the zero rate of import customs duties for live barndoor hens weighing up to 185 g and individual types of poultry eggs.

Decision of the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation No. 82 of April 7, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Methodology Directions on the Procedure of Assigning, Carrying out of the Documentary Checks of Insurants in Obligatory Social Insurance against Industrial Accidents and Occupational Diseases and Taking Measures As a Result of Them

The Social Insurance Fund of Russia is empowered with authority to control the completeness and timely transfer by insurant organisations of contributions for social insurance.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-2/152@ of April 9, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of the Application for Registration of Cash Registers, Logs of Cash Registers and the Card of Registration of Cash Registers

Cash registers used by organisations and independent entrepreneurs must be registered in the tax bodies at the place of registration of the organisation (independent entrepreneur).

Decision of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 6 of May 27, 2008 on the Judicial Practices in the Cases of Smuggling

Provides explanations on the most arguable issues of qualification of smuggling, delimitation of the corpus delicti from customs violations, as well as the processing of such cases by courts.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 422 of June 2, 2008 on the Prolongation of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Clothes of Natural Fur

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

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 412 of June 2, 2008 on the Amendment to the Customs Tariff of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Undoped Aluminium

Introduces on the permanent basis the zero rate of the import customs duty for undoped aluminium.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation 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

Endorses a new form of the tax declaration for the profit tax from organisations, as well as its filling procedure.

Regulation of the Central Bank of Russia No. 318-P of April 24, 2008 on the Procedure of Carrying out of Cash Operations and the Rules of Storage, Transportation and Encashment of Banknotes and Coins of the Bank of Russia for Credit Organisations on the Territory of the Russian Federation

Introduces a new procedure of carrying out of cash operations, storage, transportation and encashment of cash in credit organisations on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Information of the Central Bank of Russia of June 9, 2008

From June 10, 2008, increases once again the rate of refinancing of the Bank of Russia and, consequently, the interest rates for operations carried out by the Bank of Russia.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 438 of June 5, 2008 on the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation

Pursuant to the reorganisation of the Ministry of the Industry and Power Supplies of Russia and the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, creates a new body - the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 432 of June 5, 2008 on the Federal Agency of State Property Management

In the framework of the reorganisation of the structure of the federal bodies of executive power, the Federal Agency of Federal Property Management is reorganised into the Federal Agency of State Property Management.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 532 of May 6, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Customs Registration of Commodities Illegally Imported to the Customs Territory of the Russian Federation

Customs bodies, when they find commodities illegally moved across the customs border of the Russian Federation with the persons who purchased them on the customs territory of the Russian Federation in the course of entrepreneurial activities, shall arrest such commodities or withdraw them and place for temporary storage.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 441 of June 7, 2008 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Issues of Activities of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation

The amendments are stipulated by the creation of the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 437 of June 5, 2008 on the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation

The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia is a federal body of executive power in charge of the working out of the state policy in the sphere of analysis and forecasting of the socio-economic development, development of entrepreneurial activities, including the medium and small businesses, foreign economic activities (except for the foreign trade).

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2011-U of May 16, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1594-U of July 14, 2005 on the List, Forms and Procedure of Drawing up and Submission of Reports of Liquidated Credit Organisations to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation

The amendments are stipulated by the need to improve opportunities of analysis of reports of bankruptcy commissioners of credit organisations, control over the liquidation procedures.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2007-U of May 8, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1548-U of February 7, 2005 on the Procedure of Opening (Closing) and Organisation of Work of the Mobile Cash Station of the Bank (Branch)

Mobile stations of cash operations of the bank (branch) may conclude bank account contracts and the bank deposit contract, as well as carry out the following operations: identify the client; accept documents necessary for the opening (closing) of the bank account, deposit account and accept client orders for the resources on the account, in the deposit; check the documents, completeness and correctness of the provided information; draw up the cards with the specimens of signatures and the seal; certify testament orders.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2026-U of June 9, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1601-U of August 5, 2005 on the Terms for the Bank of Russia to Grant Credits to Credit Organisations Secured with Pledged Promissory Notes, Claims Rights under Credit Contracts of Organisations or Guarantees of Credit Organisations

To confine inflation, increases the interest rates for the credits of the Bank of Russia secured with pledged promissory notes, claims rights under credit contracts of organisations or guarantees of credit organisations.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2025-U of June 9, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1979-U of February 14, 2008 on the Interest Rate for the Credits Secured with Assets

Increases the amount of the interest rate for the credits of the Central Bank of Russia secured with assets and granted for up to 30 calendar days inclusive.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2024-U of June 9, 2008 on the Amount of the Interest Rates for the Lombard Credits of the Bank of Russia

Beginning with June 10, 2008, the interest rate for the lombard credits of the Bank of Russia secured with pledged securities and granted for 1 calendar day is fixed in the amount of 8.75% annual, and for 7 calendar days - 8.75% (if the two latest auctions failed).

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2023-U of June 9, 2008 on the Amount of the Interest Rate for the Overnight Credit of the Bank of Russia

From June 10, the interest rate for the overnight credit of the Bank of Russia is increased from 10.5% to 10.75% annual.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2022-U of June 9, 2008 on the Amount of the Rate of Refinancing of the Bank of Russia

From June 10, 2008, increases again the rate of refinancing of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation to make 10.75% instead of 10.5%.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2021-U of June 9, 2008 on the Interest Rates for the Deposit Operations of the Bank of Russia

To regulate the liquidity of the banking system of the Russian Federation, attracts monetary resources of credit organisations in deposits.

Federal Law No. 79-FZ of June 10, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on the Measures to Regulate the Trade and Economic Cooperation in the Sphere of Export of Oil and Oil Products

The ratified Agreement imposes on raw oil exported from the Russian Federation to Belarus a customs duty for the period from 2007 to 2009 in the amount significantly lower than the one for the oil exported to other countries.

Federal Law No. 80-FZ of June 10, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway on the Simplification of the Issue of Visas to the Citizens of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Norway

The ratified Agreement introduces on the mutual basis a simplified procedure of issue of visas to individual categories of citizens of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Norway.

Federal Law No. 81-FZ of June 10, 2008 on the Ratification of the Treaty on the Long-Term Good Neighbourly Relations, Friendship and Cooperation of the Member-States of the Shanghai Organisation of Cooperation

Ratifies the Treaty on the long-term good neighbourly relations, friendship and cooperation of the member-states of the Shanghai Organisation of Cooperation signed in the city of Bishkek on August 16, 2007.

