WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
6 April 2022  
(22-2790) Page: 1/464 
Trade Policy Review Body  
27 and 29 October 2021  Original: English/anglais/inglés  
Spanish/espagnol/ españo l 
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Addendum  
Chairperson: H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme  (Botswana)  
This document contains the advance written questions and additional questions by WTO 
Members, and replies provided by  the Russian Federation .1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
27 et 29 octobre 2021  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES  
FÉDÉRATION DE RUSSIE 
COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION  
Addendum  
Présidente : S.E.  Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme  (Botswana)  
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses  fournies par  la Fédération de 
Russie .1 
 
 
Órgano d e Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
27 y 29 de octubre de 2021  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES  
FEDERACIÓN DE RUSIA 
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN  
Addendum  
Presidenta: Excma . Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme  (Botswana)  
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito 
y las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC, así como las respuestas facilitadas por  la 
Federación de  Rusia .1 
  
 
1 In English and Spanish only./En anglais et espagnol seulement./En inglés y español solamente.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Contents  
ARGENTINA ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  3 
AUSTRALIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  10 
BRAZIL  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  17 
COLOMBIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  39 
UNITED KINGDOM ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 51 
VIET NAM  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  75 
HONG KONG, CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 77 
EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 81 
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM  ................................ ................................ .............................  145  
KAZAKHSTAN  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  148  
INDONESIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  149  
CHINESE TAIPEI  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 153  
MEXICO  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  158  
NORWAY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  165  
ICELAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  166  
UKRAINE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  169  
MONGOLIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  189  
ISRAEL  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  191  
INDIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  195  
CANADA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  251  
KYRGYZ REPUBLIC  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 271  
COSTA RICA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  276  
KOREA, REP. OF  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 280  
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  ................................ ................................ ............................  295  
MALAYSIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  298  
PARAGUAY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  310  
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA  ................................ ................................ ...................  313  
UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 318  
SWITZERLAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  391  
JAPAN  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  402  
THAILAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  407  
TURKEY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  415  
ECUADOR  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  428  
URUGUAY  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  437  
FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS  ................................ ................................ ..........................  439  
ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ....... 445  
ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS FROM HONG KONG, CHINA  ................................ ...........  448  
ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS FROM SWITZERLAND  ................................ ....................  451  
ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM  ................................ ....... 453  
ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS BY CHILE  ................................ ................................ ...... 457  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  ARGENTINA  
 
Informe de la Secretaria de la 
OMC 
Párrafo 3.3.7.7 Indicaciones 
geográficas  
Subpárrafo 3.207 .  
PREGUNTA:  ¿Cuáles son los 
procedimientos y criterios que se 
establecen para el registro de IGs 
extranjeras? ¿Qué costo tiene el 
registro? ¿Existe intervención del 
país que reconoce la IG o queda 
sólo a cargo de l os productores el 
registro? ¿Cómo se protegen las 
IGs que son homónimas con 
aquellas que sean iguales o 
similares a otras registradas? ¿Se 
protege una IG extranjera que sea 
similar o igual a una marca 
registrada?  
 The applicant must provide evidence (docum ents or 
statements) a) that he has the exclusive rights to the 
name in the country of origin, regardless of the 
protection mechanism and b) that the GI in question 
meets the requirements to GI stated by the Russian 
law. The application will further be exam ined for 
compliance with the national law by competent bodies 
which may provide objections that will be considered by 
Rospatent in the course of examination.  
 
For the up -to-date associated fees, please refer to 
https://rospatent.gov.ru/ru/activities/dues/table#note2  
(original language is Russian).  
 
As a general rule, GI protection will be granted to the 
producer of goods. Specific cases involving 
governmental bodies as applicants/ representatives may 
be addressed to Rospatent for further consultation.  
 
The law does not specifically allow or prohibit 
homonymy. The general rule is that no use of 
indications may mislead the consumer of the actual 
quality and origin of the goods. Specif ic concerns may 
by addressed during the examination procedures. In 
this kind of situation, the decision will be taken in case 
by case basis. Notably, nothing may prevent interested 
parties from challenging an existing registration.  
 
A GI receives protectio n after its successful 
examination. No trademark -related restrictions are 
provided by the law. The general rule does not allow 
misleading indications of origin in trademarks, so most 
of these marks will not be registered. An existing 
trademark registration  may also be challenged on these 
grounds by an interested party.  
Punto 4 – Politicas comerciales 
por sectores  
PREGUNTA: ¿Podría brindar 
mayor información sobre la 
implementación de la Ley Federal 
N° 468 - FZ sobre Viticultura y 
enología?  
 The Federal Law on wine making was adopted on 27 
December 2019 and entered into force on 26 June 
2020. The Law is aimed at settlement of specific issues 
in the field of manufacturing of wine raw materials and 
products in the Russian Federation. Besides, th e 
objectives of the Law are to form the powers of 
government and self -managing organizations, as well as 
the legal status of economic operators in the field of 
viticulture and winemaking in order to eliminate 
counterfeiting and unnecessary administrative o bstacles 
for production and circulation of wines.  
Moreover, the Federal Law aims to create and develop 
the "the wine of Russia" brand by improvement of 
quality and awareness of wine products manufactured in 
Russia as well as improvement of wineries in Russ ia. 
3.3.3 Prescripciones sanitarias 
y fitosanitarias  
PREGUNTA:  En el marco de la 
pandemia de Covid -19, el Servicio 
Federal de Vigilancia Veterinaria y 
Fitosanitaria (Rosselkhoznadzor) 
no ha podido realizar inspecciones 
in situ de habilitación o 
rehabilitación de establecimientos The Rosselkhoznadzor along with the competent 
authorities of some third countries successfully applies 
the mechanism of video inspections in order to examine 
veterinary condition of Russian enterprises intending to 
export animal products to third countries. At the 
moment, the possibility to apply such a mechanism for 
inspection of third countries enterprises is being tested  
for third countries enterprises producing feed and feed 
additives.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  exportadores. Teniendo en cuenta 
que e l Rosselkhoznadzor ha 
realizado de manera exitosa video 
auditorías en establecimientos 
exportadores de varios países, se 
agradecerá conocer ¿Qué 
planificación está realizando la 
Federación de Rusia para extender 
a otros países la implementación 
de este mec anismo de auditoría 
virtual a fin de agilizar la 
resolución de habilitaciones 
pendientes, contribuyendo a la 
facilitación del comercio?  
PREGUNTA:  En relación al 
Decreto 520 del 16 de abril de 
2020 del Gobierno de la 
Federación de Rusia, que ha 
permitido que un listado de 
empresas extranjeras puedan 
exportar habas de soja y harina de 
soja OGM a la Federación de Rusia 
(y cuya vigencia se extiende hasta 
01.01.2022), ¿Podría Rusia 
informar si se realizará una nueva 
extensión del plazo permitido para 
las exportaciones referidas? 
Asimismo, ¿Podría informar el 
listado de eventos transgénicos 
que están permitidos ingresar a la 
Federación de Rusia en el marco 
de este Decreto 520?  For the moment there is no information on a possibility 
to extend the application of the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation of April 16 , 2020 
No. 520. As is provided for by the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation of April 16, 2020 
No. 520, the following products and GMOs are not 
subject to state registration until January 1, 2022 
inclusively:  
- products intended for th e production of animal feed 
(soybeans and soybean meal), the safety of which was 
confirmed by the Rosselkhoznadzor as it is stipulated in 
the Procedures of State Registration of Feed Derived 
from GMOs, approved by the Government of the 
Russian Federation o f January 18, 2002 No 26 On state 
registration of feeds produced of genetically modified 
organisms;  
 - GMOs, which were used for the manufacturing of the 
products specified in the second paragraph of this 
Resolution, as well as the contents of the GMOs in a 
product.  
PREGUNTA:  El WT/TPR/S/416 
señala, entre otros puntos, que 
desde el último examen de política 
comercial, la Federación de Rusia 
no ha modificado el marco legal 
respecto de los requisitos 
sanitarios y fitosanitarios para el 
ingreso de bienes al m ercado 
ruso. Similares aseveraciones se 
encuentran en el punto 2.12 del 
documento WT/TPR/G/416.  
 
Sin embargo, hemos recibido 
reportes de exportadores que han 
enfrentado últimamente un 
incremento de rechazos y 
observaciones sin que dispongan 
de la posibilid ad de recibir 
inspecciones. ¿Podría Rusia 
confirmar si se han realizado 
modificaciones al marco legal de 
los requisitos sanitarios y 
fitosanitarios para el ingreso de 
bienes al mercado ruso?  In the course of the review period Russia has not 
provided any si gnificant changes to the SPS regulation 
concerning the application of sanitary requirements. All 
changes to the EAEU and national veterinary and 
phytosanitary requirements were duly notified to the 
WTO.  
4.1 Política Aduanera y 
arancelaria  
PREGUNTA: En re lación a la 
obligatoriedad del uso de  códigos According to the Resolution of the Government No. 936 
an application for registration of declaration on 
conformity should contain the name and location of the 
product's manufacturer, its address(es), inter alia, wi th WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  de barras (GLN o Número Global 
de Localización y GTIN o Global 
Trade Item Number), el Decreto 
del Gobierno de la Federación de 
Rusia No. 936 del 19 de junio de 
2021 "Sobre el reglamento de 
registro, detención, renovación y 
cancelación de validez de las 
declaraciones de conformidad, y 
su reconocimiento como inválidas" 
(y el Reglamento de dicho 
Decreto) es la norma que 
determina el procedimiento de 
registro de las Declaraciones de 
Conformidad (DC) así como su 
contenido. Este Reglamento 
especifica la informaci ón que 
deberán contener las DC. Sin 
embargo, ni el Decreto N° 936 ni 
su Reglamento regulan los temas 
de rotulación de productos que 
pretenden ingresar a la Federación 
de Rusia y a la UEE.  
En este sentido, ¿podría la 
Federación de Rusia informar si 
ambos c ódigos serán obligatorios 
en las etiquetas de los productos 
que ingresen a la Federación de 
Rusia y/o al resto de miembros de 
la UEE? En tal caso, se agradecerá 
conocer si está prevista la 
notificación de estas normas sobre 
uso y obligatoriedad de estos 
códigos GLN y GTIN al Comité TBT 
de la OMC.  a global location number GLN (Global Location Number). 
In case there is no GLN a declarant should indicate the 
information on lack of data regarding GLN and indicate 
the information regarding any other indicator that 
allows to determine address and othe r relative 
information. In case of lack of information on GLN and 
other indicator the declarant should indicate the GLIN (if 
available, at the choice of the applicant).  
Bearing in mind the provisions of the Resolution, the 
one can conclude that GLS and GT IN relate to 
manufacturer of the product but not to product, its 
characteristics, production methods and other relative 
processes. Besides, these codes are optional and 
enclosed to application for declaration of conformity.  
In this regard, we are convinced  that the measure at 
issue is not subject to TBT notification requirements.  
11.8 Negociaciones en la OMC  
PREGUNTA:  Teniendo en cuenta 
que con fecha 17 de agosto de 
2021 la Comisión Económica 
Euroasiática (CEE) informó su 
Decisión No.102 sobre la 
determinación de cuotas 
arancelaras para algunos tipos de 
mercadería agropecuaria 
importada al territorio de la Unión 
Económ ica Euroasiática (UEE) así 
como los volúmenes de cuotas 
arancelarias para estas 
mercaderías importadas al 
territorio de la UEE para el año 
2022. Al respecto, ¿Podría 
informar sobre el estado de 
situación del proyecto de Decisión 
del Consejo de la Comisión 
Económica Euroasiática, 
presentado por la Federación de 
Rusia, respecto de la eliminación 
de los contingentes arancelarios 
de carne bovina fresca y 
refrigerada (0201) y carne bovina 
congelada (0202) a partir del 
01.01.2022?  This proposal is still under dis cussion among the EAEU 
Member States.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTICAS 
COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS  
2.4 Régimen de inversión  
 
En el párrafo 2.33 se indica que 
los impuestos a las empresas 
comprenden un impuesto sobre 
los beneficios del 20% y otros 
impuestos, como la co ntribución 
territorial, el impuesto sobre la 
propiedad o derechos de timbre. 
También existe una serie de 
incentivos fiscales, que se 
complementan con una variedad 
de programas de ayuda para 
sectores específicos. Entre los 
incentivos fiscales se cuentan las  
bonificaciones fiscales para las 
inversiones en investigación y 
desarrollo, incentivos fiscales 
regionales y otros incentivos para 
inversores en zonas geográficas 
delimitadas, como zonas 
económicas especiales y de otros 
tipos, o puertos francos, con el fi n 
de atraer la inversión nacional y 
extranjera, a menudo en sectores 
de alta tecnología. En todos ellos 
se prevé una serie de incentivos 
fiscales y, en algunos casos, se 
establecen normas más flexibles 
en materia de inmigración.  
 
Pregunta : 
¿Podrían detallar los sectores 
específicos a los cuales están 
destinados los incentivos fiscales?   
Federal activity -specific incentives embrace the 
following industries: R&D, science and technology, 
education and medical services, oil and natural gas 
industries. On top of that, a batch of tax incentives was 
applied to the sectors the most affected by the COVID -
pandemic: tourism and hotel business, transport, 
culture and entertainment, catering, physical education 
and sports, consumer services.  
 
3 POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTICAS 
COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS  
3.1 Medidas que afectan 
directamente a las 
importaciones  
3.1.1 Procedimientos y 
requisitos aduaneros y 
valoración en aduana  
 
En el párrafo 3.2 se explica qué a 
partir del 1 de enero de 2018, el 
Código de Aduanas de la UEEA 
sustituyó al Código de Aduanas 
unificado y a otros instrumentos 
jurídicos de la Unión Aduanera, 
que en su mayoría estaban en 
vigor desde 2010. Aportó diversas 
innovaciones encaminadas a 
simplificar los procedimientos 
aduaneros, en partic ular a través 
de medios electrónicos, y a aplicar 
las disposiciones fundamentales 
del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del 
Comercio de la OMC.  
Pregunta :  The EAEU’s Customs Code gives the priority to the 
electronic technologies and electronic declarations, 
improves the AEO mechanism. Moreover, documents 
confirming the information stated in goods declaration 
are not required if they can be obtaine d by the customs 
authority from state information systems. The 
possibility of performing customs operations (for 
example, registration, release of goods) without the 
participation of customs official.  
Automatization of customs operations leads to a 
reducti on in the time required to complete them, 
eliminating the influence of the "human factor" in 
decision -making, improving the quality of control of 
declared data, and also allows customs authorities to 
focus on the control of risky shipments without reducing  
the quality of customs administration.  
The Federal Customs Service is constantly improving 
these technologies and expanding the scope of their 
application to new procedures and features of the 
declaration of goods. Automatic registration and 
issuance of e lectronic transit declarations have been 
introduced. The aim of this direction is to accelerate and 
create the most favorable conditions for the movement 
of goods across the customs border through the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  ¿Podrían detallar cuáles fueron 
exactamente las innovaciones 
tendientes a simplificar los 
procedimientos adu aneros?  
 
 automation of operations using information technology, 
as well as optimization of control bodies.  
Also during 2017 -2020 following Customs 
Administration Reforms have been taken:  
- Introduction of mandatory electronic declaration of 
goods;  
- Automatic registration of declarations and automatic 
release of goods;  
- Introduction of remote goods release technology;  
- Introduction of technology for declaring goods placed 
in under the customs transit procedure in electronic 
form;  
- Automation of customs transit procedure;  
- Introduction of "single window" elements in the 
implementation of procedures at sea checkpoints;  
- Optimization of export and import procedures in the 
seaport of Big Port St. Petersburg;  
- Simplification of the procedure for paying customs 
payments. Registration of customs duties, taxes and 
other payments paid in a single personal account of a 
participant in foreign economic activity at the level of 
the Federal Customs Service of Russia;  
- Implementation of "remote payment" technology for 
customs payments;  
- Automatic generation of customs re ceipt by customs 
information system;  
- Making security for customs payments electronically;  
- Improvement of the work of customs authorities with 
the payment of customs duties through provision of a 
financial guarantee (money on deposit and bank 
guarantee)  in electronic form;  
- Automation of control over the execution of FSTEC and 
Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia licenses;  
- Release of the declarant or customs representative 
from administrative liability in case of self -disclosure of 
violations comm itted in the course of customs 
declaration of goods;  
- Ensuring the functioning of the system of interagency 
electronic interaction. Transition of federal executive 
bodies to the technology of paperless legally significant 
electronic document flow;  
- Elimination of duplication of electronic documents with 
documents paper and reduce the number of documents 
required for the movement of goods across the Russian 
section of the customs border of the Customs Union;  
- Maintaining an electronic archive of documents  of the 
declarant;  
- Development of information services of the "My 
Account" mechanism;  
- Optimization of the procedure for amending the goods 
declaration with respect to conditionally released goods;  
- Optimization of the procedure for controlling the 
customs value of goods. Simplification of the procedure 
for controlling the customs value of identical goods 
imported in more than one batch under one contract;  
- Exemption of declarants from payment of customs 
duties for customs operations  for re -export of processed 
products;  
- Maintenance of the register of customs 
representatives;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  - Transition to control over the movement of licensed 
goods using the information system without the need to 
place licenses for control in the customs authoriti es; 
- Development of the risk management system;  
- Implementation of a subject -oriented model of the risk 
management system;  
- Reduction of the number of control procedures 
(including inspections) with respect to low risk traders 
in the application of a ri sk management system based 
on the WCO Customs Risk Management Compendium;  
- Unification of issuance and use of enhanced qualified 
electronic signature verification key certificates;  
- Conduct of activities to raise awareness of participants 
in FEA of the r eforms implemented by the FCS of 
Russia;  
The main results of the implementation of reforms in 
the field of customs administration were:  
- Optimization of the procedure for customs operations;  
- Reduction of the time for customs operations and 
state control  at checkpoints, increasing their capacity 
while maintaining an appropriate level of control;  
- Creation of more favorable and stable conditions for 
the activities of customs representatives;  
- Fair competition for entities engaged in activities in 
the fie ld of customs.  
3.1.3 Aranceles  
 
En el punto 3.22 dice que el 
promedio aritmético de los 
aranceles NMF aplicados se redujo 
ligeramente del 8,3% en 2016 al 
7,9% en 2021; en el caso de las 
líneas sujetas a derechos, la 
disminución fue del 9,9% al 9,4%. 
La aplicación gradual de los 
compromis os de adhesión de la 
Federación de Rusia explica en 
parte la reducción del promedio de 
los tipos aplicados. Alrededor del 
16% de las líneas arancelarias 
están libres de derechos (el mismo 
porcentaje que en 2016) y el 
1,4% de todas las líneas están 
sujetas a tipos superiores al 25%, 
frente al 1,9% en 2016 (gráfico 
3.1). La dispersión arancelaria 
global sigue siendo significativa, 
con tipos (incluidos los 
equivalentes ad valorem (EAV)) 
que oscilan entre el 0% y el 
284,6% (cuadro A3.1). El 
promedio de los tipo s aplicados a 
los productos agropecuarios 
(definición de la OMC) es del 
13,4% (frente al 14,6% en 2016), 
mientras que el promedio 
correspondiente a los productos 
no agropecuarios se sitúa en el 
6,3% (frente al 6,5% en 2016).  
 
Pregunta :  Currently, there are no plans to further reduction of 
tariffs in respect of agricultural products.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  ¿Podría Rusia indi car si planea 
seguir reduciendo los aranceles 
que se aplican a productos 
agrícolas?  
3.1.7 Otras medidas que 
afectan a las importaciones  
 
En el punto 3.48 explica que la 
política de sustitución de 
importaciones ha ido acompañada 
de medidas encaminadas a alentar 
a las empresas extranjeras a 
ubicar su producción en el 
territorio de la Federación de 
Rusia. Un elemento fundamental 
de esta política de locali zación es 
la definición de normas sobre las 
condiciones en las que un 
producto se reconoce como 
fabricado en la Federación de 
Rusia.  
 
Pregunta:  
¿Podrían informar con mayor 
precisión cuáles fueron las 
medidas adoptadas para alentar a 
las empresas extranjeras a ubicar 
su producción en el territorio de la 
Federación de Rusia? ¿qué 
resultados han dado estas 
medidas?  The policy refered to in the question in fact does not 
contain legal restrictions on imported goods and 
services, but is aimed at develop ment of open and 
competitive economy. There is no special program to 
encourage foreign firms to locate production in the 
territory of the Russian Federation in case of so called 
“import substitution policy”.  In each individual case it is 
for the companies to take a decision in respect of 
localization of their production in Russia or other 
directions of their commercial policies.  
In order to illustrate specific mechanisms to encourage 
investors, foreign and domestic, to invest in production 
within the terri tory of the Russian Federation please 
refer to the Special Ecomomic Zones, an 
instrumentwhich is also widely used by other WTO 
Members. For more detailed information please refer to 
para 3.2.6 of the Secretariat Report.  
While implementing its policies the Russian Government 
acts in conformity with its obligations under WTO 
agreement and intends to do so in future.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  AUSTRALIA  
  
SUMMARY  
Page 8, Para 7  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
2.3.1 WTO  
Page 33, Para 2.20  
The report by the Secretariat states that 
the Russian Federation has not made 
any notifications as a WTO Member 
under Article XVII:4(a) of GATT 1994 
regarding state trading enterprises.  
Question:  
When will the Russian Federation make 
its first no tification as a WTO Member 
under Article XVII:4(a) of GATT 1994 
regarding state trading enterprises?  In respect of making notifications under the GATT 
Article XVII the Russian Federation believes that it 
fully complies with its obligations under said Artic le 
and intends to continue to comply.  
 
SUMMARY  
Page 8, Para 11  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.4 Investment Regime  
2.4.1 Regulatory framework  
Page 37, Para 2.37  
The report by the Secretariat states that 
the Government in 2017 introduced a 
general foreign investment screening 
mechanism and in 2020 expanded the 
foreign direct investment screening 
procedures. We note the report does not 
describe this mechanism (even in a 
general way) and that the report of the 
Government (WT/TPR/G/416) does not 
refer to these developments in the 
Russian Federation's inwards investment 
regime.  
Question:  
What are the main features of the 
Russian Federation's foreign investment 
screening mechanism with respect to (a) 
the policy objectives of screening, (b) 
the kinds of in vestments required to be 
screened, (c) the sectoral coverage of 
investments required to be screened and 
(d) the procedure for the screening of 
investments?  1. With a view to ensuring Russian national defense 
and state security the Federal Law No. 57-FZ of 29 
April 2008 "On the Procedure for Facilitating 
Foreign Investment in Legal Entities Having 
Strategic Importance for National Defense and 
State Security" establishes restrictions for foreign 
investors and groups of persons that include a 
foreign investor  (further on referred to as a group 
of persons), which have interest in the equity of the 
business entities of strategic importance for 
national defense and state security, and (or) 
consummate transactions to gain majority interest 
in the equity of the abo ve economic entities.  
In accordance with the Article 7 Federal Law No. 
57-FZ of 29 April 2008 "On the Procedure for 
Facilitating Foreign Investment in Legal Entities 
Having Strategic Importance for National Defense 
and State Security" whenever a foreign in vestor 
intends to acquire control over a Russian company 
engaged in a strategic activity, the acquisition, 
depending on the level of such control, requires 
preliminary approval from the Russian government 
and/or post -transaction notification of the Federal  
Anti-monopoly Service (FAS) of the Russian 
Federation. Importantly, the notion of control for 
these purposes implies not only a certain minimum 
shareholding, but also rights to appoint governing 
bodies and otherwise determine the target 
company's activity . 
2. Article 6 of mentioned law provides list of more 
than 40 activities that constitute strategic activities 
in Russia. From 30 July 2017 any acquisitions by 
foreign investors of shares in any Russian company 
(not only companies engaged in the above strat egic 
activities) may require the prior approval of the 
Government Commission if the Chair (the prime 
minister of Russia) decides that such transaction 
may threaten national defense and state security.  
3. The procedure for investment screening is based 
on the so -called prior approval regulation of the 
matter. A foreign investor intending to implement a WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 11 - 
 
  transaction that requires prior approval must 
submit an application to FAS attaching all relevant 
documents on the subject matter of the transaction 
itself an d other specific documents depending on 
the type of strategic enterprise at stake. Once the 
complete application is received, FAS analyzes the 
documents and forwards the documents to the 
Ministry of Defense, the Federal Security Service 
and other agencies if needed for review. Once the 
necessary opinions of state agencies have been 
collated, FAS forwards the application with the 
opinions received to the Governmental Commission 
for final decision. The Governmental Commission 
can (1) approve the transaction, (2) approve the 
transaction with conditions and additional 
obligations or (3) reject the transaction.  
SUMMARY  
Page 8, Para 11  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.4 Investment Regime  
2.4.1 Regulatory framework  
Page 37, Para 2.37  
Question:  
What are the Government's future 
intentions for the Russian Federation's 
foreign investment screening 
mechanism?  In 1 January 2022, the amendments to the Federal 
Law on the screening procedure are to enter into 
force, according to which in case a balance sheet is 
already contained in state information resource of 
balance sheet reporting, a foreign investor is 
exempted from the duty to submit a balance sheet 
of the legal entity of strategic importance. There is 
currently no information about any other plann ed 
amendments to the procedure of investment 
screening.  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.2 Trade Policy Formulation and 
Objectives  
Page 29, Paragraph 2.11, Footnote 
15 
The footnote states that Eurasian 
Economic Union's (EAEU) technical 
regulations are directly applicable in the 
Russian Federation.  
Question:  
Australia understands the 
implementation of EAEU's 'Technical 
Regulation 047/2018 on safety of alcohol 
products' h as been delayed to allow 
harmonization of the Technical 
Regulation with the Russian Federation's 
'Federal Law Nº 468 of 27.12.2019 on 
wine making and wine growing'.  
Could the Russian Federation please 
confirm this harmoni zation work will 
address the incon sistencies between the 
EAEU Technical Regulation and the 
Federal Law? If not, could the Russian 
Federation please confirm whether the 
Federal Law or the EAEU Technical 
Regulation would take precedence in 
setting the conditions for the import of 
wine into R ussia?  Currently, the work on aligning the provisions of 
the Federal Law and the Technical Regulation of the 
EAEU is being conducted by the competent 
authorities. The relevant amendments to the 
regulation of alcoholic beverages are being 
developed in mann er to ensure their consistency 
with the WTO rules and the Treaty on the EAEU.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 12 - 
 
  2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.2 Trade Policy Formulation and 
Objectives  
Page 29, Paragraph 2.11, Footnote 
15 
The footnote states that Eurasian 
Economic Union's (EAEU) techni cal 
regulations are directly applicable in the 
Russian Federation.  
Question:  
Australia understands the 
implementation of EAEU's 'Technical 
Regulation 047/2018 on safety of alcohol 
products' has been delayed to allow 
harmonization of the Technical 
Regulation with the Russian Federation's 
'Federal Law Nº 468 of 27.12.2019 on 
wine mak ing and wine growing'.  
Could the Russian Federation please 
provide an update on the harmoni zation 
work, including when the EAEU Technical 
Regulation is expected to be 
implemented?  The work on aligning the provisions of the Federal 
Law and the Technical R egulation of the EAEU is 
currently in progress. When the internal discussions 
in respect of relevant amendments are finalized 
among the EAEU Member States, they will be 
notified to the WTO.  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrange ments  
2.3.1 WTO  
Page 32, Paragraph 2.19  
The report notes that the Russian 
Federation continues to strongly support 
the multilateral trading system as 
embodied in the WTO and sees the WTO 
as critical to ensuring a stable and 
predictable international tradi ng 
environment.  
Question  
Considering the 'Federal Law Nº 468 of 
27.12.2019 on wine making and wine 
growing' entered into force on 26 June 
2020, can the Russian Federation please 
confirm when it will adhere to its 
transparency obligations and notify the 
WTO of the implementation of this 
Federal Law?  The Russian Federation confirms that it adheres to 
its transparency obligations and intends to do so in 
future, including with respect to the Federal Law N 
468.  
 
The Federal Law is aimed at settlement of speci fic 
issues in the field of manufacturing of wine raw 
materials and products in the Russian Federation. 
Besides, the objectives of the Law are to form the 
powers of government and self -managing 
organizations, as well as the legal status of 
economic operator s in the field of viticulture and 
winemaking in order to eliminate counterfeiting and 
unnecessary administrative obstacles.  
Moreover, the Federal Law aims to create and 
develop the "the wine of Russia" brand by 
improvement of quality and awareness of wine 
products manufactured in Russia as well as 
improvement of wineries in Russia.  
 
3. Trade Policies and Practices by 
Measure  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Page 50 -51, paragraph 3.38, Table 
3.8 Product coverage of Government 
Resolution no 778 of 7 August 2014 
(as amended), and Pages 98 -99, 
paragraph 4.17.  
Australia notes the Russian Federation 
ban on the import of select agricultural 
products from a  
number of countries was recently 
extended to 31 December 2021 and To all three questions.  
The ban on specific products in question was 
introduced in accordance with the Federal  Law of 30 
December 2006 No 281 -FZ "On Special Economic 
Measures and Measures of Cohesion" and Federal 
Law of 28 December 2010 No. 390 -FZ "On 
Security". The measures will remain in place until 
the underlying circumstances that required 
adoption of these me asures remain in place. 
Currently the relevant measures were extended 
until 31 December 2022.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 13 - 
 
  amended to further include milk and 
dairy products (9 March 2021), edible 
vegetables and certain root tubers 
(17 October 2019), and live pigs, edible 
offal, and animal fats (4 November 
2017) . 
Question  
Can the Russian Federation guarantee 
that the import ban on food and 
agriculture products will not be extended 
beyond December 2021?  
3. Trade Policies and Practices by 
Measure  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Page 50 -51, paragraph 3 .38, Table 
3.8 Product coverage of Government 
Resolution no 778 of 7 August 2014 
(as amended), and Pages 98 -99, 
paragraph 4.17.  
Australia notes the Russian Federation 
ban on the import of select agricultural 
products from a  
number of countries was recently  
extended to 31 December 2021 and 
amended to further include milk and 
dairy products (9 March 2021), edible 
vegetables and certain root tubers 
(17 October 2019), and live pigs, edible 
offal, and animal fats (4 November 
2017).  
Question  
Can the Russian Fede ration guarantee 
there will be no further amendments 
made to the banned list of food and 
agricultural products or to the list of 
countries to which the ban applies?  
3. Trade Policies and Practices by 
Measure  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Page 50 -51, paragraph 3.38, Table 
3.8 Product coverage of Government 
Resolution no 778 of 7 August 2014 
(as amended), and Pages 98 -99, 
paragraph 4.17.  
Australia notes the Russian Federation 
ban on the import of select agricultural 
products from a  
number of countries was recently 
extended to 31 December 2021 and 
amended to further include milk and 
dairy products (9 March 2021), edible 
vegetables and certain root tubers 
(17 October 2019), and live  pigs, edible 
offal, and animal fats (4 November 
2017).  
Question  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Can the Russian Federation indicate 
whether any special procedures are 
being developed which will need to be 
met to export these products to the 
Russian Federation in the future?  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES 
BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures affecting production 
and trade  
3.3.2 Standards and other technical 
requirements  
Page 66, Paragraph 3.105  
The report states that standards and 
technical regulations are generally based 
on international standards except when 
certain factors render them ineffective or 
inappropriate for fulfilment of legitimate 
objectives.  
Question  
Can the Russian Federation ou tline and 
explain what factors justify the 
departure from the International 
Organi zation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and 
other international practices in their wine 
law?  
We note in particular that:  
• Article 18 states the start date of 
the wine ageing process is 1 
January of the year following 
harvest. This disregards the 
different growing season and 
harvest times for Australia and 
other New World wine growing 
climates.  
• Article 24 prohibits the addition 
of water in grape to facilitate 
fermentation. This  poses a 
significant barrier to trade for 
New World growers. Australian 
food regulations permit the 
addition of water to aid 
fermentation, as do signatories 
to the World Wine Trade Group.  
• Article 26 states that information 
on the variety, origin and 
harves t year must be included 
on wine labels. Variety, 
appellation of origin and harvest 
year is optional in Australia, and 
international standards from the 
OIV state that variety and 
harvest year are optional (Article 
3.1 List of optional information 
refers).  This requirement is necessary to provide the 
consumer with the sufficient and important 
information on the product in order to make an 
informed choice when buying the wine.  
We also note that the value of imports of wine 
products from Australia in 2020 incr eased by 5 % in 
comparison with value in 2019 despite the 
pandemic and catastrophic situation in supplying 
chain s. WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 15 - 
 
  3 Trade Policies and Practices by 
Measure  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production 
and Trade  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
3.3.6.1 Overview  
Page 77, Paragraph 3.155  
The Russian Federation is not a party to 
the WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement (GPA). On joining the WTO 
in August 2012, the Russian Federation 
agreed to initiate negotiations on 
accession to the GPA within four years. 
The Russian  Federation became an 
observer in the Committee on 
Government Procurement on 29 May 
2013 and initiated its GPA accession 
process in August 2016. The initial 
market access offer was circulated in 
June 2017. The Replies to the Checklist 
of Issues, together w ith the Federal Law 
No. 44 -FZ of 5 April 2013 on the 
Contract System in State and Municipal 
Procurement of Goods, Works and 
Services, were circulated in January 
2018.  
Question  
The report references the Russian 
Federation's accession process to the 
WTO Agr eement on Government 
Procurement (GPA). Is the Russian 
Federation able to provide an update on 
plans for full compliance with WTO GPA, 
and the timelines in relation to any 
outstanding discrepancies, as well as a 
timeline for submitting a revised market 
access offer that addresses GPA Parties' 
requested improvements?  The relevant revision to the initial offer of Russia 
may be provided only after internal analysis and 
discussions with the stakeholders, which is 
conducted at this moment. There are no specific  
timeframes for this process due to its complexity 
and involvement of many parties domestically.  
3 Trade Policies and Practices by 
Measure  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production 
and Trade  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
3.3.6.4 Procurement methods and 
procedures  
Page 81, Paragraph 3.169  
For the purposes of transparency and 
openness, the Law requires that full and 
reliable information on each 
procurement be published in a unified 
information system on the official 
website of the Russian Federation 
(www.zakupki.gov.ru ) and be accessible 
to all interested suppliers free of charge. 
As reported by the authori ties, as at 1 
January 2019, all procurement 
procedures are conducted using e -
platforms. Procuring entities can procure 
through electronic catalogues of 
products if the procurement value does 
not exceed RUB 3 million. According to 
2019 data, 62,558 items we re included Foreign suppliers are able to participate in 
procurement procedures organize d through e -
procurement platforms if they obtain enhanced e -
signature in the Russian Federation or in their 
country of residence under the condition that such 
e-signature complies with requirements and 
characteristics of enhanced e -signature in 
accordance with the Russian legislation.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 16 - 
 
  in the catalogue. In addition, a unified 
accreditation for the electronic platforms 
was introduced, and the use of a single 
qualified electronic signature was 
established. To obtain an e -signature 
and to participate in procurement 
procedures or ganized through e -
procurement platforms, foreign suppliers 
usually set up legal entities in the 
Russian Federation (or in other EAEU 
member States).  
Question  
The report mentions that foreign 
suppliers usually set up legal entities in 
the Russian Federation (or in other EASU 
member States) to obtain e -signatures 
and to participate in procurement 
procedures organized through e -
procurement platforms. Could the 
Russian Federation clarify whether this is 
a requirement, or if foreign suppliers are 
able to participate in procurement 
procedures organized through e -
procurement platforms if they do not set 
up a legal entity in the Russian 
Federation (or in other EASU member 
States)?  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 17 - 
 
  BRAZIL  
  
Page 15 (Para 1.11)  
The decline in the Russian Federation's 
potential economic growth has raised 
concerns about its medium -term prospects 
and the risks of stalled convergence in GDP 
per capita with advanced economy levels. 
As a result, new national goals were 
announced in 2018 (see below), suggesting 
that the Russian Federation will strive to 
further integrate into global production, 
value, and logistics chains. In this regard, 
special emphasis is pu t on developing 
modern technologies and highly skilled 
labour. According to the World Bank, 
further integration into global value chains 
(GVCs) would be an important step 
towards achieving these new goals. Indeed, 
GVC participation, especially in 
manufactu ring, magnifies the effects of 
traditional trade and contributes to 
increased productivity, better jobs, and 
lower poverty. An IMF study of structural 
issues facing the Russian Federation 
regarding productivity and economic 
diversity discusses the need for  certain 
measures relating to the investment 
climate, transport infrastructure, customs 
clearance, preferential trade agreements, 
and allocation of resources to R&D.  
Question:  
What are the main global/regional value 
chains (GVCs/RVCs) in which the Russian 
economy takes part?  The Russian economy is integrated into GVCs 
and RVCs in a variety of sectors as a key 
supplier of raw materials and energy resources. 
The substantial part of value -added generated 
by Russian enterprises is used in production of 
goods an d services exported by the EU, China, 
Japan, Ukraine.  
Key consumers of Russian value added are 
represented by companies in manufacturing 
industries (metals, chemical and pulp, 
petroleum production, computer equipment) 
and a number of services sectors (fin ancial, 
transport, maintenance and repair, 
telecommunications, healthcare etc.).  
Foreign value -added content used in Russia`s 
exports is concentrated in mining industries, 
manufacturing of food products, machinery and 
equipment. China, Germany and the US are 
the main sources of foreign value -added.  
Page 15 (Para 1.11)  
Question:  
What is the relative position of the Russian 
economy in these GVCs/RVCs in terms of 
the backward and forward linkages of its 
economic sectors/products?  Today Russia`s participation  in GVCs/RVCs is 
dominated by forward linkages in the majority 
of sectors. In average foreign value -added 
comprises around 10% of Russia`s total 
exports. The share of domestic value -added 
represented in other countries exports reaches 
around 50% of Russian  exports.  
Page 15 (Para 1.11)  
Question:  
How has the relative position of the 
Russian economy in GVCs/RVCs been 
evolving over time in terms of its backward 
and forward linkages?  In the 2000s, Russia boosted overall 
participation in GVCs and developed backward 
linkages with foreign partners through trade in 
goods and services liberalization, negotiations 
on accession to the WTO. Although forward 
participation continues to dominate backward 
linkages, nowadays the latter format expanded 
significantly in the beginning of the last decade 
and remains stable during last years. As Russia 
is set to develop the regional manufacturing 
and services cooperation with the EAEU 
member states, othe r economies in Eurasia 
and BRICS partners, the country may come to 
the more balanced participation in GVCs/RVCs 
in medium term.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Page 15 (Para 1.11)  
Question:  
How do the Russian authorities assess the 
medium -term prospects and risks of stalled 
convergence  in GDP per capita with 
advanced economy levels?  The current economic crisis associated with the 
COVID -19 pandemic adversely affects 
economic growth prospects as well as the 
process of convergence in GDP per capita in 
Russia with advanced economies. Still,  today 
Russia implements substantial government 
programs aimed at the recovery and the 
support of the most vulnerable economic 
sectors and groups of citizens. The set of 
national projects (digital economy 
development, healthcare system, education, 
producti vity, international cooperation, export, 
and other areas) that had been adopted before 
the pandemic outbreak was reviewed and some 
objectives and timeframes were adjusted to 
the new challenges. Existing goals include the 
increase of GDP per capita by half during the 
decade. One of the key risks in the near future 
is related to the growth of inflation rates and 
as a result limited capacity of fiscal stimulus 
measures to intensify economic recovery.  
Page 15 (Para 1.11)  
Question:  
What are, if any, the prelim inary data 
regarding the measures that have been 
taken to deal with the above -mentioned 
risks?  The Ministry of Economic Development of the 
Russian Federation forecasts the economic 
growth of 4,2% in 2021. To curb the increasing 
inflation rates the Bank of Russia raised the 
interest rate several times during 2021 after 
five years of its gradual decline. Different 
government agencies in the sphere of 
international trade regulation to keep supply 
and demand balanced on the internal market 
has undertaken a numb er of measures. It is 
premature to assess the results of national 
projects as the initial stages of their 
implementation had coincided with the 
coronavirus crisis that put extraordinary 
pressure on Russian economy.  
Page 20 (Para 1.28)  
During the review period, the Russian 
Federation also actively pursued export 
promotion policies to encourage 
diversification. Since 2018, the National 
Project on International Cooperation and 
Export has been the main tool to promote 
exports (Section 2.2),  as part of the new 
national development goals (Section 1.2).  
Question:  
Which export promotion policies have 
precisely been pursued to encourage the 
diversification of the Russian economy?  In 2018, the Presidential Decree No. 204 of 7 
May 2018 on national  goals and strategic 
objectives for the development of the Russian 
Federation for the period up to 2024 was 
adopted. According to the Decree, when 
developing the national program in the field of 
international cooperation and export following 
priorities sho uld be addressed:  
- achievement of the international 
competitiveness of Russian goods, works and 
services,  
- reducing administrative procedures and 
barriers to trade, including the abolition of 
excessive requirements for export licensing and 
currency cont rol,  
- creating a comfortable logistics environment, 
including measures for the construction of new 
and modernization of existing checkpoints 
across the state border of Russia.  
In addition, the Decree provides for the 
creation of a unified system of expor t 
promotion institution, which at this moment 
includes the Russian Export Centre, Eximbak 
and Exiar, regional export consulting agencies 
as well as the network of Russian trade 
missions abroad, and completion of the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 19 - 
 
  formation within the framework of the Eu rasian 
Economic Union of common markets for goods, 
services, capital and labor.  
Besides these programs, Russia is actively 
involved in other export supporting projects. As 
a member of EAEU, Russia participates in 
implementation of a number of free trade 
agreements and in negotiations on others, 
including with Egypt, Iran, Israel, which will 
open additional possibilities for development of 
exports.  
Page 20 (Para 1.28)  
Question:  
Are these export promotion policies subject 
to quantitative targets and, if so,  is there 
any surveillance mechanism to scrutinize 
the fulfillment of these targets?  The key activities of the National Project on 
International Cooperation and Export includes 
the creation of a comfortable export ecosystem 
aimed at modernizing the logist ics environment 
and simplifying administrative procedures, 
organizing exporters' access to government 
services, as well as digital information services 
and the expansion of the network of regional 
consultants with the necessary competencies to 
provide advi sory support to exporters.  
The specific targets for Russian Export 
Centreare:  
• Expand the global offices' network to more 
than 65 countries  
• Expand the regional offices' network to more 
than 40 local offices  
• Develop and offer the portfolio of more than 
110 non -financial support measures with at 
least 25% of them being available online  
• Extend and expand the financial products' 
line-up consistently with the global best 
practices  
• Bring at least 5,000 customer companies into 
the exports via e -commer ce channels  
• Reach at least 7,000 customer companies 
provided with export support services, and 
more than 10,000 received the basic training 
on the export  
• Reach the total value of the exports covered 
by REC services of USD 34 bn, totaling 20% of 
the to tal non -commodities export volume of 
the Russian Federation.  
Page 33 (Para 2.24)  
As part of the EAEU, the Russian 
Federation is part of a free trade 
agreement (FTA) with the Socialist Republic 
of Viet Nam (entered into force on 5 
October 2016 and notified  to the WTO on 4 
May 2017 in WTO document 
WT/REG385/N/1, S/C/N/889), the Interim 
Agreement leading to the formation of a 
free trade area between the EAEU and the 
Islamic Republic of Iran (entered into force 
on 27 October 2019 and notified to the 
WTO 31 Jan uary 2020 in WTO document 
WT/REG401/N/1), an FTA with Singapore 
(signed on 1 October 2019, but not yet put 
into force), and an FTA with Serbia (signed 
on 25 October 2019, but not yet put into 
force). FTAs with Egypt, India, and Israel 
are currently under n egotiation. Joint Currently there are no provisions regarding 
"trade in local currencies" in the concluded 
FTAs or FTAs under negotiations.  
In 2019, Russia concluded its first agreements 
on trade in local currencies with China (entered 
into force on 6 May 2019) and Tu rkey (entered 
into force on 10 April 2019).  
Russia is planning to agree on trade in local 
currencies with its EAEU partners. The main 
guidelines for macroeconomic policy of the 
EAEU Member States for 2021 – 2022 
(approved by the Supreme Eurasian Economic 
Council of 21 May 2021) provide 
recommendations for the development of a 
common EAEU payment space in accordance 
with the Concept for the formation of a 
common EAEU financial market (approved by 
the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council of 1 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 20 - 
 
  feasibility studies with Mongolia and 
Indonesia were launched in 2020.  
Question:  
What are, if any, the foreign partners with 
which the Russian authorities are 
negotiating or envisioning future 
negotiations regarding trade in local 
curren cies? October 2019 No. 20) in order to stimulate 
trade in local currencies.  
Russia is also considering the possibility to 
trade in local currencies with its trading 
partners outside the EAEU as well. For 
example., as a part of its chairmanship in the 
SCO in 2020, Russia organized  a round table 
on the "Development of recommendations for a 
gradual transition to trade in local currencies" 
with the participation of representatives of the 
leading financial institutions of the SCO 
Member States.  
Page 37 (Para 2.36)  
A "regulatory guillotine" mechanism was 
introduced in 2019 under Presidential 
Instruction No. Pr -294 of 26 February 
2019, aiming to review and abolish all 
sectoral regulatory acts and replace them 
with regulations containing updated 
requirements and using risk-based 
principles. Significant work has been 
undertaken in each of the areas covered by 
43 working groups. According to the 
authorities, 12,300 regulations containing 
mandatory requirements (more than 30% 
of mandatory requirements under revision) 
were abolished and 447 regulations 
adopted instead, often by regrouping 
various requirements into more 
comprehensive regulations. The authorities 
also consolidated key regulatory principles 
in Federal Law No. 248 -FZ of 31 July 2020 
on State Control (Supervision ) and 
Municipal Control in Russian Federation and 
Federal Law No. 247 -FZ of 31 July 2020 on 
Mandatory Requirements in the Russian 
Federation. The Government has also 
launched a "regulatory sandbox" 
mechanism to facilitate digital innovation.  
Question:  
How does the "regulatory guillotine" 
mechanism work?  The "regulatory guillotine " mechanism is a tool 
for large revision and abolition of regulatory 
acts that are excessive or negatively affect the 
business climate.  
The "regulatory guillotine " mechanism is us ed 
with the broad participation of the business and 
expert communities. The basis for 
implementation of the "regulatory guillotine " 
mechanism is risk -oriented approach. This 
mechanism also envisages the possibility of 
creation so called experimental legal regimes, 
applied in respect of either limited territory or 
limited group of operators in order to test how 
the business environment develops under 
reduced regulation or completely unregulated.  
 
At the moment the mechanism was 
implemented in respect of 132  types of control 
(supervision) defined by Government Order No. 
3340-r of 15 December 2020.  
Page 74 (Para 3.138)  
The Russian Federation actively cooperates 
with international and regional 
organizations (such as the OECD, UNCTAD, 
and BRICS) and foreign co mpetition 
agencies in order to support the integration 
of the Russian Federation's economy into 
the world economic sphere, implement the 
international obligations of the Russian 
Federation, protect the Russian 
Federation's interests, and implement best 
practice clauses.  
Question:  
What are the expected economic benefits 
by the Russian authorities from its 
participation in the BRICS group?  In 2020 under Russian presidency the Strategy 
for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025 was 
adopted. It defines the goals and p rinciples for 
cooperation among BRICS countries. In 
particular, BRICS countries intend to jointly 
address new global challenges, including 
macroeconomic shocks and financial volatility, 
and draw up a positive, balanced and clear 
economic agenda, including for intra -BRICS 
cooperation, to stimulate strong economic 
growth, confront macroeconomic shocks and 
financial volatility, support the multilateral 
trading system based on the rules and 
principles of the World Trade Organization 
(WTO), and resist emerging g lobal uncertainty 
caused by a number of factors, including rise of 
unilateral and protectionist measures that run 
counter to the spirit and rules of the WTO.  
 
The BRICS format may allow the participating WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 21 - 
 
  countries inter alia to enhance trade and 
economic cooperation, including through 
reducing barriers in mutual trade in goods and 
services, to enhance supply chain connectivity 
through identifying bottlenecks in regional 
supply chains so as to ensure more e fficient 
and timely operation of supply chains, to 
enhance information and best practices 
sharing; to exercise pilot initiatives and 
projects of common interest at the regional 
level; to establish new business contacts and 
expanding business opportunities;  enhanced 
and facilitated coordination between the 
regulators/authorities in the BRICS Member 
countries on a wide range of issues.  
 
Inter-BRICS dialogue on the WTO -related 
matters helps to better understand each 
other's position and contributes to joint e fforts 
on the issues of common interest.  
 
The Strategy focuses on key goals of 
cooperation as well the concrete actions for 
their achievement in different areas, including 
finance, energy, agriculture, IT, education and 
others. It is expected that followin g the 
Strategy's goals will result in practical 
improvement of the economic indicators in the 
mentioned cooperation spheres in the next five 
years.  
Page 74 (Para 3.138)  
Question:  
Has the cooperation within BRICS been 
seen as instrumental to facilitate t he 
overcoming of some of the Russian 
economy alleged handicaps, such as low 
productivity and lack of diversification, as 
pointed out in the above -mentioned World 
Bank study?  BRICS cooperation, inter alia, aims at boosting 
innovation and investment, which c ontributes 
greatly to productivity increase and 
diversification.  
 
In addition, maintaining sustainable supply 
chains is traditionally on the BRICS agenda. 
Pandemic highlighted that the management 
could not adapt those systems to the rapid 
changes properly . Thus, introduction of the 
digital solutions to support supply chains and 
other initiatives being implemented within 
BRICS can be definitely taken as efficient tools 
to promote economic growth.  
 
Besides, the Russian side greatly evaluates the 
significanc e of the joint studies in defining 
mutually beneficial areas of cooperation based 
on the complementarity principles of the BRICS 
economies.  
At the same time, Russia notes that the study 
of the World Bank referred to does not seem to 
provide any justification for the statement 
quoted.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Page 125 (Para 4.114)  
Banking dominates the financial sector in 
the Russian Federation. Between 2016 and 
2019, the ratio of assets in the banking 
sector to GDP increased from 86.5% to 
97.4%. Net assets of non -state pension 
funds and mutual investment funds stood 
at 8.9% of GDP at the end of 2020, and net 
assets of insurance companies at 3.6% of 
GDP. Dominated by banks with state 
ownership of varying degrees, the banking 
sector's loan portfolio increased from RUB 
46 trillion at the end of 2016 to RUB 68 
billion at the end of 2020  and indicators of 
financial inclusion improved, while 
competition remains limited. While the 
insurance sector grew rapidly over the 
reporting period, it remains overall small.  
 
Question:  
What are, if any, the most significant 
actions taken by the Russian  authorities to 
reduce the State participation in the 
banking sector?  One of the main policy instruments aimed at 
reduction of the State participation in the 
banking sector is to limit the participation of 
the Bank of Russia in the charter capital of 
credit institutions when such institution 
undergoes the procedures necessary for the 
prevention of their bankruptcy. This 
mechanism is launched where a bank's 
financial standing is unsteady, in particular, 
when it jeopardizes the interests of its creditors 
or threatens the banking stability as a whole. 
This mechanism provides for a temporary 
transfer of a problem financial institution under 
the control of the Bank of Russia. After the 
financial resolution of problem organization, 
the Bank of Russia divests from their equity in 
accordance with the legally established 
procedures for selling equity stakes in such 
banks through bidding or exchange trading. 
This process is totally transparent to all market 
participants and allows participation of a wide 
range of perso ns, including private investors 
and individuals.  
 
In September 2021, an auction was held in the 
form of a closed auction of the first price on the 
sale of 100% shares of "Asia -Pacific Bank" 
(JSC) owned by the Bank of Russia. Pioneer 
Capital Invest LLP (Re public of Kazakhstan) 
offered the highest price and became the 
winner of the auction. In 2020, the Bank of 
Russia sold all the shares of Sberbank PJSC to 
the Government of the Russian Federation that 
aims to privatize Sberbank PJSC. Thus, 
measures to impro ve the financial stability of 
"Asia-Pacific Bank" (JSC) have been completed 
and according to the results of the auction, the 
Bank of Russia does not participate in its 
capital anymore. At present, the Bank of 
Russia is also carrying out pre -sale activities  in 
relation to PJSC Bank FC Otkrytie.  
Page 137 (Para 4.150)  
Four companies are mobile network 
operators: VimpelCom, MTS, MegaFon, and 
Tele2. In addition, more than 20 mobile 
virtual network operators (MVNO) are 
active in the market, with the facilities -
based mobile operators being the largest 
providers and accounting for more than 
90% of total mobile subscribers.  
 
Question:  
Are there any policies or measures in place 
with a view of promoting MVNOs' market 
share?  The Russian market for MVNO goes in line with 
the global trends on increased participation of 
such operators. We expect that introduction 
and expantion of use of existent and new 
technologies, such as 5G, virtual sim cards 
(eSIM), MNP facilitation, enhance d integration 
of MVNO into various ecosystems would result 
in further increase of MVNO share both on 
Russian market and globally.   
Page 126 (Para 4.116)  
According to Federal Law No. 86 -FZ of 10 
July 2002 on the Central Bank of the 
Russian Federation (as  amended), the Bank 
of Russia regulates and supervises the 
banking and non -banking financial sector, 
including all microcredit companies, The formation of the common financial market 
of the EAEU Member States is carried out in 
accordance with the Concept of Formation of 
the Common Financial Market of the Eurasian 
Economic Union, approved by the decision of 
the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council No. 20 
of 1 October 2019 (the Concept, the SEEC).  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 23 - 
 
  consumer credit cooperatives, and 
agricultural credit consumer cooperatives, 
and since 12 February 2021 has directly 
controlled the larger ones. In line with their 
treaty, EAEU member States aim to 
harmonize legislation affecting banking, 
insurance, and securities markets and to 
establish a single market for financial 
services by 2025.  
 
Question:  
What are the envisioned s tages and 
respective timeframes towards a single 
market for financial services in the EAEU?  Implementation of the Concept is carried out in 
two stages: the first stage ends in 2025.  
 
The first stage en visages the development of a 
standardized license for the establishment of a 
legal entity in the banking, insurance and 
cross-border supply of services within the 
securities sector, the partial harmonization of 
regulation in the banking, insurance and 
securities markets.  
 
After 2025, the EAEU Member States agreed to 
define common approaches to the 
implementation of activities to provide financial 
services without additional establishment as a 
legal entity, as well as to move towards greater 
harmonization o f Member States' legislation in 
the financial market sector.  
The planned development of a common EAEU 
financial market will allow financial market 
entities of EAEU Member States to freely 
access markets of each other in the banking 
sector, insurance secto r and securities market, 
which will increase the competitiveness of 
financial markets of EAEU Member States, 
improve the quality of financial services, 
ensure greater investor protection and 
investment attractiveness of the EAEU in 
general, and ensure furt her growth and 
efficiency of the financial sector of EAEU 
Member States.  
Page 126 (Para 4.116)  
 
Question:  
What is the Russian authorities' 
assessment of the current stage in the 
process of establishing a single market for 
financial services in the EAEU?  Now the EAEU Member States in cooperation 
with the EEC are at the stage of the 
development and approval of the international 
agreements laying the foundation for the 
supranational principles of regulation of such 
areas of common financial market as 
circulation of securities, broker -dealer services, 
licensing for the subsidiaries of the financial 
services suppliers, information exchange for 
credit histories.  
Page 128 (Para 4.123)  
Access to banking services has improved 
over the past years, with 76% of the 
population older than 15 years having an 
account in 2017, the number of accounts 
per capita increasing to 1.8 at the 
beginning of 2020, and the number of 
investment accounts also increasing nearly 
tenfold between 2017 and 2020. Online 
banking is becoming increasingly 
widespread, and 86.5% of accounts had 
remote access in 2020 while the number of 
physical branches per 100,000 adults 
continued to decline from 30.1 in 2016 to 
25.6 in 2019 While the Russian Federation 
had a generally dense network 
infrastructure for financial services, 
geographic and demographic 
characteristics affect the provision of 
financial services to certain population 
groups, according to the authorities. As To ensure the balanced structure of the 
financial market, within the development of the 
system of proportionate regulation of banks, in 
2017, banks in Russia were classified in 2 
groups: banks with a universal license (ULBs) 
and banks with a basic license (BLBs), 
depending on the amount of their equity 
(capital). The ULBs, also encompass 
systemically important credit institutions, are 
the largest banks which are the most 
significant for the banking sector. They are 
licensed to carry out  any banking operations 
and transactions, including cross -border ones, 
without any restrictions. Furthermore, they are 
to fully comply with the established regulatory 
requirements, taking into account the 
differentiation by bank category. BBLs are 
smaller banks, usually regional banks. The 
smaller charter capital of a BBL and a simpler 
business model make BLBs more attractive to 
new investors than ULBs. Under the legislation WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 24 - 
 
  part of the implementation of the Strategy 
for Increasing Financial Inclusion for the 
period 2018 -20 (and 2021), priorities are 
to provide equal access for residents in 
remote and sparsely populated areas, 
SMEs, people with disabilities, the elderly, 
and other  less mobile citizens. The Bank of 
Russia also prepared a Roadmap for the 
Development of Funding for Small and 
Medium -sized Enterprises (SMEs) in 2021 -
2022 that focuses primarily on developing 
new areas of financing. It includes 
broadening access to financ ing for SMEs 
through crowd -investing platforms, bond 
issuance, increasing the use of factoring, or 
faster payment systems.  
Question:  
What are, if any, the most significant 
actions taken by the Russian authorities to 
increase the degree of competition in the 
banking sector?  currently in force, due to the small charter 
capital, BBLs are not licensed to cond uct 
certain transactions and operations, while 
being subject to certain regulatory 
simplifications, such as for the calculation of 
ratios, financial reporting, and disclosure of 
information. Due to the profile of allowed 
transactions, which does not provid e for 
extensive international operations, these banks 
are assumed to focus on retail banking services 
in the domestic market and ensuring financial 
accessibility in the regions.  
 
