Tax Messenger
Summaries of key tax and legal developments in legislation and case law and the latest issues affecting human resource management, prepared by B1's experts in Russia
Draft amendments to strengthen control over foreign investment in "strategic" assets published
The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service has drafted amendments to current laws aimed at strengthening control over foreign investments in business entities and assets of strategic importance for national defense and state security in accordance with Law No. 57-FZ of April 29, 2008 "On the Procedure for Making Foreign Investments in Business Entities of Strategic Importance for Ensuring National Defense and State Security".
23.04.2025
Sanctions pressure and prosecution risks: important considerations for Russian companies and their employees
There has recently been an increase in regulatory pressure exerted by the EU in terms of monitoring compliance with European sanctions, including by Russian companies controlled by European entities. This may create additional prosecution risks both for the Russian subsidiaries themselves and, especially, for their employees, including senior executives, who are often forced to take foreign sanctions restrictions into account in their activities.
11.04.2025
Taxis under SPIC rules: new localization requirements
Bill No. 481272-8 (amendments to Federal Law No. 580-FZ “Concerning the Organization of the Transport of Passengers and Baggage by Taxi…”), which proposes to toughen the requirements for vehicles used in taxi services, is about to undergo a second reading. The bill was initially submitted to the State Duma in January 2024 but was later sent back for revision. The official text of the amendments has not been published, but the key provisions were disclosed in press. Below is a summary of the possible key changes and their potential impact on the industry.
28.03.2025
Non-use cancellation of a trademark: risks for foreign rights holders start to materialize
In 2025, the three-year grace period for the non-use of a trademark expires for many foreign right holders which exited the Russian market in 2022. This poses a risk of a non-use cancellation action against such trademarks from companies that continues to operate in Russia. Such precedents are already in place. One of such “fresh” precedents is discussed below.
25.03.2025
New rules regarding the localization of personal data of Russian citizens
Federal Law No. 23-FZ “Concerning Amendments to the Federal Law “Concerning Personal Data” and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”, which was published on 28 February 2025, amends the wording of the requirement regarding the localization of the personal data of Russian citizens.
06.03.2025