Federal Law No. 82-FZ of June 10, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Italian Republic on Cooperation in Elimination of Stocks of Chemical Weapons in the Russian Federation

Ratifies the Russian-Italian intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation in destruction of chemical weapons in the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 421 of June 2, 2008 on the Prolongation of the Rate of the Import Customs Duty for Individual Types of Vegetable Oils

Until December 31, 2008 inclusive, prolongs the reduced rates of import customs duties for individual types of vegetable oils.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2009-U of May 14, 2008 on the Amendments to the Instruction of the Bank of Russia No. 28-I of September 14, 2006 on the Opening and Closing of Bank Accounts, Deposit Accounts

Adjusts the procedure for credit organisations (branches) in the Russian Federation, divisions of the payment network of the Bank of Russia to open and close bank accounts (deposit accounts) to legal entities and natural persons, independent entrepreneurs, as well as natural persons engaged in private practices, in the currency of the Russian Federation and foreign currencies.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 50n of May 4, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Tax Service on the Execution of the State Function of Issue of the Special Federal Stamps for Labelling Alcoholic Products Produced on the Territory of the Russian Federation

The special federal stamps for labelling alcoholic products produced on the territory of the Russian Federation are issued by the Federal Tax Service of Russia in the framework of the state function.

Federal Law No. 83-FZ of June 11, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 12 of the Federal Law on the Development of Agriculture

The Federal Law envisages opportunities of increasing the total amount of subsidies granted to agricultural producers to compensate part of expenses under issuance contracts.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 452 of June 12, 2008 on the Amendments to the List of the Federal Bodies of Executive Power in Charge of Licensing

Hands over the functions of the dissolved Federal Agency of the Industry to the Ministry of the Industry and Trade of Russia.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 444 of June 11, 2008 on the Federal Agency for Fishing

Pursuant to the reorganisation of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Fishing into the Federal Agency for Fishing, endorses the Regulation on the activities of the mentioned agency.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 433 of June 5, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Creation of Special Purpose Geodesic Networks

The Federal Law on the state cadastre of immovable property being in effect from March 1, 2008 specifies that the geodesic basis of the cadastre is the state geodesic network and the special purpose geodesic networks.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 413 of June 2, 2008 on the Prolongation of the Rate of the Import Customs Duty for the Rolled Products of Aluminium Alloys Measuring in Thickness More Than 0.2 mm, Painted, Varnished or Coated with Plastics

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

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 398 of May 27, 2008 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Adoption of the Federal Law on the Amendments to Articles 4 and 18 of the Law of the Russian Federation on the State Secret

The Federal Law on the state secret was amended to permit the handing over of information comprising the state secret also to international organisations.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 64-T of June 3, 2008 on the Revocation of the Letters of the Bank of Russia

The banks are obliged to disclose to borrower natural persons the full cost of the credit (including commission and fees) before concluding the credit contract or changing its terms if it affects the credit cost.

Federal Law No. 88-FZ of June 12, 2008 "Technical Regulation for Milk and Dairy Products"

Endorses a Technical Regulation for milk and dairy products. The Regulation specifies the requirements to production, storage, transportation and sale of milk and dairy products.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 450 of June 12, 2008 on the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 724 of May 12, 2008 reorganised the structure of the federal bodies of executive power. The Decision defines new authority and organisation of work of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 451 of June 12, 2008 on the Federal Registration Service

In pursuance of the latest changes in the system and structure of the federal bodies of executive power, the Federal Registration Service is handed over to the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-3/213@ of May 15, 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

From January 1, 2008, amendments have entered into force to the article of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation specifying the particulars of application of the simplified system of taxation by independent entrepreneurs on the basis of a patent.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 449 of June 12, 2008 on the Procedure of Transportation of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances on the Territory of the Russian Federation, As Well As the Drawing up of the Necessary Documents for It

Endorses the rules of transportation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShS-6-3/436@ of June 18, 2008 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for May 2008

Provides information used for the calculation of the tax on extraction of mineral resources for oil for May 2008.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 977 of June 17, 2008 on the Procedure of Entry in the Russian Federation and Exit from the Russian Federation for the Stateless Persons Having Been the Citizens of the USSR and Living in the Latvian Republic or the Estonian Republic

Stateless persons having been the citizens of the USSR and living in Latvia or Estonia can enter the Russian Federation and exit it without the visa.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 457 of June 17, 2008 on the Interim Rate of the Import Customs Duty for the Linear Polyethylene

Introduces for 9 months the zero rate of the import customs duty for the linear polyethylene.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 456 of June 12, 2008 on the Federal Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property

Defines anew the sphere of reference and organisation of work of the Federal Cadastre of Objects of Immovable Property.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2015-U of May 27, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1853-U of July 5, 2007 on the Particulars of Payment Operations Carried out by the Credit Organisation after the Revocation of the License for Bank Operations and on the Accounts Used by the Bankruptcy Commissioner (Liquidator, Liquidation Commission)

Revokes the rules permitting the bankruptcy commissioner (liquidator, liquidation commission) to open foreign currency accounts of the bankrupt credit organisation in only those credit organisations included in the list endorsed by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Information Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 37 of May 30, 2008 "Issues of Application of the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 308-P of June 20, 2007 on the Procedure for the Authorised Banks to Hand over Information on the Violation by the Persons Carrying out Currency Operations of the Acts of the Currency Legislation of the Russian Federation and the Acts of the Bodies in Charge of the Currency Regulation"

Explains some issues of transfer by the banks of information on the violations by the persons carrying out currency operations of the acts of the currency legislation of the Russian Federation and the acts of the bodies in charge of the currency regulation.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-05-01/187 of June 3, 2008

Provides explanations on the issue of taxation with the incomes tax from natural persons of incomes on pension accounts in banks.

Budget Message of the President of the Russian Federation to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of June 23, 2008 on the Budget Policy in 2009-2011

Defines the main goals and tasks of the budget policy for the years 2009-2011 and further on.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/357 of June 10, 2008

Provides explanations on the inclusion of the interest from liabilities in expenses for the profit taxation purposes.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-05-01/192 of June 10, 2008

For organisations financed from the federal budget, the amount of the daily allowance in foreign currencies for the trips abroad is determined on the basis of the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 812 of December 26, 2005.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-05-01/193 of June 10, 2008

If a worker of the Russian organisation works abroad, his remuneration, including the one paid out by the Russian employer, is included in incomes from sources abroad.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-20/pz-n of May 22, 2008 on the Requirements to the Deadlines for Acceptance of Requests for the Purchase and Redemption of Investment Shares of the Closed-Type Shared Investment Fund and Procedure to Pay out Monetary Compensation in the Cases of Redemption of Investment Shares of the Closed-Type Shared Investment Fund

Adjusts the time limits of acceptance of requests for the purchase and redemption of investment shares of the closed-type shared investment fund and procedure to pay out monetary compensation in the cases of redemption of such shares.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring No. 131 of May 23, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Procedure for the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring to Control Execution by Organisations Carrying out Operations with Monetary Resources or Another Property Where Enforcement Bodies Are not Available of the Federal Law No. 115-FZ of August 7, 2001 on the Combating of Legalisation (Laundering) of Incomes Obtained in a Criminal Way and Financing of Terrorism

Introduces a procedure for the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring (its territorial bodies) to check organisations carrying out operations with monetary resources and another property where enforcement bodies are not available.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/350 of June 5, 2008

Provides explanations on the cases when organisation provide cellular communication to their employees for service purposes.