In 2020 Russian authorities approved federal 
laws governing operation of spe cialized 
financial platforms (marketplaces) that allow 
consumers to enter into transactions with 
various financial institutions 24 hours a day to 
provide banking and other financial services, 
regardless the clients' location. In addition, the 
work to impro ve national infrastructure 
projects, such as the Faster Payment System 
(which allows natural persons to make 
transfers among banks without commission 
through mobile phone number) and the Unified 
Biometric System (which allowed access to 
distant banking ser vices by the natural persons 
irrespectively of the bank that initially acquired 
their biometric data), continued, which will 
boost competition by lowering barriers and 
enhancing financial services.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Page 128 (Para 4.123)  
Question:  
What concrete actions have been taken to 
achieve the priority goals set in the 
"Strategy for Increasing Financial Inclusion 
for the period 2018 -20" (and 2021)?  The key initiatives of 2018 –2021 implemented 
within the Financial Inclusion Strategy for 
Russia in 2018 –2020 ( extended through 2021) 
and the main achievements were presented in 
the draft Financial Inclusion Priorities for Russia 
in 2022 –2024, in particular: :  
- development and publication of the 
recommendations for credit institutions and 
payments system operators  in order to clarify 
the conditions of the cash -out services;  
- development of the interactive map of access 
points to the financial services,  
- development and publication of the 
information letters and methodological 
recommendations for credit and non -credit 
financial institutions concerning creation of a 
barrier -free financial environment, personal 
and remote services for people with disabilities, 
senior citizens and other law -mobile population 
groups;  
- publication of methodological materials on 
teachi ng people with disabilities the basics of 
financial literacy on the website fincult.info;  
- creation of new areas of SME financing under 
the national project "Small and Medium 
Entrepreneurial Initiatives", including 
increasing SME access to financial reso urces 
through crowdfunding platforms, through the 
stock market, as well as the use of factoring in 
procurement etc.  
Page 129 (Para 4.125)  
These market outcomes are partially due to 
restrictions to trade in commercial banking 
services that further increas ed between 
2016 and 2020, according to the OECD's 
Services Trade Restrictiveness Index, and 
that are among the most severe among the 
countries covered in the Index. Banks are 
predominantly domestically -owned, and the 
share of capital held by foreigners dec lined 
over the reporting period. From 2016 to 
early 2021, the number of credit 
institutions with non -resident participation 
declined from 199 to 124, while total 
investment by foreigners in the capital of 
credit institutions remained broadly 
unchanged at R UB 400 billion but fell in 
terms of its share (from 13.4 to 10.9%, 
continuing the trend outlined in the last 
Secretariat report) (Chart 4.4). In line with 
the Russian Federation's GATS 
commitments, foreign capital participation 
in the banking system remain s limited to 
50%, controlled through prior 
authorizations by the Bank of Russia for 
new establishments, capital increases, or 
acquisition of shares. Non -residents are 
allowed to hold only 25% of votes of 
securities registrar companies. Foreign 
banks are re quired to establish locally 
incorporated subsidiaries or corporations 
and cannot establish branches in the The Bank of Russia does not impose any 
special restrict ions in relation to trade in 
commercial banking services. All measures 
implemented by the Bank of Russia are aimed 
at developing and enhancing the banking 
system of the Russian Federation and ensuring 
financial stability and are in line with Russia's 
commi tments in the WTO.  
 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 26 - 
 
  Russian Federation. Representative offices 
cannot undertake banking operations. The 
Bank of Russia also maintains business 
reputation requirements fo r managers, 
some officials, and major shareholders of 
banks, and these were expanded in 2018.  
Question:  
What is the rationale behind the Russian 
restrictions to trade in commercial banking 
services?  
Page 129 (Para 4.125)  
Question:  
Do the Russian authorities plan to take any 
action to ease the above -mentioned 
restrictions in the foreseeable future?  At this moment there are no specific plans to 
modify the existing limitations on foreign 
access.  
 
Page 130 (Para 4.127)  
The Bank of Russia sets requirements for 
the operation of payment systems in line 
with Federal Law No. 161 -FZ. Since 2018, 
foreign payment systems have been 
required to use the Russian payment 
infrast ructure for domestic money 
transfers. The Law also requires credit 
institutions to provide only national 
payment instruments or payment cards 
when executing certain transfers from 
government budget to individuals. The 
Bank of Russia continued to support th e 
development of payment systems over the 
reporting period and fully launched the 
national Mir payment system. Mir cards 
accounted for 24% of domestic 
transactions in 2020 and 30.6% of all card 
issuances, with the cards accepted 
internationally in 13 count ries including all 
EAEU countries. In 2019, the Bank of 
Russia launched the Faster Payments 
System, allowing instant funds transfers 
between bank accounts using mobile phone 
numbers, and 210 banks had joined the 
system by 2021.  
Question:  
What were the ma in challenges faced by 
the Russian authorities during the 
development and implementation of the Mir 
payment system?  The Mir PS has been developed amid the 
competition with IPSs and other payment 
market participants operating on Russia's 
market. The next s tep for further development 
of Mir PS is creation arrangements for the use 
of this system in other countries. At this 
moment Mir PS is accepted in 14 countries.  
Page 130 (Para 4.127)  
Question:  
What are the Russian authorities' current 
assessment and perspectives on the Mir 
payment system?  At the end of the second quarter of 2021, 
banks issued 101.2 million Mir cards, 
accounting for 31.3% in the total number of 
issued payment cards. The portion of 
transactions performed using these cards  
inside Russia in the overall amount of payment 
card transactions reached 24.6%.  
Mir cards comply with all Russian and 
international security standards recogni zed by 
the payment card industry. In accordance with 
Russian legislation, budget -funded payments  
are made to Mir PS cards. Mir PS cards are 
accepted by 100% of payment devices in the 
territory of the Russian Federation and in 14 
foreign jurisdictions.  
The Mir PS is further developed by the operator WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 27 - 
 
  of this payment system – National Payment 
Card Syst em Joint Stock Company (NSPK JSC) 
– based on the National Payment System 
Development Strategy. NSPK JSC plans to 
develop a line of payment products, financial 
and non -financial services, to expand the 
network for accepting Mir PS payment 
instruments abroad , to develop a loyalty 
program, to improve the customer experience, 
etc. 
Page 138 and 139 (Paras 4.175 and 
4.158)  
(…) According to Government Resolution 
No. 627 of 19 October 2005 on State 
Regulation of Prices for Connection 
Services and Traffic Transmission Services 
Provided by Operators Occupying an 
Important Position in the Public 
Communication Network (last amended 17 
April 2021), prices for some connection and 
traffic transmission services provided by 
important operators are also subject to 
regulation. Regulations for the sharing of 
telecom infrastructure and radio spectrum 
are also in place.  
(…) Prices of certain telecom services are 
also regulated according to Government 
Resolution No. 637 of 24 October 2005 on 
State Regulation of Tariffs on  Public 
Telecommunications Services and Public 
Postal Services. Two revisions in 2018 and 
2020 adjusted the methods for establishing 
regulated tariffs based on economically 
justified costs or a formula -based method, 
thus encouraging efficiency improvements  
of telecom operators.  
Question : 
Could Russia elaborate on how prices are 
regulated? Has Russia developed telecom 
cost models with this purpose?  State regulation of tariffs for communication 
services is carried out in order to: protect the 
economic interes ts of users of communication 
services from an unjustified increase in tariffs 
for communication services; achieving a 
balance of interests of telecom operators and 
users of telecom services; development of a 
competitive environment in the 
communications se rvices market; creating 
economic incentives to reduce the cost of 
communication services, increase the efficiency 
of communication operators, further develop 
and modernize communication facilities and 
networks, expand the market for 
communication services,  improve their quality 
and create conditions for attracting 
investments.  
 
Under the state regulation of tariffs for 
communication services, the method of 
economically justified costs or the marginal 
pricing method is used, which provides the 
opportunity to  profit from effective cost 
management (hereinafter - the marginal 
pricing method).  
The method of economically justified costs is 
based on data of an enterprise obtained in a 
course of separate accounting of income and 
expenses, carried out by a telecom op erator, 
on the basis of accounting and statistical 
reporting data.  
As the tariffs reach the level of economically 
justified costs, taking into account the 
regulatory profit, it is advisable to use not the 
cost method, but such methods and 
mechanisms of sta te tariff regulation, which 
include the conditions and incentives 
characteristic of a hypothetical competitive 
market.  
 
According to Government Resolution No. 627 of 
19 October 2005 state regulation of prices for 
connection services and traffic transmissio n 
services is performed by the Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communications and Mass Media 
of the Russian Federation through the 
introduction of respective marginal prices 
(maximum and (or) minimum) for both 
connection and traffic transmission services.   
When setting marginal prices, the methodology 
for calculating economically justified costs and WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 28 - 
 
  standard profits for both connection and traffic 
transmission services is applied.  
 
According to the Government Resolution No. 
637 of 24 October 2005, state regulation of 
tariffs for communication services is carried out 
by the FAS.  
 
The FAS has developed and approved the 
procedure for calculating regulated tariffs for 
public telecommunications and public postal 
services using the marginal pricing method , 
which provides the opportunity to profit from 
effective cost management (Order dated 5  
February  2019 No. 126/19).  
 
One of the key characteristics of the application 
of the marginal pricing method was the 
transition from the principle of "costs plus" to 
market indicators based on the principle of 
"inflation minus", which provides for price 
limitation from above.  
The marginal pricing method is based on a 
comparative analysis of the productivity 
(efficiency) of activities by comparing the 
effective indices ( and not the efficiency 
indicators themselves, for example, 
profitability) of producers among themselves 
(by periods), with the average industry values, 
on average in the economy.  
The tariff is formed in several stages: the 
establishment by the regulatory b ody of the X -
factor (for 5 years), the economic meaning of 
which is to determine the degree of influence 
of production factors, such as: volume, income, 
costs, including payroll, depreciation, etc. the 
costs of the performance of the enterprise and 
the eco nomy as a whole by conducting factor 
analysis; annual calculation by the telecom 
operator of the coefficient of the maximum 
increase in tariffs and the calculation of tariffs.  
Since 2019, this method has been applied to 
Rostelecom, Space Communications, Ru ssian 
Television and Radio Broadcasting Network.  
In 2020, tariffs were set using the marginal 
pricing method for Russian Post JSC, in 2021 - 
for Bashinformsvyaz, MGTS.  
Page 139 (Para 4.158)  
Following amendments to Federal Law No. 
126-FZ and amendments to the rules for 
the provision of telephone services, 
national roaming charges (within -network 
roaming charges for subscribers travelling 
within the Russian Federation) were 
eliminated from 1 June 2019.264 According 
to the authorities, the EAEU aims to 
establ ish a Unified Pricing Approach for 
traffic transmission services and fair tariffs 
for mobile services in international roaming 
across the EAEU.  
Question:  Previou sly, there were several types of 
roaming in Russia: national and intra -network 
roaming. Intra -network roaming was provided 
when the users were leaving the region of 
registration of their sim -card but maintained 
connection though the networks of their 
opera tor. National roaming was provided when 
users were leaving the region of registration of 
their sim -card and the connection was provided 
through the networks of a different operator 
due to the absence of infrastructure of their 
sim-card operator in that reg ion. 
 
Both types of roaming were eliminated with the 
adoption of the Federal Law of 27  December WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 29 - 
 
  Could Russia give more details on the 
process that led to the elimination of 
roaming charges?  2018 No. 527-FZ, which introduced 
amendments to the Federal Law "On 
Communications". Article 46 of the Federal Law 
"On Communications" was supplemented with 
the paragraph 11 which mandated provision of 
relevant services on the same conditions to all 
consumers irre spectively of the location of such 
consumer within the territory of Russia. The 
other amendment (to Article 54 of the Federal 
Law "On Communications") provided that 
incoming calls should be free of charge unless 
the connection is made from outside of the 
territory of Russia. The adoption of the 
amendments to the Law were preceded by a 
number of administrative and judicial 
procedures that concluded that certain 
practices involving roaming were against the 
rules on protection of consumers' rights and 
competit ion. The intentions of the amendments 
to the law were to provide legislative 
predictability and transparency in respect of 
such practices.  
Page 140 (Paras 4.163 and 4.164)  
4.163. Government support of the 
development of 5G technology is outlined 
in a roadmap to implement 5G by 2024, 
which was developed by the state -owned 
companies Rostelecom and Rostec. The 
Government plans to provide 28.9 billion 
RUB of support until 2024 u nder the three 
areas of the Action Plan: (i) develop 
production of high -tech telecommunications 
products for 5G/IMT -2020, including serial 
production; (ii) develop 5G/IMT -2020 
communication network infrastructure and 
radio frequency support; and (iii) deve lop a 
market for services and services provided 
using 5G/IMT -2020 technologies. The 
roadmap also targets a minimum 
percentage of the share of domestic 
equipment in the infrastructure of 
commercial communication networks of 
70% by 2030 (indicator 7.4 of the  
roadmap).  
4.164. The four facilities -based mobile 
network operators (see above) agreed in 
2019 to jointly deploy 5G networks to 
reduce cost and optimize frequency usage. 
In December 2020, the Federal 
Antimonopoly Service (FAS) approved the 
proposal that had raised questions 
regarding potential anti -competitive effects 
on non -participating competitors, requiring 
the operators to agree with the FAS on the 
terms of infrastructure and frequency -
sharing, and the conditions for providing 
infrastructure for MVNO s.274 
Question:  
What remedies were imposed to the group 
of mobile network operators prior to the 
approval of its joint deployment proposal? In May 2021 the FAS considered an application 
from a group  of mobile operators to give 
preliminary consent to the conclusion of the 
joint deployment agreement by mobile 
radiotelephone (cellular) operators on activities 
to build 5G networks in Russia.  
 
The joint deployment agreement, if adopted, 
will contain condi tions for equal access to radio 
frequencies for all participants in the mobile 
radiotelephone market.  
 
In particular, the mobile operators participating 
in the agreement will develop conditions for the 
use of infrastructure and (or) the sharing of 
radio fr equencies and the conditions for the 
provision of infrastructure for MVNO telecom 
operators with the antimonopoly authority. 
After that they have to obtain the FAS approval 
on these conditions.  
 
The FAS will approve the deal subject the 
provided guarantees  of access of telecom 
operators to the released radio frequency 
spectrum.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Are they of a structural or behavioural, or 
both, nature?  
Page 140 (Paras 4.163 and 4.164)  
Question:  
Which competitive risks were found as a 
potential consequence of the initiative?  In case of implementing the agreement (see 
previous answer) by a group of mobile 
operators, they are obliged to obtain an 
approval on the conditions for the use of 
infrastructure and (or) the sharing of radio 
frequencies and the conditions for the provision 
of infrastructure for MVNO telecom operat ors 
with the antimonopoly authority in order to 
avoid the emergence of competitive risks and 
violation of antimonopoly legislation.  
Page 140 (Paras 4.163 and 4.164)  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation give more 
information regarding its licensing 
framewo rk? Can any of the licenses 
mentioned or any other licenses incentivize 
the development of the supply on the 
telecom market of the Open -RAN model 
and the 5G standalone service 
architecture? If yes, how so.  According to the Russian legislation, a license 
gives the right to services suppliers to provide 
consumers with communications services. The 
subject of licensing is the provision of 
communication services, not the technology 
itself. In accordance with the Decree of the 
Government of the Russian Federation  of 30 
December 2020 No. 2385 "About licensing of 
activities in the field of rendering 
communication services and recognition voided 
some acts of the Government of the Russian 
Federation " 20 communications services are 
subject to licensing procedures. Ment ioned 
licenses are not aimed at incentivizing the 
development of the supply on the telecom 
market of the Open -RAN model and the 5G 
standalone service architecture.  
Page 140 (Paras 4.163 and 4.164)  
Question:  
Infrastructure  sharing is critical for the 
deployment of service in certain areas. 
Given that, can the Russian Federation 
supply aditional information regarding 
infrastructure an spectrum sharing in their 
regulatory regime? How these measures 
can incentivize the deployment of 5G?  According to the Russian practice, 
communications operators should analy ze the 
possibility of sharing infrastructure and radio 
frequency spectrum, roaming between telecom 
companies.  
Shared use of infrastructure and multi -subject 
use of radio spectrum are carried out in 
accordance with the Federal Law of 07.07.2003 
N 126 -FZ "On Communications". In accordance 
with the Federal Law, an agreement on multi -
subject use of radio frequency spectrum is an 
agreement between two or more users of radio 
frequency spectrum, in accordance with which 
the joint use of radio frequency spectrum is 
carried out in the manner prescribed by this 
Federal Law. This mechanism is not related to 
a particular technology or service, therefore 
can be used in respect of 5G.  
Page 140 (Paras 4.163 and 4.164)  
Question:  
In the context of 5G, are there coverage 
obligations related to spectrum auctions in 
place or planned in the auction proceedings 
or any other means of granting spectrum 
for those services?  Currently, in the context of 5G, there are no 
coverage obligations related to spectrum 
auctions. At the moment, this issue is under 
discussion with mobile operators.  
 
 
 
Page 4 (Para 2.5)  
Improvement of labour productivity and 
support of employment are among the 
most important priorities of the 
Government  of the Russian Federation. 
Average annual growth in labour 
productivity from 2016 to 2019 amounted 
to 2%, and the average annual growth rate The national pr oject "Labor Productivity" is 
currently being implemented to create the 
necessary conditions in building a new business 
(production) culture in Russian Federation. The 
main measures under this national project 
include:  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 31 - 
 
  of the number of highly productive jobs 
accounted for 5.7%. Unemployment rate 
declined steadily during the reporti ng 
period and amounted to 4.6% in 2019. 
However, due to the pandemic, the 
unemployment rate climbed to a record 
6.4% in August 2020. As part of the 
Government's stabilization policy, several 
programmes were implemented, including 
those aimed at restoring t he labour 
market, which made it possible to save 
more than 5.4 million jobs and reduce the 
unemployment rate to 5.9% by the end of 
2020.  
Question:  
What are the main measures taken by the 
Russian government to increase labour 
productivity?  − Assistance for the establishment of 
new production systems , which  is 
carried through:  
▪ Implementation and adaptation of 
the process of goal -setting and 
motivation of employees to achieve 
goals;  
▪ Implementation of the system of 
"economical production" in order to 
optimize the p roduction and back 
office processes and create a model 
of production streams;  
▪ Project management system 
formation and creation of 
infrastructure for promotion the 
culture of continuous improvement;  
▪ Training of employees in production 
facilities and trainer s for knowledge 
transfer in the future;  
▪ Training of man agers  and staff for 
business / production culture 
transformation  
− Leadership training:  
▪ The Ministry of Economic 
Development together with Russian 
Foreign Trade Academy have 
implemented management traini ng 
program "Leaders of Productivity";  
▪ The main objective of the program 
– relevant competences and skills 
training for business leaders 
(managers) in conditions of large -
scale productive transformation, 
introduction of organizational and 
technological inno vations that 
enhance labor productivity;  
▪ The program includes a modular 
training system (total duration of 3 
months) consisting of 5 modules.  
− Professional retraining and workplace 
audit : the participating enterprises will be 
given a workplace audit methodo logy, a 
methodology for developing a corporate 
standard for professions; a methodology of 
competency and personnel assessment 
matrix formation.  
− Reduction of administrative barriers : 
▪ Enterprises can submit an 
application on the need to amend a 
particular le gal act, including 
reporting about outdated and 
conflicting requirements;  
▪ All applications go through the 
mechanism of system change 
management of business 
environment – "Transformation of 
business climate", which is a rapid 
response mechanism of authoriti es 
to business communities requests.  
− Holding of training courses and 
seminars  on business negotiations (in the 
context of cross -cultural specificities of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 32 - 
 
  different countries), on export marketing, 
etc. 
− Utilization of national projects' digital 
ecosystem : the participating enterprises 
are able to carry out business diagnostics, 
identifying problem areas as well as 
modeling development scenarios related to 
the introduction of new products, 
implementation of contracts and even the 
reengineering of the producti on systems.  
− International cooperation : 
comprehensive cooperation with the 
leading countries in the field of labor 
productivity is aimed at organizing the 
transfer of competencies and best 
practices;  
Page 5 (Para 2.8)  
During 2016 -2019 Russia's foreign trade 
turnover increased by 43%. At the same 
time, exports increased by 48.6%, and 
imports by 34.2%. The positive trend is 
primarily associated with the relative 
stabilization of prices on world energy 
markets. However, the rapid expansion of 
COVID -19 pandemic in 2020 and the 
growing number of restrictions imposed by 
countries have had a negative impact on 
international trade. The deceleration of the 
global economy and the growing number of 
obstacles to its normal functioning led to 
instability of t he world oil markets, as well 
as disruption of global supply chains  
Question:  
Which economic sectors/products of the 
Russian economy were mostly affected 
(either positively or negatively) by the 
COVID -19 pandemic?  The main negative effects of COVID -19 
pandemic manifested in the following sectors:  
− Mining and quarrying ( -9,5%)  
− Services:  
o Transportation and storage ( -
10,6%)  
o Hotel and catering facilities 
activities ( -24,5%)  
o Cultural, sporting, leisure and 
entertainment activities ( -
11,4%%)  
COVID -19 pandemic pos itively affected on IT, 
financial activities, agriculture.  
 
Page 5 (Para 2.9)  
Fuel and energy products have prevailed in 
the commodity structure of Russian 
exports. At the same time, the share of 
these goods has consistently reduced and 
by 2020 decreased  to 49.7% (by 15.3%). 
The other important items of Russian 
exports are metals and metal products as 
well as chemical products. Export of 
agricultural and food products is gradually 
increasing, in 2020 it reached USD 30.5 
billion, and its share rose to 9.0% . Wheat 
and meslin are among the top ten exported 
commodity items (USD 8.2 billion in 2020), 
and since 2018 the Russian Federation has 
become a global leader in the export of 
these products. During the period under 
review, exports of precious stones and 
metals also grew (up to 9.0%, or USD 30.4 
billion) amid growing investment demand 
for gold and platinum.  
Question:  
What is, if any, the Russian government's 
reduction target for the fuel and energy 
products in the commodity structure of Russian Federation State Program on Foreign 
Economic Activities' Development sets a target 
to reach a non -commodity export s growth by 
2030 of at least 70% compared to 2020.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Russian exports? If applicable, when is the 
target expected to be reached?  
Page 5 (Para 2.9)  
Question:  
If applicable, when is the tar get expected 
to be reached?  
Page 5 (Para 2.12)  
In terms of the geographical struc ture of 
Russia's foreign trade, the European Union, 
which is Russia's largest trading partner, 
holds a special place. Even though the EU's 
share in Russia's trade turnover decreased 
by 6.9%, in 2016 -2020, trade with the EU 
accounts for about 34% of Russian  trade 
turnover. Economies of the Asia -Pacific 
Economic Cooperation are the second 
major group of trade partners in terms of 
the cumulative turnover volume. Their 
share increased by 4.1% during 2016 - 
2020 and amounted to 33.8% at the end of 
2020. Among th e APEC economies China is 
key partner. Its share in trade turnover 
during the reporting period increased by 
4.3% and amounted to 18.3% at the end 
of 2020. The CIS countries comprise the 
third group of major partners in terms of 
trade turnover. Their share has increased 
by 0.9% since 2016, amounting to 12.9% 
in 2020. The respective share of Russia's 
Eurasian Economic Union partners in its' 
trade turnover has amounted to 9.1% by 
the end of 2020.  
Question:  
Considering the current scenario of mutual 
economic sanctions between Russia and 
the EU, what are, if any, the forecast trend, 
and the balance point in the EU's share in 
Russia's trade turnover?  There are no official forecasts in this respect.  
However, some Russian institutions have made 
respective calcula tions. In accordance with the 
basic scenario of the forecast of the Russian 
Foreign Trade Academy of the Ministry of 
Economic Development of Russia, the EU's 
share in Russia's trade turnover by 2024 may 
increase by 2.9 percentage points (from 39.0 
to 41.9 %) compared with 2019. According to 
the conservative forecast scenario of the 
academy, the EU's share in Russia's trade 
turnover may grow by 2.7 percentage points 
(from 39.0 to 41.6 %) in the near future.  
 
Page 5 (Para 2.12)  
Question:  
How do the Russian authorities assess the 
economic potential and the cost -benefits 
balance of its participation in the EAEU, 
comparing to other economic and trade 
partnerships?  The benefits from Russia's participation in the 
EAEU are manifested firstly through the gr owth 
of mutual trade with its EAEU partners as well 
as transition to trading in goods of higher 
degree of processing.  
 Over the period of 2016 -2019 Russian exports 
of goods to the EAEU increased almost by 50% 
(from USD 28.8 billion in 2016 to USD 39.2 
billion in 2019). Russian imports from the EAEU 
grew by 44% (from USD 14.2 billion to USD 
20.6 billion). In 2020, amid the COVID -19 
pandemic, mutual trade between Russia and 
the Union decreased, the trade turnover 
amounted to USD 53.3 billion, which is 11% 
lower than in 2019. According to the estimates, 
without integration the decrease could have 
been 18.7%.  
For the period of 2015 -2020, the growth of real 
aggregate GDP of the EAEU members 
amounted to 3.7% and about 0.5% of that 
increase was due to the integration. The EAEU 
integration is expected to contribute 0.14 p.p. 
to the dynamics of EAEU total GDP in 2021.  
Amid the reduction of the threat from the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 34 - 
 
  pandemic spread and the revival of economic 
activity the growth of mutual trade is expected 
in the mi d-term forecast. It is estimated by 
Eurasian Economic Commission and the IMF 
that the mutual trade between Russia and the 
EAEU will be USD 49,5 - USD 56,1 billion in 
2021 and USD 58,6 -63 billion in 2022.  
It is estimated that without integration Russia's 
GDP in constant prices would have increased 
by 2.4% in 2020 (compared to 2015) instead 
of actual 2.7%. Thus, integration's contribution 
was 0.3 p.p. Such effect was largely facilitated 
by the growth of trade between Russia and its 
EAEU partners, which amount ed to about 30% 
for exports and 35% for imports over the 
period of 2015 -2020.  
Page 9 (Para 3.3)  
A considerable safety margin, which had 
been created earlier through a consistent 
and balanced macroeconomic policy, 
facilitated the adjustment of the economy 
to the external shocks. Introduction of the 
fiscal rule and enhancement of the public 
finance stability, reduction of inflation to 
the target of 4% and its' maintenance at 
this level for several years, promotion of 
the financial sector stability, as well a s the 
reduction of the Russian economies' 
dependence on the external factors has 
helped to mitigate pandemic -related shock 
of an unprecedented scale and nature. The 
current account surplus of the balance of 
payments in 2020 compared with 2019 
decreased due  to a reduction in exports 
against the background of a recession in 
the global economy and a decrease in oil 
prices. This decline was partially offset by a 
decrease in imports, including imports of 
services due to closed borders with most 
countries. The fo reign currency sales by the 
Bank of Russia under the budget rule have 
continued to play a balancing role in the 
domestic foreign exchange market. The 
economic recovery, which has begun in the 
second half of 2020, has been facilitated by 
the measures taken by the Government of 
the Russian Federation and the Bank of 
Russia with the aim to overcome the 
economic consequences of the coronavirus 
pandemic and to provide support both to 
the citizens and the businesses, together 
with the transition of the Bank of Ru ssia to 
a soft monetary policy.  
Question:  
Considering the reduction of Russia's 
economy dependence on external factors, 
how do the Russian authorities assess the 
impact of such reduction in Russia's growth 
potential?  Positively, as it helps to reduce the  negative 
impact of macroeconomic volatility on growth, 
as well as reduce to reduce vulnerability to 
income loss due to volatility of product price on 
the international market.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 35 - 
 
  Page 13 (Para 5.1)  
The Russian Federation attaches great 
importance to the iss ues of economic 
diversification, which is being achieved 
through the implementation of a wide 
range of measures and policies aimed at 
improving the business environment and 
investment climate, developing 
international trade and economic 
cooperation, promot ing technological 
modernization, and supporting micro, small 
and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  
Question:  
What are the main drivers of the ongoing 
process of diversification of the Russian 
economy?  There are various drivers for economic 
diversification, which should be considered in a 
complex. Among them are structural factors, 
innovations and macroeconomic v ariables.  
As concerns structural factors, enhancing 
economic inclusiveness (for instance, further 
involvement of MSMEs, women, as well as 
regions and rural areas, into economic 
activities), as well as policies to improve 
"human capital" and quality of ins titutions also 
contribute to economic diversification. At the 
subnational level, diversification of the 
economy as a whole may be achieved by 
leveraging regional diversity, with different 
regions specializing in different areas.  
Another important driver f or economic 
diversification is the development of innovative 
and high -technology sectors, including in the 
regions.  
Effective policies relating to real exchange rate, 
inflation, net inflows of foreign direct 
investment (FDI), terms of trade, and 
investmen t as a share of GDP are the 
macroeconomic variables that drive economic 
diversification.  
Page 13 (Para 5.1)  
Question:  
Which economic sectors/products has the 
Russian economy been diversifying most 
into?  Russia considers the task of diversifying 
economy as a complex work which concerns all 
sectors of economy, with a focus on non -
commodity sector. It thus mainly resulted in 
the development of manufacturing, agriculture, 
and services sectors. Besides, an emphasis is 
put on the development of innovative and IT-
sectors the share of which in GDP has also 
significantly grown since the last TPR . 
Page 13 (Para 5.1)  
Question:  
Have monetary and exchange policies been 
key to facilitate the diversification of the 
Russian economy?  Monetary policy and foreign exchange policy 
make an important contribution to the 
diversification process of Russia's economy. 
The Bank of Russia implements its monetary 
policy under the inflation -targeting framework. 
The inflation -targeting framework involves a 
floating exchange rat e determined by supply 
and demand in the foreign exchange market. 
Under the floating exchange rate regime, the 
Bank of Russia carries out no interventions in 
the domestic foreign exchange market to 
maintain any specific exchange rate or the 
pace of its mov ements. However, the Bank of 
Russia is entitled to conduct foreign currency 
transactions in the domestic market in the case 
of a threat to financial stability, as well as to 
replenish (use) international reserves according 
to the fiscal rule implemented by  Russia's 
Ministry of Finance.  
 
The policies conducted by the Bank of Russia 
allow the overall Russian economy to minimize 
or prevent the external shocks that in itself 
allows for predictability in conducting the 
economic policies aimed at diversification of 
Russian economy.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Page 20 (Para 5.63)  
The mechanism of so -called Experimental 
Legal Regimes in the field of innovation has 
been introduced by the Federal Law of 31 
July 2020 No. 258 -FZ "On experimental 
legal regimes in the field of digital 
innovation i n the Russian Federation". This 
law launched "Regulatory Sandboxes" in 
the field of digital innovation. "Regulatory 
Sandboxes" have been successfully 
operating since 2020. A special legal 
environment for testing new products helps 
to reduce business costs and accelerate the 
development of promising ideas. 
"Regulatory Sandboxes" allows to minimize 
regulatory requirements that delay the 
development of innovations. Due to the 
special conditions of the "Regulatory 
Sandboxes", companies that develop new 
products  and services, as well as 
government representatives, can test 
technologies without the risk of violating 
applicable legislation. Subsequently, if 
testing has passed successfully, the 
developers may enter the market with 
these new products and services. Th e 
sphere of "Regulatory Sandboxes" 
application includes, inter alia, industrial 
production, electronic sale of goods, works 
and services, construction, financial 
market, agriculture. Similar Experimental 
Legal Regimes were launched to test and 
implement ne w technologies, including 
artificial intelligence, medicine and 
telecommunications, autonomous vehicles, 
communications.  
Question:  
What were, if any, the new products and 
services successfully tested in the financial 
sector regulatory sandboxes?  1. Platf orm for lending to small and 
medium -sized enterprises . The specifics of 
this platform is that banks' scoring procedures 
do not rely on clients' official reporting. Banks 
assess a borrower's credit risk based on 
transactions in its settlement account, 
transactions in its cash account according to 
the fiscal data operator's information, and data 
on transactions with counterparties. To obtain 
information on cash accounts, a creditor needs 
to connect to the fiscal data operator and 
receive data on clients upon their consent. To 
receive information on transactions, a bank 
should sign agreements with the largest 
companies under which the latter will disclose 
information on transactions conducted with the 
bank's clients.  
2. Platform for remote management of 
rights in corporate clients' accounts . The 
platform allows remote management of rights 
to conduct transactions in corporate clients' 
accounts, which significantly reduces credit 
institutions' costs for servicing clients and, 
accordingly, clients' fees, as well as  makes 
communication with credit institutions faster 
and more convenient.  
3. Platform for ICO, token accounting, 
and processing token settlements . Within 
the piloting of this project, we tested a 
technology enabling transactions for raising 
funds through I CO (initial coin offering). 
Importantly, this project was developed based 
on the Masterchain platform, which 
demonstrated high demand for and interest in 
the blockchain platform among financial market 
participants. The piloting confirmed the 
benefits of IC O for its participants.  
4. Platform for the issue and turnover 
of digital financial assets backed by 
services and exchange commodities . This 
is a blockchain platform intended for the issue 
and turnover of digital rights. It enables 
digitalization (tokeniza tion) of commodities, 
services, securities, and other assets. This 
platform makes it possible to issue hybrid 
tokens backed by different assets 
simultaneously. The implementation of the 
tokenization platform will simplify access to 
liquidity for a vast num ber of small and 
medium -sized enterprises, help launch more 
technologically advanced goods and services 
that are more convenient for clients and enable 
businesses to combine complex products in a 
way that would be most comfortable for 
consumers and make as sets more liquid 
through digital splitting.  
5. Automated pawnshops system . 
Through automated pawnshops, borrowers can 
raise pawnshop loans backed by gold jewellery 
(without precious stones) without visiting a 
pawnshop's office. Using the new technology, 
pawnshops can operate in points of sale and WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 37 - 
 
  publicly accessible places without opening new 
offices. Moreover, by expanding infrastructure, 
this technology makes financial services more 
accessible for people. This system identifies 
individuals through the Uni fied Biometric 
System and enables instantaneous transfer of 
borrowed funds to a customer's bank card.  
Page 30 (Para 12.1)  
Eurasian economic integration is actively 
developing. Many important steps were 
made since the time the Customs Union 
was formed: the EAEU Treaty codified and 
furthered CU disciplines, an EAEU Common 
Customs Tariff (CCT) came into effect; 
institutions such as the Eurasian Economic 
Commission, the Court of the EAEU, the 
Eurasian Development Bank, and the 
Eurasian Fund for Stab ilization and 
Development reached full operational 
capacity. The EAEU is actively engaged in 
working on a Union -wide digital agenda.  
Question:  
Besides the EAEU customs union to which 
other economic blocks does Russia attach 
great importance in its search for increased 
trade and financial integration?  The Russian Federation supports the 
development of trade and economic 
relationship with differen t economic fora and 
international organizations. Besides the EAEU, 
Russia is a party to the Agreement on 
Establishment of a Commonwealth of 
Independent States (CIS), as well as a party to 
the Treaty on a Free Trade Area between 
Members of the CIS. Moreover , Russia is also a 
member of APEC, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G -
20, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), 
Union State between Russia and Belarus and 
others.  
Page 30 (Para 12.2)  
Active work is being carried out aimed at 
the formation of EAEU common market s in 
various economic sectors. A single market 
for most goods is currently in place. During 
the reporting period, work in this regard 
focused on completing the common 
markets for medicines and medical devices, 
as well as common energy markets (in 
electrici ty, natural gas, oil and oil 
products). A common labour market and a 
common financial market are in the process 
of formation. High on the list of priorities in 
services are the transport and financial 
services markets. The creation of a single 
financial re gulatory authority is envisaged 
for 2025.  
Question:  
What are the main challenges in the 
formation process of the EAEU common 
financial market?  The main challenges connected with the 
formation of a common financial market in the 
EAEU arise from significa nt differences in the 
structure of financial systems of EAEU 
countries as well as legal regulation of this 
sectors, including control and supervisory 
practices.  
Page 30 (Para 12.2)  
Question:  
What is the envisaged competency of the 
EAEU single financial r egulatory authority?  As provided by the EAEU Treaty the main 
objectives of a supranational body are to 
deepen the economic integration of EAEU 
Member States with the aim of developing a 
common financial market and ensuring non -
discriminatory access to fina ncial markets of 
EAEU Member States.  
 
The decision on specific powers and functions 
of a supranational body for regulating the 
financial market is expected to be taken in 
2025 after EAEU Member States complete the 
process of harmonization of their legislat ion in 
the area of financial markets (paragraph 2 of 
Article 103 of the EAEU Treaty).  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 38 - 
 
  Page 32 (Para 12.21)  
At the XII BRICS Leaders' Summit 
(November 2020), the BRICS Economic 
Partnership Strategy until 2025 was 
approved. It sets out the key areas of 
interaction within the BRICS for the next 
five years in trade, investment and finance, 
digital economy, and sust ainable 
development. The strategy attaches due 
attention to WTO issues.  
Question:  
Is Russia searching for increased trade and 
investment integration with MERCOSUR 
through its participation in BRICS?  These are two separate formats.  
Russia attaches impor tance to both of them.  
 
Page 32 (Para 12.21)  
Question:  
If so, what would be the main trade and 
financial areas of interest for Russia by 
increasing integration with MERCOSUR?  The key areas for further trade and financial 
cooperation are reflected in th e Memorandum 
on Trade and Economic Cooperation between 
the Eurasian Economic Commission and 
MERCOSUR (signed in December 2018).  
Page 32 (Para 12.21)  
Question:  
In which way Brazil could be seen as 
instrumental to increase the Russian 
economy integration with MERCOSUR?  Russia is ready to cooperate with Brazil on 
promoting, where appropriate, cooperation 
between the EAEU and MERCOSUR, including 
through effective implementation of the 
Memorandum on Trade and Economic 
Cooperation between the Eurasian Economic 
Commission and MERCOSUR (signed in 
December 2018).  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 39 - 
 
  COLOMBIA  
 
Secretariat Report : 
2 REGÍMENES DE COMERCIO E 
INVERSIÓN  
2.2 Formulación y objetivos de la política 
comercial  
En el párrafo 2.11, el Informe de la 
Secretaría destaca los principios 
fundamentales que rigen la política 
comercial en Rusia. Adicionalmente, se 
mencionan los ajustes que se dieron en 
2015 como consecuencia de la entrada en 
vigor del Tratado que establece  la Unión 
Económica Euroasiática (UEEA).  
En la nota al pie 15, se menciona a 
manera de ejemplo que, "los reglamentos 
técnicos y el arancel aduanero común de 
la UEEA, así como otros muchos 
instrumentos jurídicos de los órganos de 
la UEEA, son directamente aplicables en 
la Federación de Rusia, pero los tratados 
internacionales concluidos por la UEEA 
requieren a veces reglamentos de 
aplicación.  
Agradecemos a Rusia indicar cuáles son 
los tratados internacionales de la UEEA 
que requieren a veces de reglamentos 
para su aplicación.  
¿Cómo ha sido la experiencia en la 
articulación de las políticas internas frente 
a las de la UEEA?  
¿Cómo se resuelven las diferencias que se 
lleguen a presentar en la aplicación de un 
instrumento jurídico de la UEEA en el 
marco del ordenamiento jurídico nacional 
si el contenido de dicho instrumento va en 
contravía de los objetivos e intereses 
identificados por la sociedad civil o del 
sector productivo?  
 
 To three questions.  
The Union concludes its international treaties 
with participation of its Member States. That 
means that Russian Federation is a party to 
such international treaties. Therefore, such 
international treaties constitute integral part of 
its legal system pursuant to Article 15 of the 
Constitution of the Russian  Federation. If an 
international treaty of the Russian Federation 
requires adoption of legal acts (e.g. the treaty 
provides either new rules that are not provided 
for by the Russian laws and other regulations 
or rules that differ from existing laws and oth er 
regulations) relevant implementing acts (either 
to introduce new regulation or modify existing 
one) are adopted in accordance with standard 
procedure for adoption of legal acts.  
The areas whether the external policies are 
developed by the EAEU either in dividually or 
jointly with the EAEU Member States are 
respectively established by the Treaty of the 
EAEU of 1 January 2015. In the remaining 
areas the external policies are developed on 
the national level (for example, in the area of 
trade in services and investments with third 
parties).  
The differences are resolved in accordance with 
the hierarchy of the relevant acts. National acts 
of Member States should not conflict with the 
acts adopted by the EAEU in accordance with 
the Treaty of the EAEU. Acts of the  EAEU 
should not conflict with the international 
treaties of the EAEU. The commitments of the 
EAEU Member States under the WTO 
Agreement were made integral part of the 
EAEU legal system through Annex 31 to the 
Treaty of the EAEU. Depending on the 
jurisdict ion such differences may be resolved in 
the national courts, the Court of the EAEU or 
international dispute settlement institutions 
(tribunals) created in accordance with relevant 
international agreements.  
3 POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTICAS 
COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS  
3.1 Medidas que afectan 
directamente a las importaciones  
3.1.1 Procedimientos y requisitos 
aduaneros y valoración en aduana  
3.3. La principal legislación aduanera se 
actualizó tras la entrada en vigor del 
Código de Aduanas de la UEEA. La Ley 
Federa l Nº 311 -FZ de Reglamentación 
Aduanera en la Federación de Rusia, de 
27 de noviembre de 2010, fue sustituida 
por la Ley Federal Nº 289 -FZ de 
Reglamentación Aduanera en la 
Federación de Rusia y Modificación de 
Determinados Actos Jurídicos Normativos In accordance with provisions of the Federal 
Law No. 289 -FZ, starting from  1 August 2021 
customs and other payments can be made only 
by making advance payments to the personal 
account and subsequent disposition of it for the 
following types of payments:  
− import customs duty;  
− export customs duty;  
− value added tax levied when goods are 
imported into the customs territory of the 
EAEU;  
− excise tax levied upon import of goods into 
the customs territory of the EAEU, as well 
as upon import into the territory of the 
Russian Federation from the territory  
of the EAEU member -state;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 40 - 
 
  de la F ederación de Rusia, de 3 de agosto 
de 2018.2 La Ley Federal Nº 289 -FZ, de 3 
de agosto de 2018, regula las cuestiones 
que son de competencia nacional, incluido 
el pago anticipado de derechos, tasas y 
cargas, así como los procedimientos de 
revisión y recurso  de las decisiones 
aduaneras. Asimismo, la Ley establece un 
plazo de 60 días para la emisión de 
resoluciones anticipadas en materia de 
clasificación y origen, mientras que el 
plazo máximo previsto en el Código de 
Aduanas de la UEEA es de 90 días.  
¿Bajo qu é circunstancias se deben realizar 
los pagos anticipados de derechos, tasas 
y cargas? Se efectúan de forma voluntaria 
o es obligatorio para ciertas operaciones o 
usuarios aduaneros?  − customs fees;  
− special duty;  
− anti-dumping duty;  
− countervailing duty;  
− interests (percentages);  
− penalties;  
− recycling fee levied on wheeled vehicles 
and trailers to them.  
The same procedure applies to a cash collateral 
with the exception of a cash collateral paid as 
security for the fulfillment of the organization's 
obligations to use the purchased excise stamps.  
3.7. Las autoridades han indicado que se 
está trabajando en la creación de un 
sistema de ventanilla única nacional, con 
arreglo a un plan de acción adopt ado por 
el Consejo Económico Supremo 
Euroasiático en 2015, una resolución 
adoptada por el Gobierno en 2017 y una 
descripción del modelo de referencia 
aprobada por el Consejo Interestatal 
Euroasiático en 2019.7 Los elementos de 
la futura ventanilla única se  han 
consolidado en un portal de puertos 
marítimos, que facilita la supervisión de 
las corrientes comerciales en los puestos 
de control marítimos de la Federación de 
Rusia.  
Es alentador que ya se esté ensayando en 
la UEEA un proceso de despacho de 
aduana d e "ventanilla única" en el marco 
de un programa piloto en varios puertos 
marítimos. Debe asignarse prioridad al 
establecimiento acelerado de esta 
"ventanilla única" para mejorar los 
procedimientos aduaneros. Esos 
procedimientos deben también alinearse 
mejor entre todos los miembros de la 
UEEA, y no solamente Rusia. Rusia y los 
demás miembros de la UEEA deberán 
también intensificar sus esfuerzos 
encaminados a reducir y eliminar un 
número considerable de medidas no 
arancelarias y prescripciones 
reglamentarias  que siguen obstaculizando 
las corrientes comerciales, incluso dentro 
de la propia UEEA.  There are no plans for creating one integrated 
regional mechanism "single window" for all 
EAEU Member States. Each EAEU Member State 
develops its national single window on its own 
in accordance with approved plans and 
concepts.  
In accordance with the main directions in 
development of the single window mechanism 
in the system of regulation of foreign trade 
activities (adopted by the decision of the 
Supreme Eurasian Economic Council No. 68 of 
29 May 2014) and the plan of their realization 
(adopted by the decision of the Supreme 
Eurasian Economic Council No. 19 of 8  May 
2015) the EAEU Member States endeavor to 
coordinate their efforts in developing national 
single windows in order to ensure their 
interoperability.  
 
3.8. El Código de Aduanas de la UEEA 
actualizó el régimen preexistente para 
simplificar las formalidades aduaneras en 
un régimen de operadores económicos 
autorizados (OEA) de la Unión. El nuevo 
régimen, al que pueden acogerse tanto 
los importadores como los exportadores, 
prevé tres tipos de OEA, cada uno con 
requisitos de admisibilidad y ventajas Each type of certificate provides for relevant 
simplifications.  
A certificate of Type I ent itles to the following:  
1) the arrival and departure of goods and their 
release on a priority basis;  
2) not providing security for payments of 
customs duties and taxes for transit goods;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 41 - 
 
  específicos. Al 17 de mayo de 2021, 164 
personas jurídicas estaban inscritas en el 
registro de OEA.  
¿Podría la Federación de Rusia compartir 
información sobre los tres tipos de OEA a 
los que se pueden acoger los 
importadores y exportadores? ¿Cuáles 
son las ventajas a las que pueden 
acceder? ¿Se ha considerado otorgar la 
calidad de OEA a otros operadores de l a 
cadena logística como las agencias de 
aduanas, transportadores o puertos 
marítimos? ¿Tiene vigente Acuerdos de 
Reconocimiento Mutuo de los OEA con 
otros países?  
 
 3) not providing security for payments of 
customs duties and taxes in  the course of 
customs documents checks;  
4) release of goods before the declaration is 
submitted;  
5) priority customs control ;  
6) recognition of AEO seals by customs 
authorities as means of identification;  
7) priority participation in pilot projects and 
experiments conducted by customs authorities;  
8) unloading, reloading (transshipment) and 
other cargo operations with goods that are 
under customs control and are exported from 
the customs territory of the Union (except for 
goods transported (transported) u nder the 
customs procedure of customs transit), as well 
as replacement of means of international 
transportation carrying such goods with other 
means of transportation, including removal of 
the affixed seals and stamps, without 
permission of the customs aut hority.  
A certificate of Type II entitles to the following:  
1) temporary storage of goods on AEO's own 
sites;  
2) delivery of goods to AEO's own sites, 
completing the customs transit procedure;  
3) conducting customs control at AEO sites;  
4) performance of customs operations related 
to customs declaration and release of goods in 
the customs authority different from the 
customs authority in the region of which the 
goods are located (remote release of goods);  
5) priority customs control, if it i s appointed in 
the form of customs examination or customs 
search ;  
6) not providing security for payments of 
customs duties and taxes in the course of 
customs documents checks;  
7) release of goods before the filing of the 
declaration;  
8) not providing secu rity for the obligations on 
payment of import customs duties when 
deferring payment of import customs duties.  
 
A certificate of Type III provides for all of the 
simplifications listed above.  
 
The AEO status can be also granted to customs 
representatives, c arriers and owners of 
temporary storage.  
Currently there are no agreements on AEO 
mutual recognition between the Russian 
Federation and other countries. Negotiations on 
this issue are ongoing with the following states: 
China, the Republic of Korea, the Rep ublic of 
Turkey, and the Republic of Moldova.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 42 - 
 
  3.1.7 Otras medidas que afectan a las 
importaciones  
3.47. La Federación de Rusia elabora 
programas de sustitución de 
importaciones mediante diversos 
instrumentos, entre los que cabe 
mencionar la reglamentación de la 
contratación pública en virtud de la Ley 
Federal Nº 223 -FZ, de 18 de julio de 
201139 (sección 3.3.6). El Decreto Nº 
1746, de 21 de diciembre de 2019, 
prohibió los sistemas de almacenamiento 
de datos extranjeros en la contratación 
realizada a efectos gubernamentales. En 
el presente examen, las autoridades rusas 
observan que desde 2016 no ha habido 
sectores prioritarios para la sustitución de 
importaciones. En relación con un 
reciente informe del Banco Mundial en el 
que se señalan disminu ciones previstas 
de la participación de determinadas 
industrias en las importaciones41, las 
autoridades señalan que esos índices de 
sustitución de importaciones en algunos 
sectores tienen un carácter de pronóstico.  
¿Cómo se identifican los productos y los 
proyectos apropiados para la sustitución 
de las importaciones? ¿Qué mecanismo 
de examen se utiliza para mantener 
actualizada la lista indicativa de esos 
productos y proyectos de manera que se 
tengan en cuenta los acontecimientos 
externos e internos? ¿Hay p osibilidades 
de que los proveedores extranjeros y los 
importadores nacionales participen en la 
lista de proyectos y productos de 
importación sustituibles?  The list of products necessary for the 
performance of investment projects are 
developed by respective sectoral ministries, 
such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade and 
Ministry of Agriculture, in order to meet the 
governmental needs taking into account t he 
forecasts of development of respective markets 
and proposals from domestic and foreign 
companies. Ministry of Industry and Trade 
consultants' business operators in respect of 
terms and formalities of participation in the 
investment projects.  
  
3.2.2 I mpuestos, cargas y gravámenes a 
la exportación  
 
El párrafo 3.54 refiere que "el comercio 
en el interior de la UEEA no está sujeto a 
derechos de exportación. Adicionalmente, 
en el párrafo 3.55 la Secretaria menciona 
que Rusia aplica derechos de exportación 
respecto de terceros países sobre 
materias primas y productos 
semiacabados, con fines fiscales.  
 
En los párrafos 3.57 y 3.58, se destacan 
los cambios introducidos en el manejo de 
las restricciones en forma de derechos y 
de contingentes para importantes 
materias primas agrícolas, con el fin de 
estabilizar los precios en el mercado 
interno y generar exportaciones de valor 
agregado. En el caso de las semillas de 
girasol y la soya, el derecho de 
exportación se incrementó 
considerablemente.  
El párrafo 3.63 plant ea que "la UEEA 
mantiene asimismo una lista común de The measures taken against  the consequences 
of COVID -19 take into account both the 
purchasing power of the country's population 
and the financial stability of Russian 
agricultural producers. At the same time, it 
should be noted that the chosen form of 
response largely depended on t he state of the 
agro-industrial complex within the Eurasian 
Economic Union (EAEU). In this regard, the 
state of agriculture and the social sphere 
recorded in Russia is not the only indicator that 
determines the nature and the duration of the 
measures taken . WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 43 - 
 
  productos de especial importancia para el 
mercado interior, a los que pueden 
aplicarse prohibiciones o restricciones 
temporales a la exportación. La lista 
contiene 85 categorías de productos, 
enumeradas por códigos del SA", que 
comprenden entre otros, "la carne, la 
leche, los cereales, la harina, las judías 
(porotos, alubias, frijoles, fréjoles), las 
semillas oleaginosas, el aceite vegetal y 
las tortas oleaginosas".  
 
Si bien se han dado ajustes en el man ejo 
de las restricciones a las exportaciones, 
subsisten derechos elevados sobre 
algunos productos agropecuarios, así 
como la posibilidad que da la UEEA de 
aplicar prohibiciones o restricciones 
temporales a la exportación de 85 
categorías de productos, dond e se 
encuentran productos agropecuarios de la 
canasta familiar básica,  
 
¿Ha realizado Rusia una evaluación de los 
resultados de la aplicación de estas 
restricciones sobre los ingresos de la 
población y los costos de producción?  
¿Al interior de la UEEA se está trabajando 
en el diseño y adopción de una política 
que armonice y racionalice el uso de estas 
restricciones?  
 Sectoral tool for forecast balances of supply 
and demand is used. It allows adjusting the 
agro-industrial policie s of the EAEU Member 
States. In addition, the EAEU currently 
develops policies to ensure collective food 
security, based on the results of the analysis of 
successful international experience, which will 
also contribute to increasing the efficiency of 
interstate response to modern challenges in 
agro-industrial sector.  
3.3.3 Prescripciones sanitarias y 
fitosanitarias  
En el párrafo 3.115, menciona la 
Secretaría que "en marzo de 2021 se 
aplicaban controles fitosanitarios comunes 
a las importaciones de 128 grupos de 
productos procedentes de terceros 
países".  
 
Adicionalmente, en el párrafo 3.116, 
informa la Secretaría que  "de conformidad 
con el Tratado de la UEEA, los Estados 
miembros pueden aplicar unilateralmente 
medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias 
provisionales que no hayan sido 
armonizadas a nivel de la Unión, declarar 
zonas libres de enfermedades y plagas 
(sobre la ba se del principio de 
regionalización) y aplicar un nivel de 
protección más elevado que en el resto de 
la UEEA, si existe una justificación 
científica.  
 
Colombia agradece a Rusia informar los 
productos del ámbito agropecuario a los Phytosanitary quarantine control (supervision) 
in the customs territory of the Union and the 
customs border of the Union is carried out with 
regards t o products included into the list of 
quarantined products and objects in the unified 
list of quarantine objects of the EAEU.  
The list of regulated products, the unified list of 
quarantine objects of the EAEU and unified 
quarantine phytosanitary requirement s were 
approved by the Commission. The 
phytosanitary requirements for regulated 
products are set out in the Unified Quarantine 
Phytosanitary Requirements for regulated 
products and regulated objects at the customs 
border and in the customs territory of the  
Eurasian Economic Union approved by the 
Decision of the Council of the Eurasian 
Economic Commission dated 30 November 
2016 No. 157.  
The unified list of regulated products (goods, 
materials and commodities) subject to 
quarantine phytosanitary control (supe rvision) 
at the customs border of the Eurasian 
Economic Union and the customs territory of 
the Eurasian Economic Union is approved by WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 44 - 
 
  que se les aplican control es fitosanitarios 
comunes y qué tipo de normas se hicieron 
efectivas en 2020 y cuáles están 
vigentes.  
 
  the Decision of the Customs Union Commission 
dated 18 June 2010 No. 318.  
The unified list of quarantine objects of the 
Eurasian Economic Union is approved by the 
decision of the Council of the Eurasian 
Economic Commission dated 30 November 
2016 No. 158.  
The mentioned lists and requirements are 
publicly available on the Eurasian  Economic 
Commission website. 
(http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/act/te
xnreg/depsanmer/regulation/Pages/ Фитосанит
арные -меры .aspx ) 
All the amendments to the lists and 
requirements introduced in 2020 were duly 
notified to the WTO.  
Colombia desea conocer si durante los 
últimos tres años, Rusia ha aplicado 
medidas provisionales no a rmonizadas a 
nivel de la UEEA y en qué productos. Así 
mismo, agradece informar si el nivel de 
protección que se ha aplicado en dichas 
medidas ha sido superior al que rige en la 
UEEA.  
 
 EAEU Member States have the right to apply 
temporary SPS measures in order to protect 
human, animal or plant life and health in 
certain cases determined by the EAEU Treaty. 
In accordance with the established procedure, 
national competent authority informs about 
such SPS measure the Eurasian Economic 
Commission a nd competent authorities of the 
EAEU Member States, as well as the country in 
respect of whose products the measures are 
applied. MED also notifies information on 
temporary SPS measure to the WTO. In the 
review period, Russia has applied certain 
temporary sanitary measures to papaya, 
pineapple, corn noodles, chips and lime, 
produced by individual manufacturers in China, 
Viet Nam and Brazil.  
All temporary sanitary measures have been 
introduced in order to protect human life and 
health and are aimed at preven ting the import 
of goods, including food that constitute a 
danger to the population. Temporary SPS 
restrictive measures were introduced due to 
the detection of violations of sanitary 
requirements in food products (in particular, an 
excess of the maximum re sidue level of 
pesticides, or detection of DNAs of genetically 
modified products).  
1 INTRODUCCIÓN  
 
Éste examen se ha concentrado, 
principalmente en la senda de la 
diversificación económica, el aumento en 
la acción de inversión extranjera, el papel 
de la U nión Económica Euroasiática, la 
"facilidad de hacer negocios" en Rusia, y 
su participación en los procesos de 
integración regional de una manera 
efectiva, sin dejar de mencionar los 
grandes retos que deja la recesión 
mundial con la pandemia.  
 
En este cont exto, ¿La Federación de Rusia 
está considerando reformas a los 
programas de subsidios a productos como 
los combustibles fósiles?  Russia considers that the need and efficiency of 
fossil fuel subsidy reform is not obvious.  
Latest studies (for instance, Report of the 
Global Subsidies Initiative "Cutting Emissions 
through Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform and 
Taxation", July 2021) show that f or some 
countries fossil fuel subsidy reform is not 
necessarily the largest contributor to emission 
reductions. Apart from the fossil fuel subsidy 
reform, the report considers 3 other options, 
including reallocation of subsidy savings into 
energy efficienc y and renewable energy, 
energy tax and allocation of it into energy 
efficiency, and renewable energy.  
Besides, there is lack of facts in respect to 
possible social implications of potential reform 
(including for energy consumers and workers in 
fossil fuel  sectors) that must be considered. WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 45 - 
 
   
 
 Fossil fuels still dominate all continents. While 
developed countries have the necessary 
resources to gradually change their energy 
balance, the situation is different for developing 
countries. Countries will need a profo und 
transformation of their economies and 
production processes. For certain countries, the 
FFS reform may not only fail to solve the global 
problem of greenhouse gas emissions, but also 
postpone the achievement of climate goals.  
In addition, Russia consid ers it inappropriate 
when an implementation of one SDG (such as 
combatting climate change) is carried out at 
the expense of the other goals. In the case of 
fossil fuel subsidy reform, efforts to combat 
climate change directly conflict with the SDG 7 
"Affor dable and Clean Energy".  
3 DESAFÍOS  
COVID -19 
 
3.4. Como parte de la respuesta a la 
pandemia de COVID -19, el Gobierno de la 
Federación de Rusia y la Comisión 
Económica Euroasiática han adoptado 
medidas para estabilizar la situación 
epidemiológica. Entre es as medidas figura 
la introducción de un régimen de 
franquicia arancelaria, en vigor desde 
marzo de 2020, para la importación de los 
distintos componentes y materiales 
necesarios para fabricar productos 
farmacéuticos y desinfectantes, 
medicamentos y materia l médico y equipo 
de protección personal. Esos bienes han 
quedado también exentos del impuesto 
sobre el valor añadido.  
 
Sería útil conocer más a fondo sobre éste 
régimen, por ejemplo aplicaría solo para 
productos originarios de algunos países?  The exemptio n of certain imported medical 
products from the VAT is applied regardless of 
their country of origin.  
 
3.5. Con el fin de mantener un suministro 
ininterrumpido y estable de bienes 
producidos en masa, la Federación de 
Rusia adoptó una serie de 
recomendaci ones relativas a la evaluación 
de la conformidad para los solicitantes y 
los organismos de certificación de 
productos para el período comprendido 
entre el 15 de marzo y el 31 de diciembre 
de 2020. De acuerdo con esas 
recomendaciones, se preveía la 
posibili dad de aplazar el control de 
inspección programado en relación con los 
certificados de conformidad válidos para 
la producción en serie, expedir nuevos 
certificados sobre la base de evaluaciones 
de la conformidad previas y realizar la 
evaluación de la confo rmidad a distancia.  
¿A través de que mecanismo se 
realizarían los certificados de 
conformidad?, Ya se tiene un desarrollo 
tecnológico?, Cual es la vigencia de los In 2020, the Ministry of Industry of Russia 
together with the Ministry of Economic 
Development and the Russian Agency for 
Accreditation developed recommendations for 
applicants and bodies for certification in respect 
of serial products in case of difficulties 
connected with COVID -19 pandemic. These 
recommendations have been in force until 31 
December 2020.  
These recommendations were developed due to 
the limited opportunities for experts to trav el 
and conduct inspection control on production 
sites. The recommendations provided the 
following:  
1) With regard to valid certificates for serial 
products in case the date for the next 
scheduled inspection control has come during 
the period from 15  March 2020 to 31  December 
2020, the certification body could decide to 
postpone the inspection control for up to 6 
months.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 46 - 
 
  certificados?, Su costo y Tiempo de 
respuesta?, Especificar cuáles son estos 
bienes producido s en masa a los cuales se 
les expide el certificado.  
 
 When making such a decision, the certification 
body:  
− took measures to update the quality 
management system, which provided for 
the pr ocedures for postponing the 
inspection control in case of lack of 
opportunity to visit the production -site to 
carry out mandatory procedures for 
analysing the state of production and 
taking samples,  
− provided a confirmation from the 
manufacturer that techni cal documentation 
and the technological process for the 
production of certified goods were not 
modified.  
− made amendments to the schedule of 
inspection control.  
2) Regarding certificates of conformity 
assessment to expire between 15 March and 31 
December 20 21 as well as when certifying new 
product that has insignificant differences in its 
construction and technology of manufacturing 
that have no impact on its safety the body for 
certification could issue the new certificate on 
conformity assessment.  
Besides , the applicants had an opportunity to 
use the results of previously carried out 
conformity assessment procedures in case the 
same body for conformity assessment had 
conducted this certification before and 
applicants provided the evidence about stability 
of production process that ensured compliance 
with the Technical Regulations of the EAEU, as 
well as not more than 12 months had passed 
between the analysis of the production state 
and preparation of the documents on 
certification.  
4.2 Mejoramiento de la a dministración 
aduanera  
 
4.6. Rusia se adhirió al Acuerdo sobre 
Facilitación del Comercio (AFC) de la OMC 
en marzo de 2016. En el caso de Rusia, 
todas las disposiciones del AFC han sido 
vinculantes desde el momento de la 
entrada en vigor del Acuerdo. En mar zo 
de 2019, Rusia presentó al Comité de 
Facilitación del Comercio su notificación a 
efectos de transparencia de conformidad 
con los artículos 1.4, 10.4.3, 10.6.2 y 
12.2.2 del AFC.  
 
4.11. A raíz de la adopción del Código de 
Aduanas de la UEEA, el plazo para  el 
levante de las mercancías se ha reducido 
a cuatro horas desde el momento del 
registro de la declaración en aduana, 
siempre que después de controlar la 
declaración no sea necesario solicitar 
documentos adicionales sobre la base de 
los cuales se haya com pletado la 
declaración, o llevar a cabo métodos de Currently, the release of goods must be 
completed by the customs authorities within 4 
hours from the time of registration of goods 
declaration (paragraph 1 of Article 119 of the 
EAEU Custo ms Code).  
Previously, according to the Customs Code of 
the Customs Union provisions the release of 
goods must be completed by the customs 
authorities no later than 1 working day 
following the day of registration of the customs 
declaration, and with regard to goods to which 
no export customs duties are applied, placed 
under the customs export procedure, the 
release must be completed by the customs 
authority no later than 4 hours from the time of 
registration of the goods declaration.  
For the period since the  beginning of 2021 
(January – September) the time of customs 
operations at the release of goods for which no 
risks of violation of customs legislation were 
identified and which are not subject to control 
by other federal executive bodies, amounted 
to: 
export – 36 minutes;  
import – 63 minutes.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 47 - 
 
  control aduanero relacionados con la 
verificación de las mercancías.  
La ratificación del Acuerdo sobre 
Facilitación del Comercio es un avance 
positivo, entre otras cosas, porque 
demuestra el compromiso de Rusia con el 
sistema multilateral de comercio desde su 
vinculación en marzo de 2016. El 
cumplimiento de los compromisos 
contenidos en ese Acuerdo evidencia el 
porte de beneficios para Rusia y para sus 
asociados de la UEEA.  
 
¿Podría la Federación de Rusia compartir 
información sobre cuantas horas se 
demoraba el levante antes de llegar a la 
reducción de 4 Horas y cuánto tiempo se 
toma el levante de la mercancía contado 
desde el arribó de la misma tanto en 
tiempo como en costos (derechos y 
cargas por el  transporte acompañado y el 
almacenamiento de las mercancías, ect)?   
4.7. Durante el período que abarca el 
informe, se ha llevado a cabo una labor 
coherente, teniendo en cuenta las 
disposiciones del AFC, a fin de simplificar 
los procedimientos aduaneros, reducir el 
tiempo necesario para las operaciones 
aduaneras, eliminar los obstáculos 
innecesarios en la esfera de la 
reglamentación de aduanas para 
promover un desarrollo favorable de las 
actividades de comercio exterior, y 
automatizar las operaciones aduaneras y 
reducir el tiempo necesario para el 
levante de las mercancías.  
Podría la Federación de Rusia compartir 
información sobre cuáles son y hacia 
dónde van encaminadas las medidas 
adoptadas, que permiten la reducción en 
tiempo en los proceso de importación y 
exportación de  manera detallada.  
 
  During the period of 2017 -2020 customs 
administrative reforms were made by the FCS, 
that were aimed at inter alia:  
− establishment the priority to electronic 
form of goods declaration;  
− automatic registration of declarations and 
automatic release of goods;  
− implementation of "remote payment" 
technology for customs payments;  
− improving the work of customs authorities 
with the payment of customs duties by 
providing a financial guarantee in electronic 
form;  
− transfer to the technology o f paperless 
electronic document flow;  
− avoiding duplication of electronic 
documents with paper documents and 
reduce the number of documents required 
for goods crossing the Russian border;  
− implementation of a subject -oriented model 
of the risk management sys tem that allows 
reducing the number of control procedures 
(including inspections) with respect to low -
risk traders.  
Such reforms led to automation and 
optimization of customs operations, reducing 
the time for customs operations and state 
control at checkpo ints, while maintaining an 
appropriate level of control.  
5 DIVERSIFICACIÓN ECONÓMICA, 
PROMOCIÓN DEL COMERCIO Y LAS 
INVERSIONES  
 
5.6. En 2015, a fin de aumentar la 
disponibilidad y la transparencia de los 
procedimientos para que los exportadores 
obtengan a yuda estatal, se creó la 
sociedad anónima "Centro Ruso de 
Exportación" (parte del grupo VEB.RF; en 
adelante, "el REC"). Las esferas de The "Made in Russia" labelling is laid down in 
the Russian voluntary certification system. The 
"Made in Russia" labelling will help increase the 
awareness of goods and brands in foreign 
markets. To obtain it, one must go through the 
certification procedure at the Russian Export 
Center (hereinafter – REC). REC experts 
conduct an assessment of the company's 
competencies and foreign economic potential, 
as well as test the products for compliance with 
the requirements of Russian legislation.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 48 - 
 
  trabajo más importantes del REC incluyen 
la creación de un servicio de "ventanilla 
única" que provee un acceso en línea a  
los servicios del Gobierno y las empresas 
relacionados con las exportaciones de las 
empresas, así como la elaboración de un 
sistema de certificación y etiquetado 
voluntarios llamado "Fabricado en Rusia", 
que permite garantizar a los 
consumidores la fiabil idad del fabricante y 
la seguridad de los productos.  
 
Cuáles son los requisitos para este 
certificado y etiquetado?¿Cuál es el 
alcance y los beneficios que el producto 
que tenga esta distinción puede tener?  
 
 "Made in Russia" is a communication tool that 
includes the comp rehensive promotion of 
Russian products abroad. In order to promote 
Russian products with this label, various means 
of communication are involved, including 
television, mass media, digital segment, and 
exhibitions.  
Exhibition pavilions and stands of Russian 
exporters arranged by REC operate under a 
single brand "Made in Russia".  
On 1 October 2017, an advertising campaign 
was launched in 11 countries (China, India, 
Iran, Viet  Nam, Indonesia, Argentina, 
Germany, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, 
Tajikist an). Its purpose is to develop a good 
image and establish trust in Russian goods 
abroad, as well as to inform foreign buyers 
about the catalogue of certified products. 
Information is posted in all key communication 
channels: international TV channels, prin ted 
and Internet publications, social networks.  
 
The Voluntary Certification System "Made in 
Russia" provides for the use of the Mark of 
Conformity "Made in Russia", which serves to 
inform consumers about the compliance of 
products, work (services) with th e System 
requirements applied to the product and / or 
packaging, documentation, shipping 
documentation, acts of work performed 
(services rendered), advertising materials, and 
indicating that the products were manufactured 
in the Russian Federation, the wor k (service) 
was performed (rendered) by a Russian 
company.  
The conformity mark can be used in advertising 
and informational materials in which certified 
products are mentioned or visualized.  
The costs of marking certified objects with the 
Mark of Conformit y, are borne by the certificate 
holder.  
Information about manufacturers after passing 
the certification procedure is entered into the 
electronic catalog madeinrussia.comentation  
To enter the "Made in Russia" promotion 
program, company must go through the  
procedure of voluntary certification of products, 
works (services). Successful confirmation of 
compliance with the requirements of the SDS 
"Made in Russia" allows to guarantee the 
reliability of the manufacturer and the safety of 
manufactured products (se rvices rendered). 
Made in Russia labeling will help increase the 
recognition of goods and brands in foreign 
markets.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 49 - 
 
  5.1 Políticas sectoriales  
5.1.1 Política industrial  
 
5.16. En 2021 se aprobó la Estrategia de 
Lucha Contra el Tráfico Ilícito de 
Producto s Industriales hasta 2025, 
destinada específicamente a las industrias 
sujetas a vigilancia especial. Entre ellas 
figuran las industrias química, electrónica, 
alimentaria, ligera, farmacéutica, del 
automóvil, la industria de productos para 
niños, la ingenie ría agrícola y la industria 
de productos populares y artesanías. 
Como parte de la Estrategia, se está 
introduciendo gradualmente el control de 
la facturación de las mercancías 
pertinentes, lo que contribuye, con costos 
mínimos, a reducir considerablemente la 
producción y la comercialización de 
artículos ilegales y pirateados.  
 
Agradecemos a la Federación de Rusia 
compartir información más detallada 
sobre la industria ligera, con el fin de 
identificar su importancia en la Estrategia 
de Lucha Contra el Tráfic o Ilícito de 
Productos Industriales.  Light industry was chosen as one of the first 
covered by National system of mandatory 
labelling given its lucrativeness for 
counterfeiter.  
As from 1 January 2021 the circulation of 
certain unlabeled light industry goods (leather 
clothing, knitted clothing , coats, raincoats, bed 
linen, kitchen linen, table linen) is prohibited in 
Russia.  
For labelling, a two -dimensional code in the 
Data Matrix format is used, which is applied 
directly to the product packaging or product 
label and contains detailed informati on about 
the product: name, manufacturer, date, time 
and place of release. By 2024, a unified 
national system for marking and tracking of 
goods will be created in Russia. The system 
operator is the Center for the Development of 
Advanced Technologies, which  is a private 
partner.  
 
As of 30 December 2020, 66.6 thousand 
participants in the turnover of light industry 
goods were registered in the system, 527 
million marking codes were issued.  
 
12 INTERACCIÓN REGIONAL Y BILATERAL  
12.1 Unión Económica Euroasiátic a 
 
12.3. Los Jefes de Estado de la UEEA 
aprobaron las Orientaciones Estratégicas 
para el Desarrollo de la Integración 
Económica Euroasiática hasta 2025 en la 
reunión del Consejo Económico Supremo 
Euroasiático celebrada en diciembre de 
2020. A grandes rasgo s, el documento es 
una hoja de ruta en la que se definen 
aproximadamente 330 medidas y 
mecanismos destinados a hacer avanzar 
la integración, fortalecer la posición de los 
Estados miembros en la economía 
mundial y garantizar un crecimiento 
económico constan te. En el documento se 
establecen las medidas que habrán de 
adoptarse para lograr la finalización de los 
mercados comunes de mercancías, 
servicios, capitales y trabajo, garantizar la 
mejora del marco reglamentario para la 
cooperación, desarrollar las insti tuciones 
de la Unión, prever la trazabilidad digital 
del movimiento de mercancías y 
fortalecer la posición global de la Unión. 
Un número significativo de disposiciones 
está destinado a mejorar la 
reglamentación y la administración 
aduaneras, formar un espa cio digital 
común dentro de la UEEA, desarrollar 
enfoques comunes para proteger los 
derechos de los consumidores y mejorar 
la calidad y la inocuidad de las mercancías 
que entran en el mercado euroasiático.  The transit declaration and the related  
documents shall be submitted by the declarant 
to the customs authorities in electronic form. 
The transit declaration may also be submitted 
in paper form.  
Usually the carrier (transport company) is the 
declarant of the transit procedure.  
When goods are rel eased under the customs 
transit procedure the customs body of 
departure establishes the term of transit and 
the place of delivery of goods.  
One of the conditions of placement of foreign 
goods under the customs transit procedure is 
to ensure the payment of import customs 
duties and taxes (the Security).  
The Security is not required if the goods are 
transported by rail, air or sea mode of 
transport and in other cases determined by the 
legislation of the EAEU.  
 
The available statistics of cargo transportation 
by means of transport are presented on the 
website of the Unified Interdepartmental 
Information and Statistical System 
https://www.fedstat.ru/organizatio ns/ WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 50 - 
 
   
Es posible obtener datos sobre los 
movimientos de las mercancías 
transportadas hacia el interior y en 
dirección de la Federación de Rusia. 
¿Quiénes son los transitorios y cuál es su 
labor e importancia dentro de la cadena 
de suministro de mercancías?.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 51 - 
 
  UNITED KINGDOM  
  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
SUMMARY  
Paragraph  15 
Can the Russian Federation confirm that 
spirit drinks will remain outside the scope of 
the "track and trace" system that is 
applicable to a number of goods placed on 
the Russian market?  
 The Resolution of the Government of the 
Russian Federation of 17 Feb ruary 2021 No. 
204 launched the pilot project on Track and 
Trace in respect of beer and beer products. 
This pilot project is to be carried out from 1 
April to 31 August 2022.  
The whole information on "track and trace" 
system, inter alia, the scope of the measure 
and news on new pilots, is available on the 
website of the operator of the system: 
https://chestnyznak.ru/en/business/   
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
SUMMARY  
Paragraph  18 
The Secretariat Report st ates that, " The 
legal frameworks for the application of 
technical regulations and standards and 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures 
involve a combination of EAEU and national 
competences... Steps were taken during the 
review period at the EAEU level to 
implement agreements concluded in 2014 
for the gradual establishment of  a unified 
market for medicines and medical devices ."  
 
Will the Russian Federation seek 
to initiate  a process on the EAEU level to 
update existing  outdated  EAEU  Export 
Health Certificates  (EHCs)  with the  current 
World Organi zation for Animal Health (OIE) 
standards which are regularly  updated  in 
line with the new scientific evidence?   
 
Could  the Russian Federation elaborate on 
the steps taken in relation to  establishing  a 
unified EAEU marke t for medicines and 
medical devices  and the  respective timings 
for completion?   
 
Will the project  aim to achieve closer 
alignment with international standards and 
international best practice  in this field  and if 
so which standards?   
 
Under what circumstanc es 
would  the Russian Federation accept non -
EAEU based clinical centres for conducting 
clinical trials for medicines?  On 4 questions.  
All certificates applied by the Russian 
Federation comply with international standards 
and recommendations, and, if necessary, are 
updated in accordance with them. However, 
the legal acts of the EAEU do not provide for 
Export Health Certificates applicable within the 
system of sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures.  
 
The Agreement of the EAEU on th e Common 
principles of circulation of medical products 
concluded in 2014 laid down the mechanisms 
for establishing the common market of 
pharmaceuticals and medical devices in the 
EAEU. In 2016 the Council of the EAEU 
adopted the common rules of registratio n of 
such products.  
 
Currently, the Members -States of the EAEU 
are discussing the Concept of further 
integration of the common market.  
 
Acceptance of the non -EAEU based clinical 
centers is the subject of separate negotiations 
to be carried out through the Ministry of 
Health of the Russian Federation. If the 
regulator of the United Kingdom is interested 
in mutual recognition of clinical trials, it can 
submit the application for the relevant 
negotiations to the Ministry of Health.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 52 - 
 
  SECRETARIAT REPORT  (S416)  
SUMMARY   
Paragraph  22 
The Secretariat Report states that , 
"Currently, the key document defining IP 
policy is the Intellectual Property Roadmap 
under the Government Business 
Environment Transformation initiative".   
Could the Russian 
Federation  provide  additional  information in 
relation to how its intellectual property 
system will seek to: 1) target online 
copyright infringement  and 2) target 
copyright infringement in the educational 
material sector?   To both questions.  
IP rights are usually enf orced by the right -
holder via administrative procedures (for 
patents cases it can be done by submitting 
complaints to Rospatent, which are further 
considered by the Chamber of Patent 
Disputes) and via judicial proceedings. The 
Russian legislation provides for civil, 
administrative and criminal liability for breach 
on IP rights, which is enforced by Russian 
competent authorities including the Ministry of 
Internal Affairs and the Federal Customs 
Service. A specialized Court for Intellectual 
Property Rights ex ists in Russia since 2013 in 
order to deal with the more complicated IP 
cases. Online copyright infringements can be 
addressed in the specialized court - Moscow 
City Court.  
In the Russian Federation, the procedure for 
combating online copyright infringeme nt are 
provided for by anti -piracy legislation which 
applies to all objects of copyright and related 
rights, excluding photographic works. Anti -
piracy legislation contains a judicial 
mechanism of termination of violations of 
copyright and related rights on  the Internet 
(Article 15.2 of the Federal Law of July 27, 
2006 No. 149 -FZ "On Information, information 
technology and information protection ", 
introduced Federal Law dated 02.07.2013 No. 
187-FZ "On Amendments in certain legislative 
acts of the Russian Fe deration on issues 
protection of intellectual rights in information 
and telecommunication networks ") and an 
extrajudicial mechanism for the termination of 
copyright violations and related rights on the 
Internet (Article 15.7 of the Federal Law July 
27, 20 06 No. 149 -FZ "On information, 
information technologies and on the protection 
of information ", introduced by the Federal 
Law of November 24, 2014 No. 364 -FZ "On 
Amendments to the Federal Law" On 
Information, information technology and 
information protecti on "and Civil the 
procedural code of the Russian Federation ").  Paragraph  22 
Could the Russian 
Federation  provide  information in relation to 
how it enforces intellectual property rights, 
including through legal proceedings?   
 
 
Paragraph  22 
Could the Russian Federation advise on how 
its intellectual property roadmap will work 
alongside wider EAEU IP legislation to 
ensure that  businesses are not subjected to 
conflicting requirements?   According to the Russian legislation, draft legal 
acts should be asse ssed on their compliance 
with the EAEU Law.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT  (S416)  
SUMMARY   
Paragraph  29 
The Secretariat Report states that,  "The 
level of competition in the banking 
sector  remains  limited. It has been reported 
that restrictions on trade in commercial  
banking services increased between 2016 
and 2020".   
 Over the period from 1 January 2020 to 1 
January 2021 non -residents' investments in 
the charter capital of the operating credit 
institutions increased more than four times 
and exceeded 404.4 billion rubles. The share 
of non -residents' participation in the total 
charter capital of credit organizations 
increased from 13.90% as of 1 January 2020 
to 14.37% as of 1 January 2021.  
Foreign participation in the charter capital of 
credit institutions as of 1 January 2021 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 53 - 
 
  As part of the ongoing reforms in the 
banking sector and to attract 
and retain  interest from foreign 
banks,  would the Russian Federation seek 
to remove its current quota cap of 50 % to 
foreign capital p articipation and if so, 
when?   
 amounted to 10 .96% (calculated by the Bank 
of Russia in accordance with Article 18 of the 
Federal Law No. 359-1 of 2 December 1990 
"On Banks and Banking Activities"). Taking 
into account that foreign capital participation 
in the bank system of the Russian Federation 
is limited to 50% the issue of the abolishment 
of the quota is not relevant.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT  (S416)   
1 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT   
1.2 Recent Economic Developments  
Paragraph  1.15 
The Secretariat Report states that, "Some 
specific targets to be achieved by 2030 
include: ... (iii) achieving a four -fold 
increase in volume of investment in 
domestic IT products (compared with 
2019) ". 
 
Would the Russian Federation seek  FDI to 
achieve this target and if so, would the 
Russian  Federation improve its current 
legislat ion to ensure a level -playing field for 
domestic and foreign entities?   To both questions.  
The legislation related to the IT sector is 
periodically reviewed with the objective of 
stimulating the increase in investments, 
domestic and foreign, in this sector . At this 
moment there is no specific plans on increase 
of taxes for domestic companies engaged in IT 
sector.  
It is not clear how such increase in taxes 
would contribute to the increase in 
investments, foreign or domestic.  
 
Paragraph  1.15 
In particular, would  the Russian 
Federation  seek to remove existing  policy 
that lowers tax rates for domestic firms in 
the IT sector  (corporate tax and social 
security  contributions)?   
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.2 Trade Policy Formulations and 
Objectives  
2.16 International Cooperation and 
Export Programme  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
further information on the provisions in 
place to support a simplified visa and 
migration registration procedures as part of 
its Nat ional Project on International 
Cooperation and Export?  
 Pursuant to the Federal Law of 31 July 2020 
#305 -FZ "On Amendments of the Federal Law 
"On the Order of exit from the Russian 
Federation and entry to the Russian 
Federation" and on Declaration of Inva lidity of 
Certain Provisions of Legislative Acts of the 
Russian Federation" the Government of the 
Russian Federation has adopted the Resolution 
of 7 November 2020 #1793 "On the Order of 
Issuance of Unified Electronic Visas and on 
Declaration of Invalidity of Certain Provisions 
of Acts of the Government of the Russian 
Federation". These Federal Law and Resolution 
introduced the instrument of e -visas in Russia. 
In order to obtain an e -visa the applicant does 
not require invitations, confirmation of booking 
or other documents stating the purpose of the 
visit to the Russian Federation. The e -visa 
allows the person to enter the Russian 
Federation for a business, guest or tourist 
visit, as well as for participation in scientific, 
cultural, social and political, ec onomic or sport 
events. Duration of the e -visa is 60 days from 
the date of its issuance and the duration of 
stay may be up to 16 days. The application for 
e-visa may be submitted either though 
personal cabinet on the website of the Ministry 
of Foreign Affa irs (MFA) or through MFA mobile 
application. E -visa is to be issued within 4 
days from the date of submission of an 
application.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 54 - 
 
  SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
2.3.1  WTO  
Paragraph  2.20   
We would encourage the Russian authorities 
to notify the draft updated version of the 
Technical Regulation on Alcoholic Drinks 
Safety (G/TBT/N/RUS/2) to the WTO and 
would welcome further clarity on this 
Regulation in relation to the following 
points : 
 
What are the next steps as part of the 
revision process of this Technical Regulation 
and what are the timelines for revision of 
the GOSTs (Eurasian standards), which, we 
understand, should follow and stem from 
the revision of the Technical Regulation?  GOSTs are not Eurasian standards, but 
national ones.  
According to Article 51 of the Treaty on the 
EAEU provides for the voluntary application of 
standards. There are no requirements under 
the EAEU Law that oblige EAEU Members to 
align its standards with th e technical 
regulation of the EAEU.   
 
Paragraph  2.20   
How do the Russian authorities intend to 
address questions of clarification related to 
this Technical Regulation?  
 
 Draft amendments to the technical regulation 
of the EAEU on the safety of alcoholic  products 
will be notified to the WTO and the relevant 
period for comments will be provided. During 
this period the Members of the WTO will have 
the opportunity to submit their comments and 
questions that will be taking into account.  
Paragraph  2.20   
How will this Technical Regulation, the 
winemaking law and the Eurasian and 
Russian GOST standards inter -relate?  Wine-making law has no relations with either 
technical regulation or Russian national 
standards.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
2 TRADE AND  INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
2.3.1  WTO  
Paragraph  2.20   
In relation to Federal Law Nº 468 on wine 
making and wine growing, which has yet to 
be notified to the WTO:  
 
Paragraph  2.20   
When will the Russian authorities notify 
Federal Law Nº 468 on wine making and 
wine growing to the WTO?  The Russian Federation confirms that it 
adheres to its transparency obligations and 
intends to do so in future, including with 
respect to the Federal Law N 468.  
The Federal Law is aimed at settle ment of 
specific issues in the field of manufacturing of 
wine raw materials and products in the 
Russian Federation. Besides, the objectives of 
the Law are to form the powers of government 
and self -managing organizations, as well as 
the legal status of econ omic operators in the 
field of viticulture and winemaking in order to 
eliminate counterfeiting and unnecessary 
administrative obstacles.  
Moreover, the Federal Law aims to create and 
develop the "the wine of Russia" brand by 
improvement of quality and aware ness of wine 
products manufactured in Russia as well as 
improvement of wineries in Russia  
Paragraph  2.20   
Can Russian authorities provide clarity 
around timelines for this law and the 
procedure for its adoption?  
 The Federal Law was adopted on the 27th of 
December 2019 and entered into force on the 
26th of June 2020. The Law was adopted in 
accordance with the  standard procedure of 
adoption of any Federal Law in the Russian 
Federation.  
Paragraph  2.20   
Can Russian authorities provide an update 
on amendments proposed by Comité 
Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) and 
spiritsEUROPE (lodged at same time as the 
Bakharev amendment), particularly All proposals h ave been under consideration of 
the responsible authorities. As for geographical 
indications, we note hereby that GIs are 
protected by the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation. As for "cognac" this definition is 
not protected in the Russian Federation as i t is WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 55 - 
 
  information on five core topics: labelling, 
geographical indications (including in 
relation to references to "Коньяк"), product 
definition (including for "Коньяк"), 
oenological practices and import rules?  
 
 "generic name" and associated with a category 
of products by the consumer. According to 
Article 24.6 of the TRIPS Agreement nothing 
shall require applying protection in respect of 
geographical indications of any other WTO 
Member with respect to goods or services for 
which the relevant indication is identical with 
the term customary in common language as 
the common name for such goods. Besides, 
TRIPS Agreement or any WIPO Convention do 
not set out the list of automatically recognized 
GIs]. 
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
2.4.1  Regulatory framework  
Paragraph  2.39 
Could the Russian Federation please provide 
clarity on what changes were made to the 
legislative provisions in 2019, and explain 
what assessment it has made on the 
impacts of these measures on foreign 
investment and foreign businesses 
operating in Russia?  
 In2019, SPIC was modernized to SPIC 2.0 
which became more focused on technology 
transfer. This measure improved general 
investment climate in Russia as it provided 
opportunity for industrial production based on 
specified technology in the Russian Federation 
at stable economic conditions.  
On 28 November 2020, the Government of the 
Russian Federation approved list of 
technolo gies that will be recognized as modern 
technologies for the purpose of entering into 
special investment contracts (the Government 
Order No. 3143-r of 28 November 2020). This 
list includes more than 600 technologies used 
in various industries including mach ine 
building, the machine -tool industry, the 
automotive industry, individual technologies in 
the area of chemistry, pharmaceutical, radio 
electronics, energy, telecommunications, 
metals and forestry.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME S 
2.5 E-commerce  
Paragraph  2.44 
Will the Russian Federation consider 
establishing a regulatory framework for e -
commerce to allow the online sale of 
alcoholic beverages (with suitable measures 
in place to prevent the purchase by 
minors)? If so, can the Russ ian Federation 
please provide details, and if not, can the 
Russian Federation explain why?  Currently, a regulatory and legal framework is 
being developed (draft laws are available at 
https://regulation.gov.ru) in order to launch in 
March 2022 an experimen t on the 
implementation of direct Russian wine 
deliveries from producer to consumer via 
Russian Post. It is supposed to establish a 
delayed delivery within 24 hours from the 
moment of placing an order. Current 
restrictions for offline retail of alcoholic 
beverages will also apply to the pilot project 
(e.g., when the buyer receives wine, he or she 
should present an ID).  
SECRETARIAT REPORT  (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE   
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports   
3.1.7  Other measures affecting 
imports   
Paragraph  3.46 
The Secretariat Report  states that, " the 
Eurasian Intergovernmental 
Council  established  a Union -wide "track and 
trace" system for the marking of certain 
goods with (machine -readable) means of 
identification in February  2018, which 
became effective on 29 March".   
 Initially, Track and  Trace system was 
developed and implemented pursuant to the 
Strategy to combat illicit circulation of 
industrial goods in the Russian Federation until 
2020 and for the planned period until 2025. 
The objectives of the System are threefold: to 
combat counter feiting, to fight tax evasion and 
to improve customs enforcement. The strategy 
has been updated recently by the Russian 
Federation Government Decree dated 6 of 
February 2021 No.256-r. 
 
Track and Trace System monitors all stages of 
product circulation from manufacturing facility 
or imports into the Russian Federation to retail 
stage. Monitoring of all stages of product 
circulation is important to ensure traceability WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 56 - 
 
  Could the Russian Federation  provide a 
justification for its track and trace labelling 
system, including details of the options 
considered when developing the 
regulations? Could the Russian Federation 
also explain the legitimate objective behind 
the regulation?  Would the Russian 
Federation seek to move towards one 
universal labelling system, mindful of other 
existing labelling systems in place in the 
Russian Federation and the EAEU?   of a product. Information about each point of a 
commerce chain is vital for the proper 
functi oning of the T&T System.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.1  Customs procedures, valuation, 
and requirements  
Paragraph  3.6 
At the Russian Federation's previous TPR, a 
question was raised concerning the 
rationale for Russian Customs to request 
copies of Export Declarations for release of 
goods into free circulation on import into 
Russia. The answer was given that this was 
only one of the supplementary documents 
which may  be submitted, but our 
experience is that the request for these 
specifically can sometimes still slow down 
the import process. Can Russian Customs 
provide further clarity on why export 
declarations are required as part of the 
import process?  
 The export declaration is one of the documents 
that can be submitted by the declarant in 
order to confirm the information declared in 
the customs declaration.  
If the customs authority revealed signs of 
inaccurate or incomplete information in the 
customs declar ation of customs value then the 
customs authority has the right to request 
from the declarant a customs declaration of 
the country of departure (origin, transit), if the 
completion of such a customs declaration is 
provided in the country of departure (orig in, 
transit). This right of the customs authority is 
stipulated by EAEU law (paragraph 8 of the 
Regulation on peculiarities of customs control 
of the customs value of goods imported into 
the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic 
Union, approved by Dec ision of the Collegium 
of the Eurasian Economic Commission dated 
27.03.2018 No 42).  
 
If the declarant is unable to submit the 
requested export declaration, he shall provide 
appropriate explanations to the customs 
authority.  
 
Export declaration is not a man datory 
document for passing customs control.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.6  Anti-dumping, countervailing, 
and safeguard measures  
Paragraph  3.43 
As half of the contingency measures were 
concerning the steel industry, could the 
Russian Federation please clarify whether, 
where some have expired, these measures 
will be replaced?  
 According to Articles 48 and 49 of the Treaty 
on the Eurasian Economic Union EAEU (Signed 
in Astan a 29.05.2014), the application of 
safeguard, anti -dumping and countervailing 
measures is carried out on the terms and 
conditions of Protocol on Application of 
Safeguard, Anti -Dumping and Countervailing 
Measures to Third Countries (Annex No. 8 to 
the EAEU T reaty). Anti -dumping, 
countervailing and safeguard investigations 
are conducted by Department for Internal 
Market Defence (DIMD) of the Eurasian 
Economic Commission upon applications made 
by the EAEU producers. Decisions to impose or 
terminate trade remedy  measures are taken 
by the Board of the Commission on the basis 
of recommendations of the Department for 
Internal Market Defence after conducting 
appropriate investigations.  
 
The Treaty on the EAEU does not envisage any 
mechanism of replacement of trade re medy 
measures in case of their expiry by default. WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 57 - 
 
  However, in case the grounds for application of 
the trade remedy measure arise sometime 
after its expiry, the EAEU industry is free to 
provide to the DIMD an application for 
initiation of a trade remedy inv estigation on 
the same product. If the investigation is 
conducted, and the grounds for application of 
the measure are established therein, a new 
trade remedy measure may be imposed  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
Table  3.13 Federal support 
programmes, 2017 and 2018  
Paragraph  3.99 
Could the Russian Federation please explain 
how its various tax incentives for oil and 
natural gas industries support the Russian 
Federation's green amb itions?  
 In accordance with the Federal law of the 
Russian Federation dated 21.07.2014 No. 219-
FZ "On Amendments to the Federal Law "On 
Environmental Protection" and certain 
legislative acts of the Russian Federation" (as 
amended on July 26, 2019; as of J anuary 1, 
2020):  
"3. State support for the implementation of 
the best available technologies and the other 
measures to reduce the negative impact on 
the environment can be carried out through:  
- provision of tax benefits in the manner 
established by the le gislation of the Russian 
Federation on taxes and fees;  
- provision of benefits in relation to payments 
for negative impact on the environment in 
accordance with the procedure established by 
this Federal Law and the regulatory legal acts 
of the Russian Fede ration adopted in 
accordance with it;  
- allocation of funds from the federal budget 
and the budgets of the constituent entities of 
the Russian Federation in accordance with the 
budgetary legislation of the Russian 
Federation."  
In this respect, various tax incentives for oil 
and natural gas industries allow such 
companies to benefit from additional financing 
for the implementation of energy efficient 
projects and activities, including the 
introduction of the best available technologies, 
also with the view of  reducing greenhouse gas 
emissions.  
Paragraph  3.99 
Could the Russian Federation please explain 
what assessment it has made as to whether 
these governmental tax incentives for oil 
and natural gas industries are subsidies as 
per article 1 and article 2 of t he SCM 
Agreement?  The Russian Federation has not notified these 
tax incentives to the WTO since they are not 
covered by the definition of subsidy in ASCM 
Art.1:1 and therefore do not constitute 
subsidies which cause increased exports or 
decreased imports within the meaning of GATT 
1994, Article XVI:1.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.2.4  Export finance, insurance, and 
guarantees  
Paragraph  3.75 (Strategic Goals of 
REC)  
The Secretariat Report states that, " the key 
strategic goal of the REC is to form an 
efficient infrastructure for the export of 
non-resource products and services, as well The support for exporters is provided by 
Russian Export Center Group [REC Group]. 
The REC Group incorporates three legal 
entities: JSC Russian export center (REC), JSC 
Russian Agency for Export Credit an d 
Investment Insurance (EXIAR) and State 
Specialized Russian Export -Import Bank JSC 
(Eximbank of Russia).  
The REC provides a set of non -financial 
products, including analytical services, 
consultations on certification, licensing, 
logistics, e -commerce, sea rch for partners 
abroad, assistance for Russian exporters at WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 58 - 
 
  as to provide support to the companies 
considering the export of their products ", 
and th at "since 2019, the REC also 
compensates 15 approved commercial 
banks for subsidized interest rates on 
export credits and other loans to exporters, 
and it provides subsidies to insurance 
premiums under export credit insurance 
contracts ". The Secretariat Re port also 
states that, " in 2019, the REC supported 
more than 11,000 exporters and total 
exports valued at USD 19.5 billion through 
its support programmes ".  
 
Could the Russian Federation please provide 
clarity on the eligibility criteria (including 
sectora l scope) for the support programmes 
for exporters?  
 major international forums and exhibitions, 
etc. Apart from that, in 2020 the REC has 
established a comprehensive digital one -stop-
shop platform (digital platform My export also 
known as 'Single window'), which provides an 
online access to government and business 
services that accompany companies' exports.  
The EXIAR is a pure cover provider. To extend 
the reach of insurance support programs the 
EXIAR actively cooperates with foreign 
partners, incl uding export credit agencies, 
commercial insurers and international 
organizations.  
The Eximbank of Russia provides credit and 
guarantee support to Russian exporters and 
their foreign counterparties at all stages of 
export process, including pre -export and  post-
export financing, export factoring.  
Both EXIAR and Eximbank of Russia operate 
on general commercial principles. The EXIAR 
uses insurance premiums and its capital to 
manage operations. EXIAR does not provide 
any support mechanisms related to partial 
compensation of insurance premiums under 
export credit insurance contracts.  
The Eximbank of Russia is subject to banking 
legislation set by the Central Bank of the 
Russian Federation, which means that 
Eximbank of Russia performs standard range 
of bank marke t operations in order to fund its 
credit activity.  
With respect to officially supported export 
credits, both EXIAR and Eximbank of Russia 
follow the pricing rules set by the OECD 
Arrangement in order to comply with the 
requirements of the WTO on activities  related 
to official export support.  
The EXIAR uses both OECD MPR and actuarial 
risk premium as standard approach when 
determining the risk premium for all 
projects/products. Eximbank of Russia sets 
interest rates for credits above the OECD CIRR 
minimum th reshold for the relevant currency. 
With regard to support of Russian agriculture 
exports, EXIAR and Eximbank of Russia follow 
the rules set as a part of the Nairobi Package.  Paragraph  3.75 (Strategic Goals of 
REC)  
Could the Russian Federation please expla in 
how their export credit systems comply with 
the SCM Agreement?  
 
 
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.6  Special economic zones and 
regional schemes  
Paragraph  3.90 
The Secretariat Report states that, 
"Territorial Development Zones (TDZs) may 
be established for up to 20 years where 
state support may be provided to accelerate 
the socio -economic development of regions 
of the Russian Federation",  and that 
"regions approved b y the Government may 
apply for the creation of TDZs where 
incentives (e.g. tax incentives, leasing, At present, there are no plans to establish a ny 
new Territorial Development Zones.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 59 - 
 
  subsidies, and state guarantees on loans) 
may be granted. By of the end of 2020, no 
TDZs had been created ". 
 
Could the Russian Federation please provide 
an update on if it plans to establish any new 
Territorial Development Zones within the 
next reporting period, and outline what the 
eligibility criteria would be for enterprises 
within a TDZ to receive incentives?  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.1  Incentives  
Paragraph  3.96 (Latest Subsidy 
Notification)  
The Secretariat Report states that, " in its 
latest notification to the WTO, the Russian 
Federation submitted information regarding 
subsidies granted at the federal and sub -
federal levels for 2017 and 2018 ".  
 
Could the Russian Federation please 
confirm whether it has submitted its new 
and full s ubsidy notification covering years 
2019 and 2020 as per its obligations under 
the SCM Agreement and if not, provide an 
update on when it plans to do so?  The 2019 -2020 new and full subsidy 
notification of the Russian Federation is being 
prepared and will b e submitted in due course.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.2  Standards and other technical 
requirements  
Paragraphs  3.101 to 3.105.  
Can the Russian Federation explain the 
hierarchy be tween EAEU Technical 
Regulations and the Russian Federation's 
national standards and the voluntary 
application of the latter to ensure 
compliance with the former?  In accordance with Articles 52 and 53 of the 
Treaty on the EAEU technical regulations of the 
Union have a direct application in the 
territories of its Member States, which cannot 
introduce additional technical requirements for 
products covered by technical regulations of 
the Union. National standards are voluntary 
and apply in the territory of the  Russian 
Federation. Any technical regulation entails the 
list of standards (international, 
intergovernmental and national ones) 
application of which ensures compliance with 
the technical regulation at issue.  
Paragraphs  3.101 to 3.105.  
Can the Russian Fe deration confirm that 
technical regulations which are undergoing 
substantive amendment processes, such as 
the Technical Regulation "On the safety of 
alcoholic beverages" (TR EAEU 047/2018), 
will be re -notified to the WTO TBT 
Committee to allow member state s to 
assess the impact of any changes 
introduced?  All draft technical regulations or amendments 
to them are notified by the Russian Federation 
in full consistency with its WTO obligations.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned 
enterprises, and privati zation  
Paragraph  3.143 (STE Notification)  
The Secretariat Report states that, " the 
Russian Federation has not made any 
notifications to the WTO on state trading 
enterprises within the meaning of Article  
XVII of GATT 1994 and the understanding 
on the Interpretation of Article XVII ". 
 
Could the Russian Federation please provide 
clarity on within which sectors STEs 
currently operate?  In respect of making notifications under the 
GATT Article XVII the Russian  Federation 
believes that it fully complies with its 
obligations under said Article and intends to 
continue to comply.  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.5  State trading, state -owned 
enterprises, and privati zation  
Paragraph  3.150 (STE Notification)  
 
Question:  
The Secretariat Report states that, " an IMF 
report published in 2018 finds that the 
Russian State "leaves a deep footprint in 
the economy" ", and that " the Report also 
finds that this "relatively large" share of the 
Russian State contributes to economic 
concentration in several sectors even 
though concentration is also high in sectors 
with low state presence. In particular, the 
State's share is large in sectors considered 
to be strategic, natural monopolies and 
public services, in the financial sector and, 
naturally, in public administration, defence, 
health, and education. The size of the 
Russian State has a significant impact on 
competition and economic efficiency, which 
underlines the importance of pro -
competitive procurement policies ".  
 
Could the Russian Federation please clarify 
what measures it undertakes to ensure 
competition law is implemented and 
enforced both at federal and sub -federal 
levels?  To ensure the implement ation and 
enforcement of competition law both at federal 
and sub -federal level, the FAS (both directly 
and through its territorial bodies) reviews 
applications for violations of antimonopoly 
legislation, initiates and considers cases on 
such violations, as  well as makes decision 
thereon, issues obligatory guidelines for 
authorities and economic entities, as well as 
exercises control over economic concentration. 
Before the initiation of an antimonopoly case, 
FAS Russia may apply preventive measures by 
conduc ting scheduled/unscheduled inspections 
and may request the documents and 
information from the entities.  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.5  State trading, state -owned 
enterprises, and privati zation  
Paragraph  3.151 (Concerns over SOEs)  
Could the Russian Federation please explain 
the commercial role of its SOEs and outline 
how it has, or plans to, address the 
concerns of other WTO Members regarding We faile d to find the document referred to in 
the Secretariat's report in this paragraph.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 61 - 
 
  this commercial element of its SOEs 
function?  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.3 Services  
4.3.3.3  Maritime transport  
Paragraph  4.193  
Is the Law No.34 -FZ (1 March 2020) which 
added Paragraph 5 to Article 4 of Merchant 
Shipping Code which gave government the 
authority to grant cabotage permits to 
vessels under non -Russian flags still in 
place? If this law is still in place, under what 
circumstances are these permits issued; 
and are there any cabotage services that 
could not be granted to foreign flagged 
vessels - for example, feeder services?  The Government of the Russian Federation is 
entitled to grant cabotage permits to the 
vessels fly ing a foreign flag is provide in 
paragraph 4 of Article 4 of the Merchant 
Shipping Code. Pursuant to this paragraph 4 
the Government of the Russian Federation has 
adopted the Resolution of the Government of 
the Russian Federation of 7 December 2020 
No. 2033 "On Cases and Procedure of 
Performing Activities with the Use of Vessels 
Flying the Flags of Foreign States". In 
accordance with this Resolution the use of 
vessels flying the flag of a foreign State may 
be allowed for the purposes of cabotage in 
case of lack of necessary capacities among the 
vessels flying the flag of the Russian 
Federation. This Resolution covers cabotage in 
general and does not provide for exceptions 
from this subsector.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE  POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASU RE 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade   
3.3.6 Government Procurement  
Paragraph: 3.155  
The Russian Federation is currently applying 
to accede to the GPA. Does the Russian 
Federation have plans to circulate an 
updated market access offer following 
feedback from GPA parties?  The relevant revision to the initial offer of 
Russia may be provided only after internal 
analysis and discussions with the stakeholders, 
which is conducted at this moment. There are 
no specific timeframes for this process due to 
its complexity and involvement of many 
parties domestically.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE  POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade   
3.3.6 Government Procurement  
Paragraph: 3.158  
Regarding Federal Law No.223 -FZ (SOEs, 
natural monopoly entities, public 
companies, and utilities companies), how 
do international suppliers access the 
opportunity to bid for procurement?  
 Para 5, article 3 of the Federal Law No. 223 -FZ 
states thatа parti cipant in the procurement is 
any legal entity or several legal entities acting 
on the side of one participant in the 
procurement, regardless of the organizational 
and legal form, ownership, location and place 
of origin of capital, or any individual or seve ral 
individuals acting on the side of one 
participant in the procurement, including 
individual entrepreneur or several individual 
entrepreneurs acting on the side of one 
participant in the procurement.  
The Federal Law 223 -FZ does not have any 
provisions th at impose restrictions on 
participation of international suppliers in the 
procurement. Thus, legal entities or individuals 
regardless of their origin have opportunities to 
bid for procurement under the Federal Law 
223-FZ. 
 
The requirements for participants  in each 
particular procurement are established by a 
procuring entity on the basis of its own 
procurement procedures that set procurement 
requirements (para 2, Article 2, Federal Law 
No.223 -FZ). 
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE  POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  These measures are, and will be discussed 
with the Parties of the GPA within the 
framework of negotiations on Russia's WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 62 - 
 
  3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade   
3.3.6 Government Procurement  
Paragraph: 3.162 & 3.163 & also 3.165 
& 3.166  
The laws (44 -FZ and 223 -FZ) and 
resolutions (No. 617 and No. 616) outlined 
in the above paragraphs exhibit preferential 
treatmen t for domestic suppliers. Given the 
Russian Federation is applying for accession 
to the GPA, and such requirements conflict 
with Article IV 1 -2 of the GPA, how will the 
Russian Federation align its domestic 
procurement requirements with the 
obligations set  out in the GPA?  accession to the GPA as part of the 
negotiations on the coverage of future Russia's 
commitments under the GPA.  
SECRETAR IAT REPORT (S416)   
3 TRADE  POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade   
3.3.6 Government Procurement  
Paragraph: 3.161 & 3.169  
In the above paragraphs, it is stated that 
online and e -platforms are used to publish 
procurement opportunities and conduct 
procurement procedures. Are these 
platforms available in English, or are 
translation options available?  These platforms provide translation options.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.6  Government procurement  
3.3.6.6  International cooperation  
Paragraph  3.177  
The Secretariat Report states that the 
Russian Federation's "FTA with Singapore 
contains a chapter on government 
procurement largely concerned with 
transparency and cooperation. It also 
envisages that further procurement market 
liberalization and market access 
negotiations might be conducted, if 
necessary".  
Can the Russian Federation please explain 
how, more generally, they will increas e 
transparency and cooperation with 
international partners around public 
procurement?  The FTA with Singapore contains commitments 
regarding the publication respective laws and 
regulations and generally available information 
on government procurement, such as Notice of 
Intended Procurement, and Notice of Award of 
Contract, in the particular sources. Such 
information should be publicly accessible and 
up-to-date. In addition, the Parties agreed 
particular directions of cooperation, such as:  
• Exchanging experien ce and 
information on Parties' laws, 
regulations, practices and statistics, 
and any modifications thereof;  
• Developing the use of electronic 
means in procurement procedures;  
• Sharing information on best practices,  
• including Parties' best practices in 
relation to Micro, Small and Medium -
sized Enterprises;  
• Strengthening interaction of the 
competent authorities in issues related 
to the government procurement;  
• Developing secure trusted space in e -
procurement including facilitation of 
electronic document flow in 
government procurement.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.7  Intellectual Property Rights  
3.3.7.2  Overview  
Paragraph  3.185  The conditions of the plant variety protection 
are its novelty, distinguishability, homogeneity 
and stability, as well as the achievements 
belonging to botanical and zoological genus 
and species, the list of which is determined by 
the competent authority responsible for 
agricultural policy.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 63 - 
 
  Could the Russian Federation summa rise 
the plant variety protection system of the 
Russian Federation, including how the 
International Union for the Protection of 
New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) 1991 
convention is implemented?  
 Selective breeding is a ne w achievement if, on 
the date of submitting an application for the 
grant of a patent, its seeds or breeding 
material were not sold or otherwise transferred 
by the breeder, his assignee or, with their 
consent, to other persons for the use of the 
breeding ac hievement.  
The condition for the recognition and 
protection of the exclusive right to a breeding 
achievement is the state registration of the 
breeding achievement, which has legal basis.  
The state registration of a selection 
achievement is carried out by the Ministry of 
Agriculture of Russia, which enters the 
selection achievement into the Register, 
makes a decision on granting a patent for a 
selection achievement and issues a patent to 
the applicant.  
The procedure for obtaining a patent includes:  
1) submissi on by the author or the 
applicant to whom this right has been 
transferred of an application for the 
grant of a patent for a breeding 
achievement to the Ministry of 
Agriculture of Russia. The priority of a 
selection achievement is established 
on the date of  receipt of the aplication;  
2) examination by the Ministry of 
Agriculture of Russia of an application 
for a patent and testing a selection 
achievement;  
3) in case of a positive result of the tests 
and examinations carried out, the 
Ministry of Agriculture of Russ ia makes 
a decision on the grant of a patent;  
4) description of the selection 
achievement; registration of a 
selection achievement in the Register; 
issuance of a patent;  
5) publication of information on the grant 
of a patent for a selection 
achievement.  
A patent  for a selection achievement is 
a document that certifies the priority 
of a selection achievement, authorship 
and the exclusive right of the patent 
holder. The scope of protection of 
intellectual rights to a breeding 
achievement granted on the basis of a 
patent is determined by the totality of 
essential features recorded in the 
description of the breeding 
achievement.  
During the tests, UPOV methods are used, 
which are approved at the session  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEAS URE 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.7  Intellectual property rights  
3.3.7.7  Geographical indications  At least one stage of production that is 
essential for the quality, reputation and other 
character istics of the products in question 
must take place in the territory of the 
geographic region.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 64 - 
 
  Paragraph  3.208  
Is there any minimum threshold for the 
nature of the production which must take 
place in a location for the relevant product 
to be able to be designated GI?  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, forestry and fisheries  
4.1.1  Trade  
Table  4.2 
This table notes that agricultural exports 
increased by more than 40% over the 
period of 2016 -2019. Especially notable is 
the increasing export of commodities 
associated with deforestation, including 
soya beans (from 24 million USD in 2014 to 
487 million U SD in 2020) and soya bean oil. 
What policies exist to ensure that this 
increase in agricultural commodities does 
not arise from deforestation and forest 
degradation, and what methods do you 
have in place to determine whether 
commodities are linked to defor estation and 
forest degradation?  There is no problem connected to the deficit of 
the land resources in the Russian Federation. 
On the contrary, Russia takes systemic 
measures to bring unused agricultural lands 
into circulation. The forest fund lands are a  
separate category of lands and can only be 
used in strict accordance with their intended 
purpose. The types of permitted use of land 
plots are determined in line with the classifier 
approved by the authorized federal executive 
body. Thus, the legal regime  of lands is 
determined based on their belonging to a 
particular category and permitted use in 
accordance with the zoning of territories, 
which excludes the practice of using lands not 
for their intended purpose as well as using 
them in a harmful way for t he environment 
and human health.  
 