Federal Law No. 94-FZ of June 24, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 3 of the Federal Law on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Obligatory Insurance of Civil Liabilities of Owners of Transport Vehicles and Article 2 of the Federal Law on the Amendments to the Law of the Russian Federation on the Organisation of Insurance Activities in the Russian Federation and on the Invalidation of Some of the Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Shifts the date of entry into force of some changes in the legislation on the obligatory insurance of civil liabilities of owners of transport vehicles.

Federal Law No. 93-FZ of June 24, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 64 of the Federal Law on the Protection of the Environment

Excludes municipal control from the list of the types of ecological control available in the Federal Law on the protection of the environment.

Federal Law No. 92-FZ of June 24, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Entry into Force of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and on the Amendments to Some of the Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on Taxes

Reduces from 18% to 10% the rate of the value added tax for the services of transfer of pedigree animals and poultry under the contracts of financial leasing with the right of repurchase.

Federal Law No. 91-FZ of June 24, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 1 of the Federal Law on the Minimum Amount of Labour Remuneration

From January 1, 2009, the minimum amount of labour remuneration is increased from Rbl 2300 to Rbl 4330 per month.

Federal Law No. 90-FZ of June 24, 2008 "Technical Regulation for the Items of Butter, Oil and Fat"

Endorses a Technical Regulation for the items of butter, oil and fat.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 467 of June 23, 2008 on the Amendments to Some Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation Pertaining to the State Regulation in the Sphere of Civil Aviation

Adjusts the authority of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Transport and the Federal Agency of the Air Transport in issues of civil aviation.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2019-U of June 4, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 203-P of November 5, 2002 on the Procedure for the Central Bank of the Russian Federation to Carry out Deposit Operations with Credit Organisations in the Currency of the Russian Federation

Adjusts the procedure for the Bank of Russia to carry out deposit operations with credit organisations in the currency of the Russian Federation.

Federal Law No. 103-FZ of June 26, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pertaining to State Management in the Customs Sphere

Introduces technical changes pertaining to the transfer to the Federal Customs Service of the functions of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation to work out the state policy and normative and legal regulation in the customs sphere.

Federal Law No. 102-FZ of June 26, 2008 on the Uniform Measurements

Brings the legislation of the Russian Federation providing uniform measurements in compliance with the present-day international requirements.

Decision of the Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation No. 33 of June 2, 2008 on the Production and Circulation of Poultry Meat

Reports violations revealed in production and circulation of poultry meat.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 65-T of June 16, 2008 on the Closing of Accounts and Transfer of Residues of Resources of Non-Resident Banks in the Currency of the Russian Federation

The authorised banks having residues on the balance accounts Nos. 30122, 30123, 30230 and 30231 (accounts of non-resident banks in the currency of the Russian Federation) are recommended to carry out work to close the mentioned accounts.

Federal Law No. 100-FZ of June 26, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 8 of the Federal Law on the Particulars of Management and Disposal of the Property of the Railway Transport

The complex of power supply networks and objects of power supply networks of the railway transport providing traction power is excluded from the Joint National (All-Russia) Power Supply Network.

Federal Law No. 96-FZ of June 26, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Ecological Expert Evaluation

The application of the public organisation (association) for the public ecological expert evaluation must contain not only the legal address (as before), but also the place of location of the appropriate organisation.

Federal Law No. 104-FZ of June 30, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 1249 of Part 4 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

The amendments pertain to the procedure of collection of patent and other duties.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 252n of June 2, 2008 on the Amendments to the Appendix to the Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development No. 74n of February 18, 2008 on the Distribution among the Subjects of the Russian Federation of the Quota Endorsed by the Government of the Russian Federation for 2008 for Permissions to Enter the Russian Federation for the Purposes of Employment Issued to Foreign Citizens

Increases the quota of invitations to foreign citizens in 2008 for the purposes of employment.

Ruling of the Cassation Board of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. KAS08-232 of June 10, 2008

The Cassation Board of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation revoked the court ruling having invalidated the strict-accountability form "Tourist Accommodation".

Federal Law No. 108-FZ of June 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on Concession Agreements and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

The amendments improve legal regulation of relations of use of property on the terms of a concession agreement.

Federal Law No. 107-FZ of June 30, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic on the Settlement of the Debt of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Russian Federation under the Credits Earlier Granted by the Former USSR of May 29, 2005 and the Addition to This Agreement of January 17, 2007

The goal of the ratified Agreement and the Addition to it is the settlement of the debt of the Syrian Arab Republic to Russia under the credits granted between 1957 and 1989 by the former USSR for supplies of products of special destination.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 478 of June 27, 2008 on the Amendments to the Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 45 of January 26, 2006 and No. 397 of June 23, 2007

According to the Federal Law on the licensing of individual types of activities, the licensing does not apply to the transportation carried out by the vessels of the state aviation, experimental aviation, civil aviation, including the general purpose aviation, without collection of payment.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 71 of June 9, 2008 on the Normative of the Cost of 1 Square Meter of Total Dwelling Space for the Second Half of 2008 and the Average Market Cost of 1 Square Meter of Total Dwelling Space by the Subjects of the Russian Federation for the III quarter of 2008

The normative of the cost of 1 square meter of total dwelling space for the Russian Federation for the second half of 2008 is fixed in the amount of Rbl 28,650.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring No. 138 of May 29, 2008 on the Territorial Bodies of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring

Defines the main authority and procedure of organisation of activities of the territorial bodies of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring No. 130 of May 23, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation on the Execution by the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring of the State Function of Coordination of the Rules of Internal Control of Organisations Carrying out Operations with Monetary Resources or Another Property Where Enforcement Bodies Are Not Available

According to the actual legislation, the rules of internal control in organisations carrying operations with monetary resources or another property must be coordinated in the appropriate enforcement body, and if it is not available - the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 485 of June 28, 2008 on the List of International Organisations Whose Grants (Free Aid) Received by Taxpayers Are Exempted from Taxes and Are Not Included for Taxation Purposes in Incomes of Russian Organisations Getting the Grants

Lists international organisations whose gratuitous aid (grants) to taxpayers is exempted from taxes and are not included for taxation purposes in incomes of Russian organisations getting the grants.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2020-U of June 4, 2008 on the Amendments to Items 2.1 and 3.6 of the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 273-P of July 14, 2005 on the Procedure for the Bank of Russia to Grant Credits to Credit Organisations Secured with Pledged Promissory Notes, Claims Rights under Credit Contracts of Organisations or Guarantees of Credit Organisations