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.2  Policies  
4.1.2.1  Border policies  
Paragraphs  4.15 to 4.20  
Some consumer healthcare commodities, 
such as 9603210000, suffer relatively high 
MFN rates of duty. Will the Russian 
Federation look to reduce these rates in 
future?  Currently, there are no plans to reduce duties 
on the mentioned products.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.2  Policies  
4.1.2.2  Domestic Policies  
Paragraph  4.30 (Support to 
Agriculture)  
The Secretariat Report states that, " the 
Russian Government also has provided two 
types of domestic transport cost subsidies 
to various agricu ltural products since 2017 ". 
 
Could the Russian Federation please outline 
the two types of domestic subsidies 
provided to various agricultural products 
and explain what eligibility requirements 
exist for enterprises to receive such 
subsidies?  
 The subsidy  for transportation costs of 
domestic grain shipments (established under 
the Decrees No. 1595 on 20 December 2017) 
was applied only in 2017 and 2018. Under the 
Decree No.  1104 of 15 September 2017 
enterprises can apply for subsidy for  the costs 
related to the transportation of certain types of 
agricultural products within the territory of the 
Russian Federation. The purpose of the 
subsidy is to reduce the costs of companies 
when moving products within the country to 
ensure food security of the Russian Feder ation, 
taking into account the economic accessibility 
of agricultural products, territory length, 
seasonal nature of agriculture, and localization 
of processing facilities . In order to receive the 
subsidy applicants must meet general 
economic criteria such as being an entity 
registered in the Russian Federation; applicant 
should not have past -due indebtedness to 
federal budget and outstanding taxes and 
fees; the applicant should not be in the 
process of bankruptcy.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 65 - 
 
  SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.2  Policies  
4.1.2.2  Domestic policies  
Paragraph  4.31 
Does the Ministry for Agriculture use any 
agricultural funds to support the 
developments of housing and transport and 
enginee ring infrastructure in the State 
Programme on Integrated Development of 
Rural Territories?  The State Programme on Integrated 
Development of Rural Territories has separate 
funding specified in the Decree No. 696 of 31 
May 2019 (as amended).  
SECRETARIAT RE PORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.4  WTO notifications  
Paragraph  4.37 
Could the Russian Federation provide more 
detail on how the State Programme on 
Integrated Development of Rural Territories 
will be classi fied under Annex 2 of the 
Agreement on Agriculture?  The measures applied under the State 
Programme on Integrated Development of 
Rural Territories will be classified as General 
services.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.3 Services  
4.3.1  Financial Services  
4.3.1.1  Overview  
Paragraph  4.117 . 
Can more information be provided on the 
Russian Federation's support for the 
development of fintech innovation?  
 
 In the context of the implementation of the 
Guidelines for Financial Tech nology 
Development for 2018 -2020, the Bank of 
Russia launched the regulatory sandbox in 
April 2018. The Bank of Russia's regulatory 
sandbox is a mechanism for piloting and 
modeling processes of new financial services 
and technologies, which require changes  in 
legal regulation, in an isolated environment. It 
means that innovative financial technologies 
and services can be piloted in the financial 
market. High -priority pilot projects include big 
data and machine learning technologies, 
mobile technologies, art ificial intelligence, 
biometric technologies, distributed ledger 
technologies, open interface solutions, digital 
profile technologies, etc.  
 
The regulatory sandbox performs the following 
tasks:   
- Piloting innovative financial services without 
risks of vio lating Russian laws  
- Analy zing risks associated with innovative 
financial services and developing approaches 
for their mitigation  
- Determining the expediency of the 
implementation of innovative financial services 
and creating the relevant regulatory 
environment  
 
The regulatory sandbox has no specialization - 
any bank or organization that wants to launch 
new financial technologies that require 
changes in the relevant regulation can submit 
applications for testing these technologies in 
the regulatory sandbo x (the application form is 
available on the official website of the Bank of 
Russia).   
Testing in the regulatory sandbox is carried 
out in four stages: receipt of the application, WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 66 - 
 
  assessment of the feasibility of consideration, 
piloting, and decision on fea sibility.  
After testing in the regulatory sandbox, 
services and technologies may be approved for 
implementation with subsequent planning to 
create the required legal conditions, or their 
implementation may be deemed inexpedient.  
With the applicant's consen t, information 
about completed piloting is published on the 
official website of the Bank of Russia 
(https://www.cbr.ru/fintech/news/),  with a 
brief description of the piloting service, and 
the name of t he applicant company.  
In addition, the Federal Law No. 258-FZ of 31 
July 2020 "On Experimental Legal Regimes in 
Digital Innovation in the Russian Federation" is 
intended to be the next significant step in the 
development of digital innovation, including in  
the financial sphere. Experimental legal 
regimes will allow innovations to be piloted 
with the participation of real customers, which 
will enable a qualitative increase in expertise, 
as well as a system for identifying and 
minimizing the risks of citizens ' rights 
violations.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.3 Services  
4.3.1.3  Insurance  
Paragraph  4.138  
The Secretariat Report states that " With 
regard to insurance intermediation and 
auxiliary services, the Russian Federation 
committed to open access in its GATS 
commitments, except for intermediation on 
behalf of foreign companies and limiting 
commercial presence to juridical persons of 
the Russian Federation. " What plans does 
the Russian Federation have for the 
liberali zation of its insurance sector to 
natural and juridical persons of other 
countries?  The Russian Federation has fully implemented 
its WTO commitments in the sector in 
question.  
SECRETARIAT REPORT (S416)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.3 Services  
4.3.3  Transport  
4.3.3.1  Rail transport  
Paragraphs  4.168 to 4.174 and 4.178 
to 4.184  
What plans do the Russian Federation have 
for developing the overland routes from 
China, which are becoming an increasingly 
important and competitive alternative to the 
maritime  route? In particular, given the 
challenges of decarboni zing deep -sea 
shipping, when do the Federation expect to 
have a fully electrified rail route across 
Russia, from China to Poland?  
 The government of the Russian Federation has 
approved the second sta ge of an investment 
project to modernize the infrastructure of the 
Trans -Siberian (Transsib) and Baikal -Amur 
(BAM) railways.  
It is assumed that by 2024 the transit capacity 
of the Trans -Siberian and BAM should increase 
by 1.5 times - up to 180 million ton s per year.  
 
The delivery time for transit container cargoes 
on the West -East route will be reduced to 
seven days.  
 
SR "Eurasia "" Beijing - Moscow (or Moscow - 
Beijing) is another project of a cargo -
passenger high -speed railway line with a 
length of 7000 km, connecting Beijing and 
Moscow. Full name - "High -speed freight -and-
passenger railway transport corridor" Eurasia".  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 67 - 
 
  5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
Paragraph  5.1-5.2 
Question:  
Given the Russian Federation's objectives 
for economic diversification, does the 
Federation see a role for international trade 
in environmental goods and services in 
helping to develop new green sectors?  Yes. Russia, thus, supports efforts aimed at 
promoting greater access to environmental 
goods a nd services at a cheaper cost.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
3 CHALLENGES  
Sustainable Development Challenges  
Paragraph  3.11 
Could the Russian Federation please provide 
greater clarity on the growth of the " green 
economy " concept in Russian trade and 
economy a nd explain how it has been able 
to balance these measures without 
restricting competition, increasing inequality 
and introducing discriminatory practices and 
trade barriers? -  
 Transition to green economy is one of the key 
issues on the agenda of the Russ ian 
Government. Russia is rapidly adapting to the 
processes of global economy decarbonization. 
Pursuant to Article 4 of the Paris Agreement of 
12.12.2015, the Ministry of Economic 
development has developed a draft Strategy 
for low -carbon development of the  Russian 
Federation until 2050, according to which 
carbon neutrality is predicted to be achieved 
by 2060 and greenhouse gas emissions are 
forecasted to decrease by 79% by 2050.  
 
The Strategy outlines a number of measures 
aimed at achieving the above outli ned goals, 
including the promotion of green financing, 
development of energy certificates, 
development of a public non -financial 
reporting system, introduction of energy and 
resource saving technologies in all sector of 
the Russian economy, promotion of re newable 
energy sources, expansion of forest protection, 
facilitation of electrification and digitalization 
of transport and technological processes in 
various industries, construction of carbon 
neutral buildings, promotion of the use of 
carbon -free technol ogies in industries and 
mechanical engineering, development of 
scientific and technological potential of Russia 
with a view to promote competitiveness of the 
Russian companies in the new global markets 
for technologies, goods and services.  
A number of the  other projects are also being 
implemented, including in the spheres of 
nuclear and hydrogen energy.  
 
Russia possesses unique practical experience 
in the development and long -term operation of 
nuclear technologies, including fast neutron 
reactors, which in the future will make it 
possible to switch to a closed fuel cycle, make 
wider use of small nuclear power plants and 
small reactors. A low -power floating nuclear 
power plant is already operating in the east of 
Russia and in the north - in Chukotka.  
 
Russia is planning to continue exporting 
nuclear technologies and thereby contribute to 
the decarbonization of the global energy 
sector.  
 
Furthermore, Russia is developing its' 
production of liquefied natural gas. By 2035, it WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  is expected to inc rease respective production 
to 140 million tons per year, as well as 
strengthen Russia's position in this market.  
 
Moreover, Russia is developing scientific, 
resource and logistics capabilities to promote 
its' hydrogen and ammonia energy markets.  
 
None of the above outlined measures would 
restrict competition, increase inequality or 
introduce discriminatory practices and trade 
barriers. Furthermore, all the outlined 
measures would be in full compliance with the 
basic agreements under the UNFCCC and the 
Paris Agreement, will be WTO consistent and 
do not create unjustified restrictions on 
international trade.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
3 CHALLENGES   
Rising global protectionism and 
discrimination   
Paragraph  3.8  
The Report states that, " inclusive growth of 
the world economy has been constrained by 
the replacement of the WTO norms with the 
other "rules", together with the unfair 
competition methods, protectionist 
measures, trade wars, and unilateral 
sanctions. All this has led to the 
fragm entation of the global economic 
environment and has negatively affected 
the socio -economic development.  Some of 
these measures have led to the disruption 
of established production and supply chains 
and results in the need to develop 
import substitution pla ns based on 
domestic supply"  
 
Could  the Russian  Federation  elaborate  on t
heir import  substitution  plans and explain 
how the  relevant sectors  subject to 
substitution  plans  are determined, how  the 
substitution  plans are applied  and 
enforced,  and for how long are they 
in force for?  Please see the answer to the next question.  
3 CHALLENGES   
Rising global protectionism and discrimination   
Paragraph  3.8  
Could the Russian Federation clarify, in  practice, what  the Russian Federation means when 
referring to  import substitution?  Is this an umbrella term for preferential  procurement 
treatment of locally produced goods, import bans and/or  subsidies, or other?  How are these 
measures WTO compliant?  
The economic meaning of import substitution is very close to one of reshoring. There is no 
equivalent term in Russian language for reshoring, that is why Russia uses notion of import 
substitution. Upon dissolution of USSR, disruption of economy and of prod uction chains which 
existed before 1992 within single territory, Russia lost substantial volumes of production of 
goods previously produced and consumed within the territory of the USSR and exported, as 
well as labor places and budgetary incomes from taxat ion. Domestic demand was progressively 
covered by increased supply of imported products. Imports has effectively substituted domestic 
production, with respective consequences for all parts of production chains, employment and 
budget. Please find examples i n following table.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 69 - 
 
   1986  2001  
Steel processing machine tools  7,6 87,1 
Agricultural machines  14,3 85,0 
Trams, railway, metro wagons  31,3 48,6 
Busses  11,3 14,3 
Passenger cars   0,4 41 (as of 2005)  
Sugar  27,6 45,1 
Meat 6,5 45,0 
Incl. poultry  7,5 50,1 (as of 2003)  
Butter  10,9 29,2 
Vegetable oils  14,1 44,6 
Vegetables  0?9 36,4 
Medicines  23 55-660 
Civil Aircrafts (production, pieces)  252 (as of 1976)  12 
 
So, first, programs which may be also better defined as reshoring started in mid-90th and were 
connected with the intention to re -establish  production levels lost in times of economic 
disturbances connected with dissolution of USSS, fundamental change of parameters of 
economic system to market based, privatization, etc. and to retu rn back labor places which 
was critical because of low mobility of labor and big distances in Russia.  
Second, reshoring was connected with implementation of concept of food security, based on 
decisions of Security council. The Council approved such concept s in 2010 and in 2020, 
establishing target proportions between production and consumption of key agricultural 
products.  
 Another set of programs relevant for manufacturing was developed after 2014, following 
economic sanctions, with the primary aim to sec ure uninterrupted operation of supply chains 
in key sectors vital for country's economy, security and defense, and later – to secure stable 
flow of goods necessary for fight against pandemic.  
While implementing its policies Government acts in conformity w ith its obligations under WTO 
agreement and intends to continue doing so in future. Type of policy instruments depends on 
the nature and character of the problem. For example, in agriculture a mix of trade policy 
instruments was used to provide relief to d omestic producers after aggressive and underpriced 
growth of importation, including safeguards and TRQs on poultry, pork, beef, sugar. 
Investments into development of domestic production of cars were supported by conclusion of 
special investment contracts,  investments in some other areas were supported by preferential 
taxation within the framework of special economic zones. Some regions provided preferential 
access to infrastructure for those who wanted to establish production site in their territory. 
These  cases and underlying policies are described in respective parts of the Report of the 
Working Party on accession of the Russian Federation to the WTO.  
Recent programs are closely connected with the government procurement schemes, where 
access to respective  programs is in itself a beneficial support for investors into respective 
industries, as well as other types of promotion, including provision of financial resources 
(subsidies), at regional or federal level.  
 
Russia avoids using trade restrictive measures like bans, quotas or other types of restrictions 
prohibited or limited under the WTO. Russia is of the view that there is no need to provide any 
particular justification for its policies or their underlying programs which are in line w ith its 
WTO obligations.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
3 CHALLENGES   
Challenges of the Fourth Industrial 
Revolution   
Paragraph  3.12  
The Report states that, " the recent shift 
away from the traditional modes of services 
supply towards the new digital solutions has 
been fundamentally changing the 
international trade landscape. New business 
formats and models are emerging, the 
importance of online platforms and 
ecosystems in services trade is growing. In 
addition to the new opportunities, a 
widespread te chnology adoption also carries 
potential risks both for the participants and 
market stability.  To manage such risks This relates to Russia's position in respect to 
shaping the negotiat ing agenda on new topics 
which are not yet sufficiently covered by 
international rules, including the WTO rules.  
Russia believes that technology trading is 
practically unregulated by relevant multilateral 
rules, which generally apply only to goods, 
contain ing technology, or to intellectual 
property rights. In Russia's view, over time, 
the absence of such rules shall significantly 
increase distortions in the global competitive 
environment and lead to the further isolation 
of developing countries and even reg ions from 
the processes of scientific and technological 
progress. Therefore, new approaches to this 
area have to emerge on multilateral basis, 
most likely they would have to deviate from WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 70 - 
 
  non-standard methods may 
be required.  There is a trend towards 
using regulation of access to technology to 
purposefully isolate countries fr om access 
to competitive advantages".  
 
Could  the Russian Federation 
elaborate  on the non -standard methods it 
has adopted to  manage the 
risks emerging  from widespread technology 
adoption?   standard WTO patterns traditionally existent 
with respect to trade in  goods or services as 
well as IP protection.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
4 LIBERALIZATION AND FACILITATION 
OF TRADE IN GOODS   
4.2 Improving customs administration   
Paragraph  4.8  
The Report states that,  "On 1 January 
2018, the Customs Code of the Eurasian 
Economic Union (CC of the EAEU) came into 
force. It has changed the approaches to 
customs regulation in the EAEU and created 
the basis for the development of customs 
information technologies for the yea rs to 
come. It has also  established  priority of the 
electronic customs declaration".   
Given that the Russian Federation has been 
part of the  Trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA)  since March 2016, is the more  recent 
(2018) Customs Code of the Eurasian 
Economi c Union (CC of the 
EAEU)  fully aligned with the  TFA 
provisions?  If not, are there plans to work 
towards full alignment  and what are the 
timescales?   The EAEU Customs Code is fully aligned with 
the provisions of the TFA  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC  DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT   
Paragraph  5.1  
The Report states that," the Russian 
Federation attaches  great importance  to the 
issues of economic diversification, which is 
being achieved through the implementation 
of a wide range of meas ures and policies 
aimed at improving the business 
environment and investment climate, 
developing international trade and 
economic cooperation, promoting 
technological modernization, and supporting 
micro, small and medium enterprises 
(MSMEs)".  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
what policies  it has  introduced since its 
last TPR to improve the business 
environment and investment climate  in the 
country, aimed 
at attracting  and retaining  foreign trade and 
investment?  Within the same  context, could 
the Russ ian Federation please explain 
what support is offered to  foreign  small and 
medium  enterprises  that wish to export to 
and/or invest in the Russian Federation?   We kindly refer to Section 5.3 Improving the 
Investment Climate of the Report by the 
Russian Fede ration (WT/TPR/G/416 of 22 
September 2021), which contain the main 
measures undertaken by the Russian 
Federation with the view of improving the 
investment climate in Russia during the review 
period. Those would include, in particular: 
Business Climate Tran sformation instruments, 
various modifications to the corporate 
legislation, development of territories of Russia 
though creation of Special Economic Zones, 
Advanced Development Areas, as well as 
Investment Protection and Promotion 
Agreement between the Sta te and an investor.  
The legislation of Russian Federation does not 
contain specific legal acts governing the 
support measures for foreign small and 
medium enterprises that wish to invest in the 
Russian Federation. The activities of all foreign 
companies, i ncluding SMEs, are regulated by 
Federal Law No. 160 -FZ of 9 July 1999 "On 
Foreign Investments in the Russian 
Federation." Foreign SMEs enjoy all the 
incentives and preferences that are designed 
to support foreign companies activities in 
Russia, including i ncentives and preferential WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  regimes provided in Russia's special economic 
zones.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
Paragraph  5.1-5.2 
Given the Russian Federation's objectives 
for economic diversification, does the 
Federation see a role for international trade 
in environmental goods and services in 
helping to develop new green sectors?  Russia, supports efforts aimed at promoting 
greater  access to environmental goods and 
services at a cheaper cost.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
5.1 Sectoral policies  
5.1.2  Agriculture and fisheries  
Paragraph  5.23  
Which domestic support measures are us ed 
by the Russian Federation to deal with Pest 
Control?  The issue of pest control is under special 
control of the federal and regional (territorial) 
agricultural authorities and supervisory 
services. The domestic support measures are 
carried out by implem entation of protective 
and preventive measures using plant 
protection products. At the same time, the 
Russian Federation does not provide subsidies 
to enterprises for pest control.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND I NVESTMENT  
5.1 Sectoral policies  
5.1.2  Agriculture and fisheries  
Paragraph  5.25  
What measures is the Russian Federation 
introducing as part of its digital 
transformation of the agricultural sector?  As part of the digital transformation, it is 
planned to develop telecommunications, 
purchase and install equipment and to build 
data tran smission lines that provide the 
Internet connection for residents of rural 
communities and agricultural enterprises.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
5.2 Development of trade in services   
Paragraph  5.36.   
The Report states that, " access to the 
Russian market has been liberalized for 
branches of foreign insurers.  In accordance 
with the Russia's WTO commitments, 
amendments have been made to the 
Russian federal legislation, according to 
which,  starting from August 22, 2021, 
commercial presence of foreign insurance 
organizations through the creation of 
branches is allowed in the territory of the 
Russian Federation. At the same time, the 
established conditions for the admission of 
foreign insuran ce organizations are 
comparable with the respective 
conditions  provided for  the Russian 
organizations".   
 
Although foreign companies are now able to 
open branches in the Russian Federation, 
the added -on conditions are hard to meet, 
and the requirement for localization still 
remains. In particular, branch  opening is 
conditional on an agreement between the 
insurance supervision authorities  of the 
country of registration of the foreign insurer 
and the Russian Federation.  The insurance 
activities are also limit ed: private insurance, 
reinsurance and OSAGO (third party only For a foreign insurer to ca rry out insurance 
activity in the Russian Federation, the 
insurance supervisor and the control agency of 
the state (territory) of registration of the 
foreign insurer should have an agreement on 
information exchange. This requirement is 
envisaged by Clause 2 of Article 33.1 of Law of 
the Russian Federation No. 4015 -1 of 27 
November 1992, 'On the Organi zation of 
Insurance Business in the Russian Federation'.  
 
Pursuant to Clause 9.1 of Article 4 of Federal 
Law No. 86 -FZ of 10 July 2002, 'On the 
Central Bank of  the Russian Federation (Bank 
of Russia)', the Bank of Russia exercises 
regulation, control and supervision over non -
bank financial institutions' activities in 
accordance with federal laws. Hence, the Bank 
of Russia should be the party concluding such 
an agreement with the control agency of the 
state (territory) of registration of the foreign 
insurer.  
Until now, the Bank of Russia has received no 
proposals from foreign control agencies 
initiating the procedure for signing an 
information exchange agreement b etween the 
Bank of Russia and the competent control 
agency of the state (territory) of registration 
of the foreign insurer.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 72 - 
 
  car insurance).  Could the Russian 
Federation provide detailed information 
on the process of initiating and reaching an 
agreement between the respective 
authorities?  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
5.2 Development of trade in services   
Paragraph  5.36.   
Could the Russian Federation provide any 
insights on the  potential for  widening 
the scope of  insurance activities allowed to 
be undertaken by  foreign  companies 
beyond the current activities, 
including  respective timescales?  In addition to the recent amendments to th e 
relevant legislation designed to allow branches 
of foreign insurers, currently there are no 
plans to expand the scope of insurance 
activities permitted for foreign companies.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVES TMENT  
5.2 Development of Trade in Services  
Paragraph  5.38  
Could the Russian Federation provide more 
information on UK universities included in 
the list of international ratings together with 
their ratings?  Kindly refer to the table attached.  
GOVERNMEN T REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
5.3 Improving the investment climate   
Paragraph  5.43.   
The Report states that," in 2018, the 
Government of the Russian Federation 
approved an Action Plan to accelerate the 
capital investments growth rate of and 
increase their share in  GDP up to 25% for 
the period from 2018 to 2024....  The 
plan provides for  a set of systemic and 
sectoral measures. These measures are 
aimed, inter  alia… at the development of 
the competitive envi ronment and 
improvement of the efficiency of 
companies with state participation; at 
the reduction of the share of 
government participation in 
competitive markets.  A set of 
regulatory changes in various sectors 
of the economy has been 
also established  to increase the 
attractiveness of investments,  including 
in oil and gas and transport industries, in 
geology and subsoil use, electricity, 
industry, agriculture, housing construction, 
heating, water supply and sanitation, as 
well as in renovation and modernizat ion of 
public utilities and energy infrastructure".  
Could the Russian 
Federation  provide  information in relation to 
reduction of the share of government 
participation in  competitive markets: what 
markets, how much of a reduction and over 
what period of tim e?  Action plan for 2018 -2020 aimed at promoting 
competition in the sectors of the Russian 
economy, as well as the transition of certain 
natural monopoly spheres to the state of 
competitive market (Decree of the 
Government of the Russian Federation dated 
16 August 2018 No. 1697 -r) covers the 
following markets: energy market, healthcare, 
social services, agriculture, road construction, 
telecommunications, information technologies, 
utilities, natural monopolies, transportation 
services, industry and financial  markets  
 
On 23 August 2021 a Report on the state of 
competition in the Russian Federation 2020 
has been published by the Federal 
Antimonopoly Service of the Russian 
Federation, which describes the 
implementation of the above -mentioned  Action 
Plan and the respective achievements. 
According to the Report, in 2018 -2020 the 
share of government participation in all 
competitive markets of Russia that are 
covered by the Action plan has been 
considerably reduced.  
 
With the aim of further decreasing the 
presence o f the state in the economy, the 
"National Plan for the Development of 
Competition in the Russian Federation for 
2021-2025" has been approved by the Decree 
of the Government of the Russian Federation 
dated 2  September 2021 No. 2424-r. 
 
Furthermore, privatiz ation has been 
designated by the President of the Russian 
Federation as the main way to achieve the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 73 - 
 
  goal of reducing the level of state participation 
in the economy.  
 
In this respect, Decree of the Government of 
the Russian Federation dated 31  December 
2019 No. 3260 -r "On approval of the forecast 
plan for the privatization of federal property 
and privatization of federal property for 2020 -
2022" has been adopted. In accordance with 
the Government Decree dated 23  August 2021 
No. 1401 "On Amendments to the Rul es for 
the Development of Forecast Plans (Programs) 
for the Privatization of State and Municipal 
Property", the deadline for the implementation 
of the privatization program 2020 -2022 has 
been postponed for two years. Now the 
privatization plan is to be und ertaken in the 
period 2023 -2024.  
According to the privatization program it is 
planned to privatize, inter alia, 86 federal state 
unitary enterprises, 186 joint -stock 
companies.  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
5.3 Improving the investment climate   
Paragraph  5.43.   
Could the Russian Federation  provide 
further  information in relation to the 
regulatory changes  established  to increase 
attractiveness of foreign investments?  We kindly refer to Section 5.3 Improving the 
Investment Climate of the Report by the 
Russian Fede ration (WT/TPR/G/416 of 22 
September 2021), which contain the main 
measures undertaken by the Russian 
Federation with the view of improving the 
investment climate in Russia during the review 
period. Those would include, in particular: 
Business Climate Tran sformation instruments, 
various modifications to the corporate 
legislation, development of territories of Russia 
though creation of Special Economic Zones, 
Advanced Development Areas, as well as 
Investment Protection and Promotion 
Agreement between the Sta te and an investor.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
5.4 Innovative Development  
Paragraph  5.59  
How does the Russian Federation define an 
innovative organization?  
 The legislation of Russian Federation does not 
contain the definition of "innovative 
organization".  
 
The statistical information used in the 
paragraph 5.59, however, relates to the term 
"innovative activity", which, under the Federal 
Law of 21 July 2011, No 254 -FZ "On 
amendments to the Federa l Law "On Science 
and State Scientific -Technical Policy" is defined 
as "activity (including scientific, technological, 
organizational, financial and commercial 
activities) aimed at implementing innovative 
projects as well as at creating innovative 
infrastr ucture and ensuring its operation".  
 
In addition, the indicator "level of innovation 
of organizations" is based on the Federal State 
Statistics Services Order of 27 December 
2019, No 818 "On approval of methodology for 
calculating the indicator "Level of i nnovation of 
organizations".  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 74 - 
 
  GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
5.4 Innovative Development  
Paragraph  5.62  
Will there be any opportunity for overseas 
collaboration in the " technological valleys " 
established at the premises of the largest 
Russian universities?  These technological valleys provide additional 
opportunities for overseas collaboration in the 
field of R&D activities and implementation of 
innovative solutions. They provide students, 
young scientists and researchers with an 
opportunity to work on innovative and 
potentially commercial projects with the 
involvement of industrial partners (including 
foreign ones).  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND INV ESTMENT  
5.4 Innovative Development  
Paragraph  5.63  
Could the Russian Federation share any 
more information on approaches to 
regulatory sandboxes in AI, medicine, 
telecommunications, autonomous vehicles, 
communications?  Are there any lessons 
learnt from th e implementation of the 
existing regulatory sandbox that will inform 
the development of the new sandboxes?  
 The operation of the regulatory sandbox 
identified the following:  
- piloting in a test environment is a necessary 
element of support from the regul ator but not 
a sufficient one. It is useful for companies that 
are not ready to invest significant resources in 
setting up a pilot project in real conditions. At 
the same time, for companies that have the 
necessary resources for a pilot in a real 
environme nt, it is necessary to create such an 
opportunity, because it allows for more insight 
into the demand for new products, their risks 
and the viability of their idea;  
- removal of regulatory barriers tend to make 
the sandbox more oriented towards large and 
medium -sized businesses. In addition to 
regulatory barriers small businesses and start -
ups usually face constraints related to their 
business model in general (for example, 
market entry costs, strong compliance 
requirements, etc.).  
 
Thus, besides removing t he legal restrictions 
and consultation assistance from the regulator, 
the sandbox should also have at its disposal a 
set of tools to support different groups of 
participants: large businesses, small and 
medium -sized enterprises and start-ups at 
different s tages.  
GOVERNMENT REPORT (G416)  
9 Inclusive Economy  
9.1 Remote territories  
Paragraph 9.3  
Are there any plans to change the current 
maximum quantitative requirements on the 
share of foreign or large companies in 
authorized capital, or the state's share, in 
Small and Medium -Sized Enterprises?  There are no plans to change the current 
maximum qua ntitative requirements on the 
share of foreign or large companies in charter  
capital, or the state's share, in SMEs.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 75 - 
 
  VIET NAM  
  
Para 3.193 and Para 3.204 of 
Document WT/TPR/S/416  
The Treaty on Trademarks, 
Service Marks and Appellations of 
Origin of Goods of the Eurasian 
Economic Union (EAEU) becomes 
effective from 26 April 2021.  
Question:  
Please provide more specific 
information and instructions on 
relevant procedures under this 
Treaty.  The Treaty establishes a system that borrows some 
elements from the Madrid System of international 
registration of signs with some unique features of its 
own. The applicant may refer to any of the five national 
IP offices. The application is proces sed, digitized if 
necessary and included into the integrated information 
system of the Union. The Filing Office then 
communicates with the other four offices, and the 
substantial examination is conducted by each of the 
offices. Fees for filing and registra tion of a trademark 
are only paid to the Filing Office, while the examination 
fee is paid to each of the five offices.  
 
The protection is awarded following a successful 
examination in every national IP Office. If the 
application fails to pass examination i n any of the 
Offices, it may be converted into national applications. 
The Treaty also covers collective marks.  
 
The Union AO protection is somewhat simpler as it is 
more of a recognition procedure, with no examination 
on part of the four other offices. For  local geographical 
areas the Filing Office is the home office for that area. 
For foreign geographical areas, any of the five National 
Offices may be used by the applicant.  
 
While the Treaty has come into force, it still needs to be 
properly implemented. T he EAEU In May 2021 the EAEU 
Member States adopted the Instruction to the Treaty 
which details the related procedures. They also need to 
adopt the technological regulations describing the 
interaction between the national IP offices and the EEC, 
as well as establish the patent fees related to the new 
system.  
 
At this point, filing of applications for Union Trademarks 
and AOs is not expected until 2022. You may follow the 
official websites of Rospatent and the Eurasian 
Economic Commission for updates.  
Change s in the Tax Code of the 
Russian Federation  
In 2017, Russia applied the 
following regulation: when making 
tax payments, all corporate 
income taxpayers are only allowed 
to deduct accumulated losses of 
previous periods with a value not 
exceeding 50% of the p rofit before 
income tax of the accounting 
period. This provision is stated in 
Section 2.1 of Article 283 of the 
Tax Code of the Russian 
Federation. It has been extended 
twice since 2017 and most 
recently has been extended for 
the third time by the State Du ma 
of Russia until the end of fiscal 
year 2024. Such changes in the 
Tax Code are sudden and Taking into account that 50% threshold is actually a 
compensation of the redistribution of income tax among 
funds of the Russian budget system to the Russian 
regions, th e measure was extended till 31 December 
2024.  
It should also be noted that the "stabilizing close" was 
establish for investors who are parties to certain 
agreements, including the investment protection and 
promotion agreements. According to the "stabilizi ng 
close" amendments to tax legislation, that entered into 
force after the conclusion of the relevant agreement, do 
not apply to their parties.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 76 - 
 
  considered non -transparent, 
affecting a lot of foreign invested 
enterprises in Russia, especially 
under the context of difficulties 
caused by Covid -19. 
Question:  
Please further clarify the 
process/procedures that led to 
such changes in the Tax Code.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 77 - 
 
  HONG KONG, CHINA  
  
Trade and Investment Regimes  
E-commerce  
Page 39, para 2.44  
In terms of data protection, 
companies have to keep private data 
confidential. They are required to 
register with Roskomnadzor before 
being allowed to process data, and 
require consent (which can be 
withdrawn) from individuals whose 
data will be processed, with some 
except ions spelled out in the law.  
Question:  
Are foreign companies allowed to 
register with Roskomnadzor for data 
processing? If yes, is there any 
difference in the registration 
requirements or procedures between 
local and foreign companies?  According to the Federal Law # 152 -FZ "On Personal 
data", the "operator" has the right to process 
personal data, and in this context "operator" is a 
government or municipal entities, juridical or natural 
person. The Federal Law has not limitations or special 
conditions for  foreign companies. Therefore, foreign 
companies should comply the requirements of the 
Federal Law .  
 
Trade Policies and Practices by 
Measure  
State trading, state -owned 
enterprises, and privatization  
Page 10, para 20; Page 76, para 
3.150  
An IMF report published in 2018 
finds that the Russian State "leaves 
a deep footprint in the economy". 
The state represented about one 
third of Russia's value added (VA) in 
2016, accounted for nearly 40% of 
formal sector activity and 50% of 
formal sector employme nt. The 
State's share is large in sectors 
considered to be strategic, natural 
monopolies and public services, in 
the financial sector and, naturally, in 
public administration, defence, 
health, and education. The size of 
the Russian State has a significant 
impact on competition and economic 
efficiency. The Report finds that 
SOEs appear to underperform 
relative to non -state firms in a 
variety of economic activities. The 
Russian authorities point out that the 
data used in the IMF report are too 
old to be used in this Review. There 
was a substantial decline during the 
review period in the number of SOEs 
in the form of unitary enterprises 
and joint stock companies in which 
the State holds more than 30% of 
the shares.  
Question:  
Would the Russian Federation share 
more up -to-date data on the share 
of the State, state trading 
enterprises and state -owned Please find it attached  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 78 - 
 
  enterprises in different sectors in 
terms of sector activity, 
employment, and market 
concentration?  
Intellectual property rights  
Page 83, para  3.182  
The State Duma adopted a bill on 
expanding the grounds for granting 
compulsory licences, including in 
emergency use related to protecting 
the life and health of citizens. The 
bill also suggests that the 
Government should establish an 
appropriate policy and  practices for 
determining the amount of 
compensation and its payment 
procedure.  
Question:  
What factors will be taken into 
account in determining the amount 
of compensation to be paid to the 
patent proprietor in the granting of 
compulsory licenses? Will this be 
subject to negotiations between the 
Russian Government and patent 
proprietor, and how will the amount 
of compensation be determined if 
there are any disputes?  18 October 2021 was signed a Governmental decree 
No. 1767 which introduces rules for comp ensation to 
the right holder in case of no agreement was reach by 
parties and in emergency situations or other 
circumstances of urgency when a compulsory license 
was granted. The amount of compensation will be 
calculated on the base of a percentage of the incomes 
of a person who has exercised the right to use an 
invention, utility model or industrial design without 
the consent of the patent holder from the production, 
sale and overuse of corresponding generic invention. 
This compensation will be paid by a p erson which will 
use the right to use patent without authorization of 
the right holder in accordance with the compulsory 
license an annual basis during the period of effect of 
this compulsory license.  
 
Page 88, paras 3.198  
Federal Law No. 262 -FZ of 31 Ju ly 
2020 on Amendments to Part IV of 
the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation is one of the major legal 
developments in Russian patent law. 
It introduces a new mechanism for 
institutions accredited by Rospatent 
to carry out, upon the request of an 
applicant , a preliminary information 
search and patentability assessment 
as part of the examination of 
applications for inventions and utility 
models. Applicants who submit the 
preliminary assessment results to 
Rospatent will benefit from reduced 
fees and shortened  periods of 
substantive patent examinations. 
This mechanism is expected to 
reduce the amount of preparatory 
work of Rospatent examiners, help 
examiners have a better 
understanding of the essence of the 
claimed invention, and improve 
patent quality by invol ving industry 
experts to examine prior art and 
assess patentability before 
substantive examination by 
Rospatent.  
Question:  
We understand that the new 
initiative for Rospatent -accredited 
institutions to carry out preliminary 
information search and patentability In August 2021 the Federal Law entered into force. 
However, additional Government regulation is 
required to fully implement the initiative. The system 
is expected to be properly launched in March 2022.  
 
After the launch, the accre ditation procedure will be 
available to any Russian organizations that meet the 
requirements provided in the law. The outsourcing 
procedure itself, however, will be available for both 
Russian and foreign applicants.  
 
The initiative is expected to be applic able to any 
technological fields covered by the accredited 
organizations. At the moment, pilot technological 
fields include pharmacology, biotechnology and 
medicine, IT technology, supercomputers and space 
technology.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 79 - 
 
  assessment upon the request of 
patent applicants was launched in 
August 2021. Since the launch of the 
initiative, what  has been the 
reception amongst patent 
applicants? Is the initiative open to 
resident applicants as well as non -
resident applicants? Is the initiative 
applicable to inventions of all 
technological fields or only some 
specific fields? If the latter, what ar e 
the fields concerned?  
Trade Policies by Sector  
Insurance  
Page 133, para 4.138  
According to the OECD's Services 
Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI), 
the insurance services sector in the 
Russian Federation is among those 
with the highest restrictions relative 
to other sectors across all countries 
covered in the STRI,  and restrictions 
increased between 2016 and 2020. 
Over the reporting period, the 
number of existing insurance 
organizations with the participation 
of non -residents fell from 37 to 29, 
with share of foreign participation in 
their aggregate charter capital 
declining significantly from 20.9% 
(January 2016) to 10.9% (January 
2021), primarily due to capital 
increases related to increases in 
minimum capital requirements as 
overall investment declined only 
slightly.  
Question:  
With high restrictions and the 
significant decline in foreign 
participation in the insurance 
services sector, we would like to 
know whether the Russian 
Federation has any plan to review 
and remove those policies and 
measures which restrict the market 
entry of foreign insurance 
organizat ions. Pursuant to the commitments of the Russian 
Federation to admit branches of legal entities from 
the WTO Members on 22 August 2021 Russia adopted 
Federal Law No. 343 -FZ 'On Amending the Law of the 
Russian Federation 'On the Organi zation of Insurance 
Business in the Russian Federation' and Certain Laws 
of the Russian Federation' ( Federal Law No. 343 -FZ) 
in order to allow the commercial presence of foreign 
insurers in the Russian Federation through their 
branches and create conditions for their operation  in 
the Russian Federation. Federal Law No. 343 -FZ 
stipulates the requirements for separate capitali zation 
(guarantee deposit) of a foreign insurer's branch. The 
guaranteed deposit of a foreign insurer's branch may 
not be less than the minimum amount of ch arter 
capital required from insurance companies depending 
on the type of their activity. The stake of foreign 
capital in overall charter capital of operating 
insurance companies, equalled 10.40 % as of 1 
January 2021. Hence, considering the actual portion 
(quota) of foreign ownership in insurers' overall 
authori zed capital, foreign investors are currently free 
to access the Russian market.  
 
Furthermore, Federal Law No. 343 -FZ amended Law 
of the Russian Federation No. 4015 -1, dated 27 
November 1992, 'On the Organi zation of Insurance 
Business in the Russian Federation'. The amendments 
eliminate the requirements obliging an insurance 
company and/or its Russian shareholders to obtain a 
preliminary permit from the Bank of Russia to 
increase the insurance company' s charter capital 
using funds of foreign investors' subsidiaries and/or 
to alienate the insurance company's shares (stakes) 
in favour of a foreign investor's subsidiary (including 
for sale).  
Telecommunications  
Page 140, para 4.163  
Government support of th e 
development of 5G technology is 
outlined in a roadmap to implement 
5G by 2024, which was developed by 
the state -owned companies 
Rostelecom and Rostec. The 
Government plans to provide 28.9 
billion RUB of support until 2024 
under the three areas of the Act ion 
Plan: (i) develop production of high -
tech telecommunications products 
for 5G/IMT -2020, including serial The Roadmap for the Development of the High -Tech 
Area was adopted as a strategic instrument of 
government policy and contained priorities and 
perspectives of technological development of the 
Russian Federation. The main goal of the Roadmap is 
to develop production of Russian high -tech 
telecommunications products for 5G/IMT -2020, 
including serial production. Rostelecom and Rostec 
are engaged in attainment of this goal. There are no 
specific plans to in vite foreign companies to 
participate in the Roadmap. The preliminary results of 
implementing of the Road map would be estimated in 
early 2022.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 80 - 
 
  production; (ii) develop 5G/IMT -
2020 communication network 
infrastructure and radio frequency 
support; and (iii) develop a market 
for services and s ervices provided 
using 5G/IMT -2020 technologies.  
Question:  
In light of the growing importance of 
5G technology, we would like to 
know if there is any plan to invite 
private or foreign companies to 
participate in the roadmap. What is 
the current status of t he 
implementation of the three areas of 
the Action Plan?  
Transport  
Pages 142 -143, para 4.173  
Transport Strategy 2030, adopted in 
2008 and revised in 2018, remains 
the main policy document for the 
sector. Among its most important 
goals are the creation of a 
competitive transport and logistic 
services market, and improved 
integration of the Russian Federation 
into the global transport system.  
Question:  
Could t he Russian Federation share 
with us more details about the major 
updates in the revised 2018 version 
of Transport Strategy 2030? In 
particular, we would like to know 
more about the strategies or 
measures in creating a competitive 
transport and logistics se rvices 
market and improving integration of 
the Russian Federation into the 
global transport system.  Main changes in Transport Strategy were made in 
2014 and affected main objectives in national 
transport system operation and development in order 
to contrib ute to the economic growth and to improve 
the quality of life by providing access to safe and 
high-quality transport services and to turn Russia's 
geographic features into a competitive advantage. 
The updates in 2018 affected mid -term action plan to 
implem ent Transport Strategy.  
 
The update Strategy focuses on the creation of 
competitive transport corridors based on technically 
and technologically integrated transport and logistics 
infrastructure, as well as systems of coordination of 
business processes for  supply purposes based on 
intelligent transport systems. It provides for 
developing a set of measures to improve the technical 
and technological parameters of international 
transport corridors, planning their development and 
coordination within the framewo rk of international 
cooperation on transport corridors.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 81 - 
 
  EUROPEAN UNION  
  
SUMMARY  
Page 9, para 14.  
"Applied tariff rates could potentially 
exceed the corresponding WTO 
bindings for a few tariff lines."  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
if that is the case and list the tariff 
lines with their corresponding applied 
tariff rates?  Para. 3.24  of the report states that "comparisons 
between the Russian Federation's bound and applied 
tariffs (based on HS07 and HS17, respectively) are 
prone to imprecision". In its turn, para. 3.25 
stipulates that for "three tariff lines, the MFN rates 
applied in 2 021 are somewhat higher than the 
corresponding bindings" but without the references 
to any concrete tariff lines or products.  
We believe that this suggestion can be based on 
incorrect data due to differences in the HS 
nomenclatures of Russia's WTO commitme nts and 
applied tariff.  
Page 9, para 18 .  
"The legal frameworks for the 
application of technical regulations 
and standards and sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures involve a 
combination of EAEU and national 
competences".  
Question:  
Could Russia confirm that in case of 
discrepancies between provisions of a 
Federal Law and an international 
treaty, any international treaty to 
which Russia is a party, prevails?  In accordance with Article 15 (4) of the Constitution 
of the Russian Federat ion, in the event of a conflict, 
international treaties prevailed over domestic federal 
laws. 
 
Page 9, para 18 .  
Question:  
Could Russia confirm that the 
technical regulations of the Eurasian 
Economic Union prevail over Russia's 
Federal Law?  In accordanc e of Articles 52 and 53 of the Treaty on 
the EAEU technical regulations of the Union have a 
direct application in the territories of its Member 
States. In accordance with Article 15 (4) of the 
Constitution of the Russian Federation, in the event 
of a confl ict, international treaties prevailed over 
domestic federal laws.  
Page 9, para 18 .  
Question:  
Could Russia clarify its intentions to 
notify the draft Technical Regulation 
47 that will be applicable on the 
territory of the Russian Federation, as 
well as any future amendment 
thereof - in the drafting of which the 
Russian Federation has held and 
holds  a key role?  The work on aligning the provisions of the Federal 
Law and the Technical Regulation of the EAEU is 
currently in progress. When the internal discussions 
in respect of relevant amendments are finalized 
among the EAEU Member States, they will be  notified 
to the WTO.  
Page 11, para 24.  
"A first sub -programme  provided for 
by this second phase aims to support 
agro-industrial sectors directly 
whereas a second -sub-programme  
aims to address, inter alia, the 
operational environment in the agro -
industrial sectors, land reclamation, 
and digital agriculture."  
Question:  
Could Russia inform about the budget 
devoted to both sub -programmes and 
what is the allocation division 
betwee n them?  According to the preliminary assessment, the budget 
devoted to the State Programme amounted to RUB 
271,289.6 million in 2020. Precise and differentiated 
data (by support measures) will be provided in the 
respective DS notification of the Russian Federation 
in due course.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 82 - 
 
  1.2 Recent economic 
developments  
Page 15, para 1.11.  
As the World Bank mentions, further 
integration into GVCs would be the 
way to reach higher GDP per capita 
ratios, not localization and import 
substitution.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation agree?  Said statement by the World Bank does not seem to 
take into account the on -going pandemic that 
showed fragility of the existent GVCs and the effect 
that a break in the chain may have on a country's 
GDP. We believe that t he pandemic showed that 
more balanced approach to GVCs should be taken 
while the countries and operators search for the 
ways to make GVCs more resilient to the on -going 
and similar crisis.  
 
 
1.2.1 Fiscal policy  
Page 17, para 1.17 .  
As part of its respons e to COVID -19-
related economic downturn, the 
Russian Government took several 
fiscal measures, including for the 
support of businesses.  
Question:  
Does the Government plan to extend 
any of these measures or make them 
permanent?  All such emergency support measures designed to 
address the pandemic -induced economic downturn, 
are temporary.  
Page 17, para 1.18  
Regional transfers are set to drop 
more tha n 10% in real terms in 2022, 
compared to the 2017 -19 pre -
pandemic average.  
Question:  
The World Bank estimates that the 
richest region of Russia is 17 times 
richer than the poorest. According to 
the IMF, Russia is characteri zed by a 
high reliance on direct  taxes as a 
source of revenue for its regions. 
Does the Russian Federation agree on 
the need to reform and strengthen 
the regional redistribution system?  The Russian Federation is not in a position to 
comment on the statements referred to in question, 
as the Russian Federation finds this statement 
lacking any justification, in particular the sources 
mentioned in relevant paragraphs do not support the 
conclusions made. Besides, this question is not 
linked to trade policy.  
 
1.2.2 Monetary and exchange rate 
policy  
Page 18, para 1.23.  
The Russian authorities have been 
gradually lifting currency controls in 
recent years.  
Question:  
Will this trend continue and, if so, 
what are the planned actions and 
their tentative timeline?  Russia will continue gradual lifting of currency 
controls.  
Among the planned measures, there will be a 
gradual abolishment of the repatriation requirements 
for earnings under foreign trade agreements 
between residents and non -residents. The Federal 
Law No 265 FZ dated 2 August 2019 "On 
amendments to the Federal Law "On Currency 
Regulation and Currency Control" envisages further 
liberalization of restrictions on  currency transactions 
by residents using accounts (deposits) with banks 
located outside the Russian Federation and 
pertaining to cash repatriation within the period from 
1 January 2020 to 1 January 2024.  
Page 19, para 1.27.  
"In the face of economic rest rictions 
imposed by certain Members since 
2014, the Russian Federation has 
been implementing an import 
substitution policy to satisfy the 
demand in its local market by 
securing the competitiveness of 
Russian goods."  
Question:  Indeed, "reshoring" programs started in mid -90th 
and were connected with the intention to reestablish 
production levels lost in times of economic 
disturbances connecte d with dissolution of USSR, 
fundamental change of parameters of economic 
system to market -based, privatization, etc. and to 
return back labor places.  
Programs in respect of agriculture, implementation 
of which started end of 90th, were designed to reach 
certain parameters of food security.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 83 - 
 
  Import substitution and local ization 
started long before 2014 (preferences 
for the purchase of agriculture 
machinery, pharmaceutical products, 
restrictions in public procurement 
negatively affecting foreign products) 
and intensified immediately after 
Russia joined the WTO in 2012 and 
even more in 2014. Why does the 
Russian Federation date the import 
substitution to 2014?  Facing fundamentally new threats and challenges in 
2014, the Government took systemic decisions to 
secure uninterrupted operation of supply chains in 
key sectors vital for country's economy. The Head of 
Government described the task in a following way: 
"The topic of import substitution is very important, 
but in no case should it be brought to the point of 
absurdity. It is necessary to replace the most 
important segments of what is critically important to 
produce in our country. This is not about replacing 
everything." This decision was directly connected 
with economic sanctions against Russia.  
1.3.2 Foreign direct investment  
Page 25, para 1.38  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
quantified inf ormation on results of 
the regulatory guillotine, i.e. how 
many 
regulations/controls/administrative 
obligations for companies were 
removed each year since its 
introduction, and in which areas?  The regulatory guillotine was launched in 2020. As 
a result, s ince 1 January 2021 more than 12,000 
legal acts were removed, including:  
- 3,025 legal acts containing mandatory 
requirements (592 acts of the Government of the 
Russian Federation and 2,433 ministerial and 
agencies' acts);  
- 9 319 acts of the Russian SFSR  and the USSR.  
The main areas covered are labour (19%), railway 
transport (19%), industrial safety (7%), fire safety 
(6%), motor transport (6%), production and sale of 
alcoholic products (5%), conformity assessment 
(5%), sanitation and epidemiology (4%).  
Page 26, para 1.39  
Question:  
What are the Russian Federation's 
strategy, plans, specific measures 
and budget to fight corruption in 
order to improve the investment 
climate?  A National Anti -corruption plan 2021 -2024 was 
adopted by Decree of the President of the Russian 
Federation of 1 6 August 2021 No. 478. The Plan 
contains a list of measures for preventing and 
countering corruption, mitigating and eliminating its 
consequences, and is divided into 16 areas:  
Anti-corruption standards; (2) conflict of interest; 
(3) anti -corruption verifi cations; (4) disciplinary 
liability; (5) criminal and administrative liability; (6) 
protection of restricted information; (7) revolving 
door; (8) anti -corruption action in the private sector 
entities; (9) anti -corruption action in the Russian 
regions; (10)  fight against corruption in 
procurement; (11) corruption proofing of legislation; 
(12) education and awareness -raising; (13) 
participation of society; (14) international 
cooperation; (15) systematization of anti -corruption 
legislation; and (16) digital fi nancial assets and 
information technologies.  
Many of the provisions of the Plan are designed 
to fill in the existing legal gaps detected in law 
enforcement over the previous years: some of them 
regard specific mechanisms, for example, the 
increase of sour ces of information and the provision 
of access to them to enhance the effectiveness of 
anti-corruption verifications; others concern matters 
of a more conceptual nature, for instance, the 
revision of the norms regulating conflict of interest 
and systematiz ation of anti -corruption legislation.  
The information on the budget for the 
implementation of this Plan and related measures is 
to be reflected in the federal's budget. At the 
moment, the budget for 2022 -2024 is not yet 
approved.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 84 - 
 
  2. Trade and investment  regime  
Page 29, para 2.9.n  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
what sort of supranational decisions 
could fall within the remit of the new 
constitutional amendment, and how it 
intends to fulfil its international 
commitments in such cases?  The amendments to Articles 79 and 125 of the 
Constitution of the Russian Federation relate to the 
enforcement of decisions of interstate bodies. 
Interstate bodies are the bodies (institutions, 
organizations, etc.) that are established in 
accordance with in ternational arrangements between 
two or more States or international organizations. 
The enforcement of decisions of interstate bodies can 
be prevented by a decision of the Constitutional 
Court of the Russian Federation if it comes to the 
conclusion that th ese decisions are based on the 
interpretation of international treaties of the Russian 
Federation that contradict the Constitution of the 
Russian Federation.  
The amendments to Constitution of the Russian 
Federation do not express the rejection by the 
Russian Federation of its international obligations 
and the violation of the fundamental principle of 
fulfilment of all its international commitments.  
Moreover, the Russian Federation reaffirms its 
strict adherence to the rules negotiated and agreed 
by the WTO  Members, including the principles for the 
management of disputes applied under Articles XXII 
and XXIII of GATT and the rules and procedures 
elaborated by the Dispute Settlement Understanding.  
Page 29, para 2.9.n  
Question:  
Is any international commitment  of 
Russia in the area of trade, 
investment and economic activity 
concerned by this amendment?  In Conclusions of the Constitutional Court of the 
Russian Federation when examining the consistency 
of the proposed amendment to Article 79 of the 
Constitution of the Russian Federation with the 
provisions of Article 15 of the Constitution of the 
Russian Federation the Constitutional Court of the 
Russian Federation specifically noted that the 
suggested (as later adopted) amendments to Article 
79 of the Constituti on of the Russian Federation are 
not intended to be and are not designed as a waiver 
or abandonment by the Russian Federation of its 
international obligations.  
The new mechanisms (as introduced by the 
amendments) are designed to provide for possibility 
to develop a constitutionally acceptable manner of 
implementation of decisions of interstate bodies in 
question by the Russian Federation while maintaining 
the highest power of the Constitution of the Russian 
Federation in the Russian legal system, which in 
particular includes international treaties of the 
Russian Federation as its part.  
Page 29, para 2.11.  
Question:  
If the distribution of competencies of 
EAEU and the RF institutions is not 
clearly established and, as a result, 
trade policy formulation in the 
Russian Federation is implemented 
through both national and EAEU 
institutions and legislation, is it 
possible t hat different institutions 
might legislate or take a decision on 
the same subject?  In accordance with Article 46 of the Treaty on the 
EAEU there is a list of uniform non -tariff measures, 
which shall apply by the member states of the EAEU. 
However, pursuant to Article 47 of the Treaty on the 
EAEU the member states can also apply unilateral 
non-tariff measures through national legislation in 
the specified exceptional cases.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 85 - 
 
  Page 29, para 2.11.  
Question:  
Please explain whether the EAEU 
institutions usually take a decision on 
more general principle/regulation 
which is further clarified and 
implemented by the national 
institutions.  The Treaty on the EAEU does not provide for the 
competence of the EAEU institutions to take 
decisions on more general reg ulation, which are to 
be further clarified or implemented by the national 
institutions.  
 
Page 29, para 2.11.  
Question:  
Please explain which institution 
ensures/checks the implementation of 
the WTO commitments. Please 
explain the authority of the 
mentioned institution to amend the 
draft legislation eliminating the WTO 
inconsistency.  There are no institutions or bodies at t he EAEU level 
responsible for ensuring or checking the 
implementation of the WTO commitments since the 
EAEU is not the WTO member. In order to ensure the 
consistency of Eurasian Economic Commission's 
(EEC) acts with Russia's WTO commitments the 
Treaty on t he Functioning of the Customs Union in 
the Framework of the Multilateral Trading System of 
19 May 2011 (Annex 31 to the Treaty on the 
Eurasian Economic Union of 29 May 2014) was 
concluded. Article 2 (1) provides that the Parties 
shall take measures in orde r to bring the legal 
system of the Customs Union and the decisions of its 
bodies into conformity with the WTO Agreement, 
insofar as it is stipulated in the Protocol on Accession 
of each of the Parties, including the obligations of 
each Party taken as one o f the conditions of its 
accession to the WTO. Thus, when EEC adopts and 
applies its acts, those acts have to comply with EAEU 
Member's WTO commitments, including Russia's 
commitments.  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
Page 32, section 2.3.1.  
Questio n:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
how the intention of Russia to join 
the Government Procurement 
Agreement can be compatible with a 
constantly growing number of 
restrictions for foreign bidders in 
public procurement tenders in 
Russia?  A Member join ing the GPA negotiates individual 
accession terms with the GPA Parties based on the 
mutual interests of the negotiating parties and the 
GPA standards. Therefore, Russia is ready to engage 
into discussions on the compatibility of the Russian 
policy in the s phere of government procurement with 
the GPA standards within the framework of accession 
negotiations process.  
Page 33, para 2.21 .  
"Related to the COVID -19 pandemic, 
the Russian Federation notified four 
measures affecting trade in goods, 
one measure affe cting trade in 
services, and six measures affecting 
IPRs. The Russian Federation also 
notified 22 support measures and 5 
SPS measures. The Russian 
Federation also joined a number of 
proposals and statements on COVID -
19 and world trade."  
Question:  
Could th e Russian Federation 
elaborate on the measures adopted 
both at EAEU level and at Russian 
Federation level to facilitate trade of 
essential goods during the pandemic 
and of in particular but not only trade 
facilitation measures. The EU notes 
that the Secret ariat report does not The Russian Federation constantly submits its 
measures affecting trade in goods in the context of 
the fight against COVID -19 to the Secretariat. Their 
list can be found on the WTO COVID -19 web page. 
These measures include, inter alia, temporary 
reduction of import customs duties on certain 
medical products and personal protective equipment, 
temporary simplification of the country -of-origin 
confirmation procedure applied to goods imported 
from developing countries and LDCs, exemption of 
imported medical products from VAT.  
At the start of a pandemic (in March -April 2020) 
certain quantitative restrictions on export of certain 
medical and agricultural products were established. 
These quantitative restrictions were abolished in 
summer and autumn 2020.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 86 - 
 
  mention in detail the measures 
adopted to implement the WTO TFA 
and in particular do not refer to the 
NTFC that is a commitment under 
article 23.1 of the Agreement  
2.4. Investment Regime  
Page 35, para. 2.25.  
Question:  
Please explain the coverage of 
bilateral FTAs with Belarus and 
Kazakhstan. Please explain the 
relationship between the mentioned 
FTAs and the EAEU Treaty.  Agreement between the Government of the Russian 
Federation and the Government of the Republic of 
Kazakhstan on free trade of 22 October 1992 was 
terminated by the Order of the Government of the 
Russian Federation No. 1394-r of 25 July 2014.  
Bilateral FTA with Belarus is in force and covers trade 
in goods. In terms of relations between Russia and 
Belarus,  the Agreement shall be applied in the part 
that does not contradict the Treaty on the EAEU of 
29 May 2014.  
Page 35, para. 2.25.  
Question:  
Please confirm that the Russian 
Federation does not have a bilateral 
FTA with Armenia.  Agreement between the Government of the Russian 
Federation and the Government of the Republic of 
Armenia on free trade of 30 September 1992 was 
terminated by the Order of the Government of the 
Russian Federation No. 1394-r of 25 July 2014.  
2.4.1. Regulatory framework  
Page 37, para 2.39.  
Russia has updated the mechanism of 
concluding Special Investment 
Contract, including incentives offered 
to investor to stimulate indu strial 
activities.  
Question:  
Special investment contracts (SPICs) 
became one of the tools to promote 
localization of large companies in 
Russia, to attract investments and 
modernize industrial production. 
However, a number of companies 
complained about th e lack of real and 
guaranteed advantages, SPIC's have 
been able to provide. SPIC 2.0 has 
not introduced any significant 
changes in this respect. Does the 
Russian Federation plan to make 
SPIC concept more attractive as so 
far just circa 50 were signed, most ly 
in the automotive, pharmaceutical 
and chemical industries?  The so called "SPIC 2.0" is aimed at attracting the 
investors who are going to develop and implement 
modern technology to enable Russian products to 
become globally competitive. Under SPIC 2.0,  
stability of conditions of business operation is 
ensured to an investor by the Russian Federation 
and/or by the region of the Russian Federation, and 
other support measures are provided to an investor 
under SPIC 2.0 in accordance with the legislation of 
the Russian Federation.  
Only two years have passed since SPIC 2.0 was 
introduced. Possibilities of its improvement, if there 
is indeed such a need, may be discovered further in 
the course of its implementation.  
2.4.1. Regulatory framework  
Page 37, para 2.39.  
Question:  
What are the state support measures 
conferred by SPICs (apart from the 
mentioned "Made in Russia" status?)  
2.4.1. Regulatory framework  
Page 37, para 2.39.  
Question:  
How is the list of modern 
technologies for SPICs being 
composed?  The list of modern technologies for SPICs is laid 
down by the Government of the Russian Federation 
on the basis of proposals of the Ministry of Industry 
and Trade of the Russian Federation in accordance 
with th e Resolution of the Government of the 
Russian Federation of 21 March 2020 No. 319.  
Page 38, para 2.40.  
The mechanism of Investment 
Protection and Promotion Agreement 
(IPPA) was launched in Russia in 
2020. Until April 1, 2021, a 
temporary procedure of con cluding In accordance with Federal Law No. 69 of 1 April 
2020 "On Protection and Promotion of Capital 
Investments in the Russian Federation" IPPA can be 
concluded in paper form. Starting from 1 June 2022, 
the conclusion of IPPAs electronically using the state WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 87 - 
 
  Investment Protection and Promotion 
Agreement (IPPA) was in place. It 
was expected that after April 1, 2021, 
the IPPA would be concluded 
electronically through the state 
information system "Capital 
Investments", but the updated 
procedure has yet to  be approved.  
Question:  
When will the new IPPA procedure be 
introduced, and will there be any 
significant changes to the 
mechanism?  information system "Capital Investment s" is possible. 
There are no significant changes to the mechanism.  
2.4.2. International cooperation  
Page 38, para 2.42.  
The Report mentions that Russia has 
signed, but not ratified, the ICSID 
(International Centre for Settlement 
of Investment Disputes) C onvention.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation plan to 
ratify the ICSID in the nearest future?  The issue of ratification of the ICSID Convention is 
not currently under consideration.  
 
2.5. E -commerce  
Page 39, para 2.5.  
Question:  
What is the situation regarding 
counterfeit in the largest online 
marketplaces and online anti -
counterfeiting enforcement in Russia?  To 3 questions.  
 
In February of 2021, the Government approved the 
five-year Strategy for Combating Illicit Trafficking of  
Industrial Products. The Strategy defines the priority 
sectors for monitoring: light and food industries, 
pharmaceuticals, auto and aviation industries, the 
industry of children's goods, the chemical industry. 
The electronic industry, agricultural machine ry and 
handicrafts are also a subject to monitoring. The 
Government also plans to improve the mechanisms 
of public control; form a negative attitude of the 
population towards counterfeiting; improve the 
qualification of respective government staff; increas e 
the efficiency of law enforcement; create a national 
analytical centre in this area; and develop a system 
of product traceability and legal cooperation with the 
EAEU Members.  
The Government also intends to legalize online trade 
of certain categories of g oods in order to reduce 
"shadow" sector of the economy. Previously, relevant 
decisions have been adopted regarding jewellery.  
An experiment on online sales of prescribed drugs is 
planned for 2022. Moscow, Moscow region and 
Belgorod region are considered a s pilot regions for 
this experiment. The entire infrastructure has been 
formed, taking into account the already implemented 
system of end -to-end traceability of the movement 
of pharmaceuticals and the approbation of electronic 
prescriptions in the format o f QR codes in a number 
of regions.  
We will analyze the results of the "pilot projects" 
and, if possible, move towards scaling this practice.  
Unfortunately, there is no statistical data describing 
this issue.  Page 39, para 2.5.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
statistics describing it  
Page 39, para 2.5.  
Question:  
Is Russia satisfied with the situation?  
Page 38, para 2.43.  
"The e -commerce sector is relatively 
fragmented, with the two largest 
companies (Wildberries and Ozon) 
jointly accounting for a little more To both questions.  
 
Curre ntly, a new legal institution in the field of 
customs regulation is being developed - an e-
commerce operator. E -commerce operator will WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  than 20% of the market, but turnover 
increased significantly over the 
review period to reach RUB 3 trillion 
in 2020.  A small share of these 
transactions are exported (around 
RUB 90 billion in 2020). Alibaba is 
active in the market as a joint 
venture with a Russian company, 
while Amazon, as another major 
player, has not entered the market 
although options to ship goods 
directly or via intermediaries to the 
Russian Federation exist."  
Online platforms and marketplaces 
are a key development in the current 
global economy, and will certainly 
increase their market share. In this 
regard, their integration in the global 
market is  key to ensuring the 
integration of the market in the 
global market, buy excessive red tape 
and bureaucratic requirements hinder 
its use by consumers when 
purchasing goods cross border.  
Question:  
Are there any measures envisaged to 
ease cross border trade through 
online platforms and marketplaces 
such as, for instance, removing the 
limit of the amount that the residents 
in Russia can spend on foreign goods 
bought online?  provide in full the logistics of goods purchased by 
persons on Internet platforms, as well as interact 
with Internet platf orms and customs in order to 
declare and storage of e -commerce goods. The draft 
regulation also defines the requirements for an e -
commerce operator, the specifics of temporary 
storage, customs declaration and release of e -
commerce goods, the specifics of t he customs 
procedure in customs warehouse, as well as the 
specifics of customs payments.  
Currently, the Eurasian platform for pre -trial dispute 
resolution in e -commerce is under development.  
Page 38, para 2.43.  
Question:  
Is there any mechanism, such as a 
public platform, to resolve online 
dispute resolutions between 
customers and traders?  
Cross -border payments are a crucial 
element of international e -commerce, 
but ease of purchase and consumer 
experience are also a vital element in 
the smooth functioni ng of it. In this 
regard, excessive red tape related to 
cross-border trade hampers the 
development of e -commerce.  
Question:  
Is the Russian Government working 
on a simplified procedure to reduce 
the red tape and bureaucracy 
consumers face in cross border 
electronic commerce?  Please, see the previous answer.   
Page 40, Section 3.1 Measures 
Directly Affecting Imports  
Question:  
Please provide more details on the 
EAEU draft legislation/instrument 
preventing the effects of the 
sanctions applied by othe r WTO 
Members.  These instruments are still under discussions among 
Member States of the EAEU.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 40, Section 3.1 Measures 
Directly Affecting Imports  
Question:  
Please provide more details related to 
the legislative initiative on the carbon 
tax.  Currently, there are no legislative initiatives on this 
matter in the Russian Federation.  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, 
valuation, and requirements  
Page 40 para 3.5 and 3.6 .  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation indicate 
the percentage of imports that are 
physically controlled?  To both questions.  
The share of consignments of imported goods, in  
respect of which customs inspection was carried out, 
in the total number of consignments, in respect of 
which a customs declaration was submitted, was 
3.4% in 2019 and 2.9% in 2020.  
A decrease in the proportion of commodity 
shipments subject to physical c ontrol measures and 
an increase in the efficiency of their application have 
become possible due to the emphasis placed on the 
need to use digital technologies, advanced 
information solutions and data mining systems in the 
implementation of the risk managem ent system in 
the customs authorities of the Russian Federation.  
The complex of information and software tools used 
by the customs authorities of the Russian Federation 
makes it possible to identify risks automatically at all 
major stages of customs operat ions: from 
preliminary information submission, 
arrival/departure, beginning and completion of 
customs transit, placement of goods for temporary 
storage, declaration of goods; movement of goods in 
the framework of e -commerce; to customs control 
after releas e of goods.  
Various risk indicators are automated and allow to 
identify a high -level risk when exercising control of 
compliance with prohibitions and restrictions, the 
correct classification of goods, the application of 
customs duty rates; compliance with intellectual 
property rights; customs operations; the correct 
calculation of customs value; fissile and radioactive 
materials, etc.  Page 40 para 3.5 and 3.6 .  
Question:  
Could the authorities spell out the 
measures they may have adopted 
regarding risk management and e - 
commerce recent increase?  
Page 41, para 3.7 .  
"The authorities indicate that work on 
the development of a national single -
window system is ongoing. It is 
guided by an action plan adopted by 
the Supreme Eurasian Economic 
Council in 2015, a resolution adopted 
by the Government in 2017, and a 
reference model description approved 
by the Eurasian Intergovernmental 
Council in 2019. Elements of the 
future single window have been 
consolidated in a Seaport Portal, 
which facilitates the supervision of 
trade flows going through the Russian 
Federation's sea checkpoints."  
Question:  
When is the full implementation of 
the national single -window system 
expected and how would it interact 
with the system implemented by 
other Eurasian Economic Union 
countries?  In the Russian Federation the deadlines for full 
implementation of the national "single window" 
mechanism has not yet been established.  
There are no plans for creating one integrated 
regional mechanism "single window" for all EAEU  
Member States.  
 In 2019, the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council 
approved "the Description of the reference model of 
the national "single window" mechanism in the 
system of foreign trade activities". The EAEU 
Member States should develop their national "s ingle 
window" mechanisms in accordance with this 
document and national plans and concepts.  
In accordance with the main directions in 
development of the single window mechanism in the 
system of regulation of foreign trade activities 
(adopted by the decision  of the Supreme Eurasian 
Economic Council No. 68 of 29.05.2014) and the 
plan of their realization (adopted by the decision of 
the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council No. 19 of 
08.05.2015) the EAEU Member States coordinate 
their efforts in developing national  single windows in 
order to ensure the interoperability . 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 90 - 
 
  Page 41, para 3.8 .  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation indicate 
the benefits in terms of custom 
procedure simplification that AEO 
get?  To both questions.  
The Customs Code of EAEU provides for three types 
of AEO certificates. Each type of certificate 
corresponds to certain criteria for its obtainment and 
certain special simplifications.  
A certificate of Type I entitles to the following special 
simplifications:  
1) the arrival and dep arture of goods and their 
release on a priority basis;  
2) not providing security for the obligations to pay 
customs duties and taxes for transit goods;  
3) not providing security for fulfillment of obligations 
on payment of customs duties and taxes within 
checking customs and other documents and 
information, and determining customs expertise;  
4) release of goods before the declaration is 
submitted;  
5) conducting customs control as a matter of 
priority;  
6) recognition of AEO seals by customs authorities as 
means of identification;  
7) not establishing the route of transportation;  
8) priority participation in pilot projects and 
experiments conducted by customs authorities;  
9) unloading, reloading (transshipment) and other 
cargo operations with goods that are und er customs 
control and are exported from the customs territory 
of the Union (except for goods transported 
(transported) under the customs procedure of 
customs transit), as well as replacement of means of 
international transportation carrying such goods wit h 
other means of transportation, including removal of 
the affixed seals and stamps, without permission of 
the customs authority.  
A certificate of Type II entitles to the following 
special simplifications:  
1) temporary storage of goods on their own sites;  
2) temporary storage on own sites of goods of third 
parties (if it is provided by the national legislation. 
This is not provided in the Russian Federation);  
3) delivery of goods to AEO's own sites, completing 
the customs transit procedure;  
4) conducting cus toms control at AEO sites;  
5) performance of customs operations related to 
customs declaration and release of goods in the 
customs authoritydifferent from the customs 
authority in the region of which the goods are 
located (remote release of goods);  
6) cust oms control, if it is appointed in the form of 
customs examination or customs search as a matter 
of priority;  
7) application by the authorized economic operator 
of the means of identification used by the customs 
authorities (the procedure is determined by the 
Eurasion Economic Comission and has not yet been 
defined);  
8) not providing security for fulfilment of obligations 
on payment of customs duties and taxes within 
checking customs and other documents and Page 41, para 3.8 .  
Question:  
What are the means deployed by 
Russian Federation to check these 
entities compliance with the customs 
legislation in force at national and 
regional level EAEU?  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 91 - 
 
  information and appointing a customs expert 
examin ation;  
9) release of goods befor the filing of the 
Declaration;  
10) not providing security for the obligations on 
payment of import customs duties when deferring 
payment of import customs duties.  
A certificate of Type III accumulates all of the special 
simplifications listed above.  
The Federal Customs Service of Russia carries out 
checks on applicants for AEO status in several ways. 
First, an on -site customs inspection is conducted to 
establish compliance with the requirements to the 
accounting system, to t he security of the 
organization's territory, and to the employees. 
Secondly, requests are sent to the Ministry of 
Internal Affairs of Russia to verify that no crimes 
have been committed by the management or 
founders (shareholders) of the enterprise. Thirdl y, 
the Federal Customs Service of Russia using its 
information systems checks the absence of arrears in 
payment of customs and tax payments, and the facts 
of administrative responsibility. Also, requests for 
the same verification measures are sent to the 
customs services of the EAEU member states.  
After an organization is assigned the AEO status, it is 
monitored both automatically by software (a 
customs official receives an automatic notification if 
there are risks of violations) and manually (at least 
once every 3 years or if there is information about 
possible violations of customs legislation, an on -site 
customs inspection is conducted).  
Page 41, para 3.12.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation 
elaborate on the modalities for 
exchange of data among the Parties 
of these cooperation agreements?  To both questions.  
Federal customs services conclude cooperation 
agreements in order to implement projects of 
"Simplified cust oms corridor", which are aimed at 
simplifying customs operations.  
Information exchange within the framework of the 
Agreements is carried out by the means of 
information technologies of the customs authorities 
in accordance with the agreed Terms and Conditi ons 
to be signed by the parties for each country 
separately.  
The customs authority of the destination country is 
not required to apply additional customs control 
measures to the consignments transported under 
these agreements' provisions, which ensures a t ime 
reduction for customs operations and a reduction of 
costs of participating companies.  Page 41, para 3.12.  
Question:  
Do these exchanges contribute to risk 
management and if so can Russian 
Federation elaborate?  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
Page 42, para 3.18.  
"As a member of the EAEU, the 
Russian Federation applies, with 
some exceptions, its unified customs 
tariff (UCT) and receives a share 
(85.065% as from 1 January 2020) of 
the revenue from customs duties and 
trade remedies levied on imports 
from third countri es." 
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation clarify 
whether the Federal Customs Service In accordance with Article 19 of the Customs Code 
EAEU, the common commodity nomenclature of 
foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic 
Union is approved by the Eurasian Economic 
Commission. Tariff lines may be amended only if t he 
Eurasian Economic Commission makes a relevant 
decision.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 92 - 
 
  can change classification of certain 
goods, i.e. its tariff line, without 
consultations at the EAEU level, given 
the existence of the EAEU Customs 
Code valid for the who le EAEU 
territory?  
Page 42, para 3.18.  
EU Question No. 34 : Could such 
goods be imported into the Russian 
Federation via other EAEU member 
countries, where the same goods are 
classified under different tariff lines?  
If so, do Russian customs ensure 
there is a compensation so that those 
goods are effectively subject to the 
same tariff rate when entering the 
Russian market, irrespective of the 
border crossing point?  According to Article 42 of the Treaty on the EAEU, 
within the customs territory of the EAEU the 
Common Customs Tariff and the Common 
Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic 
Activity are applied. Thus, all goods are classified in 
accordance with the Common Commodity 
Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activit y 
regardless the ports of entry used during their 
importation, and the EAEU Member States do not 
have their own national tariff lines.  
Page 43, para 3.20  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
to what extent the import tariffs in 
Kazakhstan, number of which (ca.3 
000) were lower than Russian import 
tariffs at the moment of the 
Kazakhstan's accession to the EAEU, 
have been unified with EAEU tariffs?  According  to para. 308 of the Working Party Report 
on the Accession of Kazakhstan to the WTO the 
compensation adjustment negotiations may be 
initiated no earlier than three years and six months 
from the date of full implementation of all the final 
bound tariff rate s contained in the Accession 
Schedule for goods.  
The last implementation period in respect of the 
reduction of import customs duties according to the 
Kazakhstan WTO tariff commitments was expired in 
2020.  
Page 42, para 3.18.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation please 
comment on the reason for the fees 
being far higher than the recycling 
cost and how this is related to 
subsidies schemes to the domestic 
motor vehicle industry and where the 
subsidies seem to be increasing?    1. In accordance with Article 24.1 the Federal Law No. 
89-FZ of 24 June 1998 the recycling fee shall be 
paid for the purpose of ensuring ecological safety, 
including for protection of human health and 
environment against the harmful impact of transport 
vehicl es operation, taking into account their 
technical features and wear -out. Hence, funds 
gained from recycling fee can be spent on financing 
various projects in the sphere of protection of 
human health and environment, implementing in 
the Russian Federation.  
2. We do not have sufficient clarity on what should be 
understood as "a reasonable cost for recycling", and 
how this "reasonable cost" should be estimated. 
Therefore, we are not in a position to comment on 
this issue.  
As for the subsidies to automobile indus try, they are 
provided within the Support of Transport and 
Specialized Machine Building program and are aimed 
at development of high -tech and competitive 
production of vehicles. Thus, these subsidies cannot 
be related to recycling fee.  3.1.4 Other charges  affecting 
imports  
Page 42, para 3.18.  
Question:  
The Russian Federation has applied 
recycling fees for motor vehicle since 
2012. The fees have over the years 
gradually been increased and also 
expanded to more motor vehicles. 
The fees are far beyond a reas onable 
cost for recycling.  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Page 50, para 3.38.  
"In August 2014, the Russian 
Federation prohibited, on national 
security grounds, the importation of 
certain agricultural products from 
several trading partners. Through 
periodic extensions, the import ban 
was maintained during 2016 -21, with 
some amendments  to coverage The Russian Federation is puzzled by such 
assessments within the WTO trade policy review 
mechanism. Pursuant to Ann ex 3 of the Marrakesh 
Agreement the purpose of the TPRM is to contribute, 
inter alia, to the smoother understanding of the 
trade policies and practices of Members. Therefore, 
in Russia's view, there is no place for making 
subjective judgments regarding oth er Member's 
policies based on certain internal considerations.  
The fact is that the Russian Federation has never 
considered its special economic measures, including WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 93 - 
 
  (Table 3.8). In its current form (in 
force until 31 December 2021), the 
prohibition applies to imports of 
designated products from Albania, 
Australia, Canada, the European 
Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 
Montenegro, Norway, Ukraine, the 
United Kingdom, and the United 
States."  
 
Question:  
The embargo against the importation 
of certain agricultural products has 
been in the meantime extended until 
the end of 2022. This embargo 
certainly supported the import 
substitution in agriculture and a 
number of vested interests benefited 
as well. However, Russian consumers 
have had to bear the costs. According 
to a World Bank report, since 2014 
food price indices in Russia have been 
on average 10 percent higher than in 
Europe and 3 percent higher than in 
the rest of the world. Russian 
producers are also not motivated to 
produce more efficiently, knowing 
they do not have to compete with 
importers from the EU and a number 
of other countries. Therefore, could 
the Russian Federation provide 
information how have the  consumers 
in Russia profited from the food 
embargo, which is in fact a heavy 
trade barrier and a prominent 
example of trade protectionism?  the mentioned import restrictions on the importation 
of certain agricultural products, as a  part of the 
import substitution policies. The sole ground behind 
its adoption is the necessity to protect Russia's 
national security interests in response to an 
internationally wrongful act or unfriendly act of a 
foreign state. In this respect, we refer t o Federal Law 
of 28 December 2010 No 390 -FZ, Federal Law FZ – 
281, the Presidential Decree No. 560 and the 
Government Resolution No. 778 of 7 August 2014 
and encourage the EU not to introduce totally 
different meaning into these provisions than they 
really  have.  
 
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
import  
Page 53, para 3.45.  
As the navigation seals for freight 
tracking represent an additional 
administrative and financial burden 
for transport operators, the overall 
volume of transit has not only not 
recovered to pre -transit ban levels, 
but is far also from 2018 and 2019 
levels.  Even when taking the corona 
virus pandemic into account, it seems 
that transport operators are not 
eager to return to transit via Russia.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation plan to 
introduce some incentives to 
operators or a simplification of the 
system in order to increase the 
volume of transit via its territory?  The Government of the Russian Federation has 
adopted a Complex Plan on Modernization and 
Expansion of Backbone Infrastructure until 2024 
(Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federat ion of 30 September 2018 #2101 -r, last 
amended on 20 February 2021). 9 projects covered 
by the Plan are designed to modernize and expand 
the transportation infrastructure, 2 of them target 
energy infrastructure. This Plan primarily focuses on 
further devel opment of West -East and North -South 
transportation corridors by means of expansion and 
modernization of air, maritime, river and rail 
infrastructure. For example, through this Plan the 
time for transportation from Far East to west border 
of Russia by railw ay is expected to reduce to 7 days. 
The average speed of container transportation in 
transit is expected to raise up to 1319 km per day in 
2024 (with such average speed of 810 km per day in 
2018). The load on Baikal -Amur railway – 
TransSiberian railway is expected to increase up to 
180 mln tones.  
Page 53, para 3.45.  
Question:  
The navigation seals for freight 
tracking seem to be soon introduced 
at the EAEU level as well, the The Russian Federation does not agree with the 
statement that the results of the use of the seals is 
questionable. The seals enabled transportation of 
particular products that were previously not allowed 
for transit. The system to be applied on the EAEU WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 94 - 
 
  corresponding draft international 
agreement is now with EAEU Member 
States. Given the questionable results 
from their use in Russia, and the 
negative feedback from the business, 
could the Russian Federation 
reconsider  the current mode of their 
use in Russia and suggest 
corresponding adjustments to EAEU 
partners?  level (as currently drafted) is expected to be 
substantively different in many aspects from the 
system currently applied in the Russian Federation. 
At the same time the EAEU legal acts are still under 
the process of internal drafting and Russia welcomes 
any concrete suggestions and proposals from 
Members on this issue.  
Technical problems persist regarding 
the supervision by Rosselkhoznadzor 
of shipments of vegetables in certain 
cross border points. These 
shortcomings might be solved with a 
digital interactio n between GLONASS 
and Rosselkhodnadzor's IT system.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Government 
envisage the development of a 
certain interaction between 
Rosselkhodnadzor's system and 
GLONASS so that Rosselkhoznadzor 
supervision of the shipments of 
embargo goo ds could be made on a 
remote and digital way?  
Should this be the case, what is the 
timing for such interaction to be 
implemented?  At the moment a possibility to use GLONASS is out 
of the competence of the Rosselkhoznadzor, still we 
consider different opt ions for providing remote 
control for products in circulation in the territory of 
the Russian Federation.  
The terms of such interaction are not determined.  
Page 53 -54, para 3.46.  
Out of the EAEU Member States, it is 
in fact only the Russian Federation 
which thoroughly implements a 
system of mandatory unique 
identification marking of goods 
(labelling, tracking and tracing). The 
remaining countries of EAEU seem to 
be more reticent to implement this 
practice. Nevertheless, even in Russia 
the labelling does n ot seem to have 
achieved the planned results, i.e. 
reduction of counterfeit goods on the 
market (with the exception of fur and 
tobacco products) or a better 
protection of trademarks. Moreover, 
as the EU and other WTO members 
highlighted repeatedly, Russia has 
never notified the measure to the 
WTO in accordance with the TBT 
Agreement despite the fact that it 
clearly constitutes a technical 
regulation, Rosselkhoznadzor being 
more trade restrictive than necessary 
and with a significant impact on 
trade.  
Question:  
Please explain the rationale behind 
the application of the marking system 
to certain dairy products and whether 
the regulation is based on risk 
management.  Track and Trace system in respect off dairy products 
is mandatory since June 1, 2021. Th e objective of 
this measure is combating counterfeiting and 
smuggling, as well as to ensure that all taxes for 
each item of products is paid..  
The list of goods subject to Track and Trace System 
is developed on the basis of an appropriate analysis, 
taking  into account the specifics of the market 
situation and the conditions of trade in the relevant 
markets.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 95 - 
 
  Page 53 -54, para 3.46.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
information on whether and when it 
plans to extend the unique 
identification l abelling requirements 
for further categories of goods?  The list of products subject to Track and Trace is 
developed on the basis of the key criteria of the 
markets of certain product groups. The criteria 
include the volume of markets (both in value and in  
physical terms), the share of illicit market, and other 
parameters  
Page 53 -54, para 3.46.  
Question:  
The EU wishes to enquire whether a 
regulatory evaluation is planned 
which weighs costs versus benefits of 
the implementation of the scheme so 
far. 
 Track and Trace is subject to regular re -evaluation, 
that takes into account benefits of traceability of 
goods for the state and business, product quality 
control. The sensitivity of the market to the 
introduction of a labeling system and other 
parameters are also evaluated.  
It should be mentioned that the introduction of Track 
and Trace started in an experimental mode, where 
the system is tested for its ability to prevent illegal 
circulation of covered products. The experiments 
involve manufacturers, impo rters and other 
stakeholders  
The currently existing EGAIS system 
has proven to be effective to control 
the movement of each bottle from 
the moment of its 
importation/production until the final 
sale to the consumer.  The operators 
in the alcohol market have  invested 
significant resources in its 
implementation. The  replacement of 
the EGAIS system with other 
traceability systems for goods in the 
alcohol market and with other types 
of labeling, as well as supplementing 
the EGAIS system with other types of 
labeling, would damage the well -
established mechanism of the 
market's functioning, lead to further 
shocks and result in significant costs 
for operators. In addition, it will not 
generate any improvement in terms 
of traceability of products compared 
with what is  already in place. In 
short, the implementation of the 
additional system would be 
duplicative of EGAIS, - a system 
which is tested & proven and works 
very well.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation confirm 
that EGAIS will continue to apply to 
products that are currently subjected 
to it and no duplicative systems will 
be developed for products currently 
covered by the EGAIS system?  The national traceability regime was devel oped 
under the Agreement "On the mechanism of 
traceability of goods imported into the customs 
territory of the Eurasian Economic Union" concluded 
on 05/29/2019, and the Federal Law dated 
02.12.2019 No. 386 -FZ "On the Agreement 
ratification "On the mechanis m of traceability of 
goods imported into the customs territory of the 
Eurasian Economic Union".  
 
The regulations on the national traceability regime 
were approved by the Decree of the Government of 
the Russian Federation dated 01.07.2021 No. 1108 
"On appro val of the regulations on the national 
traceability regime" (hereinafter - the Regulation). In 
accordance with the Regulation, the Federal Tax 
Service is the operator of the national traceability 
regime, and also fulfils the following functions: data 
collection, accounting, storage and processing of 
information included in the national traceability 
regime.  
 
Traceability regime is aimed at creating conditions 
for the exclusion of various schemes for evading 
customs and tax payments, as well as for the 
confir mation the legality of the turnover of goods 
between the territories of the Member States of the 
EAEU.  
The traceability system is applied to the 
refrigerators, fork - lift trucks, self - propelled 
bulldozers, washing machines, trucks, baby 
carriages, child safety sittings.  
One of the criteria to include goods in the list of 
goods subject to traceability is the non -application of 
existing state information system, including EGAIS, 
to the products concerned. Thus, simultaneous 
application of two or more tracea bility systems is 
excluded.  
Page 54, para 3.47.  
The Russian Federation vigorously 
implements the policy of import 
substitution, especially in 
procurement of State -Owned Preferences provided to domestic suppliers in the 
framework of governmental procurement programs 
were part of the measures designed in 2011 to 
mitigate potential negative consequences of market 
openings upon WTO accession. In this respect WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 96 - 
 
  Enterprises, regulated by the Federal 
Law No. 223 -FZ of 18 July 2011, and 
also in pu blic procurement, regulated 
by the Federal Law No. 44 -FZ, and 
numerous amendments to both of 
these two Laws.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
how shielding its own industries from 
the international competition and 
providing them with special 
advantages, especially in SOEs 
procurement ("third is out", "second 
is out", 15% price preferences, direct 
bans for for eign bidders), is supposed 
to strengthen the competitiveness of 
Russian products on an international 
scale?  Russian approach does not differ from government 
procurement policies by other developed members, 
including some parties to GPA, which limit access to 
procurement m arket to goods and services of non -
parties.  
Page 54, para 3.47.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
information how this preferential 
treatment for local suppliers is 
compatible with the WTO principles of 
national treatment and non -
discrimina tion? Does the Russian 
Federation envisage limiting the 
number of sectors affected by the 
import substitution programmes?  Preferential treatment for local suppliers is provided 
within the framework of government procurement 
programs, or within the framewor k of Russian GATS 
commitments and hence comply with applicable 
provisions of the WTO agreement.  
Page 54, para 3.47.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
a link where the decisions of the 
Government's Commission on Import 
Substitution are available?  The decisions pertaining to the operation of the 
Governmental Commission may be found at: 
http://government.ru/department/485/events/  
Page 54, para 3.48.  
Many foreign companies who had 
localized production in Russia in 
previous years are now being pushed 
by the Government to localize e ven 
more, regardless of the economic 
efficiency for companies themselves.  
Question:  
Has the Russian Federation evaluated 
whether such practices have either 
led to uneconomic investments by 
some companies or resulted in other 
cases in discouraging of plan ned 
investment? What are the plans of 
the Russian government to evaluate 
and review the policy of forced 
localization?  The Government has no authority to force companies 
to localize their production in Russia. In each 
individual case it is for the compani es to take 
decision in respect of localization of their production 
in Russia or other directions of their commercial 
policies. Evaluation of risks or losses connected with 
this, or other type of business is merely an issue for 
companies themselves to decid e. The role of the 
Government is to maintain transparent and stable 
macroeconomic and legal environment in order to 
allow businesses to identify their modus operandi  
successfully.  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting 
Exports  
3.2.2 Export taxes, charges, and 
levies 
Page 56, para 3.57.  
"In January 2021, a Resolution by 
the Prime Minister was signed to 
adjust exports through export tariff 
rate quotas on wheat, barley, rye, 
and corn to stabilize their prices on To both questions.  
The floating export duti es are established on a 
permanent basis.  
 
The duty of 0% will be applied to wheat with the 
price under 200 dollars. With the higher price, the 
duty rate will be 70% of the difference between the 
world price and 200 dollars. For barley and corn – 
the thresh old is 185 dollars per tonne.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 97 - 
 
  the domestic market. As from 2 June 
2021, this tax was to be replaced by 
floatin g duties, calculated using a 
benchmark index (Section 4.1.3). It 
covers products delivered from the 
Russian Federation outside the EAEU. 
The regulations are expected to 
reduce export volumes and refocus 
market participants from selling 
agricultural raw mat erials abroad to 
export high value -added agricultural 
products."  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify if 
the variable export tax scheme is a 
temporary measure and if so, what is 
its intended end date?  
Page 56, para 3.57.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation expect 
the mechanism of floating export 
duties on wheat, barley, rye and corn 
to be extended to 2022?  
Page 57, Section 3.2.3 . 
Export prohibitions, restrictions, and 
licensing) does not mention the 
export ban on some types of timber 
which will take effect on 1st January 
2022. The relevant decree was 
adopted by the government in the 
spring 2021. The declared rationale 
for the decree was to develop the 
domestic forestry industry and curb 
the scope of illegal logging.  
Question:  
: Do the Russian authorities explore 
other alternatives before imposing 
export bans using this instrument 
only as a very last resort? What other 
measures to fight the deforestation 
are taken by the government?  Currently, there is no legislative initiative  to 
introduce an export ban on timber products.  
 
Page 57, Section 3.2.3 . 
Question:  
How does Russia look upon the ban's 
compatibility with the WTO GATT 
general elimination of quantitative 
restrictions?  
Page 57, Section 3.2.3 . 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
more information on this planned 
ban, its scope and timing?  
Page 57, para. 3.63.  
"The EAEU also maintains a common 
list of goods that are significantly 
important to the internal market in 
which temporary bans or expo rt 
restrictions can be put in place. The 
list has 85 categories of goods listed 
by HS code. The products include 
meat, milk, grains, flour, beans, 
oilseeds, vegetable oil and oilcakes, Currently, there are no discussions on the extension 
of the common list of goods significantly important 
to the EAEU internal market.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 98 - 
 
  animal feed, fuels, hides and skins, 
wood, wastepaper, wool, and variou s 
metal waste and scrap. Since 2016, 
the list has been supplemented by 
certain wood products (HS 4401, 
4403, 4404, 4406, and 4407) and 
agricultural products (onions, garlic, 
and turnips)."  
Export bans on products where 
Russia is a major world player like oil, 
gas, grain, steel, wood, etc. have a 
big impact in international value 
chains and could even provoke 
production disruptions in other 
countries.  
Question:  
Is the Russian Federation discussing 
a further extension of the common 
list of goods significan tly important to 
the EAEU internal market?  
3.3.1 Incentives . 
Page 64, para 3.93.  
The EAEU Treaty contains disciplines 
on the granting of subsidies in 
relation to industrial products. 
Additionally, Table 3.13 (p. 65) gives 
an overview of federal support 
programmes for the years 2017 and 
2018.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation provi de 
an overview of all subsidy 
programmes for the years 2019 -20?  The 2019 -2020 new and full subsidy notification of 
the Russian Federation is being prepared and will be 
submitted in due course.  
 
Page 64, para 3.93.  
Question:  
Moreover, could the Russian 
government provide a list of decisions 
and appeals in the area of subsidies 
since the coming into force of the 
EAEU Treaty?  
 In accordance with the report of the Treasury, 
following amount of subsidies from the federal 
budget was provided in 2020 within the framework 
of the following major state programs relevant for 
the industry and agriculture, bln.RUB  
Economic development and innovative economy 315  
Industrial development and increasing its 
competitiveness 445  
Development of the aviation industr y 71 
Development of shipbuilding and equipment for the 
development of shelf deposits 28  
Development of the electronic and radio -electronic 
industry 19  
Development of the pharmaceutical and medical 
industry 11  
Development of the nuclear power industry compl ex 
118 
Development of the transport system 1131  
State program for the development of agriculture 
and regulation of markets for agricultural products, 
raw materials and food 271  
Reproduction and use of natural resources 52  
Energy 19  
Please advise what decis ions and appeals on 
subsidies do you have in mind addressing your 
question?  
Page 64, para. 3.94. "EAEU rules on 
industrial subsidies are to a large 
extent based on the rules of the WTO To avoid confusion, it should be noted that 
determination of a subsidy as permissible in 
accordance with the EAEU Treaty is relevant only for WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 99 - 
 
  Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures but differ in 
sever al important respects. They 
prohibit export subsidies, import 
substitution subsidies, specific 
subsidies that cause injury to any 
section of the national economy of 
another member State, specific 
subsidies contingent upon local 
content or trade -balancing 
requirements, and specific subsidies 
that may cause serious prejudice to 
the interest of other member States. 
97 Subsidies other than specific and 
prohibited subsidies are deemed 
permissible, and certain types of 
subsidies are treated as non -
actionable. In addition to rules on 
procedural and substantive aspects of 
countervailing duty investigations by 
national competent authorities of the 
member States, the EAEU also grants 
important powers to the EEC to 
enforce implementation of the 
common rules on industri al 
subsidies."  
Question:  
Could the Russian government 
provide the list of programmes that 
are non - actionable?  the purposes of non -application of compensatory 
measures, which are envisaged in the EAEU Treaty. 
Definition of a subsidy as permissible in the meaning 
of the EAEU Treaty does not automatically make it 
non-actionable in the meaning of Article 8 of the 
SCM Agreement. It should be noted that according to 
Article 31 of the SCM Agreement its provisions on 
non-actionable s ubsidies expired after five years 
from the date of entry into force of the WTO 
Agreement. Therefore, strictly speaking, at this point 
the SCM Agreement does not envisage the existence 
of non -actionable subsidies at all. Hence, in 
accordance with the SCM Ag reement all subsidies 
must be deemed actionable as of today, so we 
cannot see how could we possibly provide a list of 
non-actionable subsidies.  
Page 64, para. 3.94.  
Question:  
What are the enforcement powers of 
the EEC?  The EEC has the power to adopt bi nding decisions for 
the Member States provided for by Annex 28 to the 
Treaty on the basis of voluntary coordination of 
planned and provided specific subsidies, including:  
adoption of decisions on the admissibility or 
inadmissibility of specific subsidies i n accordance 
with paragraph 6 of Annex 28 to the Treaty on the 
basis of the criteria outlined in the international 
agreement within the Union stipulated in paragraph 
7 of Annex 28 to the Treaty;  
holding a hearing on provision of specific subsidies 
and adop tion of related binding decisions in cases 
determined by the international agreement within 
the Union stipulated in paragraph 7 of Annex 28 to 
the Treaty;  
resolution of disputes on matters relating to 
implementation of the provisions of this Article and 
Annex 28 to the Treaty and provision of explanations 
on their application.  
The EEC has no power to prohibit subsidies. The 
types of prohibited subsidies are specified in Chapter 
III of the Annex 28 to the Treaty.  
If the Commission confirms the existence of damage 
to a sector of the national economy of one of the 
EAEU Member States, the competent authority of the 
Member State shall be entitled to file to the 
subsidizing Member State an application for the 
adoption of a so called "compensatory mea sure".  
The compensatory measure shall be deemed 
implemented after the amount of the subsidy, 
including all the relevant interest amounts, has been Page 64, para. 3. 94. 
Question:  
Can it prohibit a subsidy?  
Page 64, para. 3.94.  
Question:  
Can it oblige the company receiving 
the subsidy to reimburse it?  
Page 64, para. 3.94.  
Question:  
How many files has the EEC 
reviewed?  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 100 - 
 
  withdrawn from the recipient of the subsidy to the 
budget of the subsidizing Member State.  
Page 64, para. 3.95. "The 
application of the EAEU substantive 
disciplines on industrial subsidies is 
subject to country -specific temporary 
exceptions. In acceding to the WTO, 
the Russian Federation "confirmed 
that any subsidy programme in place 
or established after accession w ithin 
the territory of the Russian 
Federation would be administered in 
conformity with the WTO Agreement 
on Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures"."  
Question:  
What is the expected duration of the 
country specific temporary 
exceptions?  There were two measures in the Russian Federation, 
which were exempted from the provisions of Annex 
28 to the EAEU Treaty:  
1) Measures regarding auto investment agreements;  
2) Measures applied in accordance with the Federal 
Law No.16 -FZ of 10 January 2006  "On the Special 
Economic Zone in the Kaliningrad Region and on 
Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the 
Russian Federation".  
As of today, these temporary exceptions of the 
Russian Federation have expired in accordance with 
the Russian WTO obligations . 
In order to compensate for the consequences of the 
COVID -19 pandemic the Order of Eurasian 
Intergovernmental Council of 10 April 2020 No. 6 on 
measures implemented within the EAEU aimed to 
guarantee the economic stability in the context of 
the developmen t of the COVID -19 pandemic was 
adopted.  Page 64, para. 3.95.  
Question:  
Have special measures been 
implemented to compensate for the 
consequences of the pandemic?  
Page 64, para. 3.96. "In its latest 
notification to the WTO, the Russian 
Federation submitted information 
regarding subsidies granted at the 
federal and sub -federal levels for 
2017 and 2018. At the federal level, 
support was provided to several 
sectors under different legislative acts 
and in various forms, such as capital 
contributions, partial compensation 
for interest charged on loans, and 
grants (Table 3.13). At the sub -
federal level, the support provided by 
the sub -federal authorities was 
usually for specific sectors and also 
took various forms, including tax 
incentives, com pensation for 
expenditures and interest on loans, 
and grants."  
The subsidies notification for the 
years 2017 and 2018 did not include 
figures for support to sectors such as 
aeronautics and space.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Government 
confirm that these t wo last sectors 
did not benefit from support 
measures at central and sub -central 
level in 2017 and 2018?  It should be noted that we do not have sufficient 
clarity on what support exactly is alleged to be 
unnotified. State support to companies in the Civil 
Aviation and Air Navigation Service spheres is 
provided by the State program of the Russian 
Federation "Development of transport system". The 
information concerning this program was included in 
the latest 2017 -2018 new and full notification of the 
Russian Federation (G/SCM/N/343/RUS).  
Page 64, para. 3.96.  
Question:  
Did UAC receive support in 2019 and 
2020?  
3.3.1 Incentives  
Page 65, para 3.100:  
The Report describes the Corporate 
Competitiveness Enhancement According to the Resolution of the Russian 
Federation of 23 February 2019 No. 191 KPPK is 
aimed at increasing competitiveness, the volume of 
production and sales. The program applies in respect WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 101 - 
 
  Programme (KPPK) implemented in 
Russia.  
Question:  
Is KPPK focused on export -oriented 
production and Russian production 
abroad?  of enterprises established in Russia which are 
producing products in Russia or abroad for 
subsequent use by Russian industries in f oreign 
countries.  
According to the Resolution of the Government of the 
Russian Federation of 23 February 2019 No. 191, 
support is provided in the form of partial 
compensation interest rates of export credits and 
other financial instruments which are simila r to 
credits in their economic essence, and of partial 
compensation of insurance premium for export credit 
contracts. It should be noted that export credits are 
naturally relevant to export performance. However, 
under the WTO rules export credits may be pr ovided 
subject to certain conditions. Such kind of support is 
provided in a WTO -consistent way.  Page 65, para 3.100:  
Question:  
What are the forms of state support 
for the companies implementing the 
KPPK?  
Page 66, section 3.104.  
The Federal Technical Regulation and 
Metrology Agency (Rosstandart) 
remains the national standardization 
body. Rosstandart represents the 
Russian Federation in international 
and regional standards setting 
organizations. Rosstandart also 
serves as the supervising autho rity 
for legal metrology, conformity 
assessment, and liability matters 
arising from the violation of technical 
regulations.  
Question:  
The WTO TBT Code of Good Practice 
is open to acceptance by any 
standardi zation body within the 
territory of a WTO member. What are 
the reasons given by Rosstandart for 
not accepting the WTO TBT Code of 
Good Practice?   The Russian Federation as a Member of ISO 
and IEC follows the Guidelines of ISO and IEC for 
standardization by national bodies (ISO/IEC Guide 
59). The document contains recommended practices 
for standardization that includes application of the 
following do cuments:  
- The decision of the Committee of the WTO on TBT 
on principles of the development of international 
standards, guidelines and recommendation 
(G/TBT/9, 13 November 2000).  
- The Code of Good Practices for the Preparation, 
Adoption and Application of Standards (Annex 3 of 
the 1995 WTO TBT Agreement).  
2) One of the principles of standardization in the 
Russian Federation is openness of the development 
of the documents of the national standardization 
system, ensuring the participation of all stakeholde rs 
in the development of such documents, reaching 
consensus in the development of national standards.  
 
Page 66, section 3.104.  
Question:  
Does Rosstandart take into account 
national and international 
stakeholders' feedback when 
establishing new standards ? 
3.3.2 Standards and other 
technical requirements  
Page 66, para 3.105.  
The Russian authorities affirm that 
standards and technical regulations 
implemented in the Russian 
Federation are generally based on 
international standards or relevant 
parts thereof, except when 
fundamental climatic, geographical, 
or technological factors  render the 
latter ineffective or inappropriate for 
the fulfilment of legitimate objectives.  
Question:  
Out of these enacted national 
standards what is the estimated 
proportion pertaining to international 
standards?  As it is stipulated in para 3.105 of th e Secretariat 
Report the Russian Federation are generally based 
on international standards or relevant parts thereof. 
The harmonization with international standards is 
estimated at the level of not less than 50%.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 102 - 
 
  Page 66, para 3.105.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
a list of recently adopted standards 
and technical regulations that were 
based on international standards and 
a separate list of those that were not 
related or referring to the same?  The list of national sta ndards in force is available on 
the official website: 
https://www.rst.gov.ru/portal/gost//home/standarts.  
Page 66, para 3.105.  
Question:  
Please provide more details on the 
technical regu lation of the Russian 
Federation applied for cement and 
the possible amendment eliminating 
the discrimination between the 
national products and the imported 
ones.  The GOST R on rules of certification of cement was 
developed in order to ensure safety and q uality of 
products circulated in the market of the Russian 
Federation and applies to both imported and 
domestic ones. We note hereby certain provisions of 
this standard are under review.  
 
 
Page 66, para 3.105.  
Question:  
Please provide more details regar ding 
recently enacted legislation on beer 
labelling and explain whether the 
measure is WTO compatible.  To both questions.  
In February 2021the Government of the Russian 
Federation adopted the Resolution on the pilot 
project for application of Track and Trace System to 
beer and beer products. The pilot will be conducted 
in the period from the 1st of April 2021 till 31st of 
August 2022. The Russian Federation is convinced 
that application of track and trace system on beer 
cannot be considered as a technica l barrier to trade 
as does not meet the definition of technical 
regulation stipulated in the TBT Agreement. Track 
and Trace does not set out requirements for product 
characteristics, methods of it production and other 
relative processes. Therefore, the mea sure is not 
subject to the TBT notification requirements.  Page 66, para 3.105.  
Question:  
Please also provide the reference on 
the respective TBT notification before 
the mentioned measure was adopted 
or enacted.  
Federal Law No 468 -FZ on wine 
making and wine growing in the 
Russian Federation  of 27 December 
2019 (in force since June 2020) 
introduces important deviations from 
standards adopted by the 
International Organization of Vine 
and Wine .  
Question:  
Will the Russian Federation modify 
the Federal Law No 468 -FZ on wine 
making and wine growing in the 
Russian Federation in order to align 
its oenological practices with the 
practices of the International 
Organization of Vine and Wine? What 
about Technical R egulation 47 of the 
EAEU?  As a Member of the International Organization of 
Vine and Wine, Russia while elaborating its national 
legislation takes into account the relevant 
recommendation and practices, including oenological 
practices, of the International  Organization of Vine 
and Wine. We note hereby that OIV does not require 
to align the national regulation of wine with its 
recommendations but to take them into account.  
Page 66, section 3.105.  
"Between June 2016 and June 2021, 
the EEC Council adopted 15  EAEU 
technical regulations, and the Russian 
Federation enacted over 7,500 
national standards. The authorities 
affirm that standards and technical 
regulations implemented in the 
Russian Federation are generally 
based on international standards or 
relevant parts thereof."  
Question:  The Russian Federation confirms that it adheres to 
its transparency obligations and intends to do so in 
future, including with respect to the Federal Law N 
468.  
The Federal Law is aimed at settlement of specific 
issues in the field of manufacturing of wine raw 
materials and products in the Russian Federation. 
Besides, the objectives of the Law are to form the 
powers of government and self -manag ing 
organizations, as well as the legal status of economic 
operators in the field of viticulture and winemaking WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 103 - 
 
  The Russian Federation has adopted a 
measure 'Federal Law Nº 468 of 
27.12.2019 on wine making and wine 
growing in the Russian Federation'. 
This measure should have been 
notified to the WTO, why has the 
Russian Federation not don e so? The 
EU is very concerned that the Law will 
have a strong impact on import of 
foreign wines. In this context, the EU 
would like to obtain  confirmation that 
enriching wine with concentrated 
grape must or rectified concentrated 
grape must or sucrose to attain a 
higher alcohol content level is an 
authori zed (oenological) practice for 
imported wines.  in order to eliminate counterfeiting and unnecessary 
administrative obstacles.  
Moreover, the Federal Law aims to create and 
develop the "the win e of Russia" brand by 
improvement of quality and awareness of wine 
products manufactured in Russia as well as 
improvement of wineries in Russia.  
 
Page 67, para 3.106 p. 67:  
"According to the Secretariat Report, 
between June 2016 and March 2021, 
the Russian Federation submitted 41 
regular notifications to the WTO 
Committee on Technical Barriers to 
Trade (TBT Committee), all of which 
concerned EAEU -level measures. In 
21 submissi ons (46% of the total) the 
allowed period for comments was 60 
days or more. Only three notifications 
allowed for a comment period of less 
than 45 days."  
Question:  
What is the criteria for the length of a 
comment period? Has the Russian 
Federation made a plan for ensuring 
that more notifications are submitted 
with a commenting period for at least 
60 days or more in line with relevant 
recommendations of the WTO 
Technical Barriers to Trade 
Committee?  The Russian Federation fully complies with is 
transparenc y obligations. Notifications with a 
comment period of less than 60 days were either on 
re-published measures or on the amendments 
designed for facilitation of the technical regulations 
in force.  
 
Page 67, para 3.106 p. 67:  
Question:  
It appears that all measures notified 
to the WTO in accordance with the 
TBT Agreement were EAEU draft 
measures. If technical regulations are 
drafted at national level, how could 
the Russian Federation ensure that 
these are notified to the WTO in 
accordance with the TBT Agreem ent? When a measure is drafted at a national level it still 
has to go through standard EAEU process necessary 
for its adoption and therefore would be notified by 
Russia to the WTO.  
Page 67, section 3.108.  
"Accreditation in the EAEU is carried 
out in accordance with member 
States' respective national systems. 
Applicants wishing to carry out 
compulsory conformity assessment 
activities must be registered as a 
legal entity in the EAEU and must 
obtain accreditat ion in the jurisdiction 
of registration. Accredited conformity 
assessment entities (certification 
bodies and testing laboratories) may In accordance with the legislation of the Russian 
Federation, foreign legal entities can be accredited in 
the national accreditation system if there is a n 
international treaty of the Russian Federation that 
provides for the appropriate opportunity.  
According to clause 3 of Appendix No. 11 to the 
Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (signed in 
Astana on May 29, 2014), the Member States 
mutually recognize t he accreditation of conformity 
assessment bodies (including certification bodies and 
testing laboratories (centers)) in the national 
accreditation systems of the Member States when WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 104 - 
 
  also be inscribed in the EAEU's single 
register; the relevant eligibility 
criteria were adopted in December 
2018. Conform ity assessments 
performed by entities inscribed in the 
single register are recognized 
throughout the EAEU. EAEU member 
States aim to conduct, on an ongoing 
basis, joint comparative assessments 
of accreditation bodies in order to 
achieve equivalence of nati onal 
systems."  
Page 67, section 3.110 .  
"The Federal Service for Accreditation 
(RusAccreditation) is the national 
authority for accreditation. Through 
RusAccreditation, the Russian 
Federation is a party to 14 TBT -
related technical cooperation 
instruments. RusAccreditation 
represents the Russian Federation in 
relevant international initiatives, 
including the International Laboratory 
Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), the 
International Accreditation Forum, 
the Asia Pacific Accreditation 
Cooperatio n (APAC), and the EASC. 
During the review period, 
RusAccreditation joined the APAC 
mutual recognition agreement (MRA) 
and the ILAC MRA for the 
accreditation of testing and 
calibration laboratories."  
Question:  
Does the Federal service for 
Accreditation pla n to simplify the 
process of accreditation of testing and 
calibration laboratories in third 
countries?  the accreditation bodies fulfil the provisions of Article 
54 of the Treaty.  
Also, since 2017, RusAccreditation has been a full 
member of the International Organization for 
Laboratory Accreditation (ILAC) and a signatory of 
the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC 
MRA) in the scope of testing and calibration 
laboratories, wit hin which RusAccreditation 
recognizes the accreditation of other signatories of 
the ILAC MRA to the extent that in which it does not 
contradict the legislation and international 
obligations of the Russian Federation.  
 
Page 68, section 3.3.3. Sanitary 
and phytosanitary requirements  
The Russian Federation on a number 
of occasions reassured its readiness 
to proceed with the audit of official 
control systems of the exporting 
countries instead of inspections of 
individual establishments.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
information which exporting countries 
have already been subject of audits in 
order to replace the inspection of 
individual establishments and for 
which animal products?  Up to the moment the Rosselkhoznadzor has not yet  
completed a full audit of official systems of 
veterinary supervision in any of third countries.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 105 - 
 
  Page 68, section 3.3.3. Sanitary 
and phytosanitary requirements  
Question:  
The Russian Federation is also asked 
to clarify the procedure to submit a 
request, the required information to 
be provided by an interested 
exporting country, and the next steps 
following the audit.  
 The audit procedure is set out in the Unified 
procedure for conducting of joint inspections of 
facilities and sampling of goods (products)  subject to 
veterinary control (supervision), approved by the 
Decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic 
Commission dated October 9, 2014 No. 94.  
According to this document, audit is a procedure for 
confirmation of the ability of the foreign competen t 
authority to ensure the safety level of controlled 
goods (products) equivalent to the safety level 
established by the EAEU requirements.  
In order to initiate the audit procedure, the 
competent authority of the third country should send 
an application to the competent authority of the 
EAEU Member State, indicating the scope of the 
audit, including the groups of controlled goods 
(products) and types of control of veterinary objects.  
Page 68, section 3.3.3. Sanitary 
and phytosanitary requirem ents 
Question:  
Furthermore, the Russian Federation 
is asked if following a favourable 
audit, the list of establishments will 
be based on the assurance provided 
by the exporting country on 
compliance of the exporting 
establishments with the Russian 
Federat ion requirements (prelisting).  If the audit of a foreign official supervision system is 
successfully completed the enterprises (persons) are 
to be included into the Register of Enterprises of 
Third Countries, as it is provided for by the legal acts 
of the  Customs Union. The inclusion of 
establishments is carried out in accordance with the 
list provided by the competent authority of the third 
country.  
Page 68, para 3.112.  
An EAEU -wide regime for the 
compulsory registration of medicines 
and medical devices superseded the 
relevant national systems as from 1 
January 2020. The transition period 
during which EAEU registration is an 
optional alternative to the national 
registrati on of medical devices is set 
to end on 31 December 2021.  
Question:  
What are the rules applicable to 
medicines and medical devices 
already present on the EAEU market 
before the implementation of the 
regime for the compulsory 
registration?  Registration documents in respect of medical 
products already present on the market before 
implementation of the EAEU rules are valid. The 
rules apply to new medicines and medical devices. 
However, those products should be brought in line 
with the EAEU rules by the 31st of December 2025.  
 