From July 1, 2008, introduces a new procedure of assessment of the economic standing of banks.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2018-U of June 4, 2008 on the Amendment to Item 2.1 of 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 to Credit Organisations Secured with Assets

Instead of assessment of the financial standing of credit organisations, introduces a procedure of assessment of the economic standing of banks.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2017-U of June 4, 2008 on the Amendment to Item 3.5 of the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 236-P of August 4, 2003 on the Procedure for the Bank of Russia to Grant Credits to Credit Organisations Secured with Pledged (Blocking of) Securities

Adjusts the procedure for the Bank of Russia to grant credits to credit organisations secured with the pledge (blocking) of securities.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2016-U of June 4, 2008 on the Amendments to Items 3.1 and 3.3 of the Regulation of the Bank of Russia No. 290-P of July 4, 2006 on the Procedure for the Bank of Russia to Grant Permissions to Credit Organisations to Have Affiliated Organisations on the Territory of a Foreign State

Revises the list of documents to be submitted to get the permission to have affiliated organisations in a foreign state.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 480 of June 26, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Submission of Documents to the Customs Bodies in the Points of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation Necessary for the Purposes Other Than the Customs Control

From January 1, 2007, the customs bodies are empowered with authority to demand documents necessary for the transport, veterinary, phytosanitary and quarantine control.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 263n of June 6, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Methodology Directions on the Implementation by the Bodies of State Power of the Subjects of the Russian Federation of the Transferred Authority of the Russian Federation of Licensing of the Pharmacy Activities

The authority of the Russian Federation in the sphere of public health transferred for implementation to the bodies of state power of the subjects of the Russian Federation includes the licensing of the pharmacy activities (other than activities of organisations of the wholesale trade of medicines and apothecaries of the federal public health organisations).

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-06-01/164 of June 11, 2008

Examines the issue of the need to accrue the incomes tax from natural persons for the amounts of coverage of employee travel if he is sent on a business trip from the place of residence rather than the place of work.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-06-02/57 of June 11, 2008

If the employer covers (or reimburses) to the employee the rent for the dwelling space, amounts of this rent (reimbursement) are subject to the incomes tax from natural persons and the uniform social tax.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-05-01/204 of June 16, 2008

The taxpayer may enjoy a property tax exemption in the amount allocated to redeem the interest under targeted loans (credits) and actually spent for the construction or purchase of dwelling space on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation No. 72/158 of June 16, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form for the Application of the Higher Executive Body of State Power of the Subject of the Russian Federation for the Use of the Federally Owned Land Plot for the Purposes of Housing and Other Construction, Including Production of Construction Materials, Items and Structures

A prohibition was introduced for the federal bodies of executive power (until 2009) for coordination of transactions pertaining to the disposal of the federally owned land plots.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-24/pz-n of June 5, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Procedure for the Federal Service for Financial Markets to Issue a Permission for the Placing and/or Circulation of Emission Securities of Russian Issuers outside the Russian Federation Endorsed by the Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia No. 06-5/pz-n of January 12, 2006

The amendments reduce the normative of the amount of securities of the Russian issuer permitted for placing and circulation outside the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-23/pz-n of June 3, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Requirements to the Rules of Organisation and Implementation of Internal Control in a Non-State Pension Fund

A non-state pension fund must arrange internal control of compliance of its activities in non-state pension support, pension insurance and occupational pension insurance with the requirements of the normative legal acts of the Russian Federation regulating the mentioned types of activities.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-22/pz-n of June 3, 2008 on the Amendments to the Standards of Issue of Securities and Registration of Prospectuses of Securities Endorsed by the Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia No. 07-4/pz-n of January 25, 2007

Expands the list of documents necessary for the state registration of the report of the results of issue (additional issue) of securities.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2030-U of June 18, 2008 on the Amendments to Appendix 1 to the Instruction of the Bank of Russia No. 110-I of January 16, 2004 on the Obligatory Normatives of Banks

Liquid assets include investments into unencumbered equity securities of residents of the Russian Federation (accounts (parts thereof)): 50605, 50606, (50621-50620), 50705, 50706, (50721-50720) except for the voting stocks where investments as of the date of calculation of the bank's current liquidity normative are greater than 5% of the registered capital of the joint-stock company where the bank is a stock-holder.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2028-U of June 16, 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

When credit organisations generate reserves for possible losses in loans they compile a borrower file containing information on the borrower.

Order of the Federal Migration Service No. 142 of June 6, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Migration Service on the Provided State Service of Drawing up and Issue of Invitations to Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons to enter the Russian Federation

Regulates the procedure for the Federal Migration Service of Russia to draw up and issue invitations to enter the Russian Federation for foreign citizens and stateless persons.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 48 of April 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Method of Monitoring of Implementation of Production and Investment Programs of Organisations of the Communal Complex

Specifies the procedure and terms of monitoring of implementation of production and investment programs of organisations of the communal complex.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 481 of June 26, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules for the Customs Bodies to Carry out Individual Actions Pertaining to Transport Control in the Points of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation

Transport control includes the checking of the transport vehicles, as well as permissions and other documents envisaged in international treaties of the Russian Federation in the sphere of international road transport.

Decision of the Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 3245/08 of June 3, 2008

The Presidium of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation agreed with the courts having recognised as illegal the tax body default evident in the failure to return VAT amounts to the taxpayer.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 77-T of July 1, 2008 on the Rouble Equivalents of the Figures Envisaged in the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1755-U of December 11, 2006

Specifies the rouble equivalents of the registered capital for banks for the III quarter of 2008.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 80-T of July 4, 2008 on the Enhancing of Control over Individual Operations of Natural Persons and Legal Entities with Promissory Notes

To combat legalisation (laundering) of criminal incomes, credit organisations are recommended to send information to the authorised body on operations of transfer of monetary resources in favour of non-residents in the course of execution by the Russian credit organisations of obligations under promissory notes where the first holders were Russian legal entities.

Letter of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-VM-03/13364 of June 24, 2008 on the Purchase of Securities of the Open-Type Joint-Stock Company on the Basis of a Mandatory Offer

The person having purchased more than 30%, 50% or 75% of the total amount of ordinary or preferred stocks of an open-type company must send to the holders of the rest of the stocks a public offer to purchase such securities with them.