Page 68, para 3.115.  
"As at March 2021, common 
phytosanitary controls on imports 
from third countries applied to 128 
product groups. The corresponding 
figures for common veterinary and 
sanitary -epidemiological controls 
were 110 product groups and 19 
product groups, respectively.120 
Goods marketed within  the EAEU 
were subject to 106 phytosanitary 
requirements, and a range of 
veterinary and sanitary -
epidemiological requirements. The 
bulk of these requirements were set 
out in more than 25 EAEU technical 
regulations. The authorities affirm Russia and EAEU Member States import controlled 
goods only if they correspond to the EAEU 
veterinary, veterinary -sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements.  
Russia and EAEU Member States import controlled 
goods only if they correspond to the EAEU 
veterinary, veterinary -sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements.  
 
The Rosselkhoznadzor on numerous occasions 
detected undeclared and unregistered or exceeding 
allowed levels quantities of GM components while 
conducting laboratory tests of feed samples and f eed 
additives,  
A violation of the legislation of the Russian 
Federation and the EAEU law in the field of 
regulation of imports and movement of GM products WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 106 - 
 
  that no export res trictions or 
prohibitions were introduced for SPS 
reasons during the review period, and 
all SPS -related import restrictions 
were duly notified to the WTO."  
Question:  
The information provided in point 
3.115 on the imports controls from 
third countries is c onfusing. Could the 
Russian Federation clarify the 
information provided in this 
paragraph?  
During WTO accession, the Russian 
Federation committed itself not to 
impose restrictions on groups of 
establishments or all the 
establishments of a country without 
allowing reasonable time to the 
exporting country to take corrective 
measures.  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
how this commitment is compatible 
with the resent ban on feed, pet food 
and feed additives introduced for a 
number of the EU Member States?  was identified by the Rosselkhoznadzor While 
conducting laboratory tests of feed samples and feed 
additives the competent authority detected on 
numerous occasions undeclared and unregistered GM 
components and inappropriate to quantitative 
amount of GM components.  
Since 2019, Rosselkhoznadzor has notified the 
competent authorities of the EU member states that 
if violations continue, the suspension of the supply of 
all feed and feed additives from these countries to 
the Russian Federation will be considered.  
Page 68, para 3.115.  
Question:  
The Russian authorities in 2021 
started to request EU Member State s 
to issue export certificates for the 
absence of GMO in seeds for each 
and every consignment.  
The EU requests being informed of 
the precise reference of the legal act 
regarding these new testing and 
certification requirements and the 
date on which those new rules were 
notified to the WTO.  
In addition, could the Russian 
Federation confirm that all exporting 
countries are requested to meet 
these testing and certification 
requirements.  The regulations of importing the GM seeds into the 
territory of the Rus sian Federation and using them 
for sowing (planting) are set out in the Federal Law 
No. 358 -FZ as of July 3, 2016 On amendments to 
certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation 
concerning improvement of the state regulation in 
the sphere of genetic en gineering activities.  
Despite no GM seeds were registered in the Russian 
Federation, certain cases of GM products detection 
occurred on the territory of the Russian Federation. 
Since 2018, control under imported seeds includes 
GMOs content identification i n order to prevent the 
entry of not allowed GMOs into the territory of the 
Russian Federation, the identification may be 
provided with a certificate confirming GMO free 
status.  
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements  
Page 69, para 3.117.  
"The institutional framework for SPS 
measures within the Russian 
Federation remains broadly 
unchanged since the previous 
Review. The Federal Service for 
Veterinary and Phytosanitary 
Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) 
under the Ministry o f Agriculture 
remains responsible for implementing 
and enforcing EAEU and domestic 
measures related to plant and animal 
health. The remit of 
Rosselkhoznadzor also comprises 
drugs for veterinary use, pesticides 
and agrochemicals, animal feed, 
genetically mo dified organisms, The Rosselkhoznadzor has developed and 
implemented 10 state electronic information systems 
that contribute, inter alia, to the facilitacion of the 
admission of imported products: "Argus/Argus Fito ", 
"Mercury ", "Vesta ", "Irena ", "Assol", "Hermes ", 
"Cerberus ", "Cyrano ", "Vetis", "Passport ", "Dumas ".  
The "Argus " system is intended for electronic 
processing of import permits of controlled goods, 
their exports from the Russian Federation and their 
transit through the Russian Federation, submission 
and receipt of information on the implementation of 
veterinary contr ol at checkpoints across the State 
Border of the Russian Federation.  
The "Mercury " system is developed for registration of 
the results of veterinary and sanitary examination of 
controlled goods and registration of accompanying 
veterinary documents in elect ronic form, storage and 
processing of information about them.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 107 - 
 
  diseases common to humans and 
animals, and food safety at the 
border. According to the authorities, 
Rosselkhoznadzor operates 10 
electronic information systems aimed 
at facilitating the admission of 
imports subject to SPS controls. 
These systems also serve as the 
backbone for a rapid alert system, 
operated in conformity with the 
relevant provisions of the Agreement 
on Trade Facilitation."  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
more information about these 10 
electronic information  systems?  The "Vesta " system is designed to register laboratory 
tests of controlled goods, store and process 
information about them.  
The "Irena " system is designed to automate the 
process of submitting a nd receiving information on 
the registration of medicines for veterinary use.  
The "Assol" system is designed to collect reports in 
electronic form from institutions accountable to the 
Rosselkhoznadzor, such as laboratories, regional 
offices of the Rosselk hoznadzor, etc., as well as 
aggregation of the data obtained with the possibility 
of further analysis by employees of the Central 
Office.  
The "Hermes " system is developed to automate the 
licensing process for pharmaceutical activities and 
the production of  medicines for animals.  
The "Cerberus " system is designed to maintain, save 
and process data about the objects related to animal 
husbandry, production, processing, storage, 
transportation and distribution of controlled goods, 
disposal of biological waste, used for entrepreneurial 
activities. The "Cerberus " system is also used for 
establishment and cancellation of restrictive 
measures (quarantine).  
The "Cyrano " system is designed for creation of an 
effective early warning system on identification of 
unsafe, non-compliant controlled cargo.  
The "Passport " system is intended for maintaining, 
storing and processing data about registered users of 
the State Information System in the field of 
veterinary. It is used for granting access rights to 
them, as well as man aging the list of users.  
The "Dumas " system is designed to automate the 
process of generating official letters and instructions 
of the Rosselkhoznadzor and sending these letters to 
the list of recipients.  
Page 69, para 3.117.  
Question:  
In 2018, the Russian Federation 
adopted rules for controls carried out 
at overseas production, processing, 
and dispatch sites of planting 
materials intended for importation 
into its territory.  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
whether it considers that  guarantees 
on the origin of the products from 
listed free areas or places of 
production provided with the 
phytosanitary certificate signed by 
the NPPO of the exporting country are 
not considered to be sufficient?  Imports of the products subject to phytosa nitary 
control for sowing and planting are carried out in 
accordance with the Federal Law as of 21 July 2014 
No. 206 -FZ On plant quarantine and the Decree of 
the Government of the Russian Federation as of 8 
February 2018 No. 128 On approval of Rules of 
control on the sites of production (including 
processing) and dispatch of quarantine products 
intended for importation into the Russian Federation 
from foreign states or groups of foreign states where 
the quarantine pests typical for such quarantine 
products are found to be distributed, in accordance 
with the international treaties of the Russian 
Federation, for seeding and planting purposes.  
According to the paragraph 3 of Article 15 of the 
Law, pre -shipment control of seed and planting 
material in the countr y of export is a phytosanitary 
requirement of the Russian Federation.  
A similar approach to the mechanism of pre -
shipment confirmation of conformity, inspection and 
audit in the country of origin is stipulated by 
international legislation in the field of p lant 
quarantine (IPPC Import Verification Guidelines for 
national plant protection organizations No. 12 
(2015), ISPM No. 20 "Guidelines for a phytosanitary 
import regulatory system " (2017) and ISPM No. 36 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 108 - 
 
  "Integrated measures for plants for planting " 
(2012)).  
This procedure is being provided in order to 
implement the phytosanitary requirements of the 
EAEU for seeds to originate from zones, places, 
production sites free from the EAEU quarantine 
objects, as well as to prevent spread of the 
quarantine objects typical for seed and planting 
materialimported from the countries with wide 
spread of quarantine objects to the EAEU.  
The Russian Federation is concerned by the system 
of phytosanitary control of seed and planting 
material in certain exporti ng countries. The 
quarantine phytosanitary control conducted by the 
Rosselkoznadzor shows that a phytosanitary 
certificate does not always ensure the phytosanitary 
safety of regulated products.  
Rosselkhoznadzor limits to three 
years the validity of regis tration as 
authorized agent should a company 
not export to Russian during that 
period. Renewing the registration is a 
cumbersome and costly process that 
many SMEs cannot afford.  
Question:  
Does Rosselkhoznadzor envisage an 
extension of the validity period of 
registration?  Currently, the period of validity of the registration of 
establishments of third countries is not limited.  
Page 69, Para 3.120.  
"The National Plan on the 
Development of Competition Policy in 
the Russian Federation for the  years 
2018-20 was adopted in 2017, in the 
form of a Presidential Decree on 
State Competition Policy Guidelines. 
The national plan aims to, inter alia: 
(i) increase consumer satisfaction by 
expanding the range of goods, works, 
and services, improving their  quality, 
and reducing their prices; (ii) 
increase economic efficiency and 
competitiveness of economic entities, 
including by ensuring equal access to 
goods and services of natural 
monopolies and public services 
necessary for conducting business 
activities ; and (iii) ensure stable 
growth and development of a multi -
sectoral economy. Besides the main 
aims, the national plan also sets out 
key indicators of competition 
development and expected results to 
be achieved by the end of 2020, all of 
which are set to s erve the wider goals 
of strengthening the economy, 
reducing the number of anti -
competitive arrangements, and, 
importantly, decreasing the presence 
of the State in certain commodity 
markets."  
Question:  According to the Annex to the "Na tional Plan on 
the Development of Competition Policy in the 
Russian Federation for the years 2018 -20", the list of 
sectors (spheres) of the economy covered by the 
National Plan also includes the energy market.  
To implement the National Plan, respective Action 
plan for 2018 -2020 was adopted aimed at promoting 
competition in the sectors of the Russian economy, 
as well as the transition of certain natural monopoly 
spheres to the state of competitive market (Decree 
of the Government of the Russian  Federation dated 
16.08.2018 No. 1697 -r), including in the energy 
sector.  
In pursuance of the Action Plan, the Ministry of 
Energy of the Russian Federation has implemented a 
number of measures, aimed at, among other things, 
promoting transition to market p ricing in the gas 
sector; ensuring that the number of gas sellers at 
organized auctions in 2019 is at least 6, in 2020 – at 
least 7; developing market pricing mechanisms for 
oil and oil products; deregulating prices for the 
transportation of oil products; decreasing the 
number of violations of the Federal Law "On the 
Protection of Competition"; increasing efficiency of 
trade policies; preventing tariff discrimination; 
promoting transparency and of tariff regulation.  
The other spheres covered by the "Nationa l Plan on 
the Development of Competition Policy in the 
Russian Federation for the years 2018 -20" include 
healthcare, social services, agriculture, road 
construction, telecommunications, information 
technologies, utilities, natural monopolies, 
transportatio n services, industry and financial 
markets.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 109 - 
 
  The Russian Government seeks to 
decrease the presence of the state in 
'certain commodity markets'. Can the 
Russian government clarify whether 
this includes the energy market? 
Does the government envisage to 
address state influence in other 
markets as well? If so, which ones?  "The National Plan for the Development of 
Competition in the Russian Federation for 2021 -
2025" approved by the Decree of the Government of 
the Russian Federation dated 2.09.2021 No. 2424 -r 
has been adopted to fur ther decrease the presence 
of the state in the economy.  
Page 69, Para 3.120.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Government 
indicate how this number of anti -
competitive arrangements evolved 
over the review period and indicate 
which are the main sectors where 
such arrangements were found?  According to the 2020 Report on the state of 
competition in t he Russian Federation (pages 29 -30), 
published by the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the 
Russian Federation on 23.08.2021, the number of 
antitrust law violations across all sectors of the 
Russian economy has decreased from 7098 in 2017 
to 4293 in 2020. Fu rthermore, the number of 
antitrust law violations by the government 
authorities has halved – from 3725 in 2017 to 1847 
in 2020.  
Page 69, Para 3.120.  
Question:  
Is the Russian Competition Authority 
monitoring the impact in competition 
and prices of the import substitution 
programmes?  Russian competition authorities monitor competitive 
situation in all sectors of economy and in respect to 
all type of business oper ation or governmental 
measures relevant for competitive conditions in 
respective market.  
Page 69, Para 3.120.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Competition 
Authority envisage measures or 
mechanisms to put on hold import 
substitution programmes in case 
competi tion and consumers rights be 
seriously affected by said 
programmes?  Russian competition authorities take measures 
related to the protection of competition, including 
the prevention and suppression of monopolistic 
activities and unfair competition, in which Russian 
legal entities and foreign legal entities, 
organizations, f ederal executive bodies, state 
authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian 
Federation participate.  
 
3.3.4 Competition policy and price 
controls  
Page 72, para 3.132, p. 72 : 
As part of moderni zing its antitrust 
legislation, the Russian Federatio n 
has adopted several so -called anti -
monopoly packages. We understand 
that the fifth package is being 
considered and will be primarily 
aimed at digital platforms.  
Question:  
What is the state -of-play of this fifth 
package?  In January 2019, the respective  bills were submitted 
to the Government of the Russian Federation. In 
March 2019, the bills were considered at a meeting 
of the Presidium of the Government Commission on 
Digital Development and the Use of Information 
Technologies to Improve the Quality of Life and the 
Business Environment and approved. Currently the 
FAS of Russia is finalizing the draft law, taking into 
account the respective results of the regulatory 
impact assessment.  
Page 72, para 3.132, p. 72 : 
Question:  
In addition, could you please 
elaborate on the basic principles for 
the operation of digital platforms 
(e.g. openness and neutrality), which 
the FAS and market participants 
agreed in August 2021?  The basic principles for the operation of digital 
platforms  are the following: reasonable openness of 
digital platforms; neutrality towards various 
participants of the market; independence from 
platform users in interactions with them; avoidance 
of unclear and ambiguous wording of the rules of 
operation of digital  platforms; as well as protection 
of the rights of platform users, including by 
considering their requests and providing them with 
comprehensive answers.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 110 - 
 
  Page 72, para 3.132, p. 72 : 
Question:  
How will these principles of self -
regulation ("soft law") correlate with 
the provisions of the fifth anti -
monopoly package ("hard law")?  Basically, the principles of self -regulation guide the 
development of legislation in this area, as they are 
the means of interpreting of the relevant provisions 
of the "fifth pa ckage".  
 
The adoption of the fifth package will contribute to 
the effectiveness of antimonopoly control measures 
adopted to new realities and challenges, such as the 
emergence of digital markets. It aims to create legal 
mechanisms to counter the abuse of " market 
powers" exercised by "digital monopolies" and 
"digital cartels".  
 
It should be noted that the submitted draft law (fifth 
anti-monopoly package) contains no provisions 
concerning the principles of self -regulation.  
Page 73, Table 3.16.  
The table giv es an overview of 
competition enforcement by the FAS 
from 2016 -2020 and shows that the 
agency and its territorial branches 
have on average made more than 
2000 decisions on violations of the 
law per year.  
Question:  
Could the Russian government 
describe the main trends in types of 
violations and the sectors concerned?  According to statistics, the major type of violations is 
the abuse of a dominant position in the market. The 
largest number of applications filed durin g the 
reporting period related to this type of violation.  
 
The overall trend is the emergence of new forms of 
violations due to the emerging digital markets.  
 
 
Page 73, Table 3.16.  
Question:  
Could the Russian authorities provide 
a split of the cases han dled by the 
central authority and those handled 
by its branches?  To both questions.  
The division of competencies (including in respect to 
the cases handled by) between the central FAS and 
its territorial bodies are defined by The Government's 
Decree No. 331 of June 30, 2004 "On the Statute of 
the FAS of Russia" and the Order of the FAS of 
Russia "On the Statute of the territorial body of the 
FAS of Russia" No. 649/15 of July 23, 2015, 
respectively.  
Whether the case is handled by the central FAS or its 
territorial body mainly depends on the following 
criteria: (1) the volume of transaction; (2) whether a 
person performing legally significant actions is a 
business entity is included in the List of strategic 
enterprises and strategic joint stock companies, 
approved by the Decree of the President of the 
Russian Federation (Decree of the President of the 
Russian Federation of 04.08.2004 N 1009 "On 
Approval of the List of Strategic Enterprises and 
Strategic Joint Stock Companies"); (3) the place of 
activities car ried out (in case of natural monopolies).  Page 73, Table 3.16.  
Question:  
Please also explain how the division 
of competences between the central 
FAS office and the regional branches 
is determined.  
Page 74, para 3.141 :  
Since December 2020 (following the 
amendments to Federal Law 381 of 
28 December 2009), the Russian 
Government has the right to 
introduce price caps on socially 
important goods.  
Question:  
Could you please explain why, until 
now, price caps (e.g. on sugar and 
sunflower oil) have been introduced 
as part of agreements with producers The introduction of the mentioned price caps was an 
emergency measure aimed to stabilize situation with 
the prices on the internal market amid the 
decreasing revenues of the population as a result of 
COVID -19 pandemic, as well as to ensure food 
security.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 111 - 
 
  and distributors, and not under the 
aforementioned law ?  
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned 
enterprises, and priva tization  
Page 75, para 3.143  
The Russian Federation has not made 
any notifications to the WTO on state 
trading enterprises within the 
meaning of Article XVII of GATT 1994 
and the understanding on the 
Interpretation of Article XVII.  
Question:  
Please explai n the difficulties faced to 
prepare notification on state trading 
enterprises within the meaning of 
GATT Article XVII.  In respect of making notifications under the GATT 
Article XVII the Russian Federation believes that it 
fully complies with its obligatio ns under said Article 
and intends to continue to comply.  
 
 
Page 75, para 3.147 :  
According to the Russian authorities, 
the number of joint -stock companies 
with the State's share above 30% 
decreased by nearly a third between 
2016 and 2019.  
Question:  
Could the Russian authorities provide 
comparable data (if available, up to 
2020) in terms of total sales, assets 
and workforce of State -owned JSCs?  Please find it attached  
Page 76, para 3.149  
Question:  
Could the Russian authorities provide 
a list of all  large joint -stock 
companies (with annual sales above 
RUB 5  billion), where the State – 
directly or indirectly – owns more 
than 50% share and which operate in 
sectors not designated as natural 
monopolies (i.e. where such State -
owned JSCs compete with other  
businesses)?  
Page 76, para 3.150 :  
According to the Russian authorities, 
the assessment of the State's 
footprint in the Russian economy, 
made by the International Monetary 
Fund in 2018, is too old for the 
current review.  
Question:  
Could the Russian authorities provide 
their estimates of t he public sector in 
Russia, as a share of total value 
added and total employment?  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
Page 81, para 3.161.  
"According to Federal Law No. 44 -FZ, 
all procurements should be conducted 
under the principles of openness, 
transparency of the information about 
the procurement system, 
competition, professionalism of 
procuring entities, facilitation of 
innovation, uniformity of the 
procurement system, efficiency, and Russia improves government procurement system on 
the permanent basis. As reported, as at 1 January 
2019, all procurement procedures are conducted 
using e -platfor ms. Currently, 60 -65 % of all 
procurements are carried out through the e -auction. 
These are one of the best indicators in the world. 
Therefore, we cannot share the EU's view regarding 
the existing problems of enhancing efficiency of the 
government procurem ent system in Russia. We 
would like to point out that the Government takes 
into account all factors that relating to the efficiency WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 112 - 
 
  responsibility for the attainment of 
state and municipal needs. The whole  
procurement system is directed 
towards the creation of equal 
conditions for the participation of any 
interested supplier. The procuring 
entities (as well as specialized 
agencies, and their officials, 
procurement commissions, members 
of such commissions, p articipants in 
the procurement procedure, 
operators of electronic platforms, and 
operators of specialized electronic 
platforms) are prohibited from taking 
actions that restrict competition, in 
particular actions that would 
unreasonably restrict the number of 
suppliers participating in 
procurement."  
Question:  
The government itself recognizes the 
problem of enhancing efficiency of 
the public procurement system with 
its high share of tenders/auctions 
with one participant. Increased 
competition is the best way to ensure 
the cost efficiency of public 
procurement. M eanwhile, the current 
restrictions limiting access of foreign 
products and services to the system 
of public procurement weaken 
competition and increase the public 
procurement costs. To what extent 
are these factors taken into account 
when the government ad opts 
decisions restricting the access of 
foreign products and services to 
public procurement?  of government procurement system, when it 
develops a particular measure in this sphere.   
Page 77, para 155.  
"The Russian Federation is not a 
party to the WTO Agreement on 
Government Procurement (GPA). On 
joining the WTO in August 2012, the 
Russian Federation agreed to initiate 
negotiations on accession to the GPA 
within four years. The Russian 
Federation became an observer i n the 
Committee on Government 
Procurement on 29 May 2013 and 
initiated its GPA accession process in 
August 2016. The initial market 
access offer was circulated in June 
2017. The Replies to the Checklist of 
Issues, together with the Federal Law 
No. 44 -FZ of 5 April 2013 on the 
Contract System in State and 
Municipal Procurement of Goods, 
Works and Services, were circulated 
in January 2018."  
Russia joined the WTO in August 
2012. In its Accession Protocol Russia 
agreed to initiate negotiations on We cannot share the EU's view r egarding the low 
ambitions approach to the joining to the GPA. 
Comparing Russian procurement market with the 
markets of many GPA Parties, we are convinced that 
submitted offer is a good deal.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 113 - 
 
  accession to t he GPA within four 
years from joining the WTO. 
Practically since it joined the WTO, 
Russia has introduced a number of 
restrictions for foreign companies in 
government procurement which have 
increased to this day. As regards 
accession to the GPA Russia issu ed its 
initial GPA market access offer in 
June 2017. Barely any progress has 
been made since.  
Question:  
Could Russia comment on its very low 
ambitions in making government 
procurement benefit from 
international competition?  
3.3.7 Intellectual property rights  
Page 83, para 3.182.  
"The State Duma adopted a bill on 
expanding the grounds for granting 
compulsory licences, including in 
emergency use related to protecting 
the life and health of citizens. The bill 
also suggests that the Government 
should establish an appropriate policy 
and practices for determining the 
amount of compensation and its 
payment procedure."  
The Russian Federation widened the 
grounds for compulsory licensing by a 
government decision, by amending 
Article 1360 of its Civil Code in 2021.  
Question:  
What is the state -of-play of the 
relevant implementing acts, notably 
the methodology and the procedure 
for compensating the patent holders, 
which Russia's Federal Anti -Monopoly 
Service was expected to draft?  18 October 2021 was signed a Governmental decre e 
No. 1767 which introduces rules for compensation to 
the right holder in case of no agreement was reach 
by parties and in emergency situations or other 
circumstances of urgency when a compulsory license 
was granted. The amount of compensation will be 
calculated on the base of a percentage of the 
incomes of a person who has exercised the right to 
use an invention, utility model or industrial design 
without the consent of the patent holder from the 
production, sale and over use of corresponding 
generic inven tion. This compensation will be paid by 
a person which will use the right to use patent 
without authorization of the right holder in 
accordance with the compulsory license an annual 
basis during the period of effect of this compulsory 
license.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 114 - 
 
  Page 83, para 3.182.  
Question:  
What actions has the Russian 
Government taken or intends to take 
in order to provide an effective 
protection of undisclosed know -how 
and business information?  The regime of protection of an undisclosed know -
how or business informati on is well established in 
Russian Federation. Owner of this kind of information 
has all possibility to apply for an enforcement 
procedure, including through the system of IP 
protection. Undisclosed know -how and business 
information is protected by the Civi l Code of the 
Russian Federation. According to Article 1465 know -
how is information of any nature (production, 
technical, economic, organizational, etc.), the results 
of intellectual activity in the technical sphere and 
methods of professional activity, wh ich has a real or 
potential commercial value for third parties in case 
third parties do not have free access to such 
information on a legal basis and the owner of such 
information takes reasonable measures to maintain 
its confidentiality, including by intr oduction of a 
commercial secret regime. The owner of know -how 
has exclusive rights on it and can use it legally. An 
infringer of the exclusive right to a trade secret, 
including a person who unlawfully obtained 
information constituting a trade secret and d isclosed 
or used this information, as well as a person who is 
obliged to maintain the confidentiality of a trade 
secret in accordance with the provisions of the Civil 
Code is obliged to compensate for losses caused by 
violation of the exclusive right to a secret of 
production, unless other liability is provided for by 
law or by an agreement with this person.  
Page 84, para 3.184 & page 85 
3.192 – 3.193.  
"The key document to define state IP 
policy is the Intellectual Property 
Roadmap under the Government 
Business Environment Transformation 
initiative. The Roadmap encompassed 
all legislative tracks related to the 
development of the Russian IP 
system, including accession to 
international treaties, institutional 
development, improving examination 
procedures, and tax regulation."  
Question:  
What are the legal provisions, and 
what is established practice, in the 
Russian Federation for assigning & 
valorizing intellectual property (IP) 
rights to results generated by 
scientific research work which has 
been funded (in part or in full) by 
public money (such as Russian 
government grants or subsidies)?  To both questions.  
International scientific cooperation is usually covered 
by various bilateral intergovernmental agreements. 
These agreements stipulate that I P provisions 
regarding a specific collaborative R&D project be 
covered in the contract between its participants. The 
IP provisions include allocation of rights and benefits, 
remuneration to authors, use of background IP, 
licensing conditions etc. The main principle applied is 
that the state's contribution to the project (including 
financial contribution) is taken into account when 
allocating IP rights and benefits.  
 
Page 84, para 3.184 & page 85 
3.192 – 3.193.  
Question:  
What are the legal provisions, and  
what is established practice, of the 
Russian Federation for assigning & 
valorizing intellectual property (IP) 
rights to results generated by 
scientific research work which has 
been carried out as part of an WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 115 - 
 
  international collaborative project 
whose Russia n participants were 
funded (in part or in full) by Russian 
public money (such as Russian 
Government grants or subsidies)?  
Page 87, para 3.194.  
In 2018, some of the largest Russian 
Internet companies and right holders 
signed a memorandum on 
"cooperation in the field of protection 
of exclusive rights in the era of 
evolving digital technologies". We 
understand that this voluntary 
memorandum (which a llows the right 
holders to remove links to websites 
with pirated content, without 
resorting to courts) was supposed to 
be complemented by legislative 
amendments and the latter where 
proposed earlier in 2021.  
Question:  
Will these legislative amendments 
ensure the removal of links to various 
pirated content (not only audio -visual 
content but also literary works, 
software etc.) and effective sanctions 
against offenders?  The corresponding draft of the Federal law (No. 
1193590 -7) has been submitted to the Stat e Duma 
of the Russian Federation and is under preliminary 
consideration. The preliminary version of the bill 
does not limit the objects of copyright protected by 
such regulation to one category.  
According to the provisions of the bill, copyright 
holders cr eate information systems containing links 
to pages of websites, where without the permission 
of the copyright holder or other legal basis, 
information containing objects of copyright and (or) 
related rights is posted. At the same time, the 
limitation of th e categories of objects of copyright 
and (or) related rights is not assumed.  
The current version of the bill states that operators 
of search engines are required to connect to such 
systems and remove links contained in information 
systems from search resul ts. 
 
Page 87, para. 3.198 .  
"As listed in Table 3.23, Federal Law 
No. 262 -FZ of 31 July 2020 on 
Amendments to Part IV of the Civil 
Code of the Russian Federation is one 
of the major legal developments in 
Russian patent law. It introduces a 
new mechanism for institutions 
accredited by Rospatent to carry out, 
upon the request of an applicant, a 
preliminary information search and 
patentability assessment as part of 
the examination of applications for 
inventions and utility models. 
Applicants who su bmit the 
preliminary assessment results to 
Rospatent will benefit from reduced 
fees and shortened periods of 
substantive patent examinations. This 
mechanism is expected to reduce the 
amount of preparatory work of 
Rospatent examiners, help examiners 
have a better understanding of the 
essence of the claimed invention, and 
improve patent quality by involving 
industry experts to examine prior art 
and assess patentability before 
substantive examination by 
Rospatent."  
There are several constraints on 
patent protection that remain 
problematic for EU companies, 
especially pharmaceuticals. More 
precisely, Order No 527 excludes 
follow -on inventions and Order No 527 is a ministerial bylaw aimed to specify 
the meaning of the existing legislation and adjust the 
implementation practices of Rospatent. The a doption 
of the document was based on the concern of the 
significant grow of unjustified evergreening (patent 
protection is extended beyond normal limitations 
with no or little technological effect). Order No 527 is 
viewed as an effective instrument which i ncorporates 
the experience of the Eurasian Patent Office and 
results of extended consultations with the interested 
parties, including pharmaceutical producers. Since its 
adoption, it can be further amended to reflect actual 
practices.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 116 - 
 
  pharmaceutical compositions and 
their uses from patent protection.  
Quest ion:  
Is the Russian Government planning 
to modify Order No 527 to include the 
above -mentioned issues?  
Page 89, para 3.204 . 
In 2020, Russia and other countries 
of the Eurasian Economic Union 
signed the Agreement on 
Trademarks, Service Marks and 
Appellations of Origin. We understand 
that the necessary implementing acts 
have already been adopted.  
Question:  
When will the unifi ed register, 
allowing to apply for legal protection 
through a single national office, 
become operational?  The Treaty on Trademarks, Service Marks and 
Appellations of Origin came into force on April 26, 
2021. In order to implement it, the Union Member 
states must accomplish several tasks: adopt the 
Instruction to the Treaty (adopted by the EEC 
Council in May 2021), adopt the technological 
regulations (currently being developed by the EEC) 
and elaborate on the national patent fees (Russia 
expects to complete  this by the end of 2021), as well 
as undertake technical measure to implement the 
system within national patent offices. Completion of 
these steps is not expected before 2022.  
Page 90, para. 3.207 .  
"Federal Law No. 230 -FZ of 26 June 
2019 on Amendments to Part IV of 
the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation introduced geographical 
indication (GI) as a new and 
independent type of IP with an aim to 
attract foreign investment and 
promote domestic brands. The Law 
establishes a registration procedure 
and requirements for GI protection. 
Under the Law, GI is defined as a 
designation used to identify a product 
as originating from a specific 
geographical territory, where certain 
quality, reputation, and other 
characteristics are attributable to its 
origin. The term of protection of GIs 
is 10 years with the possibility of 
unlimited renewals. In addition, GIs 
can be registered by one or several 
individuals, legal entities, or 
associations of persons who 
manufacture  or commercialize the 
product."  
There is widespread concern 
regarding the disregard of 
geographical indications and 
appellations of origin that Federal 
Law N -345-FZ has generated.  
Question:  
When will Russia accede to the 
Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreeme nt 
on Appellations of Origin and 
Geographical Indications?  It is expected that the Draft Federal Law on the 
accession to the Lisbon Agreement will be submitted 
to the State Duma (the parliament) in November 
2021.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 117 - 
 
  Page 90, para. 3.207 .  
Question:  
Will th e Russian authorities modify 
Federal Law N -345-FZ so that it 
respects globally recognized 
geographical indications and 
appellations of origin, as well as 
aligning definitions with those of the 
Eurasian Economic Union and the 
International Organi zation of V ine 
and Wine?  The legal provisions relating to protection of 
intellectual property are contained in the Civil Code 
of the Russian Federation. Actually over 40 foreign 
right-holders are enjoying GI and AO protection. 
Federal Law No 345 -FZ concerns technical 
requirements for marking of products and does not 
affect any existing or future IP rights protected by 
the Russian Federation, including in conformity with 
its international obligations.  
It should be noted that Cyrillic form ШАМПАНСКОЕ 
is well -established as a generic  term in Russia with 
no geographical associations for the consumer. At 
the same time, the Latin form CHAMPAGNE, if used 
inappropriately, is likely to be considered unfair 
competition with respective consequences for the 
producer.  
 Page 90, para. 3.207 .  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation share 
the view that using a well -known 
geographical indication of a 3rd Party, 
even if not protected on Russian 
territory, as product category 
headings is contrary to the spirit of 
intellectual property rights and 
contrary to Article 10 bis of the Paris 
Convention, as reinforced by the 
TRIPS agreement? In addition, 
according to the Federal Law 345 -FZ 
eligible Champagne producers cannot 
even classify under product category 
heading "shampanskoe"  
Question:  
does the Russ ian Federation share 
the view that such rule would at least 
need to be modified?  
3.3.7.8 IP Enforcement  
Page 91, para 3.214 . 
"From 2016 to 2019, the number of 
criminal copyright infringement cases 
decreased significantly from 1,132 to 
438 (Table 3.29). The number of 
copyright infringements on physical 
media decreases every year. 
Infringements of copyrights are 
committed mostly u sing the Internet. 
Such infringements de facto are 
registered on Internet sites not in the 
country -code top -level domain 
(ccTLD) ".ru". Besides, the servers 
with illegal content are not located in 
the territory of the Russian 
Federation. During the same pe riod, 
the number of criminal trademark 
infringement cases remained around 
200 annually."  
EU stakeholders report that copyright 
infringements continue to be a 
serious problem in Russia. Many 
online pirate sites are hosted in 
Russia and the enforcement 
meas ures seem to not be deterrent 
enough.  
Question:  
Is the Russian Government planning 
to make further reforms in the area The legislation of the Russian Federation in the field 
of combating c opyright infringement especially on 
the Internet is constantly being improved. The 
peculiarities of the Internet are taken into account. 
More resent development was the adoption of The 
Federal Law as of 8 June 2020 No. 177 -FZ "On 
Amendments to the Federal Law "On Information, 
Information Technologies and Information 
Protection" which restricts access to "pirated 
"applications. Other area of work is the development 
of cooperation between Internet companies, 
copyright holders and government enforcement 
agency  in order to have a more flexible and fast 
responses to the problem of Internet piracy. This 
cooperation resulted in the Memorandum "On 
cooperation in the field of protection of exclusive 
rights in the era of evolving digital technologies " 
signed for the f irst time in 2018 and then renewed in 
2020. The blocking system created by this 
cooperation already restricts access to about 7,309 
pirated resources and blocks about 6 million links to 
pirated content. All these actions have their positive 
effect, accordi ng to analytics of the company " Group 
IB", the value of pirated content in Russia is 
gradually decreasing from 87 million USD  in 2018 to 
59 million USD  in 2020.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 118 - 
 
  of IP enforcement in order to tackle 
this problem more effectively?  
Section 4.1 Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries  
Page 93, para 4.1 .  
"In 2019, the Russian Fe deration was 
the largest producer in the world of 
barley (..); and the fourth -largest 
producer of chicken meat. It was 
among the largest milk producers in 
2018."  
Question:  
Would the Russian Federation agree 
with the conclusion that based on this 
information there is no risk to 
national security in terms of supply of 
milk and poultry?  The question is incorrect.  
Section 4.1 Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries  
Page 93, para 4 .1.  
Question:  
On this basis, can both products be 
removed from the scope of the import 
ban affecting them since 2014?  Any amendments to the list of agricultural products 
applied in the context of Russia's special economic 
measures depend on the removing of the reasons for 
their acceptance, i.e. on the reciprocity basis.  
Condition of inclusion of certain countries into the list 
is set forth in the Decree of the President of the 
Russian Federation No. 560 of 6 August 2014 "On 
Application of Special  Economic Measures to Ensure 
the Security of the Russian Federation". According to 
paragraph 1 of the Decree special economic 
measures are extended to products originating from 
the countries applying economic sanctions to the 
Russian persons or entities or  countries joined to 
such decision. Thus, Russia's special economic 
measures are applied on the basis of reciprocity, 
their duration depends on the removing of the 
reasons for their adoption.  
Such measures are not aimed at achieving 
production goals.  Section 4.1 Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries  
Page 93, para 4.1 .  
Question:  
Could Russia also inform if - following 
the 7-year import ban allowing 
reduced competition for a range of 
Russian agricultural sectors - there 
are any other sectors in which the 
Russian Federation managed to 
achieve its production goals and 
which therefore could be removed 
from the import ban?  
Sub-section 4.1.2 Policies  
Page 96, para 4.10.  
The EU noted that the 
implementation of the EAEU technical 
regulation number 47 on the saf ety of 
alcoholic products was planned to 
take place in January 2022 after 
alignment with the Russian federal 
legislation.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
an update on the calendar of the 
alignment process and inform about 
the implementation timing of 
Technical Regulation number 47?  The work on aligning the provisions of the Federal 
Law and the Technical Regulation of the EAEU is 
currently in progress. When the internal discussions 
in respect of relevant amendments are finalized 
among the EAEU Member States, they will be notified 
to the WTO.  
 
Page 98, para 4.16.  
Question:  
Over the years, the Russian 
Federation has introduced several 
export restrictions . In one of the 
latest, the Russian Federation 
introduced an export prohibition for 3 
months on buckwheat from June 
2021. This and other export 
restrictions have never been notified The Russian Federation respects and properly fulfills 
its notification obligations under the Agreement on 
Agriculture and will continue to do so in the future. 
Please note th at certain measures in question were 
notified on the WTO webpage dedicated to enhancing 
transparency of trade -related measures aimed at 
containing and alleviating COVID -19 impacts.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 119 - 
 
  to WTO in accordance with Article 12 
of the Agreement on Agriculture.  
Why has the Russian Federation 
failed to comply with this notification 
obligations?  
Page 98, para 4.16.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation intend to 
notify these export restrictive 
measures to WTO and, if so, when?  
4.1.2.2 Domestic policies  
Page 100, para 4.24  
The State Programme supports inter 
alia the development and use of feed. 
At the same time, in 2021, the  
Russian Federation has banned 
import of feed and feed additives 
from an increasing list of countries 
including numerous EU Member 
States. In particular, the Russian 
Federation justified this measure on 
the basis of the detection on non -
authorized GM event s which were 
never confirmed by the counter 
analy zes performed in the exporting 
countries.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation indicate 
whether it is planning to review this 
policy taking into account information 
received from trade partners?  A temporar y suspension of feed and feed additives 
supplies to the Russian Federation is associated with 
repeated violations of Russian and the EAEU 
requirements in the field of circulation of GM 
products, which indicates an insufficient level of 
veterinary control i n the respective countries. A 
resumption of supplies is possible after conducting 
inspections and analyzing information from the 
competent authorities of third countries on measures 
taken to eliminate the identified violations.  
Page 101, para 4.29, p.101.  
"Since late 2019, firms have been 
able to receive support to offset some 
of the costs associated with the 
certification process of agricultural 
products in foreign markets".  
Also, an amended Article 78 to the 
Russian Budget Code appears to 
allow for subsidies for alcoholic 
products intended for export, albeit 
the Russian Federation informed that 
relevant implementing laws need to 
be in place for it to be effective.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation give 
detail on subsidies granted to 
alcoholic beve rages exported to 
foreign countries in 2020?  The Russian Federation does not provide export 
subsidies for agricultural and food products or 
alcoholic beverages.  
Producers of alcoholic beverages could receive 
subsidies provided under the Decree No. 1816 of 25 
December 2019. Partial compensation  of costs on 
certification of alcoholic beverages relates to their 
compliance assessment. The subsidy covers costs 
related to test samples. In order to receive the 
subsidy applicants must meet general economic 
criteria that do not relate to trade (such as being an 
entity registered in the Russian Federation; the 
applicant should not be in the process of bankruptcy, 
etc.). The applicant shall provide documents 
verifying incurred costs associated with certificatio n 
of agricultural products. The support is aimed at 
providing quality and safety control of agricultural 
products and facilitate product certification.  
Government support to legal entities for partial 
compensation of costs on certification of agro -
industr ial products does not cover internal transport 
and freight charges on export shipments; thus, it 
does not fall under the provisions of Article 9.1 (e) of 
the Agreement on Agriculture and is not subject to 
provisions of the Nairobi Decision on prohibition o f 
export subsidies.  
No legal acts have been adopted in support of the 
amendment to Article 78 of the Budget Code of the 
Russian Federation.  Page 101, para 4.29, p.101.  
Question:  
Could Russia indicate how the 
offsetting of costs associated with 
certificat ion in foreign markets and 
foreseeing the possibility to subsidi ze 
alcohol exports corresponds to Article 
9(e) of the Agreement on Agriculture 
and with the Nairobi Ministerial 
Decision on Export Competition?  
Page 101, para 4.29, p.101.  
Question:  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 120 - 
 
  Could Russia indicate if any support 
for exports of a similar nature exists?  
Page 102, para 4.30:  
The European Union notes that the 
government of the Russian 
Federation has updated its "Support 
Programme for the Transportation of 
agricultural g oods and food 
products".  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation explain 
how payments are calculated and 
which are the products covered?  The purpose of the subsidy is to reduce the costs of 
enterprises in the transportation of products to 
ensure the food se curity of the Russian Federation, 
taking into account the economic and territorial 
availability of agricultural products. The amount of 
the subsidy is calculated based on actual costs of 
transportation of products, including: live animals; 
beef; pork; lamb ; relevant edible by -products; fish; 
products of animal origin (including milk, cream, 
butter, cottage cheese, cheeses); eggs; honey; live 
plants; vegetables; fruits; grains; cereals; fats and 
oils (animal, vegetable); confectionery; prepared 
food products . 
Page 102, para 4.33.  
"In early 2020, the Russian 
Federation introduced a new 
(voluntary) programme for the 
certification of organic products. 
Products for sale can be labelled 
"organic" once it has been 
demonstrated that they meet certain 
requirements outlined in Federal Law 
No. 280 -FZ of 3 August 2018 on 
Organic Products and Amendments in 
Certain Legislative Acts of the 
Russian Federation, and have been 
included in an official register. 
Otherwise, products cannot be 
labelled as organic. As of 1 June 
2021, 64 economic entities were 
included in the Unified State Register 
of Organic Producers. No agreement 
on the mutual recognition of organic 
labels has been concluded with other 
jurisdictions to date."  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation detail the 
process for negotiating EU 
veterinarian phytosanitary certificates 
with foreign countries, and explain 
what is the division of competence 
between the EEC and the Russian 
Federation competent authorities?  Goods subject to veterinary control imported into th e 
customs territory of the EAEU  
are accompanied by veterinary certificates in uniform 
forms approved by the Decision of the Customs 
Union Commission dated April 7, 2011 N 607 "On the 
forms of Unified veterinary certificates for controlled 
goods from third  countries imported into the customs 
territory of the Eurasian Economic Union"  
The competent authorities of the EAEU Member 
States may agree upon other forms of veterinary 
certificates that differ from the forms of the Unified 
veterinary certificates for c ontrolled goods imported 
into the customs territory of the EAEU from third 
countries with the competent authorities of exporting 
countries which have made a reasonable request for 
such negotiations.  
The approval process takes place in accordance with 
the Final and Transitional Provisions of the Decision 
of the Customs Union Commission as of 18 June 
2010 No. 317 On the Application of Veterinary and 
Sanitary Measures in the Eurasian Economic Union.  
There is a unified form of a phytosanitary certificate, 
provided by the International Plant Protection 
Convention (IPPC) and the International Standard for 
Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 12 Guidelines for 
Phytosanitary Certificates" (2001).  
Page 102, para 4.33.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation explain 
the pro cess of certification of organic 
products and whether the guidelines 
and standards developed by the 
Codex Alimentarius Commission are 
respected?  Certification is carried out by certification bodies 
accredited by the Federal Accreditation Agency. The 
proced ure for certification of organic production 
includes the organization of work, two -stage primary 
certification of organic production (preliminary 
assessment, verification and assessment of organic 
production with a visit to the applicant), inspection 
controls during the validity of the certificate and 
recertification of organic production, which shall be 
carried out before the expiration of the certificate.  
The Russian Federation applies the standard GOST 
33980 -2016, which is based on main regulatory 
provis ions of the international standard Codex 
Alimentarius CAC / GL 32 -1999 "Guidelines for the 
production, labelling and marketing of organic food" 
adopted in 1999. Revisions - 2001, 2003, 2004 and 
2007. Amendments - 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, NEQ.   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  4.1.6 Fisher ies 
Page 109, para 4.51 . 
The European Union notes that the 
Russian Federation remained 
constantly opposed to the creation of 
two marine protected areas in 
Antarctica despite the scientifically 
demonstrated positive effect on 
biodiversity and on the populat ion of 
fishes.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation detail 
the reasons of this opposition, 
particularly in relation to fishing?  The Russian Federation points out that the WTO 
Trade Policy Review Mechanism is not aimed at the 
establishment of marine prot ected areas, including in 
Antarctica. Please refer to previous comments made 
by the Russian Federation regarding the proposals 
for the establishment of marine protected areas in 
the area regulated by the Convention on the 
Conservation of Antarctic Marine L iving Resources of 
May 20, 1980 (CCAMLR) – proposed fishing 
restrictions in the vast basin of the Southern Ocean 
in the absence of adequate scientific justification and 
transparent criteria for environmental protection 
activities seem to be unreasonable an d 
disproportionate.  
Page 110, para 4.53.  
"Since 2014, the Russian Federation 
has been a net fish exporter, as 
exports grew continuously while 
imports declined and then stagnated 
from 2014 when the Russian 
Federation imposed a ban on certain 
food imports from various countries, 
including fish as a response to 
economic restrictions imposed by 
certain Members (Chart 4.3). The 
recent increase in the export of 
crustaceans was primarily driven by 
increased exports of crabs."  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
how the ban on fishery products from 
certain EU Member States can be 
compatible with certain provisions* of 
the SPS agreement, notably Art. 2.2, 
which requires measures to be 
applied only to the extent necessary 
to protect human, animal or plant 
life; Art. 5.6, which provides that 
measures should not be more trade -
restrictive than necessary to achieve 
the appropriate level of protection; 
and Art. 5.1, which requires SPS 
measures to be based on a risk 
assessment?  The restriction described  in the paragraph 4.53 of 
the Report of the Secretariat does not constitute an 
SPS measure and the SPS Agreement in this case is 
not applicable. The described measure was 
introduced in accordance with the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federat ion as of 8 July 
2014 No. 778.  The measures will remain in place 
until the underlying circumstances that required 
adoption of these measures remain in place.  
4.2.2. Energy  
Page 116, para. 4.72.  
"As at 1 January 2021, production of 
natural gas and associa ted petroleum 
gas was carried out by 260 extracting 
companies, including 76 affiliates of 
vertically integrated holdings, 15 
subsidiaries of Gazprom, 8 entities 
owned by Novatek, 158 independent 
oil and gas companies, and 3 
companies operating under 
produc tion sharing agreements. 
State -controlled Gazprom accounts 
for 71.1% and 67.9% of the Russian 
Federation's gas reserves and gas 
production, respectively, and for 
16.3% and 11.7% of the world's gas 
reserves and gas production. The In accordance with the Resolution of the Government 
dated 29 March 2011 No. 218 "On ensuring non -
discriminatory access to the services of natural 
monopoly entities for the transportation of oil 
(petroleum products) through trunk pipelines in the 
Russian Fe deration and invalidating certain acts of 
the Government of the Russian Federation" third 
party may obtain access to oil pipelines as provided 
for by the resolution. Similar approach is described 
in "Draft Resolution of the Government of the 
Russian Federa tion "On approval of the Rules for 
non-discriminatory access to gas transportation 
services through main gas pipelines, Rules for non -
discriminatory access to underground gas storage 
services, Rules for connection (technological 
connection) to main gas pip elines".  
 Currently Gazprom also grants non -discriminatory 
access to gas pipelines to independent companies. In WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 122 - 
 
  vast majority of its gas p roduction is 
in the Ural Federal District. Gazprom 
owns and operates the United Gas 
Supply System."  
Question:  
Please explain whether the Russian 
Federation grants third party rights to 
use the Oil Pipelines and Gas 
Transmission System.  2020, gas transportation services through the 
Gazprom gas transmission system in the Russian 
Federation were provided to 20 companies. The 
transported volume amounted to 129.0 billion cubic 
meters of gas.  
4.2.2. Energy Page 116, para. 
4.72.  
Question:  
Please confirm that Russia provides 
freedom of transit in energy products 
based on its WTO Accession 
commitments.  The Russian Federation applies its measures 
governing transit of goods in accordance with its 
accession commitments.  
4.2.2.6.2.4 Regulated prices  
Page 123, para. 4.107.  
Certain segments of the energy 
sector are subject to price regulation 
at federal and sub -federal levels 
(Section 3.3.4.4). They include 
electric energy (transmission, 
operational dispatch management, 
connection to the Unified National 
Electricity network, distribution, 
wholesale, and retail), thermal power 
(co-generation and retail), natural 
gas (pipeline tr ansportation, 
wholesale, and retail), and 
transportation of oil and petroleum 
products (main pipelines).  
Question:  
Please explain how the price setting 
mechanism for wholesale gas prices 
for the Russian domestic market is in 
line with the commitments made by 
Russia under your WTO Accession 
protocol including the so -called "WTO 
Cost Plus Plus Gas deal", where 
Russia agreed that the wholesale gas 
price should recover cost (including 
production, overheads, financing, 
transport, maintenance, …).  
 
 The domestic natural gas market of the Russian 
Federation consists of regulated and unregulated gas 
trading segments.  
More than 50 percent of gas supplied to domestic 
industrial consumers is not subject to price 
regulation. Prices for such deliveries are established 
freely based on market considerations of demand 
and supply, would allow recover costs of producers 
(including the cost of production, overheads, 
financing charges, transportation, maintenance and 
upgrade of extraction and distribution infrastructure, 
investm ent in the exploration and development of 
new fields) and allow such producers to make a 
profit, in the ordinary course of their business. This 
gas is mostly supplied by independent gas 
producers, but also by PJSC Gazprom, who has the 
right to sell gas at non-regulated prices in certain 
situations, like gas sold through exchange, or gas 
produced by independent producers and bought by 
PJSC Gazprom.  
Hence, taking into account size of unregulated part 
of gas market, prices in that market established by 
supply  and demand have to be considered as price -
setters for the gas market as a whole.  
Basic Provisions for the Formation and State 
Regulation of Gas Prices, Tariffs for Gas 
Transportation Services and Fees for Technological 
Connection of Gas -Consuming Equipme nt to Gas -
Distributing Networks in the Territory of the Russian 
Federation, adopted by the Government Decree of 
29 December 2000 No. 1021 ("Basic Provisions", as 
amended), contain the principles establishing the 
regulated prices for natural gas. In particu lar, 
paragraph 11 of the Basic Provisions establishes that 
government regulation of wholesale gas prices is 
based on the recovery of economically justified costs 
connected with the extraction, transportation, 
refinement, storage, distribution and sale of n atural 
gas, as well as the establishment of a reasonable 
profit margin.  
The calculation of regulated prices (tariffs) on the 
basis of the principles mentioned above is carried out 
on the basis of guidelines approved by the Federal 
antimonopoly service in agreement with the Ministry 
of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 123 - 
 
  based on separate accounting of products (services) 
and the cost of its production.  
4.2.2.6.2.4 Regulated prices  
Page 123, para. 4.107.  
Question:  
Please explain in your reply the 
mechanism set out in the Federal Law 
on Gas Supplies in the Russian 
Federation of 31 March 1999 No. 69 -
FZ with is amendments, the 
Government Decision on State 
Regulation of Gas prices, Tariffs for 
Transportation Services and Fees for 
Technological Conn ection of Gas -
using Equipment to Gas Distribution 
Networks in the Russian Federation of 
29 December 2000 No. 2001, with its 
subsequent amendments 
(hereinafter: "the Decision"), and Law 
No. 1142 -е.  
 In accordance with paragraph 4(e) of the Basic 
Provisions, all retail prices for gas sold to the 
households are regulated by the State. The latest 
Guidelines were adopted by Order of the Federal 
Tariff Service of 27 October 2011 No. 252 -э/2 (for 
gas in gas eous state) and the Order of the Federal 
Antimonopoly Service of 7 August 2019 No. 1072/19 
(for gas in liquefied state). In accordance with 
paragraph 3 of the Guidelines of 27 October 2011, 
retail prices for natural gas sold to households are 
determined by  the executive authorities of the 
regions of the Russian Federation.  
Paragraph 4(a) establishes that wholesale prices for 
gas are regulated only in the cases provided for by 
the Basic Provisions.  
In accordance with the Basic Provisions, state price 
regula tion applies to natural gas produced by PJSC 
Gazprom and its affiliates, as well as the owners of 
regional gas supply systems, except for cases 
specified in clause 4 (1) of the Basic Provisions.  
According to paragraph 4 (1) of the Basic Provisions, 
state p rice regulation does not apply to gas:  
1) sold by PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates at 
organized auctions in volumes determined by the 
Government of the Russian Federation;  
2) sold by PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates to 
organizations for the production of na tural gas in a 
liquefied state for subsequent export and to 
organizations that entered into gas supply contracts 
after November 1, 2018, providing for the start of 
natural gas supplies after January 1, 2020, for the 
production of methanol from natural gas in a 
gaseous state for subsequent export;  
3) gas produced using the technology for liquefying 
gas and (or) its regasification from gas produced by 
PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates, owners of regional 
gas supply systems and supplied to consumers who 
do not b elong to the "population" category;  
4) produced by organizations created in pursuance of 
the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation 
of 17 November 1992 No. 1403 "On the Specifics of 
Privatization and Transformation into Joint -Stock 
Companies of State Enterprises, Production and 
Research and Production Associations of the Oil, Oil 
Refining Industry and Oil Products Supply" (except 
for organizations that are owners of regional gas 
supply systems).  
Thus, gas produced by producers independent of 
PJSC Gazprom, as well as gas produced by PJSC 
Gazprom and its affiliates, in the cases specified in 
clause 4 (1) of the Basic Provisions, may be sold by 
suppliers at unregulated prices.  
The Basic Provisions establish the principles 
governing the regulation of prices for natural gas. In 
particular, paragraph 11 of the Basic Provisions 
establishes that government regulation of wholesale 
gas prices is based on the recovery of economically 
justified costs connected with the extraction, 
transportation, refinement, s torage, distribution and 
sale of natural gas, as well as the establishment of a WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 124 - 
 
  reasonable profit margin. The relevant principles are 
reflected in Russia's international obligations, namely 
paragraphs 126 and 132 of the Report of the 
Working Party on Russi a's Accession to the WTO and 
paragraph 8 of the Protocol on Common Regulation 
Principles and Rules for Activities of Natural 
Monopoly Entities (Annex 20 to the Treaty on the 
Eurasian Economic Union).  
State regulation of prices for natural gas is, 
therefore , aimed at preventing the abuse of 
monopoly position in the residential segment and 
protection of residential consumers' interests from 
monopoly price increases.  
The Basic Provisions are applied universally 
throughout the Russian economy and do not provide  
for any industry -specific exceptions, exemptions, 
discounts or preferences. This is in line with the basic 
obligations of natural monopoly entities as stipulated 
in Article 8 of Federal Law of 17 August 1995 No. 
147-FZ "On Natural Monopolies". In particul ar, 
paragraph 3 of the said Article establishes that 
natural monopoly entities are obliged to produce and 
sell goods subject to price regulation on non -
discriminatory conditions, in  accordance with the 
requirements of anti -monopoly legislation.  
Paragraph 1 1 of the Basic Provisions establishes that 
state regulation of prices for natural gas is carried 
out by setting fixed prices or their limit levels, 
following certain principles. Paragraph 12 of the 
Basic Provisions provides that the computation of 
regulate d prices is carried out on the basis of 
guidelines approved by a federal executive authority. 
The latest Regulation on the Establishment of a 
Formula for Natural Gas Price has been adopted by 
Order of the Federal Tariff Service of 9 July 2014 No. 
1142-э. 
In accordance with paragraph 15(1) of the Basic 
Provisions, wholesale prices for natural gas extracted 
by PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates (except natural 
gas sold at organized auctions) at the time of exit 
from the trunk gas pipeline and sold to particular 
categories of consumers identified in paragraph 
15(1) are defined by agreement of parties to a 
natural gas sales contract in the range between the 
minimum and the maximum wholesale price level.  
Paragraph 15(2) of the Basic Provisions establishes 
that, as of 1 January 2011, the minimum and 
maximum wholesale price level for natural gas are 
established by the Federal Antimonopoly Service in 
accordance with the formula defined by it.  
In furtherance of these provisions, the Federal 
Antimonopoly Service annuall y approves the 
following price schedules: fixed wholesale prices for 
natural gas extracted by PJSC Gazprom and its 
affiliates when sold to consumers in the Russian 
Federation (except for households and consumers 
identified in paragraph 15.1 of the Basic Pr ovisions) 
and wholesale prices used as limit minimum and 
limit maximum wholesale prices of natural gas 
extracted by PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates when 
sold to consumers identified in paragraph 15.1 of the 
Basic Provisions.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 125 - 
 
  4.2.2.6.2.4 Regulated prices  
Page 123, para. 4.107.  
Please explain in detail the 
application of the formula for setting 
regulated prices in the country 
(Article 15.2 of the Decision and 
Equation 3 in Law No. 1142 -е: 
PEP=PE -(1-CD/100%) -CT-DCT), 
which expli citly refers to export prices 
and deducts from them the costs of 
transport to the border or taxation of 
gas exports.  
Question:  
How does the Russian government 
ensure that the final result of this 
formula ensures costs are recovered 
in line with their WTO commitments, 
given the formula for calculating the 
domestic price is linked to the export 
price rather than to specific actual 
cost of production of gas in Russia?  This formula was described in para. 130 and 131 of 
the Working Party Report on Accession of the 
Russian Federation to the WTO.  
 