Order of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation No. 227 of May 6, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Instruction on the Organisation of Work of the Borderguard Bodies to Prolong the Visa and Revoke the Visa in the Points of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation

The state body authorised to prolong the visa and revoke the visa is the borderguard body of the Federal Security Service of Russia located in the point of transfer through the state border of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-17/pz-n of April 15, 2008 on the Registration of Rights for Investment Shares of Shared Investment Funds

Introduces a new procedure of keeping of the register of holders of investment shares of shared investment funds.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-19/pz-n of May 20, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Composition and Structure of Assets of Joint-Stock Investment Funds and Assets of Shared Investment Funds

The assets of joint-stock and shared investment funds include investment shares of shared investment funds, mortgage securities and Russian depositary notes.

Letter of the Central Bank of Russia No. 81-T of July 4, 2008 "Explanations on Individual Issues Received from the Territorial Institutions of the Bank of Russia"

Provides explanations on some issues of opening and keeping of budget accounts.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/346 of June 5, 2008

Provides explanations on the issue of documentary confirmation of expenses of the organisation for the service trips of employees whose permanent work is carried out while travelling or is of travelling nature (to register such expenses for taxation purposes).

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/560 of June 11, 2008

The audit and consulting activities are included in services for the purposes of taxation of profit of organisations.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-05-05-01/41 of June 24, 2008

Explains the procedure of collection of the property tax from organisations for the property obtained under payoff or loan contracts.

Official Report of the Central Bank of Russia of July 11, 2008

The Bank of Russia increased the rate of refinancing from 10.75% to 11% annual from July 14, 2008.

Federal Law No. 113-FZ of July 14, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 18 of the Federal Law on the Licensing of Individual Types of Activities

The licensing of audit activities is prolonged until January 1, 2009.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 482 of June 26, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Institution, Opening, Functioning (Operation) Reconstruction and Closing of the Points of Transfer through the State Border of the Russian Federation

Introduces a new procedure of institution, opening, functioning, reconstruction and closing of the points of transfer through the state border of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. 92 of June 17, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure to Permit Access to Carriers with Appropriate Licenses to the International Air Passenger and/or Cargo Transportation

The carriers must have an appropriate license and get the permission of the Federal Agency of the Air Transport.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 61n of June 18, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 60n of April 11, 2006

In view of the introduction of the simplified procedure of licensing of mutual insurance companies, adjusts the requirements to the application, information and documents submitted to get the license of the subject of insurance activities.

Federal Law No. 118-FZ of July 14, 2008 on the Amendments to the Water Code of the Russian Federation and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

The amendments improve the water use legislation.

Federal Law No. 117-FZ of July 14, 2008 on the Amendments to Article 23 of the Federal Law on the Fundamentals of Obligatory Social Insurance and Article 16 of the Federal Law on the Obligatory Pension Insurance in the Russian Federation

Adjusts the procedure of depositing of the monetary resources of the obligatory social and pension insurance.

Federal Law No. 116-FZ of July 14, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Budget of the Federal Fund of Obligatory Medical Insurance for the Year 2007

The Federal Law removes a technical error in the distribution of resources of the budget of the Federal Fund of Obligatory Medical Insurance allocated for territorial programs of obligatory medical insurance in 2007.

Federal Law No. 115-FZ of July 14, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on the Settlement of the Debt of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation under State Credits and the Addendum to the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on the Settlement of the Debt of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation under State Credits of December 9, 2002 on the Early Redemption of the Debt of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation by the Transfer in the Property of the Russian Federation of the Optical Electronic Node Nurek Owned by the Republic of Tajikistan and on the Investing of the Rest of the Debt in the Construction of the Sangtudinskaya Hydro Power Station 1 on the Territory of the Republic of Tajikistan

Ratifies the Agreement on the settlement of the debt of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation under state credits singed in Moscow on December 9, 2002 and the Addendum to this Agreement signed in Dushanbe on October 16, 2004.

Federal Law No. 114-FZ of July 14, 2008 on the Ratification of the Protocol on the Amendments to the Agreement between the Member-States of the Shanghai Organisation of Cooperation on the Regional Antiterrorist Structure Signed on June 7, 2002 in the City of St.Petersburg (Russian Federation)

Russia ratified the Protocol on the amendments to the Agreement between the member-states of the Shanghai Organisation of Cooperation on the regional antiterrorist structure of June 7, 2002 signed in Bishkek on August 16, 2007.

Decision of the Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation No. 30 of June 30, 2008 on Some Issues of Application by Arbitration Courts of the Antimonopoly Legislation

The Plenum of the Higher Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation prepared explanations on the most disputable issues in the practice of application by the courts of the provisions of the antimonopoly legislation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 514 of July 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rate of the Import Customs Duty for Digital Cameras

Introduces on a permanent basis the zero rate of the import customs duty for digital cameras.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2039-U of July 11, 2008 on the Amendments to the Direction of the Bank of Russia No. 1601-U of August 5, 2005 on the Terms for the Bank of Russia to Grant Credits to Credit Organisations Secured with Pledged Promissory Notes, Claims Rights under Credit Contracts of Organisations or Guarantees of Credit Organisations

Increases the interest rates for the credits of the Bank of Russia secured with the pledge of promissory notes, claims rights under credit contracts of organisations or guarantees of credit organisations.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2038-U of July 11, 2008 on the Amount of the Interest Rates for the Lombard Credits of the Bank of Russia

From July 14, 2008, increases the interest rate for the lombard credits of the Bank of Russia.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2037-U of July 11, 2008 on the Amount of the Rate of Refinancing of the Bank of Russia

From July 14, 2008, increases the rate of refinancing of the Central Bank of Russia to make 11.0% instead of the previous 10.75% introduced in June 2008.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2036-U of July 11, 2008 on the Amount of the Interest Rate for the Overnight Credit of the Bank of Russia

From July 14, 2008, the interest rate for the overnight credit of the Bank of Russia is increased from 10.75% to 11% annual.

Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 273 of June 26, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Norms of Natural Loss

Endorses new norms of natural loss for production and circulation (except for the retail trade) of ethyl alcohol, alcoholic and alcohol-containing products.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 520 of July 14, 2008 on the Fundamentals of Price Forming and Procedure of Regulation of Tariff Rates, Mark-Ups and Limiting Indices in the Sphere of Activities of Organisations of the Communal Complex

Defines the principles and methods of regulation, as well as the procedure of fixing of tariff rates for the goods and services of organisations of the communal complex.

Letter of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 16568-SK/08 of July 9, 2008

Reports indices of change of the estimated cost of construction and installation works, design and survey works, other works and expenses, technological equipment recommended for application in the III quarter of 2008.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 139 of July 8, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 192 of September 21, 2007

The procedure of search of the debtor organisation and the debtor property by the Federal Bailiff Service is being brought in compliance with the new Federal Law on executive proceedings.