Since Gazprom operates in foreign markets in 
accordance with commercial considerations, its 
export prices and relevant domestic prices are in line 
with a cost+ approach.  
4.2.2.6.2.4 Regulated prices  
Page 123, para. 4. 107. 
Question:  
Please explain how you calculate CT 
(the costs of transportation and 
storage of gas when it is sold outside 
the territories of the CIS) and DCT 
(the difference between the average 
cost of transport from production 
sites to the border of the Russian 
Federation and the average cost of 
transporting gas form production 
sites to consumers with the 
Federation). What technical data and 
methodologies are used? Who 
supplies these data? How do these 
relate to international benchmarks?  Calculation of tr ansportation costs is made on the 
basis of same approaches which are used in respect 
of regulated prices for gas (please see answer to 
your previous question) and same provisions of the 
Basic Provisions for the Formation and State 
Regulation of Gas Prices,  Tariffs for Gas 
Transportation Services and Fees for Technological 
Connection of Gas -Consuming Equipment to Gas -
Distributing Networks in the Territory of the Russian 
Federation, adopted by the Government Decree of 
December 29, 2000 No. 1021 ("Basic Provis ions", as 
amended).  
4.2.2.6.2.4 Regulated prices  
Page 123, para. 4.107.  
Question:  
How does this formula relate to 
Article 14b of the Decision, according 
to which it appears profits from gas 
exports are to be taken into account 
when calculating domestic price 
based on economically justified costs 
and reasonable profit? How is Article 
14b applied?  The question is not clear – there is no formula 
described in para.4.107 page 123.  
4.2.2.6.2.4 Regulated prices  
Page 123, para. 4.107.  
Question:  
What w ere the average annual 
wholesale gas prices industrial 
customers in RU have been charged 
over the 2015 to 2021 period?   In accordance with the current legislation of the 
Russian Federation, regulated gas prices for end 
consumers are differentiated both by categories of 
consumers (for the population and industry) and by 
price zones, taking into account the distance of gas 
transportation from the region of production to the 
consumer.  
The Government of Russia does not compile 
statistics on the average wholesale gas price 
industrial customers have been charged over the 
2015 to 2021 period.  
As for alternative data that may illustrate the 
average annual wholesales gas prices for end WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 126 - 
 
  consumers it can be used data collected by Gazprom 
and publ ished in its website.  
Average gas selling price in Russia (net of VAT, 
excise tax and customs duties).  
 2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  
RUB/1,000  m3 3,815.5  3,808.3  3,981.3  4,118.2  4,176.9  
Year ended 31 December  
 
*The data were not derived from financial statements and 
were calculated based on exchange rates as of the end of 
the relevant period.  
4.3.1 Financial services  
Page 125, para. 4.115 .  
"The Russian Financial Market 
Development Guidelines for 2019 -
2021 issued by Bank of Russia spell 
out that financial market 
development and sector growth 
contribute to improving the standard 
of living through competitive access 
to debt and equity financing, as well 
as options to hedge risks. To achieve 
these goals, the Bank of Russia 
identified four po licy areas: creating 
an environment of trust, promoting 
competition in the financial market, 
maintaining financial stability, and 
enabling access to financial services 
and capital."  
Question:  
Considering the Russian Financial 
Market Development Guidelines for 
2019-2021 issued by Bank of Russia, 
which aims at promoting competition 
in the banking market, would Russia 
consider eliminating the foreign 
equity caps in the banking sector?  Over the reviewed period from 1 January 2020 to 1 
January 2021 non -resident s' investments in the 
charter capital of the operating credit institutions 
increased more than four times and exceeded RUB 
404.4 billion. The share of non -residents' 
participation in the total charter capital of credit 
organizations increased from 13.90% a s of 1 January 
2020 to 14.37% as of 1 January 2021.  
Foreign participation in the charter capital of credit 
institutions as of 1 January 2021 amounted to 
10.96% (calculated by the Bank of Russia in 
accordance with Article 18 of the Federal Law No. 
359-1 of 2 December 1990 "On Banks and Banking 
Activities"). Taking into account that foreign capital 
participation in the bank system of the Russian 
Federation is limited to 50% the issue of the 
abolishment of the quota is not relevant.  
 
4.3.1 Financial services  
Page 125, para. 4.115 .  
Question:  
Would the Government of Russia also 
consider privatizing state -owned 
banks?  The program of privatization of the federal property 
for 2020 -2022 envisages the reduction of the 
participation of the Russian Federation in the charter 
capital of VTB Bank (PAO) to 50% plus 1 ordinary 
share.  
4.3.1 Financial services  
Page 125, para. 4.115 .  
Question:  
With a view of promoting competition 
in the banking market, would the 
Russian Federation also consider 
allowing direct branching in its 
territory, just as it will for direct 
branching in the insurance sector 
later this year?  In accordance with the commitments of the Russian 
Federation, commercial presence is allowed only in 
the form of a juridical person of the Russian 
Federation and in the form of a representative office 
of a foreign bank. It is necessary to note that the 
banking legislation of the Russian Federation does 
not contain any prohibitions on the establishment of 
subsidiaries of credit institutions in the territ ory of 
the Russian Federation by foreign banks and on the 
individual participation of foreign investors up to 100 
% in the charter capital of the Russian credit 
organization.  
At the same time, the consideration of granting 
market access to direct branches  of foreign banks 
and companies which were professional participants 
of the securities markets in the context of future 
negotiations on the accession of the Russian 
Federation to the OECD or within the framework of 
the next round of WTO multilateral trade 
negotiations whichever comes earlier (paragraph WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 127 - 
 
  1397 of the Working Party Report on the WTO 
accession of the Russian Federation).  
Page 127, para 4. 117 and Page 
133, para 4.135.  
According to these paragraphs, the 
Bank of Russia established a National 
Reinsurance Company in 2016, with 
which insurers have to insure 10% of 
their ceded obligations.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
how this relates to its relevant re -
insurance cross -border GATS -
commitments?  The National Re -Insurance Company (NRC)  was 
created for the purposes to provide additional 
protection of the interests of the insurant and 
financial stability of the insurers. The NRC was 
primarily created in order to provide re -insurance for 
the insurers of the Russian Federation that are 
limited, directly or indirectly, to re -insure their risks 
outside the territory of the Russian Federation by the 
decisions of foreign states or international 
organizations. Therefore, the cross -border GATS 
commitments are not affected by the activities of the 
NRC.  
Page 129, para 4.123.  
"The Bank of Russia also prepared a 
Roadmap for the Development of 
Funding for Small and Medium -sized 
Enterprises (SMEs) in 2021 -2022 that 
focuses primarily on developing new 
areas of financing. It includes 
broadening access t o financing for 
SMEs through crowd -investing 
platforms, bond issuance, increasing 
the use of factoring, or faster 
payment systems."  
 
EU Question No. 124:  Could the 
Russian Federation provide some 
outline of the Roadmap for the 
Development and Funding for small 
and medium sized enterprises, which 
the Bank of Russia prepared?  The Roadmap was prepared by the Bank of Russia 
taking into account the proposals r eceived from the 
business community includes the improvement of 
traditional credit instruments rendering financial 
support to SMEs, as well as the promotion of those 
that have emerged relatively recently. Among other 
areas, the Plan aims to streamline the provisioning 
and assessment of borrowers for banks providing 
loans to SMEs, as well as to improve the efficiency of 
concessional SME lending programmes. A number of 
measures are planned to introduce the latest 
technologies into the activities of SMEs: spec ial 
attention will be paid to the development of the 
Faster Payments System for small and medium -sized 
businesses. Another important task covered by the 
Plan is to provide entrepreneurs with access to 
financing through crowdinvesting platforms, and 
support  for business entry to the stock market will 
also continue. A pilot online project to conduct 
factoring transactions with SMEs via factoring 
platforms is planned.  
Page 130, para 4.126 .  
"Generally, the use of technology in 
financial services is high, with  the 
adoption rate of fintech among the 
highest in the world and many 
domestic firms innovating and 
operating. As a result, access to 
financial services remained strong 
overall during the pandemic, as 
contact restrictions were being put in 
place. The Guide lines for Financial 
Technology Development for 2018 -
2020 issued by the Bank of Russia 
build on and contribute to the 
implementation of the goals outlined 
by the Digital Economy of the Russian 
Federation national programme, 
building also on a large set of o ther 
strategic documents, including the 
Financial Market Development 
Guidelines for 2016 -2018 (later 
updated to 2019 -2021) (Section 
1.1.1.1). They aim to reduce risks 
and costs in the financial sector, 
ensuring security and stability in 
financial technolog ies, and increasing 
the competitiveness of Russian The unified biometric system is protected following 
the highest information security requirements.  
Cryptographic information protection facilities are 
based on national GOST algorithms and are used at 
all stages of wor k with the unified biometric system 
from the moment of biometric data collection at a 
bank to the moment of system application for 
remote identification.  
Registration of biometric data in the system is 
voluntary and is performed only with the consent of 
a citizen.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 128 - 
 
  technologies by creating a fintech -
friendly environment. Major banks 
have been collaborating with fintech 
start-ups and in April 2018 the Bank 
of Russia launched a regulatory 
sandbox. In June 2018, the Ban k of 
Russia launched the Unified Biometric 
System, developed in partnership 
with major banks, allowing for online 
identity confirmation."  
Russia had developed an 
authorization system for bank 
operations based on biometric 
parameters. This system allows 
citizens to approve or refuse credit 
operations even if they are not in 
person at the credit organization.  
Question:  
Which mechanisms has Russia 
implemented to secure that this 
Unified Biometric System has been 
developed according to international 
personal data protection framework?  
Page 133, para. 4.138 :  
"According to the OECD's Services 
Trade Restrictiveness Index, the 
insurance services sector in the 
Russian Federation is among those 
with the highest restrictions relative 
to other sectors across all countries 
covered in  the STRI, and restrictions 
increased between 2016 and 2020."  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation intend to 
remove any of these restrictions, 
including foreign equity caps, so as to 
facilitate foreign participation in the 
Russian insurance market?  During the reviewed period access to the Russian 
market has been liberalized for branches of foreign 
insurers. In accordance with the Russia's WTO 
commitments, amendments have been made to the 
Russian federal legislation, according to which, 
starting from 22 August 2021, commercial presence 
of foreign insurance organizations through the 
creation of branches is allowed in the territory of the 
Russian Federation. At the same time, the 
established conditions for the admission of foreign 
insurance organ izations are comparable with the 
respective conditions provided for the Russian 
organizations.  
 
Possible measures related to further revision of the 
insurance legislation provisions concerning the 
activities of foreign insurance organizations may be 
imple mented after the assessment of the results of 
law enforcement practice.  
Page 133, para 4.139 and Page 
17, para 5.36 of the Government 
report.  
In August 2021, Russia liberalized 
mode  3 (commercial presence) 
insurance services for branches of 
foreign insur ers. While the Russian 
authorities claim that the conditions 
for foreign insurers are comparable to 
those applied to the Russian ones, 
some of these conditions (e.g. 
relating to the reporting requirements 
or the need for agreements between 
regulators of th e respective 
countries) seem to be burdensome 
for foreigners.  
 
Question:  At the moment there are no indications that the 
amendment introduced to th e relevant legislation 
indeed provide for more burdensome conditions for 
foreigners as it seems to be suggested in the quoted 
part of the report.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 129 - 
 
  Are there any plans to adapt these 
conditions, taking into account 
concerns of industry representatives?   
Page 135, para 4.147.  
Russia is putting in place a system of 
sustainable finance, which should not 
only attract funds for sustainable 
projects but should also deepen the 
Russian capital markets. In 
September 2021, the Russian 
Government approved a taxonomy of 
green and transiti on projects.  
Question:  
What is the timeline and the scope for 
the approval of another element of 
the system: support measures (e.g. 
interest -rate subsidies or laxer 
reserve requirements), which would 
attract investors into sustainable 
finance ?  A draft r oadmap is being prepared for identifying 
stimulating measures aimed at the development of 
the sustainable finance. However, it has not been 
adopted, yet.  
 
4.3.2 Telecommunications and 
postal services  
4.3.2.1 Overview  
Page 136, para 4.149 .  
"The Russian Federation's 
telecommunications market is 
competitive and characterized by high 
rates of mobile penetration, relatively 
low market concentration, and, 
according to the International 
Telecommunication Union (ITU), 
affordable prices for standardi zed 
mobile and data baskets (Table 
4.14)."  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation concur 
that mobile tariffs and broadband are 
still affordable after reported hikes of 
15-20% in 2021, and does it expect a 
continued increase in these prices?  Mobile and br oadband tariffs are affordable for the 
population. According to the International 
Telecommunication Union's data on ICT price 
baskets, prices for tariffs for various sets of ICT 
services relative to GDP per capita have tended to 
decrease in Russia from 201 8 to the present 
(https://www.itu.int/en/ITU -
D/Statistics/Dashboards/Pages/IPB.aspx)  
4.3.2.2 Regulatory framework 
and changes  
Page 138, para 4.153 :  
"Federal Law No. 126 -FZ of 7 July 
2003 on Communications (last 
amended 30 April 2021) continues to 
set the general legal framework for 
the provision of communication 
services, and there have been no 
major changes to the framework 
while some important revisi ons were 
introduced. Amendments to Federal 
Law No. 126 -FZ and to Federal Law 
No. 149 -FZ of 27 July 2006 on 
Information, Information 
Technologies and Information 
Security in 2019 aimed to increase 
the resilience and security of the 
Internet and to enhance t he security 
of user information, according to the 
authorities.258 The Russian 
Federation also adopted Federal Law In the framework of the implementation of the law 
No. 90 -FZ (on 'sovereign internet'), there were 
adopted sever al orders by Roscomnadzor. These 
orders list, inter alia, the groups of domains which 
form the Russian domain zone; determine the rules 
for monitoring traffic exchange points, and the 
procedure for electronic submission of a certain list 
of information by interested parties to 
Roskomnadzor; establish the Rules for routing 
telecommunication messages in case of centralized 
management of the public communications network, 
etc. 
More information is available on the Roskomnadzor 
website https://rkn.gov.ru/chamber -of-
commerce/p1058/news71220.htm  
The cost of the implementation of the law are 
included in the budget of the Russian Federation and 
amount to several tens of billion rub. annually.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 130 - 
 
  No. 187 -FZ of 26 July 2017 on the 
Security of the Critical Information 
Infrastructure of the Russian 
Federation, which aims to ensure the 
security of the critical information 
infrastructure and its protection 
against computer attacks."  
 
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation share 
how the implementation of the law 
No. 90 -FZ (on 'sovereign internet') is 
progressing, in particular, if there is a 
clear indication now of the full cost of 
the implementation of the law, and to 
what extent the Government and 
other participants cover the cost?  
Page 138, para 4.153 :  
Question:  
What is the state of development of 
by-laws under the law on Critical 
Information Infrastructure, and when 
can their final adoption be expected?  To both questions:  
Mentioned by -laws are currently under development. 
These drafts do not implement a ban on 
procurement of software and IT equipment.  
Page 138, para 4.153 :  
Question:  
How do you assess the impact of 
restrictions introduced in the draft 
by-laws (where Crit ical Infrastructure 
objects comprise an extensive list, 
obliging  SOEs to purchase domestic 
products) on the competition in 
procurement markets?  
Page 138, para 4.153 :  
Some barriers on IT services sector 
have been identified, especially in 
terms of requirements for prior 
installation of software (Federal Law 
No. 425 -FZ of 2 December 2019 
amending Art 4 of the Law of Russian 
Federation on protection of consumer 
rights); as well as discrimination on 
licensing procedure for foreign 
operators in the inst allation of fixed 
satellites.  
Question:  
Taking into consideration that the 
Russian Federation has no GATS 
restrictions on cross -border trade in 
IT services, has its government 
planned to amend this procedure to 
erase this aforementioned barrier?  The requ irement on prior installation of the certain 
software does not constitute a restriction on cross -
border trade in IT services. The software of foreign 
origin can equally be installed or pre -installed on the 
relevant device.  
Page 138, para 4.154 .  
"The tele communications sector is 
regulated by the Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communications, and 
Mass Media with the Federal Service 
for Supervision of Communications, 
Information Technology, and Mass 
Media (Roskomnadzor) in charge of 
licensing (…)"  
 
Question:  With regard to licensing, we inform you that licences 
for the communication services on LTE networks will 
expire in July 2022. Their renewal is carried out by 
the licensing authority (Roskomnadzor). Relevant 
procedures governing extens ion of licenses are set 
out in Articles 32, 33 of Federal Law No. 126 -FZ of 7 
July 2003 "On Communications". However, the 
Ministry of Communications has no intention to 
introduce into licence renewals restrictions on the 
installation of foreign LTE base st ations in (4G) 
networks.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 131 - 
 
  Regarding licenses, and given that 
the Ministry of Digital Development 
will have to extend LTE licenses held 
by the country's operators in 2023, 
could you confirm the intention to 
impose restrictions on the installation 
of foreign -made LTE -base stations in  
the networks (4G)?  The impact of the measure on competition has not 
been assessed.  
Page 138, para 4.154 .  
Question:  
Could you also confirm if the Russian 
Federation has held talks with base 
station manufacturers and has agreed 
with some of them to localize 
production in Russia, transferring 
rights to Russian partners to build 
state-of-the-art LTE base stations? If 
so, will this measure not decrease 
competitiveness of the market 
players in the field by reducing their 
equal access?  
Page 139, para  4.158 .  
"Following amendments to Federal 
Law No. 126 -FZ and amendments to 
the rules for the provision of 
telephone services, national roaming 
charges (within -network roaming 
charges for subscribers travelling 
within the Russian Federation) were 
eliminated  from 1 June 2019. 
According to the authorities, the 
EAEU aims to establish a Unified 
Pricing Approach for traffic 
transmission services and fair tariffs 
for mobile services in international 
roaming across the EAEU."  
Question:  
Did the elimination of roami ng 
charges lead to significant increases 
in prices for telecom services?  The abolition of roaming charges has not led to a 
significant increase in prices for mobile 
communications.  
 
According to the International Telecommunication 
Union's data on ICT pric e baskets, in Russia from 
2018 to the present, prices for tariffs for various sets 
of ICT services relative to GDP per capita have 
tended to decrease (ahttps://www.itu.int/en/ITU -
D/Statistics/Dashboards/Pages/IPB.aspx)  
4.3.2.3 Policy developments  
Page 140, para 4.161:  
"Products such as computers require 
the pre -installation of Russian 
software, including browsers and 
search engines, but do not prevent 
the pre -installation of other foreign 
software."  
 
Question:  
As most equipment is of  foreign 
origin, how does the Russian 
Federation assess the results of the 
implementation of this measure?  There is no data that could, directly or indirectly, 
suggest that the sales of the equipment of foreign 
origin were affected by the implementation o f this 
measure. The relevant legal acts provide that in case 
of lack of technical possibility to install particular 
software the relevant requirements are not applied.  
4.3.2.4 Developments in 5G  
Page 140, para 4.163.  
"Government support of the 
development  of 5G technology is 
outlined in a roadmap to implement 
5G by 2024, which was developed by 
the state -owned companies 
Rostelecom and Rostec. The The timeframes for adopting the mentioned by -laws 
are not determined.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 132 - 
 
  Government plans to provide RUB 
28.9 billion of support until 2024 
under the three areas of the Action 
Plan: (i)  develop production of high -
tech telecommunications products for 
5G/IMT -2020, including serial 
production; (ii) develop 5G/IMT -2020 
communication network infrastructure 
and radio frequency support; and (iii) 
develop a market for services and 
services provi ded using 5G/IMT -2020 
technologies. The roadmap also 
targets a minimum percentage of the 
share of domestic equipment in the 
infrastructure of commercial 
communication networks of 70% by 
2030 (indicator 7.4 of the roadmap)."  
Question:  
How soon can the respective by -laws 
on the particulars of 5G equipment 
and usage be expected, including 
those relevant to foreign market 
players?  
Page 140, para 4.164 .  
"The four facilities -based mobile 
network operators (see above) 
agreed in 2019 to jointly deploy 5G 
networks to reduce cost and optimize 
frequency usage. In December 2020, 
the Federal Antimonopoly Service 
(FAS) approved the proposal that had 
raised questions regardi ng potential 
anti-competitive effects on non -
participating competitors, requiring 
the operators to agree with the FAS 
on the terms of infrastructure and 
frequency -sharing, and the conditions 
for providing infrastructure for 
MVNOs."  
Question:  
5G implementa tion has been 
hampered by several reasons, 
including mainly the difficulty in 
reaching an agreement on the use of 
the necessary radio spectrum, when 
could a possible agreement be 
concluded?  The timeframes for concluding the mentioned 
agreement are not det ermined.  
4.3.2.5 Other policy changes 
affecting telecommunications and 
postal services  
Page 140, para 4.165.  
"Amendments to the Federal Law No. 
126-FZ in 2016 (in the context of 
new anti -terrorism measures 
introduced) require communications 
service provi ders and Internet -based 
data distributors to store information 
regarding message transmission 
(including actual content of voice 
data, written texts, images, sounds, 
videos, or other messages) for 
between six months and three years, We do not share the EU's view that the law on 
storage has proved troublesome to implement fully. 
All the needed acts are adopted and successfully 
implemented.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 133 - 
 
  and to share informatio n (including 
decryption methods) with the 
authorities when requested without a 
court order. Amendments to Federal 
Law No. 149 -FZ undertaken over the 
reporting period also require the 
owners of electronic messenger 
services to register, locally maintain 
information on, and identify users via 
mobile phone numbers.  
Question:  
The law on storage has proved 
troublesome to implement fully and 
has been postponed several times 
during the pandemic, but it appears 
to be nearing completion, is this the 
case or are there any other unseen or 
emerging obstacles in its way?  
Page 140, para 4.165.  
It is stated th at amendments now 
"require communications service 
providers and Internet -based data 
distributors to store information 
regarding message transmission 
(including actual content of voice 
data, written texts, images, sounds, 
videos, or other messages) for 
between six months and three years, 
and to share information (including 
decryption methods) with the 
authorities when requested without a 
court order."  
Question:  
Which of part of GATS Article XIV 
does the Russian Federation rely on 
to justify this data local ization 
requirement?  To both questions.  
 
Russia's commitments under the GATS do not 
prohibit requirement to store or process the 
information in the territory of the Russian Federation 
(data localization requirements).  
Page 140, para 4.165.  
It is stated that amendments now 
"require communications service 
providers and Internet -based data 
distributors to store information 
regarding message transmission 
(including actual content of voice 
data, written texts, images, sound s, 
videos, or other messages) for 
between six months and three years, 
and to share information (including 
decryption methods) with the 
authorities when requested without a 
court order."  
Question:  
How does Russia ensure that the 
measures are not more burd ensome 
than necessary to achieve the stated 
policy goals?  
Page 142, para 4.165.  
"Following 2017 amendments to 
Federal Law No. 149 -FZ, virtual 
private network (VPN) operators are 
also required to prevent Russian 
users from accessing information that Article 15.8 of Federal Law No. 149 -FZ requires 
owners of information and telecommunications 
networks or information resources (an Internet site 
and/or a page on an Inte rnet site, an information 
system or a program for electronic computers) 
through which access is provided to information WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  has been blocked by Russian 
authorities (Roskomnadzor ) due to 
inconsistency with existing 
legislation."  
Question:  
: Does this mean that all VPNs are to 
be eventually blocked in the Russian 
Federation?  resources or information and telecommunications 
networks for which access is restricted in accordance 
with Federal Law 149 -FZ, to connec t to the Federal 
State and Federal State Information and 
Communication Network.  
 
In case of failure to comply with the obligations set 
out in Article 15.8 of Federal Law No. 149 -FZ, access 
to such services will be blocked.  
Page 141, para 4.166.  
"Since Se ptember 2015, personal 
data collected on Russian citizens has 
to be stored in the Russian Federation 
according to Federal Law No. 152 -FZ 
on Personal Data. Some processing, 
such as updating of records, also 
must take place in the Russian 
Federation. Accordi ng to the 
authorities, it is permissible to keep 
information on parallel servers abroad 
if these servers are on a list of 
countries with adequate protection of 
personal data or following explicit 
approval of Roskomnadzor, the 
regulator. However, the primar y 
entry has to be stored on servers in 
the territory of the Russian 
Federation. These regulations are 
being monitored and enforced by 
Roskomnadzor, and penalties were 
increased in 2017."  
Even if a foreign country is deemed 
to have adequate protection of 
personal data, the primary entry has 
to be stored on servers in the 
territory of the Russian Federation. 
GATS Article XIV allows for measures 
aimed at the protection of privacy, 
subject to a necessity test.  
Question:  
How can this measure considered not 
to be more burdensome than 
necessary to achieve protection of 
privacy?  Russia's commitments under the GATS do not 
prohibit requirement to storage or process the 
information in the territory of the Russian Federation 
(data localization requirements).  
Page 14 1, para 4.166.  
Question:  
To what extent has this law been 
possible to implement, bearing in 
mind the amount of third parties 
involved, over which the Russian 
Federation has no direct control, and  As of October 2021, the Register of Operators 
Carrying out Personal Data Processing contains 
information on the localization of databases of 
Russian citizens received from more than 870 foreign 
companies.  
During the implementation of the requirements of 
Part 5 of Art. 18 of the Federal Law "On Personal 
Data", no information has been rece ived by 
Roskomnadzor that foreign companies have 
organizational and technical difficulties in 
implementing this provision.  
Thus, these circumstances confirm the positive law 
enforcement practice and the absence of the need to 
adjust the above norm.  Page 141, para 4.166.  
Question:  
will this lead to a complete exodus of 
international companies which collect 
data and do not comply with the 
requirements?  
Page 141, para 4.166.  
Personal data collected on Russian 
citizens has to be stored in the 
Russian Federation. Moreover, the There is no information regarding t he plans of 
amending the National Security Law.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  National Security Law approved 
24.07.2019 forces IT companies to 
locate their IT data servers in the 
territory of the Russian Federation. 
This Law makes i t compulsory for 
foreign investors in this sector to 
establish a joint venture with a local 
partner holding a minority stake in 
the capital of the joint venture. 
Adapting to these requirements 
implies big challenges for the IT 
services providers. The Minis try of 
Transport has postponed the 
mandatory localization of the servers 
of the air tickets booking systems 
used for domestic Russian flights until 
October 2022 in order to give more 
time for adaptation to the companies.  
Question:  
Do the Russian authoriti es 
contemplate the possibility of 
amending the National Security Law 
so that the foreign investors in the IT 
services provision sector can hold a 
majority stake in the capital of the 
joint venture with the local partner?  
Page 141, para 4.166.  
Question:  
Would the Russian Ministry of 
Transport extend the entry into force 
of the Law beyond October 2022, if 
needed for a better adaptation of the 
companies operating in this sector?  There is no relevant information  
4.3.3. Transport  
Page 143, para 4.176:  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation provide 
information on the implementation of 
the action plans covering the period 
2018-2020 and also on the 
implementation of the action plans 
for the period 2021 -2023, with the 
aim to create a common EAEU 
transport ar ea by 2025?  The plans ("road maps") for the implementation of 
the Main directions and stages of implementation of 
the coordinated transport policy of the Eurasian 
Economic Union member states ("ONSTP") for 2018 -
2020 envisage 119 activities.  
 
As for today,  the most significant result is signing of 
the Agreement on Shipping of 1 February 2019.  
 
In addition, a number of Recommendations of the 
Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission was 
adopted aimed at further development of the 
transport systems of the member states of the Union 
(for example, on measures aimed at ensuring 
freedom of transit road transport of goods by 
carriers of one member state of the Eurasian 
Economic Union through the territory of other 
member states, on harmonization of legislation o f 
the EEU member states in the field of civil aviation, 
etc.).  
 
Action plan ("road map") for the implementation of 
the Single Window for 2021 - 2023 was adopted in 
August 2021 at the meeting of the Eurasian 
Intergovernmental Council (EUMC order No. 15 of 
August 20, 2021). According to this action plan, in 
the planned period there will be implemented 
measures aimed at creation and development of 
Eurasian transport corridors; creation of logistics WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  centers and transport organizations that ensure the 
optimizati on of transportation processes; 
digitalization of international transportation; creation 
of conditions to attract and use the human resources 
of member states; development of science and 
innovation in transport; implementation of transit 
potential within t he EAEU; coordination of transport 
infrastructure development; implementation of 
"green" projects.  
Rail transport  
Page 143, para 4.178.   
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
information on the state of play of the 
Moscow -Kazan high -speed -railway 
construction, which is supposed to be 
operational as of 2026? If the project 
is implemented as planned it would 
become an essential trade route 
addressing an increased freight 
volume between Beijing and Moscow.  The Moscow -Kazan expressway project is di vided 
into 9 stages. Two of them were launched in 2020 -
2021. The overall length of the Moscow – Kazan part 
will be approximately 800 km, another 
approximately 800 km will constitute Kazan – 
Yekaterinburg part. The whole project is a part of 
Europe -West Chi na transportation corridor.  
The approximate cost of the Moscow -Kazan part 650 
bln roubles, the Yekaterinburg extension is estimated 
at additional 500 bln roubles, which would be 
partially financed by federal budget, budgets of the 
participating regions of the Russian Federation as 
well as National Wealth Fund . 
Page 143, para 4.180.  
"The RZD has a monopoly in the 
provision of rail infrastructure and is 
by far the major player in the 
provision of locomotive traction 
services. Nonetheless, the regulatory 
framework gives third -party 
operators (not carriers) the legal right 
to access such infrastructure on a 
non-discriminatory basis."  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation explain 
the meaning of the term 'operators' 
vs 'carrier'?  According to the Federal Law No. 18 -FZ of 10 
January 2003 "The charter of railway transport of the 
Russian Federation" carrier means a party to the 
contract of transporta tion by public railroad transport 
that has assumed the obligation to deliver 
passengers, cargo, baggage, cargo luggage 
entrusted to them by the sender or empty freight car 
from the point of departure to the destination, and 
give the cargo, baggage, cargo l uggage, empty 
freight car to the person (recipient) authorized to 
receive it.  
The operator of railway rolling stock, containers is a 
person who has railway rolling stock (freight cars), 
containers by right of ownership or other right and 
provides legal ent ities or individuals with services for 
the provision of railway rolling stock, containers for 
transportation by rail.  
Page 143, para 4.180.  
Question:  
How many third -party operators are 
currently active on the rail 
infrastructure in the Russian 
Federation ? Exact information is not available. The market for 
operator services is competitive, access to it is 
unlimited.  
Page 143, para 4.180.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation confirm 
whether any foreign third -party 
operators exercise their access rights 
to Russian rail infrastructure?  The market for operator services is competitive, 
access to it is unlimited.  
Page 144, para 4.181.  
"A key problem facing rail transport is 
ageing track and equipment. On 26 
March 2020, a new plan was outlined 
to upgra de and expand the domestic 
railroad network over 15 years. It 
aims to ensure that regions are better 
integrated with both one another and 
with the international rail networks 
connecting East and West (between 
China and Europe) and North and In accordance with Presidential Decree No. 204 of 7 
May 2018 "On National Goals an d Strategic 
Development Objectives of the Russian Federation 
for the period until 2024", it is planned to achieve in 
2024 the carrying capacity in the Eastern direction 
along the Baikal -Amur and Trans -Siberian railways in 
the amount of up to 180 million to ns and transit of 
containers in the East -West direction in 7 days.  
Regulation of procurement activities for the needs of 
JSCo "Russian Railways", including procurement 
procedures, is carried out in accordance with Federal WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 137 - 
 
  South (the Repu blic of Iran, the 
Middle East, and South Asia)." This 
highlights plans for rail equipment 
modernization and network 
expansion, mainly increasing capacity 
of international connections both 
East-West and North -South.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation con firm 
that planned massive investments in 
the maintenance and upgrade of the 
rail infrastructure is linked to the 
planned RZD's role in the Chinese 
Belt and Road Initiative?  Law No. 223 -FZ of 18 July 2011 "On the 
procurement of goods, works and services by 
individual types o f legal entities".  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 144, para 4.181.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation 
elaborate on economic benefits 
expected from these investments?  
Page 144, para 4.181.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation explain if 
public open tenders are planned to be 
launched? If so, will non -Russian 
manufactures and suppliers be 
eligible on equal grounds to take part 
in those tenders?  
Road transport  
Page 145, para 4.186:  
The President of the Russian 
Federation announced in 2021 that 
the expressway Mos cow-Kazan, which 
is under construction, should be 
extended to Yekaterinburg, by 2024. 
Given the existing plan to construct a 
high-speed train infrastructure on the 
very same route, Moscow -Kazan, it 
seems that the Russian Federation 
plans to significantly r einforce the 
east-west infrastructure.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
an update on the information relating 
to the construction of this 
expressway?  To both questions.  
The Moscow -Kazan expressway project is divided 
into 9 stages. Two of t hem were launched in 2020 -
2021. The overall length of the Moscow – Kazan part 
will be approximately 800 km, another 
approximately 800 km will constitute Kazan – 
Yekaterinburg part. The whole project is a part of 
Europe -West China transportation corridor.  
The approximate cost of the Moscow -Kazan part 650 
bln roubles, the Yekaterinburg extension is estimated 
at additional 500 bln roubles, which would be 
partially financed by federal budget, budgets of the 
participating regions of the Russian Federation as 
well as National Wealth Fund . 
Page 145, para 4.186:  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
information on the financing of this 
project?  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 138 - 
 
  Section 4.3.3.3 Maritime 
Transport  
Page 146, para 4.193 .  
"According to the authorities, 
Government Decree No. 778 of 10 
August 2016 on Amendments to 
Government Decree No. 193 of 6 
March 2012 simplified licensing 
requirements and conditions for 
passenger transportation, 
transportation of dangerous goods, 
towing, and freight operations for 
dangerous goods on sea and internal 
water transport."  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
how Government Decree No. 778 of 
10 August 2016 on Amendments to 
Government Decree No. 193 of 6 
March 2012 has simplified licensing 
requirements and condition s for 
passenger transportation, 
transportation of dangerous goods, 
and freight operations for dangerous 
goods on sea?  The Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of 10 August 2016 No 778 is no longer in 
force as it was repealed by the Resol ution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation of 26 October 
2020 No 1742, together with the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation of 6 March 
2012 No 193 (that was initially amended by the 
Resolution No 778).  
 
New regulations on licensi ng activities for the 
transportation of inland waterway transport, sea 
transport of dangerous goods and activities for the 
implementation of sea towing were approved by 
Government Decree No. 1243 of 21 July 2021 which 
will be in force from 1 March 2022 to 1 March 2028.  
 
Page 146, para 4.193 .  
Question:  
Can Russia describe what these 
conditions are?  
Page 146, para 4.193 .  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
further information on the 
simplification of licensing 
requirements through Government 
Decree No. 778, in particular for 
passenger transport?  The Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of 10 August 2016 No 778 is no longer in 
force as it was repealed by the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation of 26 October 
2020 No 1742, together with the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation of 6 March 
2012 No 193 (that was initially amended by the 
Resolution No 778).  
New regulations on licensing activities for the 
transportation of inland waterwa y transport, sea 
transport of dangerous goods and activities for the 
implementation of sea towing were approved by 
Government Decree No. 1243 of 21 July 2021 which 
will be in force from 1 March 2022 to 1 March 2028.  
Air transport  
Page 147, para 4.200.  
In 2011 the EU and the Russian 
Federation signed an agreement that 
included, inter alia, a phasing out, by 
the end of 2013, of the fee EU 
aviation companies have to pay to 
Russia for flights over the territory of 
Siberia, i.e. "Siberian overflight 
charges". T hese charges seem to be 
used to support Aeroflot, i.e. a direct 
competitor to EU companies.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
information on the latest state of play 
for phasing out the "Siberian 
overflight charges"?  The Russian Federation is open to continue 
discussion with the EU on this issue pursuant to the 
previously reached bilateral arrangements.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 139 - 
 
  Rising global protectionism and 
discrimination  
Page 4, para 1.1 .  
"Since its first (and the last) WTO 
TRP, the Russian Federati on has 
maintained the course of countering 
trade protectionism inter alia in the 
form of unilateral trade restrictions".  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
how this course corresponds to 
maintaining in place (and extending 
the scope) of the R ussian 
Federation's import ban imposed in 
2014 on a range of agricultural 
products from the EU and certain 
other Partners?  The ban on specific products was introduced in 
accordance with the Federal Law of 30 December 
2006 No 281 -FZ "On Special Economic Me asures and 
Measures of Cohesion" and the Federal Law of 28 
December 2010 No 390 -FZ "On Security".  
The basis for inclusion of certain countries into the 
list is set forth in the Decree of the President of the 
Russian Federation No. 560 of 6 August 2014 "On 
Application of Special Economic Measures to Ensure 
the Security of the Russian Federation". According to 
paragraph 1 of the Decree special economic 
measures are extended to products originating from 
the countries applying economic sanctions to the 
Russian persons or entities. Thus, Russia's special 
economic measures are applied on the basis of 
reciprocity, their duration depends on the removing 
of the reasons for their adoption.  
Page 4, para 1.3.  
"Open and non -discriminatory trade, 
favourable conditio ns for capital flows 
and technology, as well as the 
stability and predictability of the 
universal rules of international trade 
lie at the core of the sustainability of 
Russia's economic development".  
At the same time, on 2 July 2021 the 
Federal Law 345 -FZ setting new rules 
for the wine sector was published, 
without any prior notification and with 
an immediate entry into force. The 
new law and the sudden process in 
which it was adopted caused large 
instability and unpredictability in 
trade in wine.  
Questio n:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
why it could not anticipate and 
therefore prevent such foreseeable 
consequences in trade?  To all three questions.  
The Russian Federation confirms that it adheres to 
its transparency obligations and intends to do so  in 
future, including with respect to the Federal Law N 
468.  
The Federal Law is aimed at settlement of specific 
issues in the field of manufacturing of wine raw 
materials and products in the Russian Federation. 
Besides, the objectives of the Law are to fo rm the 
powers of government and self -managing 
organizations, as well as the legal status of economic 
operators in the field of viticulture and winemaking 
in order to eliminate counterfeiting and unnecessary 
administrative obstacles.  
Moreover, the Federal L aw aims to create and 
develop the "the wine of Russia" brand by 
improvement of quality and awareness of wine 
products manufactured in Russia as well as 
improvement of wineries in Russia . 
 
Page 4, para 1.3.  
Question:  
Further to that, could the Russian 
Federation clarify the reasons for not 
notifying neither the Federal Law 
468-FZ nor the Federal Law 345 -FZ 
although both laws include technical 
regulations (i.e. labelling and 
certification)?  
Page 4, para 1.3.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation inform 
if any draft amendment (should there 
be one) to the law 345 -FZ will be 
notified to the WTO?  Taking into account the answer to the previous 
question, Russia is not planning to notify the 
measure.  
 
Page 10, pa ra 3.8.  
"In the bilateral context, the 
imposition of sanction on Russia by 
individual economies has remained. 
Politicization of foreign economic and 
trade relations is a serious challenge. 
Inclusive growth of the world 
economy has been constrained by the The programs which may be also better defined as 
reshoring started in mid -90th and were connected 
with the intention to re -establish production levels 
lost in times  of economic disturbances connected 
with dissolution of USSS, fundamental change of 
parameters of economic system to market based, 
privatization, etc. and to return back labor places.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 140 - 
 
  replacement of the WTO norms with 
the other "rules", together with the 
unfair competition methods, 
protectionist measures, trade wars, 
and unilateral sanctions. All this has 
led to the fragmentation of the global 
economic environment, and has 
negatively af fected the socio -
economic development. Some of 
these measures have led to the 
disruption of established production 
and supply chains and results in the 
need to develop import substitution 
plans based on domestic supply."  
Question:  
Import substitution and localization 
started long before 2014 (agriculture 
machinery, pharmaceuticals, 
restrictions in public procurement) 
and intensified immediately after 
Russia joined the WTO in 2012 and 
even more so in 2014. Why does the 
Russian Federation claim that import 
substitution started only after EU 
sanctions following Russian actions in 
Ukraine, in 2014?  Second type of program, implementation of which 
started end of 90th, in respect of agriculture, were 
designed to reach certain parameters of food 
security.  
Facing fundamentally new threats and challenges in 
2014, the Government took systemic decisions to 
secure uninterrupted operation of supply chains in 
key sectors v ital for country's economy. The prime -
minister described the task in a following way: "The 
topic of import substitution is very important, but in 
no case should it be brought to the point of 
absurdity. It is necessary to replace the most 
important segments  of what is critically important to 
produce in our country. This is not about replacing 
everything." This decision was directly connected 
with economic sanctions against Russia.  
Page 11, para 3.12 and 3.13  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
what is meant by 'non -standard 
methods' which are deemed to be 
required to address the challenges 
identified in this section, in particular 
regarding the 'the lag of global 
regulatory standards from the pace of 
practical implementation of 
technologies'?  This relates to Russia's position in respect to shaping 
the negotiating agenda on new topics which are not 
yet sufficiently covered by international rules, 
including the WTO rules. Russia believes that 
technology trading is practically unregulated by 
releva nt multilateral rules, which generally apply 
only to goods, containing technology, or to 
intellectual property rights. In Russia's view, over 
time, the absence of such rules shall significantly 
increase distortions in the global competitive 
environment and  lead to the further isolation of 
developing countries and even regions from the 
processes of scientific and technological progress. 
Therefore, new approaches to this area have to 
emerge on multilateral basis, most likely they would 
have to deviate from st andard WTO patterns 
traditionally existent with respect to trade in goods 
or services as well as IP protection  
Page 12, para 4.7.  
"During the reporting period, a 
consistent work has been carried out, 
taking into consideration the TFA 
provisions, to simpl ify customs 
procedures, reduce the time required 
for customs operations, eliminate 
unnecessary barriers in the field of 
customs regulation with the aim to 
promote favourable conduct of 
foreign trade activities, as well as to 
automate customs operations and  
reduce the time for the release of 
goods."  
However, currently the experience 
with phytosanitary import procedures 
is completely the opposite. The 
domestic law, in particular Decree Imports of the products subject to phytos anitary 
control for sowing and planting are carried out in 
accordance with the Federal Law as of July 21, 2014 
No. 206 -FZ On plant quarantine and the Decree of 
the Government of the Russian Federation as of 
February 8, 2018 No. 128 On approval of Rules of 
control on the sites of production (including 
processing) and dispatch of quarantine products 
intended for importation into the Russian Federation 
from foreign states or groups of foreign states where 
the quarantine pests typical for such quarantine 
produc ts are found to be distributed, in accordance 
with the international treaties of the Russian 
Federation, for seeding and planting purposes.  
According to the paragraph 3 of Article 15 of the 
Law, pre -shipment control of seed and planting 
material in the country of export is a phytosanitary 
requirement of the Russian Federation.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 141 - 
 
  128 of February 2018, has created an 
unprecedented  administrative burden 
for both companies and authorities of 
exporting countries. Companies need 
to provide detailed and even 
commercially sensitive information 
e.g. about production locations. 
Exporting countries are requested to 
confirm the availability and the 
phytosanitary st atus for the products 
for which an import permit is 
requested, which constitutes a 
substantial workload. The procedure 
is not only laborious but also time 
consuming.  
Question:  
In 2018, the Russian Federation 
adopted rules for controls carried out 
at overseas production, processing, 
and dispatch sites of planting 
materials intended for importation 
into its territory.  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
whether it considers that  guarantees 
on the origin of the products from 
listed free areas or places of 
production provided with the 
phytosanitary certificate signed by 
the NPPO of the exporting country are 
not considered to be sufficient?  A similar approach to the mechanism of pre -
shipment confirmation of conformity, inspection and 
audit in the country of origin is stipulated by 
international legislation in the fiel d of plant 
quarantine (IPPC Import Verification Guidelines for 
national plant protection organizations No. 12 
(2015), ISPM No. 20 "Guidelines for a phytosanitary 
import regulatory system " (2017) and ISPM No. 36 
"Integrated measures for plants for planting " 
(2012)).  
 
Page 12, para 4.7.  
Question:  
The additional value of asking in 
advance confirmation to the 
exporting country of the availability 
and status of products is unclear. The 
internationally agreed phytosanitary 
certificate is at the base of the 
international phytosanitary system. 
This certificate is the guarantee of the 
competent authority of the exporting 
country that the product meets the 
requirement of the importing country.  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
what additional guarantee it seeks  by 
asking an exporting member state in 
advance to confirm the availability 
and the phytosanitary status of plant 
products and how this is in line with 
ISPM20?  The Russian Federation is concerned by the system 
of phytosanitary control of seed and planting 
material in certain exporting countries. The 
quarantine phytosanitary control conducted by the 
Rosselkoznadzor shows that a phytosanitary 
certificate does not a lways ensure the phytosanitary 
safety of regulated products.  
This procedure is being provided in order to 
implement the phytosanitary requirements of the 
EAEU for seeds to originate from zones, places, 
production sites free from the EAEU quarantine 
object s, as well as to prevent spread of the 
quarantine objects typical for seed and planting 
material imported  from the countries with wide 
spread of quarantine objects to the EAEU.  
Page 12, para 4.7.  
Question:  
Currently the Russian Federation is 
working on a new seed law. With, 
among others, requirements for 
GMOs.  
Will there be a possibility for 
stakeholders from other countries to 
comment on this law?  The possibility to comment on the draft of the 
regulation will be provided in accordance with 
established  procedure and transparency obligations 
of the Russian Federation.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 142 - 
 
  Page 12, para 4.7.  
Question:  
Has the Russian Federation 
considered the impact it will have on 
trade? And if so, is this information 
public?  We do not foresee any substantial impact on trade 
due to introduction of the law. All the information on 
the drafts of the law is publicly avail able. 
Page 12, para 4.7.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation 
guarantee that the requirements that 
follow from this law respect the 
principle of minimal impact on trade?  Due to the fact that provisioned requirements were 
actually in effect since 2016 we expect that any 
impact on trade related to the regulation draft will be 
minimal.  
 
 
Page 12, para 4.7.  
Question:  
The Russian Federation requires pre -
export inspections for an expanding 
number of plant products, whereas 
ISPM 20 offers the possibility of 
system audits in order to verify the 
procedures in place in the exporting 
country. Could the Russian Federation 
explain why it does not adhere to 
system audits in line with ISPM 20?  The international legislation in the field of plant 
quarantine, namely IPPC - Import Verification 
Guidelines for national plant protection organizations 
No. 12 (2015), ISPM No. 20 - Guideli nes for a 
phytosanitary import regulatory system " (2017) and 
ISPM No. 36 Integrated measures for plants for 
planting " (2012), stipulate an approach similar to the 
mechanism of pre -shipment confirmation of 
conformity, inspection and audit in the country of 
origin.  
This procedure is caused by provided due to the 
necessity to implement the phytosanitary 
requirements of the EAEU for seeds to originate from 
zones, places, production sites free from the EAEU 
quarantine objects as well as wide spread of 
quarantin e objects in seed and planting material in 
certain countries.  
Page 15, 5.17.  
"On 2 March 2021, the reform of the 
standardization institutes' association 
was completed through the creation 
of the Federal State Budgetary 
Institution "Russian Institute of 
Standardization" with the aim to 
introduce a more advanced 
organizational and legal system to 
manage and implement state policy 
in the field of standardization. 
Moreover, on 15 November 2019, the 
Government of the Russian 
Federation has adopted a Roadmap 
for the development of 
standardization in the Russian 
Federation for the period up to 2021."  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation specify 
the implications of the creation of a 
Russian Institute of Standardization 
in March 2021? In particular, how will 
the establishment of this institute 
impact the way standardization policy 
is implemented, as well as the 
relations of the Russian Federation 
with international standardization 
organizations?  Amendments in the organizational and legal form of 
the Institute have been made due to changes in the 
legislation of the Russian Federation.  
Reorganization of the Russian Institute of 
Standardization was carried out in order to provide 
information support to the national standardization 
system through:  
− the maintenance o f the Federal Information 
Fund of Standards,  
− the creation and operation of federal 
information systems,  
− the functioning of a unified information 
system for technical regulation,  
publication and distribution of documents of the 
national standardization sy stem and all Russian 
classifiers of technical, economic and social 
information.  
Page 15, 5.17.  
Question:  
The current Roadmap for the 
development of standardization in the 
Russian Federation is described as The Action Plan ("road map") for the development of 
standardization in the Russian Federation for the 
period up to 2027 were approved on November 15, 
2019. The action plan provides for measures aimed 
at adaptation of the standardization system to the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 143 - 
 
  covering the period up to 2021. Does 
the Russian Federation intend  to 
adopt a new Roadmap for the coming  
years, and, if it does, what priorities 
are identi fied in the same ?  problems of industrial modernization, technological 
renewal, scientific and technical potential and the 
socio-economic development of the Russian 
Federation in order to increase the competitiveness 
of domestic products and the national securi ty of the 
Russian Federation. The action plan is aimed at 
implementation of main directions for the 
development of standardization for the period up to 
2027.  
The purpose is to accelerate the process of 
establishing national standards and other 
standardizat ion documents, which should be aimed, 
inter alia, at creating high -quality products in various 
industries, and accelerating the introduction of 
innovative solutions based on standardization tools. 
The main goal is to transform the basic processes 
behind st andardization; create, manage and deliver 
technical data from documents in digital form; 
ensure time savings and maximum transparency in 
the development of documents; promptly provide 
access to documents on standardization in a single 
digital space - the standardization ecosystem; 
organize the comfortable work of all participants in 
the system.  
Page 15, para 5.22 .  
"The strategic goal of the Russian 
agricultural policy is to provide 
citizens of the Russian Federation 
with available, safe and high -quality, 
agricultural products, raw materials 
and foodstuffs in volumes 
corresponding to the recommended 
consumption standards. Agricultural 
domestic support is provided under 
the State Programme for Agricultural 
Development and Regulation of 
Agricultural Products,  Raw Materials 
and Food Markets."  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation agree 
that the choice would be larger, the 
quality better and prices lower if the 
EU could export food to the Russian 
Federation without facing non 
justified obstacles to trade?  No. T he so called "obstacles to trade" steam from 
the special economic measures extended to products 
originating from the countries applying economic 
sanctions to the Russian persons or entities and are 
applied on the basis of reciprocity.   
Page 27, para 10.7   
In August 2021, framework for the 
development of electric transport was 
also adopted. According to this 
framework, by 2030 Russia would be 
producing 217 thousand electric 
vehicles per year. The development 
of the appropriate charging and the 
other releva nt infrastructure is also 
envisaged.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
the main elements of the framework 
for development of electric vehicles 
adopted in August 2021?  The budget for implementation of the Concept of 
development of manufacturing and use of electric 
vehicles in the Russian F ederation for the period up 
to 2030 is estimated at RUB 591 billion of which 
approximately RUB 499 billion are to be privately 
invested.  
Implementation of the Concept will allow to develop 
a new high -tech electric vehicle industry that will 
occupy not less than 10% of the Russian production 
of vehicles by 2030.  
Main elements of the Concept include:  
1) elimination of legal and administrativ e barriers for 
the electric vehicle exploitation and the use of 
charging infrastructure, for instance, installation of 
charging station in underground parkings,  
Page 27, para 10.7  
Question:  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 144 - 
 
  How would electric vehicles of foreign 
manufacturer s be treated under the 
mentioned framework?  2) development of infrastructure in pilot territories 
which list is expected to be approved by the 
Government of the Russian Federation,  
3) development of electric vehicle and required 
component base development, as well as 
development of the necessary testing base.  
 
Page 30, para 12.1.  
The Russian Federation  constantly 
promotes the Eurasian Economic 
Union (EAEU)  and highlights its 
importance and competences. 
However, when discussing technical 
questions with the Eurasian Economic 
Commission (EEC), the EU is very 
often confronted with the fact that 
the EEC lacks sufficient authority 
even in areas, which are officia lly 
within its remit, such as trade, 
customs, technical regulation or SPS.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation plan to 
promote stronger powers and 
competences of the Eurasian 
Economic Commission and to reach a 
higher level of EAEU integration, even 
if that would inevitably entail transfer 
of certain important powers from 
national to supranational level?  The process of deepening EAEU integration, as well 
as entitling the EAEU Commission with more powers 
and responsibilities is a constant process. Current ly 
this work is being carried out as part of the 
implementation of the Strategic Directions for 
Developing the Eurasian Economic Integration until 
2025 approved by the Supreme Eurasian Economic 
Council on December 11, 2020.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  BRUNEI DARUSSALAM  
  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES 
BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, 
and requirements  
Pg. 8  
 
13. The principal customs legislation was 
updated following the EAEU Customs 
Code's entry into force on 1 January 2 018. 
The EAU Customs Code introduced various 
innovations aimed at streamlining customs 
procedures, including through electronic 
means, and implementing key provisions 
of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation. 
The EAEU Customs Code provides for the 
pre-arriva l notification of third -country 
imports, except for those shipped by 
pipelines and electricity transmission lines. 
It has also upgraded the pre -existing 
scheme for simplified customs formalities 
into a Union -wide authorized economic 
operator scheme. Work o n the 
development of a national single -window 
system is ongoing. Elements of the future 
single window have been consolidated in a 
Seaport Portal, which facilitates the 
supervision of trade flows going through 
the Russian Federation's sea checkpoints. 
Durin g the review period, the legal 
framework for customs valuation 
underwent minor amendments upon the 
entry into force of the EAEU Customs 
Code, as well as through the adoption of 
several legal instruments by the Collegium 
of the Eurasian Economic Commission.   
 