Federal Law No. 120-FZ of July 18, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Continental Shelf of the Russian Federation and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

The adopted Federal Law permits to increase the volumes of production of hydrocarbon raw materials through development of resources of the continental shelf of the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Federal Tax Service No. ShT-6-3/505@ of July 17, 2008 on the Information Necessary for the Calculation of the Tax on Extraction of Mineral Resources for Oil for June 2008

Provides information used for the calculation of the tax on extraction of mineral resources for oil for June 2008.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-25/pz-n of June 17, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Requirements to the Procedure and Time Limits of Disclosing of Information Pertaining to Activities of Joint-Stock Investment Funds and Management Companies of Shared Investment Funds, As Well As to the Content of the Disclosed Information Endorsed by the Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia No. 05-23/pz-n of June 22, 2005

The management company of the shared investment fund shall publish the rules registered by the federal body of executive power in charge of securities in the printed source and the Internet before the forming of the shared investment fund.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1108 of July 18, 2008 on the Improvement of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

The goal of the new concept of development of civil legislation of the Russian Federation is compliance with a new level of market relations, bringing it closer to the laws of the European Union, uniformity in the CIS member-states.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1106 of July 18, 2008 on the Amendments to the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1157 of November 18, 1995 on Some Measures to Protect the Rights of Depositors and Stock-Holders

The right for compensation payments rests with the citizens having become victims of organisations or natural persons included in the special register of violators of legislation at the financial and stock market.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1105 of July 18, 2008 on the Research Centre of Private Law of the President of the Russian Federation

Defines the main directions of activities of the Research Centre of Private Law of the President of the Russian Federation.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 545 of July 18, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Compensation of Losses Suffered by the Owners of the Infrastructure of the Public-Use Railway Transport and/or Carriers As a Result of Individual Deliveries by the Railway Transport in Cases of Hazards to Social and Economic Stability, Defence Potential, State Security and Other Cases Envisaged in the Legislation of the Russian Federation

Specifies the procedure of compensation of losses suffered in individual deliveries by the railway transport in cases of hazards to social and economic stability, defence potential, state security.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 544 of July 18, 2008 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 490 of August 13, 2006

Refines the procedure of licensing of individual types of activities on the sea and internal water transport.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 541 of July 18, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rate of the Import Customs Duty for Video Games Using TV Sets

Introduces a reduced rate of the customs duty on a permanent basis for video games using TV sets.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 547 of July 21, 2008 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

From August 1, 2008, increases once again 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.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 542 of July 18, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Commission of the Government of the Russian Federation for the Issues of the Agroindustrial Complex

Adjusts the sphere of reference and the procedure of organisation of activities of the Commission of the Government of the Russian Federation for the Issues of the Agroindustrial Complex.

Federal Law No. 155-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

Creates more favourable conditions for small businesses to apply special tax regimes.

Federal Law No. 142-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to Chapter 22 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation

Changes the rates of excise duty taxes for the years 2009-2011.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 529 of July 15, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Commodities

Introduces on the permanent basis the zero rate of the import customs duty for accumulator cells, as well as antenna parts and reflectors.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-102/pz of July 1, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Procedure of Processing of Appeals of Citizens and Organisations Received in the Federal Service for Financial Markets

Regulates the procedure of processing by the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia of appeals of citizens and organisations.

Order of the Federal Fishing Agency No. 18 of July 7, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Request of the Fishing Vessels to Enter (Leave) the Sea Ports of the Russian Federation

A notification procedure and selective state control is applied for vessels and products.

Federal Law No. 162-FZ of July 24, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Organisation and Carrying out of the XXII Olympic Games and the XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the City of Sochi, Development of the City of Sochi As a Mountain Climate Resort and on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation and Article 14 of the Federal Law on the Ecological Expert Evaluation

Regulates the city planning and land relations emerging in view of the Olympic Games of 2014 to be carried out in the city of Sochi.

Federal Law No. 161-FZ of July 24, 2008 on the Assistance of Development of the Housing Construction

The Federal Law adopted to form the market of affordable dwelling space envisages creation of the Federal Fund of Assistance of Development of Housing Construction.

Federal Law No. 160-FZ of July 23, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in the Sphere of Reference of the Government of the Russian Federation

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

Federal Law No. 159-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Particulars of Alienation of Immovable Property Owned by the Subjects of the Russian Federation or Municipal Property and Leased by the Subjects of Small and Medium Size Businesses and on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Small and medium-size businesses enjoy the priority right of purchase of the immovable property leased by them out of the one available in the property of the subjects of the Russian Federation or municipal property.

Federal Law No. 158-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to Chapters 21, 23, 24, 25 and 26 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Some Other Acts of the Legislation of the Russian Federation on Taxes and Fees

The adopted Federal Law is aimed at creation of favourable tax conditions for an innovative development of the economy and improvement of social well-being of citizens.

Federal Law No. 150-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Law on the Currency Regulation and Currency Control

Extends the list of permitted currency operations carried out between residents.

Federal Law No. 148-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the City Planning Code of the Russian Federation and Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation

Regulates the issues of forming and activities of self-regulating organisations in the sphere of engineering surveys, architectural design and construction for the purposes of regulation of relations in the absence of licensing of the appropriate types of activities.

Federal Law No. 143-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Forestry Code of the Russian Federation and the Federal Law on the Entry into Force of the Forestry Code of the Russian Federation

The amendments pertain to the protection of rights of citizens for the use of forests, improvement of the procedure of arranging of auctions to sell the rights to conclude lease contracts for the parts of forests and the purchase-and-sale contracts for plantations, improvement of the procedure of use of forests for certain types of activities, as well as the rational use of the forest reserves.

Federal Law No. 141-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to Individual Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Pertaining to Improvement of Land Relations

Introduces a new chapter in the Forestry Code of the Russian Federation dedicated to issues of forming, isolation, amalgamation and redistribution of land plots.

Federal Law No. 138-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to Articles 38 and 39 of the Code of Arbitration Procedures of the Russian Federation

Specifies the procedure of appealing to the arbitration courts in the cases involving arbitration courts.

Federal Law No. 136-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to Articles 5 and 28 of the Federal Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

Specifies a special procedure of export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for the purposes of humanitarian aid, as well as in emergency situations.

Federal Law No. 135-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Amendment to Article 256 of Part 2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and on Invalidation of Individual Provisions of Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on Taxes and Fees

The list of property exempted from amortisation includes productive animals other than the draught animals.

Federal Law No. 131-FZ of July 22, 2008 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Cooperation in Creation of the Company on the Basis of the Orenburg Gas Processing Factory

The ratified Agreement was signed in the city of Uralsk on October 3, 2006.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 556 of July 22, 2008 on the Limiting Amounts of Receipts from Sale of Commodities (Works, Services) for Each Category of Subjects of Small and Medium-Size Businesses

Specifies the limiting amounts of receipts from sale of commodities (works, services) for the previous year without VAT permitting to include organisations and independent entrepreneurs in one of the categories of subjects of small and medium-size businesses.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 554 of July 22, 2008 on the Minimum Amount of the Labour Remuneration Mark-Ups for the Night Work

The Labour Code of the Russian Federation envisages a higher labour remuneration for the night work.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 9-P of July 16, 2008 on the Case of Constitutionality of Provisions of Article 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedures of the Russian Federation Pursuant to the Appeal of Citizen V.V.Kostylev

Recognises as not complying with the Constitution of the Russian Federation the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedures of the Russian Federation stating that the real evidence that cannot be stored in the file of the criminal case, including consignments of goods, are handed over for sale on the basis of the order of the investigator or judge.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 10-P of July 18, 2008 on the Case of Constitutionality of the Provisions of Paragraph 14 of Article 3 and Item 3 of Article 10 of the Federal Law on the Protection of Rights of Legal Entities and Independent Entrepreneurs in the Course of State Control (Enforcement) Measures Pursuant to the Appeal of Citizen V.V.Mikhaylov

The interconnected provisions of Paragraph 14 of Article 3 and Item 3 of Article 10 of the Federal Law on the protection of rights of legal entities and independent entrepreneurs in the course of state control (enforcement) measures are recognised as not complying with the Constitution of the Russian Federation where they pertain to the opportunities of collection from independent entrepreneurs at the demand of the state control (enforcement) body of expenses for the tests and expert evaluations having revealed the violations of obligatory requirements.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 563 of July 26, 2008 on the Interim Rates of Import Customs Duties for Individual Types of Civil Airplanes

Prolongs for 9 months a reduced rate of the import customs duty in the amount of 20% of the customs cost for civil airplanes with the number of seats from 19 to 200.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 550 of July 21, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Reimbursement of the Execution Fee to the Debtor

Introduces a procedure of reimbursement of the execution fee to the debtor.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 549 of July 21, 2008 on the Procedure for Gas Supplies for the Housing and Communal Needs of Citizens

Endorses the rules of supply of gas for the housing and communal needs of citizens.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 562 of July 26, 2008 on the Amendments to Some Decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Issues of State Registration of Motor Vehicles and Trailers to Them

Transport vehicles with a maximum electric motor power rating more than 4 kW require certificates.

Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement of in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development No. 5000-Pr/08 of June 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement of in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development No. 3310-Pr/07 of October 22, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Documents Used by the Federal Service of Enforcement of in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development in the Course of Licensing of Activities of Technical Maintenance of Medical Equipment (Other Than When These Activities Are Carried out for the Own Needs of the Legal Entity or Independent Entrepreneur)

Specifies the necessary forms of documents.

Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement of in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development No. 5001-Pr/08 of June 30, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Service of Enforcement of in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development No. 3311-Pr/07 of October 22, 2007 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Documents Used by the Federal Service of Enforcement of in the Sphere of Public Health and Social Development in the Course of Licensing of Activities of Production of Medical Equipment

Extends the list of documents used in the course of licensing of this type of activities.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 572 of July 28, 2008 on the Amendments to the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 738 of December 3, 2004

The rights of the stock-holder of the open-type joint-stock companies owned by the Russian Federation shall be implemented on behalf of the Russian Federation by the Federal Agency for State Property Management.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 569 of July 28, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Rules of Coordination of the Location of Economic and Other Objects, As Well As Introduction of New Technological Processes, Affecting the Condition of Aquatic Biological Resources and Their Environment

In the course of deployment, construction and putting in operation of economic and other objects, as well as introduction of new technological processes, one must take into account their impact on the condition of aquatic bioresources and their environment.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2043-U of July 15, 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 on the State Registration of Credit Organisations and Issue Licenses for Bank Operations

The new procedure abandons dividing the banks into financially stable and problem ones and introduces 5 qualification groups.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2044-U of July 15, 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 and Incorporation

Amends the Regulation of the Bank of Russia specifying the particulars of reorganisation of credit organisations in the form of a merger and incorporation.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2045-U of July 15, 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 on the State Registration of Credit Organisations, Issue Licenses for Bank Operations and Keep the Databases of Credit Organisations and Their Divisions

The amendments are stipulated by the introduction of the new procedure of assessment of the economic standing of banks.

Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1144 of July 30, 2008 on the Prize of the President of the Russian Federation in the Sphere of Science and Innovations for Young Scientists

Endorses three prizes of the President of the Russian Federation in the sphere of science and innovations for young scientists in the amount of Rbl 2.5 million each.

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

In view of the reorganisation of the structure of the federal bodies of executive power, endorses a new list of full and abbreviated names of the federal bodies of executive power.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 579 of July 31, 2008 on the Forms of Writs of Execution

From February 1, 2008, the Government of the Russian Federation endorses the forms of writs of execution, as well as their making, registration, storage and destruction procedure.

Letter of the Federal Service of Labour and Employment No. 1316-6-1 of June 7, 2008 on the Irregular Working Hours

Explains some issues of irregular working hours regime.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 91 of July 11, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Documents Used by the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation in the Course of Licensing in Compliance with the Federal Law on the Licensing of Individual Types of Activities

Before introduction of changes in the appropriate normative legal acts, the Ministry of Regional Development is empowered with authority of licensing in the sphere of design, construction and engineering surveys.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-6/314@ of July 16, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Federal Tax Service of Russia No. SAE-3-09/826@ of December 1, 2006 on the Endorsement of the Forms of Documents Used for the Registration and Removal from Records of Russian Organisations and Natural Persons

Adjusts the forms of the application for the registration (removal from records) of Russian organisations in the tax body at the place of location of its separate division on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-28/pz-n of July 3, 2008 on the Amendments to the Regulation on the Activities of Specialised Depositaries of Mortgage Coverage and the Rules of Keeping of the Register of Mortgage Coverage Endorsed by the Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets of Russia No. 05-60/pz-n of November 1, 2005

The amendments regulate the procedure of organisation of activities of specialised depositaries of mortgage coverage and the keeping of the register of mortgage coverage in cases when the claims under obligations comprising the mortgage coverage are not received by the issuer as of the date of the endorsement of the decision on the issue (additional issue) of the mortgage coverage bonds.

Order of the Federal Service for Financial Markets No. 08-27/pz-n of July 3, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Regulation on the Procedure of Transfer of Property for Inclusion in the Shared Investment Fund

Documentary securities are handed over with an act of acceptance.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 581 of August 4, 2008 on the Authorised Federal Body of Executive Power in Charge of Control of Activities of the Market Council

The authorised federal body of executive power in charge of control of activities of the Market Council is the Ministry of Power Supplies.

Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 557 of July 22, 2008 on the Amendments to the Federal Rules (Standards) of Audit Activities Endorsed by the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 696 of September 23, 2002

The federal rules (standards) of audit activities are extended to include some new rules (standards) pertaining to the use by the auditor of results of expert work, revision of financial (accounting) reports and control of quality of services of audit organisations.

Direction of the Central Bank of Russia No. 2048-U of August 1, 2008 on the Normatives of Obligatory Reserves (Reserve Requirements) of the Bank of Russia

Introduces new normatives of obligatory reserves for credit organisations from September 1, 2008.

National Plan of Combating Corruption (Endorsed by the President of the Russian Federation on July 31, 2008, Pr-1568)

The national plan of combating corruption has been worked out to remove the fundamentals of corruption and contains the following measures: changes in the legislation, improvement of state management and upgrading the legal of education and qualification of lawyers.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 117 of July 31, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Methods of Calculation of the Figures and Application of the Criteria of Efficiency of Regional Investment Projects

The method permits to assess the efficiency of the regional investment projects expecting budget allocations of the Investment Fund of the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-07-06/63 of July 14, 2008

When gasolines are mixed to obtain an excisable commodity (new mark or new quality), the organisation must pay the excise duty tax for the sale of this commodity.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-06-02/79 of July 16, 2008

Examines the issue of taxation of the monthly life annuity to the former employee envisaged in the labour contract.

Letter of the Federal Service of Enforcement in the Sphere of Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Well-Being No. 01/7907-8-27 of July 24, 2008 on the Additional Measures to Protect the Rights of Consumers Pertaining to Granted Credits (in Addition to the Letter No. 01/2973-8-32 of April 1, 2008)

Conveys explanations to the territorial bodies of the Federal Service of Enforcement of in the Sphere of Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Well-Being to be used as a guidance when protecting the rights of consumers getting credits.

Order of the Federal Tax Service No. MM-3-6/313@ of July 16, 2008 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

Adjusts the list of information indicated in the forms "Information on the Fact of Registration of the Transport Vehicle and Its Owner", "Information on the Trusteeship", "Information on the Issuance of the Certificate for the Right of Inheritance", "Information on the Notary Certification of the Contract of Donation", "Information on the Facts of Initial Issuance or Replacement of the Identification Document of the Citizen of the Russian Federation on the Territory of the Russian Federation".

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-07/1-311 of July 24, 2008

According to the new Tax Code of the Russian Federation, suspension of operations on the account does not apply to the payments with a higher priority as compared to the payment of taxes and fees, as well as operations of writing off of monetary resources in payment of taxes (advance payments), fees, appropriate penalties and fines to transfer them to the budget system of the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation

Business trip expenses, including the travel, shall be included for profit taxation purposes in other expenses pertaining to production and sale.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/2/94 of July 24, 2008

Provides explanations on the issue of registration for profit taxation purposes of desperate debts in granted credits.

Order of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 355n of July 25, 2008 on the Endorsement of the List of Professions (Specialities, Positions) of Foreign Citizens (Skilled Specialists) Getting Employment with Their Profession (Speciality) Where Quotas Do Not Apply for 2008

In 2008, Russia needs 1,828,245 foreign workers.

Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation No. 92 of July 11, 2008 on the Composition and Volume of Engineering Surveys Necessary for the Determination of the Borders of the Planned Deployment of Objects of Capital Construction of Federal Significance

Defines the composition and volume of engineering surveys necessary for these purposes.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 853 of July 14, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Procedure of Identification of Commodities Imported to the Territory of the Special Economic Zone

Adjusts the procedure of identification of commodities imported to the industrial production, innovation and port special economic zones.

Order of the Federal Customs Service No. 906 of July 23, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Administrative Regulation of the Federal Customs Service on the Provided State Service of Taking Preliminary Decisions on the Country of Origin of the Commodity

Customs bodies may take a preliminary decision on the country of origin of commodities at the request of the declaring party or another party concerned.

Order of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 9819/69n of July 14, 2008 on the Amendments to the List of Foreign States Whose Representations Enjoy on the Reciprocity Basis the Zero Percent Rate of the Value Added Tax in the Cases of Sale of Commodities (Carrying out Works, Rendering Services) for Official Use by Foreign Diplomatic Representations and Representations of a Similar Status or for Personal Use by the Diplomatic or Administrative Personnel of These Representations, Including Their Family Members Living Together with Them, Endorsed by the Order of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 6499/41n of May 8, 2007

The zero percent rate is applied on the reciprocity basis.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/417 of July 21, 2008

Provides explanations on the issue of registration for profit taxation purposes of expenses in the form of interest in loans.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-03-06/1/418 of July 22, 2008

If the commission for the bank's services in a credit contract is expressed as a percent of the actual daily residues on the loan accounts, expenses of the organisation in the form of the mentioned commission are regarded as interest for profit taxation purposes.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-05-04-01/27 of July 22, 2008

From January 1, 2008, the estimate of the average annual cost of property for the tax period includes the residual cost of property registered on the balance of the organisation as of the 1st of the month beginning with January 1 and the residual cost of property as of the end of the reported year.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-07-08/183 of July 22, 2008

VAT amounts put forward to the taxpayer in the case of purchase of commodities (works, services) enjoy exemptions when these commodities are used for operations regarded as an object of taxation.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-02-07/1-307 of July 23, 2008

Suspension of operations on the taxpayer account does not apply to the payments with a higher priority as compared to the payment of taxes and fees, as well as operations of writing off of monetary resources in the payment of taxes (advance payments), fees, appropriate penalties and fines and their transfer to the budget system of the Russian Federation.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-06-01/225 of July 23, 2008

From January 1, 2008, amounts of insurance contributions under the contracts of voluntary personal insurance (including the contracts of voluntary medical insurance) paid out from the resources of employers for their employees, members of their families and other persons not engaged in labour relations with the employer are exempted from the incomes tax from natural persons.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-07-06-01/243 of July 31, 2008

Provides explanations on the issue of taxation with the incomes tax from natural persons of the cost of accommodations to sanatoria and recreational complexes.

Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 72n of July 31, 2008 on the Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 32n of March 7, 2008

The Fund of Assistance of Reformation of the Housing and Communal Sector is permitted to place in 2008 its temporarily free resources in deposits and deposit certificates of Russian credit organisations.

Order of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 161 of August 1, 2008 on the Endorsement of the Form of the Certificate of the State Registration of a Non-Commercial Organisation

The Ministry of Justice of Russia shall implement the functions of the Federal Registration Service to register non-commercial organisations.

Letter of the Department of the Tax and Customs Tariff Policy of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation No. 03-04-06-01/224 of July 23, 2008

Amounts of insurance contributions under the contracts of voluntary personal insurance (including the contracts of voluntary medical insurance) paid out from the employer resources for its employees and members of their families are exempted from the incomes tax from natural persons.