And Pg. 41  
3.7. The authorities indicate that work on 
the development of a national single -
window system is ongoing. It is guided by 
an action plan adopted by the Supreme 
Eurasian Economic Council in 2015, a 
resolution adopted by the Government in 
2017,  and a reference model description 
approved by the Eurasian 
Intergovernmental Council in 2019.7 
Elements of the future single window have 
been consolidated in a Seaport Portal, 
which facilitates the supervision of trade 
flows going through the Russian 
Federation's sea checkpoints  
 
Question:  
Is the Seaport Portal a part of or separate 
from the National Single Window system 
which is ongoing and if separate what was 
the rationale for this distinction?  The Seaport Portal is a part of the Single Window 
system.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 146 - 
 
  4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.2 Energy  
4.2.2.1 General  
 
Pg. 114  
 
4.64. The review period witnessed several 
notable regulatory changes, for example 
with respect to the phase -out of export 
duties and related changes in other energy 
taxes, and important developments 
regarding general energy policy, including 
the adoption of a comprehensive energy 
strategy for the period until 2035 aimed at 
transforming the energy sector to 
maximize its contribution to economic 
development.  
 
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation provide 
further details and information on the 
regulatory changes referenced?  
 Starting in 2015 a coherent approach on reform of 
tax and customs policy in oil sector is being 
pursued, which provides for gradual decrease i n 
export customs duties on oil and petroleum 
products by 2024 along with proportional increase 
of oil and gas condensate extraction tax ("tax 
maneuver" in oil industry).  
 
In 2019 in oil sector a fiscal system based on taxes 
on additional income from hydroc arbon resources 
production was implemented.  
 
On 1 January 2019 a Chapter 25.4 of a Tax code of 
the Russian Federation "Tax on additional income 
from hydrocarbon resources production" entered 
into force imposing a tax on additional income 
calculated on the basis of world oil and gas prices 
and actual expen ses on hydrocarbon extraction on 
a specific subsoil plot. A fundamental difference of 
this type of tax is a transition from a rent principle 
of share of income generation by the state from 
natural resources exploitation.  
 
The basis of the tax on additiona l income is the 
deposit efficiency and engagement of new 
hydrocarbon resources.  
 
The Additional tax system was initially introduced 
for 4 categories of subsoil plots as a pilot project. 
Starting from 2021 this system is applicable also to 
depleted subsoil  plots as well as to plots in the 
Arctic area of the Russian Federation.  
 
Further tax policy is aimed at transforming the 
approach towards oil and petroleum products 
export duties; promotion of development of both 
new and of Hard -to-recover oil reserves; 
implementation of the most equitable taxation for 
oil extraction by way of gradual expansion of Tax 
on additional income application and possible 
consideration of discontinuing of mineral extraction 
tax. 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.2 Energy  
4.2.2.3 Gas  
 
Pg. 117  
4.73. A new direction in the development 
of the industry was the production of 
natural gas in its liquefied state (LNG). 
There was a substantial expansion of LNG 
production during the review period, 
mainly driven by  privately owned Novatek. 
According to Ministry of Energy data, 
production of LNG amounted to 29.5 
million tonnes in 2019, 47.5% higher than 
in 2018. The Government recently 
adopted a long -term strategy for the 
development of LNG production, which 
envisage s an increase in LNG production 
from 28 million tonnes in 2021 to The Government Order No.640 as of 16.03.2021 
approved a long -term program for development of 
LNG production in Russian Federation (hereinafte r 
referred as 'the long -term program'). The Long -
term program is aimed to implement an integrated 
approach to LNG production and raising 
competitiveness of Russian gas industry on 
international market due to diversified sources of 
supply, including Arctic shelf resources and Far East 
regions.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 147 - 
 
  approximately 140 million tonnes in 2035. 
This is to be achieved, inter alia, through 
the construction of several new plants.  
 
Question :  
Can the Russian Federation provide 
further details a nd information on the new 
long-strategy on LNG production 
introduced, including on export duties and 
other taxes?  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 148 - 
 
  KAZAKHSTAN  
 
Secretariat Report  
According to paragraph 1.13. , thirteen 
national projects were developed with a 
view to achieving those nine goals: 
health care, education, demography, 
culture, tourism, road safety, urban 
development, ecology, science, small 
and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), 
digital economy, labou r productivity, and 
international cooperation and export.  
 
Question :  
Please elaborate on how Russia assesses 
the implementation of the national 
project to increase labour productivity?  The implementation of the national project "Labor 
Productivity" and i ts federal subprograms 
"Targeted support for increasing labor 
productivity in enterprises" and "Systemic 
measures to increase labor productivity" based on 
several indicators, listed in their project 
documentation. These indicators permit an 
assessment of t he national project 
implementation.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 149 - 
 
  INDONESIA  
 
Secretariat Report:  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Page 50 Para 3.37  
Indonesia recognizes that the Russian 
Federation's NTMs in place 
implemented obligations undertaken 
under international conventions. 
However, according to the Secretariat, 
the NTMs also represented national or 
regional interests.  
Question:  
Please clarify which NTMs were 
enforced for national or regional 
interests, as we ll as the objectives and 
the consistency with the Russian 
commitment in the WTO.  In accordance with Article 46 of the Treaty on the 
EAEU there is a list of uniform non -tariff measures, 
which may be applied by the Member States of the 
EAEU. However, pursuan t to Article 47 of the Treaty 
on the EAEU the member states can also apply 
unilateral non -tariff measures through national 
legislation in the specified exceptional cases.  
According to Annex 7 to the Treaty on the EAEU, 
the quantitative restrictions may be applied by the 
EAEU or its Member States in the cases provided for 
in part III, IV, VII. These cases include, inter alia, 
the maintaining of balance of payments, the 
prevention of critical shortage of foodstuffs or 
products critical to the exporting countr y, the 
protection public morals or rule of law, the 
protection of the environment, human, animal or 
plant life or health and others.  
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53 Para 3.46  
After the successful implementation of 
a pilot project for the m arking of 
fur products  with RFID tags, the 
Eurasian Intergovernmental Council 
established a Union -wide "track and 
trace" system for the marking of 
certain goods with (machine -
readable) means of identification in 
February 2018, which became effective 
on 29 March 2019. From that date, the 
transportation, purchase, and sale of 
unmarked fur products within the EAEU 
are prohibited. Subsequent EEC 
Council Decisions have extended 
the marking system's product 
coverage,  while giving member States 
certain flexibility  regarding the 
implementation date. Proposals for 
additional products are reviewed by 
the EEC,  which must decide by 
consensus on their inclusion in the 
marking system. (…)  
Question:  
Please provide a brief explanation on 
the "track and trace" marking system.  Track and Trace System of the EAEU applies to both 
domestic and imported products in order to combat 
counterfeiting and smuggling. The price of one 
Track and Trace code is established by the national 
legislation of the EAEU Member States. In Russia n 
Federation this price is 0.5 rubles (0, 0070 US 
dollars). Track and Trace of the EAEU applies to 
shoes, textiles, cameras, tires and perfumes. The 
relevant categories of products are proposed by the 
Member States of the EAEU and are subject to 
considerat ion of the EEC Council.  
The Russian Federation is convinced that 
application of track and trace system cannot be 
considered as a technical barrier to trade as it does 
not fall under the definition of technical regulation 
stipulated in the TBT Agreement. T rack and Trace 
does not set out requirements for product 
characteristics, methods of it production and other 
relative processes. Therefore, the measure is not 
subject to the TBT notification requirements.  
 
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53 P ara 3.46  
Indonesia observes that the EEC 
Council has expanded the system's 
product coverage; could you kindly 
specify which products have been 
included and where importers may 
obtain more information?   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 150 - 
 
  3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53 Para 3.46  
Indonesia also notes that the product 
coverage is still being examined by the 
EEC. Please offer a timeline for the 
review and its implementation, as well 
as the Russian Government plan to 
notify the  measures to the relevant 
WTO Committee.  
Page 54 Para 3.47 and 3.48  
Footnote 41: According to the World 
Bank report, "[t]he Russian 
Government developed import 
substitution programmes for 22 
industries, covering approximately 
2,000 products in the industries for 
pharmaceuticals, medical, radio -
electronics, transport, const ruction, 
and metallurgy ... it was planned that 
in the timber industry the share of 
imports should decrease to 49 percent, 
in the oil and gas engineering industry 
to 55%, in the automotive industry up 
to 7%, in machine tools up to 75%, 
and in pharmaceutica ls up to 33% ". 
World Bank (2020), Russia Integrates: 
Deepening the Country's Integration in 
the Global Economy, p. 52. The 
authorities also note that the correct 
forecast figures are: timber industry, 
21.3%; oil and gas engineering 
industry, 43%; automoti ve industry, 
38%; machine tools, 58%; and 
pharmaceuticals, 50%. (…) numerous 
and complex tax incentives 
continued to be used extensively 
as an instrument of industrial 
policy to encourage investment,  
especially from overseas, and 
production of certain good s, including 
by SMEs (Special Tax Treatment 
Control Law, 1999 (STTCL), which was 
last amended in 2021). They cover a 
range of activities, and include income 
tax relief (rate reductions, exemptions, 
credits, special deductions, and other 
concessions), or cr edits and commodity 
tax concessions (such as VAT 
exemptions and zero -rating).  
Question:  
Could the Russian Government provide 
clarification on the aforementioned 
import substitution programs, given 
that Indonesia notes in paragraph 3.47 
that there have been  no priority 
sectors for import substitution since 
2016?  To both questions.  
The phrase "numerous and complex tax incentives 
continued to be used extensively as an instrument 
of industrial policy to encourage investment, 
especially from overseas, and produc tion of certain 
goods, including by SMEs (Special Tax Treatment 
Control Law, 1999 (STTCL), which was last 
amended in 2021). They cover a range of activities, 
and include income tax relief (rate reductions, 
exemptions, credits, special deductions, and other  
concessions), or credits and commodity tax 
concessions (such as VAT exemptions and zero -
rating)" cannot be found both in the WTO 
Secretariat Report and the Government Report. 
Therefore, Russia is not in a position to comment 
on this matter.  
At the same t ime, we would like to point out the 
Russian Government implements policy, which in 
fact does not contain legal restrictions on imported 
goods and services, but is aimed at development of 
open and competitive economy. There is no special 
program to encourag e foreign firms to locate 
production in the territory of the Russian Federation 
in case of so called "import substitution policy".  
In order to illustrate specific mechanisms to 
encourage investors, foreign and domestic, to 
invest in production within the t erritory of the 
Russian Federation please refer to the Special 
Economic Zones, an instrument which is also widely 
used by other WTO Members. For more detailed 
information please refer to para 3.2.6 of the 
Secretariat Report.  
 
It must be also noted that the  negative impact of 
COVID -19 pandemic as well as other external 
challenges (please refer to Government Report, p. 9 
Section "Challenges") facing Russian economy over 
the past years make it difficult to assess the 
outcomes of these measures.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 151 - 
 
  Page 54 Para 3.47 and 3.48  
Please also provide an explanation on 
the outcomes of the tax incentives that 
continue to be provided to encourage 
investment.   
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements  
Page 68 Para 3.113  
As with standards and technical 
regulations, the legal and 
institutional framework for SPS 
protection is a mixture of national 
and EEC competences.  There were 
no major changes to that framework 
during the review period. In 2018, the 
Russian Federation adopted rules for 
controls carried o ut at overseas 
production, processing, and dispatch 
sites of planting materials intended for 
importation into its territory.  
Question:  
Please describe in detail how national 
SPS measures (standards and technical 
regulations) are aligned with 
international standards.  In accordance with the EAEU Treaty, EAEU and 
national SPS measures should be applied only to 
the extent necessary to protect human, animal or 
plant life and health. Russian and EAEU SPS 
measures are based on scientific principles and are 
not mai ntained without sufficient scientific 
evidence, except as provided for in paragraph 7 of 
Article 5 of the SPS Agreement. Russia and the 
EAEU base their SPS measures on international and 
regional standards, guidelines and 
recommendations, except as provided  for in 
paragraph 3 of Article 3 of the SPS Agreement.  
 
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements  
Page 68 Para 3.113  
In terms of Indonesian palm oil market 
access to EAEU, Indonesia expects 
Russia and the EAEU to developing and 
implementing SPS measu res based on 
scientific evidence and in accordance 
with the WTO norms. The EAEU is also 
expected to take into consideration the 
fact that the EU regulation (as a basis 
of EAEU to regulate 3 -MCPD and GE 
limits) has been revised to a maximum 
of 2.5 ppm as of  1 January 2021.  In accordance with the requirements of the EAEU, 
the quality and safety of palm oil supplied to the 
Russian market must comply with the indicators 
reflected in the current technical regulations of the 
Customs Union and the EAEU: technical regulations 
of the Customs Union TR CU 021/2011 "On food 
safety", technical regulations of the Customs Union 
"Technical Regulations for Fat and Oil Products", 
Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 
029/2012 "Safety Requirements for Food Additives , 
Flavors and Technological Aids", as well as Unified 
Sanitary and Epidemiological and Hygienic 
Requirements for Products (Goods) Subject to 
Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision (control) 
(decision of the CCC dated 28 May 2010 No. 299).  
Currently EEC develops a draft of amendments to 
the technical regulations of the EAEU in terms of 
introducing a standard for the content of "glycidyl 
esters of fatty acids converted to glycidol and 3 -
monochloropropanediol ". We will take into account 
the comment by Indon esia when preparing the 
relevant changes to the technical regulations of the 
EAEU.  
General questions  
Questions regarding Unified System of 
Tariff Preferences of the Eurasian 
Economic  
Union (USTP EAEU):  
According to EEC Council Decision No. 
17 concerning Amendments to 
Customs Union Commission Decision 
No. 130, the EAEU has removed 
Indonesia from the list of developing 
countries receiving USTP as of October 
12, 2021. Please clarify the EAEU's 
rationale and criteria for awarding the Criteria for non -inclusion of a country in the list of 
countries benefiting from the Common system of 
tariff preferences of the Eurasian Economic Union 
are established in para 5 of the Decision of the 
Eurasian Economic Commission No. 47 as of 6 April 
2016 and were notified in the document 
WT/COMTD/PTA1/N/1 of July 2019.  
 
According to the mentioned Decision, a country 
may be excluded from the list of developing 
countries that benefit from GSP due to the following 
criteria:  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 152 - 
 
  USTP, including the Russian 
Government's point of view on this 
matter.  
 a) the country has reached an income level 
determined to be above average or high by the 
World Bank for 2 consecutive years;  
b) a country's share of world exports as measured 
by the World Trade Organization for two 
consecutive years has been at or above 1%;  
c) a country has concluded a preferential trade 
agreement with the EAEU;  
d) a country is included in the list of the least 
developed countries of the UN.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 153 - 
 
  CHINESE TAIPEI  
  
3. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES 
BY MEASURE  
3.3.7.6 Trademarks  
Page 89 (Para 2)  
3.205. In accordance with Article 16 of the 
TRIPS Agreement, the Russian Federation 
provides a higher level of protection for 
well-known trademarks. Under Articles 
1508 and 1509 of the CC RF, a well -
known trademark authorized by Rospatent 
enjoys infinite d uration of protection 
without any need to renew. The protection 
further extends to goods that are not 
similar to those for which a well -known 
trademark is registered if the use of 
trademark is likely associated by 
consumers with the well -known trademark 
holder and may damage the lawful 
interests of the holder.  
 
Question:  
Could Russia please share with us what 
are the requirements and procedures for a 
trademark to be authorized by Rospatent 
as a well -known trademark?  Following Article 6.bis of the Paris Co nvention, 
Russia may recognize a registered trademark or 
an indication used as a trademark as a well -
known trademark upon a respective application 
from the trademark holder. The applicant 
submits a request to Rospatent providing 
evidence that the trademark  or indication in 
question has become widely known among the 
consumers in respect of the applicant's goods 
via extensive use. Rospatent considers the 
application and may decide to grant legal 
protection to the well -known trademark. Specific 
regulations can  be found at the official website 
of Rospatent.  
4. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and 
Fisheries  
Page 95  
4.7. Imports of agricultural products 
increased by 14.1% between 2016 and 
2020, less than exports, and slightly fell 
as a share o f total imports. in 2020, 
agricultural imports were valued at  
USD 28.3 billion. imports were particularly 
dominated by fruits, dairy products, 
(alcoholic) beverages, (preparations of) 
meats, and soya beans, accounting for 
around 47.9% of total agricultural  imports 
(table 4.3). in 2019, imports primarily 
originated in the eu -27, Belarus, Brazil, 
China, and Turkey.  
 
Question:  
Citruses and bananas are among Russia's 
most imported agricultural products. 
Those two kinds of fruit are also our 
important export pro ducts. Could Russia 
please share with us what are the 
quarantine requirements for the Separate 
Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu citruses and bananas 
to access Russian market?  The products subject to phytosanitary control 
imported to t he territory of the Russian 
Federation, including bananas and citrus, must 
comply with the Unified Phytosanitary 
Quarantine Requirements to the regulated 
products and regulated objects at the customs 
border and in the customs territory of the 
Eurasian Econ omic Union, approved by the 
Decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic 
Commission dated 30 November 2016 No. 157.  
In accordance with the provisions of the Unified 
Phytosanitary Quarantine Requirements fresh 
citrus fruits (from HS code 0805) must be free 
from Hawaiian thrips (Thrips hawaiiensis), 
Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and 
citrus thrips (Scirtothr ips citri). Fresh bananas 
including plantains  (from HS code 0803) must 
be free of Hawaiian thrips (Thrips hawaiiensis) 
and Egyptian cotton scoops (Spodoptera 
littoralis).  
4.2 Mining and energy  
4.2.2 ENERGY  
4.2.2.6.2.3 Export customs duties and 
taxation  
Page 122 (Para 4.100)  
The amendments adopted in August 2018, To both questions.  
 
The objective of the amendments adopted in 
August 2018, so -called "Tax Maneuver", was not 
to create new sources of budgetary income. Tax 
Maneuver was developed in order to WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 154 - 
 
  and which became effective in January 
2019, provided for a reduction in phases 
of export duties on oil, gas condensate, 
and petroleum products until their 
elimination in 2024, accompanied by an 
equivalent increase in the Mineral 
Resources Extraction Tax (MRET) for oil 
and gas condensate. The amendments 
also included provisions allowing for the 
application of a temporary, a protective 
increase in the am ount of export duties on 
crude oil and petroleum products, and 
increases in the rates of excise taxes on 
petroleum products. The reduction of 
export duties on crude oil and petroleum 
products was accompanied by the 
adoption of special tax deductions to oil  
refineries and a "reverse excise tax" on 
petroleum feedstock to compensate them 
for the increased cost of feedstock. It has 
been observed that the measures taken to 
compensate refineries have made the 
system too complex and that, by restoring 
subsidies to  refining and consumption, 
these measures have compromised the 
objective of creating a level playing field 
between domestic and export markets. 
However, the Russian authorities have 
pointed out in this connection that 
subsidies for refining and domestic 
consumption have been significantly 
reduced.  
 
Question:  
As indicated in the report, the Russian 
government offers special tax deductions 
and a "reverse excise tax" to compensate 
refineries, we would like Russia to 
elaborate on the above -mentioned 
mechanisms.   
 
Page 122 (Para 4.100)  
Question  : 
Since the international community is 
dedicated to promoting fair and 
transparent competition environment, 
could Russia please elaborate on how to 
ensure a level playing field while operating 
the mechanisms above, and are  there any 
withdrawal mechanisms?  substantively reform the taxation system in the 
sphere of extraction and exports of oil and 
petroleum products. It provides for the shift of 
the fiscal burden from the exports of oil to the 
extraction of oil by virtue of phased out decrease 
in the exports duty rates for oil and petroleum 
products with simultaneous increase of the tax 
rate for extraction of natural resources in 
respect of oil and gas condensate, reduction of 
excise for petroleum products with provision of 
certain measures of support for the producers in 
order to adapt to the transition to the new 
system. This reform was lau nched in line with 
the policy of the Government of the Russian 
Federation aimed at phasing out of the export 
duties for oil and petroleum products. At the 
same time the Tax Maneuver is still in the 
process of its implementation. The Government 
reviews the effectiveness of its implementation 
and at this moment no specific proposals were 
put forward that would substantively modify this 
mechanism.  
 
4.3.2 Telecommunications and postal 
services  
4.3.2.3 Policy developments  
Page 140 (4.161)  
In 2018, the Governmen t adopted the 
Action Plan (Road Map) to Promote 
Competition in the Russian Economy and 
Transform Certain Areas of Natural 
Monopolies into a Competitive Market 
Mode for 2018 -2020, which also aims to 
increase competition in the provision of 
telecoms services . The Action Plan established list of key target 
indicators for development of competition in the 
Russian Federation in various sectors of Russian 
economy, such as healthcare, social services, 
education, agro -industrial complex, road 
construction, telecommunications, IT, housing 
and utilities sector, gas supply, oil and oil 
products, coal, electric power industry, transport 
services, industry , financial markets, natural 
resources and fishing industry.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 155 - 
 
  It aims to ensure technological neutrality 
for the development of innovative 
telecommunications infrastructure, 80% of 
cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants 
will be served by at least three telecom 
operators, and the elimination of roaming 
charges wit hin the Russian Federation.  
 
Question:  
Could Russia please provide us with more 
details about the Action Plan?  
Page 140 (4.161)  
 
Question  : 
Could Russia please explain why 80% of 
cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants 
were chosen as the standard for 
innovative telecommunications 
infrastructure? Could Russia also explain 
the meaning of "elimination of roaming 
charges within the Russian Federation"?   In order to implement the tasks established by 
the National Plan for the Development of 
Competition in 2018, the Government of Russia 
adopted an Action Plan ("road map") to promote 
the development of competition in the Russian 
economy and transfer certain areas of natural 
monopolies to a competitive market regime for 
2018-2020, which is also aimed to increase 
competition and increase the  availability of 
telecommunication services by eliminating 
administrative barriers to access to the 
communication services markets and simplifying 
the procedure for the construction of 
communication networks. Qualitative and 
quantitative indicators for ens uring the 
availability of services to the population in a 
competitive market are ensured through the 
diligent execution of decisions by telecom 
operators on the allocation of radio frequency 
spectrum, as well as through the development of 
universal communi cation services. At the same 
time, comfortable conditions for using 
communication services while traveling across 
the territory of Russia are provided. Previously, 
there were several types of roaming in Russia: 
national and intra -network roaming. Intra -
network roaming was provided when the users 
were leaving the region of registration of their 
sim-card but maintained connection though the 
networks of their operator. National roaming was 
provided when users were leaving the region of 
registration of their si m-card and the connection 
was provided through the networks of a different 
operator due to the absence of infrastructure of 
their sim -card operator in that region.  
 
Both types of roaming were eliminated with the 
adoption of the Federal Law of 27.12.2018 No. 
527-FZ, which introduced amendments to the 
Federal Law "On Communications". The cost of 
communication services for consumers 
decreased, on average (depending on the 
services and an operators) 2 - 5 times, and all 
incoming connections became free.  
6. INTE LLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS  
Page 22 (Para 2)  
6.2. Since 2016, there have been several 
improvements in anti -piracy legislation. 
The scope of anti -piracy laws was 
significantly expanded. The obligation to 
protect the exclusive rights of right On October 1, 2017, the provi sions of the so -
called "Law on Mirrors" came into force, which 
made it possible to solve an important problem 
related to the proliferation of pirate websites. 
After blocking their sites, pirates quickly transfer 
stolen content to other - new sites, creatin g so-
called "mirrors". In these conditions, there WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 156 - 
 
  holders was extended to a wider list of 
entities. A mechanis m for the removal of 
information from online search results and 
for extra -judicial blocking of web site 
"mirrors" was implemented. In November 
2018, a Memorandum "On cooperation in 
the field of protection of exclusive rights in 
the era of evolving digital t echnologies" 
was signed. The Memorandum, inter alia, 
includes an obligation of search engine 
operators to remove links to illegally 
posted audio -visual works of copyright 
holders upon their request. The Federal 
Law as of 8 June 2020 No. 177 -FZ "On 
Amendmen ts to the Federal Law "On 
Information, Information Technologies and 
Information Protection" on restricting 
access to "pirated "applications came into 
force in October 2020.  
 
Question:  
Could Russia please share with us what 
are the amendments to the content s of 
the aforementioned laws and 
memorandums as well as the background 
of the signatories? How effective has the 
implementation been? What are the 
opinions of the interested parties 
regarding the aforementioned provisions? 
–  
 appeared the need to create an effective 
mechanism that would allow to quickly block any 
number of newly formed mirror sites, exclude 
such sites from search results and reduce the 
procedural costs of copyri ght holders.  
The law provides for a procedure for restricting 
access to the so -called "mirror sites" from 
websites on the Internet, access to which is 
limited on an ongoing basis (based on the 
decision of the Ministry for Digital Development, 
Communication s and Mass Media of the Russian 
Federation).  
The "Law on Mirrors" allows to block mirror sites 
only within three days. It is especially important 
given the fact that even hours matter upon the 
release of films with the theatrical period of only 
two weeks.  
In 2018, a Memorandum on Cooperation in the 
Protection of Exclusive Rights in the Era of 
Digital Technologies was signed, the parties to 
which were the copyright holders of audiovisual 
works, operators of search engines, as well as 
the owners of some major  sites on the Internet.  
In accordance with the Memorandum, search 
engine operators have undertaken to stop 
issuing links to illegally posted audiovisual works 
of copyright holders at their request. Website 
owners (including social networks, video hosting 
sites) - delete such objects posted on their sites.  
The parties to the Memorandum agreed that 
their interaction will be carried out through a 
special register with websites indication. The 
organization chosen by the copyright holders will 
maintain such a re gister.  
According to the Memorandum, the register -
keeper accepts applications from copyright 
holders, verifies them, and includes reliable 
references to illegally posted works in the 
register. Search engine operators and website 
owners connected to such a registry will take 
appropriate action with respect to such links and 
works within six hours.  
8. EASE OF DOING BUSINESS, 
TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC 
EXPERTISE  
Page 23 (Para 8.4)  
Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is 
one of the main regulatory policy tools 
aimed at preventing the introduction of 
illegal, unreasonable, 
unenforceable…requirements, which could 
translate to potential costs for businesses, 
including small and medium -sized 
enterprises.  
 
Question:  
According to the relevant provision of 
Article 26 o f the Russian Federation Law 
(15.08.1996 N114 -FZ), foreign natural 
persons engaged in business or 
investment operations in the Russian 
Federation may be refused entry if they We would like to note that the WTO Agreement 
does not prevent Members from applying 
measures to regulate the entry of natural 
persons into, or their temporary stay in, its 
territory, including those measures necessary to 
protect the integrity of, and to ensure the 
orderly movement of natural persons across, its 
borders. At the same time violation of the laws 
of the Russian Federation may indeed be a 
ground for refusal of entry of a particular foreign 
person as well as refusal of exit for particular 
Russian person.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 157 - 
 
  have had two or more records of 
administrative violations within three 
years (suc h as overtime parking and, 
speeding, even though they have paid 
related fees or fines and have a valid 
entry visa).   
However, according to the relevant 
provisions of Article 67 of the Russian 
Federation Law (02.10.2000 N229 -FZ), for 
persons who are restric ted from leaving 
the country due to arrears of relevant 
expenses, the executive unit shall send 
the relevant decision by the executive 
officer the next day before the date of 
publication to the parties. Relevant 
prohibitions can be revoked on the same 
day once the person has paid the fees.   
Foreigners who have ever had a record of 
administrative violations and have no 
arrears, yet have not received any 
notification, are denied entry at the 
airport when they leave the country for 
travel or return to Russia f rom business 
trips.   
This approach not only does not comply 
with WTO national treatment regulations; 
it also brings about uncertainties in 
business operations to foreigners who are 
doing business in Russia.   
Could Russia please explain how the 
Regulatory I mpact Assessment (RIA) may 
help improve this situation?  
10 Sustainable Development  
10.2 Trade and eNviromental 
protection  
Page 27 (Para 10.11)  
Russia will conduct an experiment in the 
Sakhalin Region, which provides for 
quotas of greenhouse gas emissions at the 
enterprise level in order to achieve carbon 
neutrality in the region by the end of 
2025.  
 
Question:  
Could Russia please provide us with more 
detailed information about the experiment 
mechanism in the Sakhalin Region? –  to both questions.  
 A draft federal law "On conducting an 
experiment to establish special regulation of 
emissions and absorption of greenhouse gases in 
certain regions of the Russian Federation" 
provides for the experimental pilot projects 
aimed at achieving c arbon neutrality in regions 
of the Russian Federation.  
The Sakhalin pilot project will be a first regional 
emission trading system in Russia. It provides 
the following elements:  
- monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and 
removals;   
- quotas for greenhou se gas emissions;  
- mandatory reporting of regulated organizations 
and verification;  
- circulation and offset of carbon credits (issued 
if the actual emissions of the enterprise are 
below the established quota);  
- special economic and financial mechanisms 
stimulating the reduction of greenhouse gas 
emissions.  
This pilot project will enhance the development 
of low -carbon solutions in the sectors of energy, 
transportation and industry, and it will allow 
attracting investment in these industries.  
Subsequently,  the similar pilot projects may also 
be introduced in the other Russian regions.  Page 27 (Para 10.11)  
Has Russia considered implementing such 
measures as an emission trading system, 
carbon tax or other restrictions? If so, 
could Russia provide relevant information 
about such measures and an estimated 
time frame?  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  MEXICO  
  
Page 37 (paragraph 2.36)  
2.36. A "regulatory guillotine" 
mechanism was introduced in 2019 
under Presidential Instruction No. Pr -294 
of 26 February 2019, aiming to review 
and abolish all sectoral regulatory acts 
and replace them with regulations 
containing updated requirement s and 
using risk -based principles. Significant 
work has been undertaken in each of the 
areas covered by 43 working groups. 
According to the authorities, 12,300 
regulations containing mandatory 
requirements (more than 30% of 
mandatory requirements under rev ision) 
were abolished and 447 regulations 
adopted instead, often by regrouping 
various requirements into more 
comprehensive regulations.71 The 
authorities also consolidated key 
regulatory principles in Federal Law No. 
248-FZ of 31 July 2020 on State Contro l 
(Supervision) and Municipal Control in 
Russian Federation and Federal Law No. 
247-FZ of 31 July 2020 on Mandatory 
Requirements in the Russian Federation. 
The Government has also launched a 
"regulatory sandbox" mechanism to 
facilitate digital innovation.  
 
Question  : 
¿este mecanismo de simplificación 
normativa aplica por igual a cualquier 
sector o hay aplicación diferenciada?  
 
 
Page 37 (paragraph 2.36)  
Question  :  
¿existen criterios o supuestos por los 
cuales se pueda exentar de seguir ese 
mecanismo?  To both questions.  
 
The implementation of the "regulatory guillotine" 
mechanism is carried out by respective sectoral 
working groups. Currently, there are 40 of such 
working groups (on automotive transport; 
gambling and lotteries; safety of dona ted blood; 
traffic safety; water transport; air transport; 
precious metals and stones; rail transport; 
livestock and crop production; healthcare; land 
and real estate; intellectual property; collection 
activity; check -out equipment; culture; forestry; 
meteorology; ensuring the uniformity of 
measurements; education; conformity 
assessment; fire safety, civil defense and 
emergencies; printing products; production and 
circulation of alcoholic beverages; industrial 
safety; development of competition; advertising ; 
fishing; self -regulatory organizations of auditors; 
self-regulatory organizations of agricultural 
cooperatives; sanitary and epidemiological well -
being; communication and information 
technology; social service; media; construction 
and housing and communa l services; trade and 
consumer protection; transport security; labor 
relations and labor protection; tourism; ecology 
and nature management; pharmaceuticals and 
medical devices; power engineering).  
 
The working group involves representatives from 
the government authorities, business and 
academia. The decisions are taken with due 
account of the views of all the participants by 
consensus.  
 
The list of working groups is flexible. It is subject 
to approval by the Sub -commission on the 
improvement of the oversight and approval 
functions of the federal authorities". The Sub -
commission also decides on the scope of areas 
covered by this mechanism.  
 
Same procedure of the "regulatory guillotine" 
mechanism is applied to all sectors covere d by the 
mechanism.  
Page 71 (paragraph 3.128)  
 
3.128 Both ex ante and ex post 
notifications are possible under merger 
control rules. For ex ante control, the 
following financial thresholds are 
applicable: (i) the aggregate worldwide 
value of assets of the  acquirer's group 
and the target's group of companies 
exceeds RUB 7 billion, and the aggregate 
worldwide value of assets of the target's 
group of companies exceeds RUB 400 
million; or (ii) the aggregate worldwide 
turnover of the acquirer's group and the The rise in "killer acquisitions" was detected in the 
context of pharma -market and IT during the 
pandemic. At this moment no rule s to regulate 
such acquisitions specifically has been 
established, such concentrations are subject to 
general competition rules. Russian competition 
authority together with its EAEU and BRICS 
partners is in process of discussions of ways how 
to better tack le this issue.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 159 - 
 
  target's group of companies from the 
sale of goods, works, and services during 
the last calendar year exceeds RUB 10 
billion, and the aggregate worldwide 
value of assets of the target's group of 
companies exceeds RUB 400 million.140 
These thresholds are not applicable to 
financial organizations. Ex post 
notification is applicable only to cases of 
intra-group transactions where the 
information on the group has already 
been provided to the competition 
authorities ahead of the transaction.  
 
Question:  
¿Es posible  analizar de forma ex post o 
ex ante aquellas concentraciones que 
involucren a competidores potenciales 
(killer acquisitions )? 
Page 72 (paragraph 3.132)  
 
3.132 Regarding the future development 
of anti -monopoly legislation, discussions 
are underway on the so -called "fifth anti -
monopoly package", which envisages 
legislative amendments. The 
amendments aim to reflect recent 
developments, especially in the areas of 
the digital economy and data 
circulation.147 In addition, a National 
Competition Development Plan 2021 -25 
was developed by the FAS. It focuses on 
the enhancement of competition in the 
following priori ty areas: healthcare, the 
agro-industrial complex, financial 
markets, road construction, science and 
education, and information technology. 
Digitalization of anti -monopoly regulation 
is another of the Plan's priorities for the 
upcoming years.148 In order t o ensure 
the necessary digital transformation 
aimed at improving the quality of the 
implementation of the functions assigned 
to the anti -monopoly authority, the FAS 
is implementing a project to develop an 
automated information system, called 
Anti-Cartel, t hat uses artificial 
intelligence and big data technologies to 
identify signs of cartel collusion in the 
markets.  
 
Question  : 
¿Cuáles son las características del 
sistema "Anti -Cartel"?  The system will work on the basis of a distributed 
storage of big data connected to a single cluster. 
To automatically search for possible cartel 
conspiracies, the FAS will introduce a screening 
service that will use machine learning and 
artificial intelligence technologies. The information 
will be accumulated in a single dat a repository 
with distribution across different data centers. In 
addition, the system will exercise a function of 
"self-checking the risk of participation" in the 
cartel which help prevent violations of 
antimonopoly legislation.  
Page 72 (paragraph 3.132)  
 
Question  : 
¿El marco jurídico ruso permite utilizar la 
evidencia identificada por "Anti -Cartel" 
para iniciar investigaciones o hacer 
visitas de verificación ( dawn raids )? 
 The work of the "AntiCartel" is based on the 
automatic processing  of big data according to 
certain criteria (indicators). Currently, three 
modules of the "AntiCartel" have been developed 
and successfully implemented in the work of the 
FAS Russia and all its territorial bodies.  
These modules allow to automatically identi fy 
signs of anti -competitive  behavior of bidders WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 160 - 
 
  based on specified criteria, determine the degree 
of affiliation of various economic entities with 
each other, and also identify statistics on 
competitive purchases, purchases from a single 
supplier, broken down by customer, year, region, 
etc .; joint participation of suppliers with a 
breakdown by customers, years, etc. 
Development of modules continues.  
It should be noted that in accordance with Part 2 
of Article 39 of the Federal Law No. 135 -FZ of July 
26, 2006 "On Protection of Competition", the 
basis for proactive initiation and consideration of a 
case on violation of the antimonopoly legislation 
by the antimonopoly body is, among other, the 
case when the antimonopoly body detects signs of 
violation of the antimonopoly legislation. Thus, 
the "AntiKartel" can be used for the purpose of 
conducting a proactive investigation. In addition, 
"AntiCartel" is used when checking the 
circumstances set forth in the statements in order 
to optimize and speed up the proces s of analyzing 
a large amount of information. In addition, in 
order to legalize the information received, the 
antimonopoly authority sends the necessary 
inquiries.  
Page 73 (paragraph 3.135)  
 
3.135 Violations of Federal Law No. 135 -
FZ are subject to admini strative and 
criminal penalties, depending on the 
nature and gravity of the offence. 
Administrative fines may be imposed on 
legal entities and individual officers; in 
certain cases, officers may also be 
disqualified from exercising their 
functions for up t o three years. The Code 
of Administrative Offences establishes a 
detailed mechanism for the calculation of 
fines, including all mitigating and 
aggravating circumstances. The legal 
entity or the individual officer can appeal 
the administrative fine in а court. 
Criminal liability provisions are in place 
for any competition -restricting 
agreement (cartels) that caused major 
damages (exceeding RUB 10 million) to 
physical persons, organizations, or the 
State, or brought the perpetrators major 
earnings (exceeding RUB 50 million). 
Criminal penalties include fines (RUB 
300,000 -RUB 1 million), disqualification 
to hold certain positions or engage in 
certain activities, and prison terms of up 
to seven years.  
 
Question  : 
¿El Código contempla límites máximos a 
las sanciones impuestas u otras 
consideraciones que tengan como 
finalidad garantizar el principio de 
proporcionalidad y evitar restringir la 
competencia en el mercado poniendo en According to Article 4.1 of the Code of 
Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation 
an administrative penalty for committing an 
administrative offence shall be imposed within the 
limits, established by the law stipulating the 
responsibi lity for the given administrative offence, 
in compliance with the said Code. Moreover, when 
imposing an administrative penalty on a legal 
entity, the nature of the administrative offence 
committed by it, the property and financial status 
of the legal entit y, the circumstances mitigating 
the administrative responsibility and the 
circumstances aggravating the administrative 
responsibility, shall be taken into account.  
  Pursuant to Article 14.32 of the Code if the 
established conditions are observed in their 
entirety a person (or a group of persons) that has 
voluntarily applied to the federal antimonopoly 
body or its territorial body to report that he/it has 
concluded an agreement which is inadmissible 
according to the antimonopoly legislation of the 
Russian F ederation or has committed coordinated 
actions which are inadmissible in accordance with 
the antimonopoly legislation of the Russian 
Federation shall be relieved of administrative 
accountability for the administrative offences 
provided for by Parts 1 -4, 6 and 7 of said Article.   
  For committing the above offences an 
administrative fine shall be imposed on a legal 
entity in the amount of the minimum rate of the 
administrative fine stipulated for the given 
administrative offence, if such legal entity has 
reported about its making an agreement which is 
inadmissible in compliance with the antimonopoly 
legislation of the Russian Federation or about 
making agreed actions which are inadmissible in 
compliance with the antimonopoly legislation of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 161 - 
 
  riesgo la viabilidad de las empresas 
sancionadas?  
 
 the Russian Federa tion to the federal 
antimonopoly agency or a regional body thereof 
on a voluntary basis and the established 
conditions are observed in their entirety.  
  Articles 4.2 and 14.32 of the Code also stipulate 
that when an administrative penalty is prescribed 
account shall be taken of the circumstances 
alleviating the administrative liability.  
Page 73 (paragraph 3.135)  
 
Question  : 
¿Cuáles son las facultades del FAS en lo 
concerniente a la imposición de 
sanciones penales por conductas de 
colusión?  
 The authority of FAS in relation to cases of 
violations of  
antimonopoly legislation (both administrative and 
criminal)  
are defined by Article 23 of the Law on Protection 
of Competition and include the following:  
 1) initiation and consideration of cases on 
violations of the antimonopoly legislation;  
2) issuance mandatory prescriptions to business 
entities in cases, specified in the abov e-
mentioned  Law. 
It should also be noted that juridical persons 
cannot be subjected to criminal penalties 
according to the Criminal Code of the Russian 
Federation.  
Page 74 (paragraph 3.139)  
3.139 The Russian Federation has 
concluded bilateral cooperation 
agreements with competition authorities, 
including Brazil, Slovakia, France, the 
Republic of Korea, and Mexico. A single 
provision on competition policy is 
included in the FTAs concluded by the 
EAEU with Serbia and Singapore obliging 
the partie s to ensure effective protection 
against anti -competitive practices in 
accordance with their respective national 
legislation and Article 10bis of the Paris 
Convention for the Protection of 
Industrial Property.  
 
Question  : 
¿Qué acciones de cooperación 
internacional se realizaron con las 
autoridades de los países mencionados al 
amparo de los convenios bilaterales de 
cooperación en vigor durante el periodo 
examinado?  Within the framework of intergovernmental and 
interdepartmental agreements on cooperation in 
the field of competition policy, the parties provide 
each other with annual statistical and 
informational data on their activities, texts of laws 
and other normative acts of their states, 
methodological recommendations on the main 
areas of activity and othe r materials on the 
development of antimonopoly legislation; 
exchange experience in the field of investigations 
related to violation of the competition laws of the 
states of the Parties; involve specialists in 
consultations in the investigation of individua l 
cases of violation of their national competition 
legislation in order to exchange experience; 
organize meetings of their leaders to discuss the 
prospects and directions for the development of 
bilateral cooperation; conduct study visits and 
internships of  experts in order to exchange 
experience.  
Page 74 (paragraph 3.139)  
 
Question  : 
¿Existen tratados de libre comercio de 
los que la Federación de Rusia sea Parte 
y en los que se incluyan disposiciones en 
materia de competencia económica?  FTA EAEU -Viet Nam (entered into force on 5 
October 2016) and FTA EAEU – Singapore (signed 
on 1 October 2019, but not yet put into force) 
contain provisions on competition policy.  
 
Page 138 (paragraph 4.156)  
4.156 T he Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communications, and 
Mass Media also assesses the quality of 
telecommunications services based on a 
methodology approved in 2014. Initial 
reports were used to identify weaknesses 
in the telecom network, and potential 
locations for additional radio towers and The methodology for assessing the quality of 
mobile radio telephone services was adopted in 
2014 and is still in effect without changes.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 162 - 
 
  information based on test results is 
periodically published.  
 
Question  : 
¿La metodología para evaluar la calidad 
de los servicios de telecomunicaciones 
ha tenido actualizaciones, y, de ser el 
caso, cuáles son las más r elevantes?  
Page 139 (paragraph 4.160)  
4.160 The State Programme on 
Information Society was originally 
approved in 2014. In light of the 
National Programme, the State 
Programme was extended in March 
2020. The State Programme explicitly 
creates links with six of the federal 
projects under the National 
Programme269 and allocates significant 
annual budgets unt il 2024 to its four 
subprogrammes.  
 
Question  : 
¿Cuáles han sido los principales logros, 
hasta el momento, de la Estrategia 
Estatal de la Sociedad de la Información?  
 1) Under the first subprogram "Information 
infrastructure ": 
In 2020 over 26.5 thousand so cially significant 
objects in remote and hard -to-reach areas (over 
41 thousand in total) were connected to the 
Internet.  
 
Access to the Internet by means of Wi -Fi access 
points was provided to citizens in 12,243 small 
settlements with a population from 250 to 500 
people.  
 
The share of state educational organizations 
implementing educational programs of general 
education and/or secondary vocational education 
connected to the Internet in 2020 was 73.22%.  
 
2) Under the second subprogram "Information 
environment ": 
 
In 2020 32 music and cultural -educational 
audiovisual programs were created and 
distributed, and more than 2,000 hours of radio 
programs were distributed.  
 
Events aimed at promoting reading, round tables, 
seminars on the problems of  print media (e.g., 
the book festival "Red Square") were held.  
 
3) Under the third subprogram "Security in the 
Information Society ": 
 
In 2020 Roskomnadzor considered more than 
800,000 requests about the prohibited 
information on the web sites.  
 
The techni cal working draft, testing methods and 
test cases were developed to create a testing 
center for technical means and software that 
implement the means of cryptographic protection 
of information of significant payment systems.  
 
Eleven research works in the f ield of cryptography 
and information technology security, relevant 
from the point of view of national and 
international standardization, have been 
completed.  
 
4) Under the fourth subprogram "Information 
State ": 
 
In 2020 work was carried out to ensure the 
functioning and development of official websites 
and other Internet resources of the Government WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 163 - 
 
  of the Russian Federation, software and hardware 
and other conditions were created for the 
functioning of the portal of the Government of the 
Russian Federation . 
 
Rosstat ensured a selective federal statistical 
observation on the use of information 
technologies and information and 
telecommunication networks by the population.  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian 
Federation ensured uninterrupted provisi on by the 
diplomatic missions and consular offices of the 
Russian Federation of the state service for 
registration and issuance of passports certifying 
the identity of a citizen of the Russian Federation 
outside the territory of the Russian Federation, as 
well as diplomatic and service passports 
containing electronic media.  
Página 15 (párrafo 5.17)  
5.17 El 2 de marzo de 2021, la reforma 
de la asociación de institutos de 
normalización se concluyó con la 
creación de la Institución Presupuestaria 
del Estado Federal "Instituto Ruso de 
Normalización", con el objetivo de 
introducir un sistema organizativo y 
jurídico más avanzado para gestionar y 
aplicar la política estatal en la esfera de 
la normalización. Además, el 15 de 
noviembre de 2019, el Gobierno de la 
Federación de Rusia adoptó una hoja de 
ruta para el desarrollo de la 
normalización en la Federación de Rusia 
hasta 2021.  
Pregunta:  
 
Question  : 
¿El Instituto Ruso de Normalización 
gestiona y aplica la política de 
normalización de la s 
telecomunicaciones?  The "Russian Institute for Standardization" assists 
the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and 
Metrology in the field of standardization and 
technical regulation, activities on conformity 
assessment, development and monitoring of  
standards application, scientific researches, , 
educational activities, classification and 
cataloguing of products. Federal Agency for 
Technical Regulation and Metrology is in charge of 
standards in Russia, including in the area of 
telecommunications.  
Página 24 (párrafo 7.3)  
 
7.3 El Plan Nacional de Promoción de la 
Competencia en la Federación de Rusia 
para 2018 -2020  
(en adelante, el Plan Nacional), 
concebido para garantizar la aplicación 
de los principios  
fundamentales de la política estatal en 
esta e sfera, fue aprobado mediante el 
Decreto N° 618. Este  
Plan sentó las bases para importantes 
iniciativas legislativas.  
 
Question  : 
¿Cuáles fueron los principales resultados 
de la implementación del Plan Nacional 
de Promoción de la Competencia en la 
Federación de Rusia para 2018 -2020, en 
el sector de telecomunicaciones?  As a result of work of the FAS within the 
framework of the implementation of the National 
Plan, at least three operators providing mobile 
services are now operating in 80% of Russian 
cities with a population of more than 20 thousand 
people; national and in tranet roaming were 
abolished, thereby eliminating an unreasonable 
difference in tariffs for cellular services when 
traveling within the Russian Federation.  
One of the main results of the implementation of 
the National Plan for the Development of 
Competit ion in the Russian Federation for 2018 -
2020 in the telecommunications sector was the 
transition of the regulated market for long -
distance telephone services from a state of 
natural monopoly to a state of a competitive 
market.  
On the initiative of the FAS a mendments were 
made to the Decree of the Government of the 
Russian Federation dated 24 October 2005 No. WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 164 - 
 
   637 "On state regulation of tariffs for public 
telecommunications and public postal services". 
The service "provision of long -distance telephone 
connect ion" was excluded from the list of public 
telecommunications and public postal services. 
Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of 20 July 2020 No. 1076 "On 
Amendments to the Resolution of the Government 
of the Russian Federation No. 637 of  24 October 
2005" entered into force on 1 January 2021).  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  NORWAY  
  
Maritime transport  
 
We have seen reports about the work 
on a regulation on maritime 
transportation of Russian 
subsoil/seabed (petroleum/coal) 
resources in the form of an amendment 
of the relevant federal law. This process 
has, as we understand it, included 
proposals on restricting these maritime 
transport services to Russian -flagged 
and built vessels.  
 
Question  : 
We were pleased to note that during 
the last TPR of the Russ ian Federation 
in 2016, we received confirmation that 
any such regulation would be in line 
with the Russian WTO commitments. 
Against this background we would 
appreciate an update on the status for 
the work on this regulation, and if 
finally adopted, the ma in content of the 
new regulations. We would in this 
context appreciate a reassurance of its 
compliance with the Russian WTO 
commitments.  According to the amendments introduced into the 
MSC in 2021 by Federal Law No. 142 -FZ the 
Government of the Russian Fe deration is entitled 
to determine by its normative legal act some 
activities (out of those listed in para 1 and 3 of 
Article 4 of the MSC) to be performed by vessels 
flying the State Flag of the Russian Federation and 
built in the Russian Federation (para 4.1 of article 
4 of the MSC). No such act has been adopted by 
the Government of the Russian Federation to date.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  ICELAND  
  
Government Report   
SPS 
According to the Secretariat report, 
the Russian Federation adopted rules 
for controls carried out at overseas 
production processing, and dispatch 
sites of planting materials intended 
for importation into its territory. The 
report further details the 
responsibilities of the EEC for 
coordinating the elaboration and 
implementation of SPS measures by 
EAEU mem ber states.  
Question: Can Russia clarify whether 
the EEC States have a common 
register of establishment authorized 
for export in place?  Each Member of the Eurasian Economic Union has its 
own Register of third -country establishment, access 
to which can be obtained directly, or via the EAEU 
official website. Notwithstanding the fact, that 
establishment is registered by each Member State 
individually, the inclusion to a Registry means a 
country gets access to the EAEU market.  
 
 
SPS 
According to the Secretari at report, 
the Russian Federation adopted rules 
for controls carried out at overseas 
production processing, and dispatch 
sites of planting materials intended 
for importation into its territory. The 
report further details the 
responsibilities of the EEC for  
coordinating the elaboration and 
implementation of SPS measures by 
EAEU member states.  
Question: Can Russia elaborate on 
its system of inspections of foreign 
establishments. Does it constitute a 
system audit of the competent 
authority of that State, or do es it only 
target individual enterprises?  The procedure for the inclusion of exporting 
enterprises into the Register of establishments of 
third countries is set out in the Harmonized 
procedure for conducting joint inspections of objects 
and sampling of go ods (products) subject to 
veterinary control (supervision), approved by the 
Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission 
Decision as of 9 October 2014 No. 94.  
According to the Procedure, there are three options 
to gain access to the territory of the EAEU:  
- guarantees of the competent authority on 
compliance of products of national producers with 
the veterinary and sanitary requirements of the 
EAEU;  
 - inspections of the individual establishments;  
- audit of a foreign surveillance system to ensure the 
safety level of controlled goods (products) equivalent 
to the safety level established by the EAEU 
requirements.  
Customs procedures and 
requirements  
The report notes that since the entry 
into force of the Treaty in the 
Eurasian Economic Union and the last 
report significant legal changes have 
occurred including the areas of 
customs procedures.  
 
Question:  Have the amendments 
made in the areas of custom s 
procedures made it easier for 
economic operators to import 
products into the EAEU compared to 
imports into Russia preadoption of the 
EAEU treaty?   Since the entry into force the Treaty on the Eurasian 
Economic Union of 1 January 2015, significant 
changes  in the area of customs regulation have 
occurred. The Customs Code of the Customs Union 
was replaced by the EAEU Customs Code that 
entered into force 1 January 2018.  
 
The provisions of EAEU Customs Code facilitate 
customs procedures and reduce their time, establish 
the priority to the electronic documents, as well as 
electronic declaration, improve the institute of 
authorized economic operators (AOE) that provide 
special simplifications granted to AEO.  
Import prohibitions  
An import prohibition on cer tain 
products originating various 
countries, including Iceland, has been 
in place since 2014 and has been 
periodically extended. Current Currently the relevant measures were extended until 
31 December 2022 in accordance with the 
Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of 30 September 2021 No 1653.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  measures will be in place until 31 
December 2021.  
 
Question : Does Russia foresee to 
extend the import restrictions and  in 
that case have the legal instruments 
for an extension been adopted?  
Energ y 
According to the report gas, coal, and 
nuclear power account for 81% of 
electricity generation in Russia. The 
report does not address investments 
in renewable energy sector.  
 
Question:  Are there any restrictions 
or joint venture requirements 
regarding foreign investments in the 
renewable energy sector?   At the moment there are no limitations on foreign 
investments in renewable generation, except for 
foreign investing in the capital of t he companies 
which are simultaneously engaged in other types of 
activities that are subject to limitations in respect of 
foreign participation.  
 
 
Gender  
Question:  What is the participation 
of women in the economy of Russia?  According to the Federal Stat e Statistics Service data 
for 2019, the level of participation of women of 
working age (16 -54 years) in the labor force is 
79.1% (for comparison, the level of participation of 
men of working age (16 -59 years) is 85.1%). 
Women make up 49 % of the total numb er of 
employed in the economy.  
24.3% of top managers of companies are women 
(WEF, 2021).  
40,2% of SMEs and about 90% of social enterprises 
in Russia are women -led. 
According to the MasterCard annual study of 
women's entrepreneurship published in 2021 
(Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, MIVE, 
2021), Russia occupied 22nd place in the overall 
ranking of 58 countries in 2020 (compare with 29th 
place in 2019).  
Gender  
Question:  Have specific barriers that 
limit women 's participation in trade 
been identified?  As in any other sphere of entrepreneurship, women 
face a number of barriers, both general and specific, 
that prevent them from opening their own business. 
Two key stop factors are 1) lack of initial capital and 
2) lack of business skills and knowledge about 
starting business and entering new markets. Others 
are self -doubt; unstable economic situation; 
administrative barriers; burden of home care work; 
life-work balance; unavailability of infrastructure.  In 
order to  assist women -entrepreneurs to overcome 
these barriers, the "My Business" Centers in Russian 
regions hold consultations and organize trainings for 
women entrepreneurs.  
Gender  
Question:  Has Russia implemented 
any specific measures to encourage 
women 's part icipation in trade and 
promote women 's entrepreneurship, 
or are such measures being 
developed?   Since 2019 as part of the implementation of the 
national project "Small and Medium Enterprises and 
Support for Individual Entrepreneurial Initiatives", a 
range of services and support measures for MSMEs, 
including women -led companies, have been provided 
via the centers "My business", operating in Russian 
regions. Financial services (credit, guarantee, 
leasing) are provided to women -led MSMEs - such as 
consulting and educational support, assistance in the 
creation and modernization of production facilities, 
social entrepreneurship, and exporting support.    
Microloans at a preferential rate are allocated via 
regional public microfinance organizations in the 
frames of the national project "Small and medium WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  entrepreneurship and support for individual 
entrepreneu rial initiative". JSC "SME bank" provides 
special loan products to women entrepreneurs 
(investment and revolving lending, preferential loans 
for mothers -entrepreneurs).  
Gender  
Question:  Are the effects of trade 
policy on women and men measured 
and monitor ed, and if so, how?   Russia has not finalized its monitoring exercise on 
this topic yet.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  UKRAINE  
  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.2 Trade Policy Formulation and 
Objectives  
Page 31 (Para 2.15)  
The Report indicates that the 
Presidential Decree No. 204 instructs 
the Government to eliminate the 
logistical obstacles to the export of 
goods through railroads, motor, and 
sea transportation.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation indicate 
existing logistical obstacles to the 
export of goods through ra ilroads, 
motor, and sea transportation? –  The National Project "International cooperation and 
export" envisage, inter alia, tasks to eliminate 
logistical obstacles. Such tasks include the adoption 
of regulatory measures, such as the adoption of 
federal la w on direct mixed and combined 
transport, updating the rules of transport of goods 
in containers by rail, the introduction of a single 
transport document (used in direct mixed 
(combined) transport), introduction of an electronic 
document for the transporta tion of goods by 
international transport.  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
2.3.2 Regional and preferential 
agreements  
Page 34 (Para 2.25)  
The Report mentions that the Russian 
Federation is a party to the Treaty on a 
Free Trade Area between Members o f 
the Commonwealth of Independent 
States (CIS).  
Since 1 January 2016, the Russian 
Federation has unilaterally suspended 
the operation of mentioned Treaty 
regarding Ukraine. It resulted in 
application of the EAEU unified customs 
tariff rates on goods origi nating in 
Ukraine.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation specify 
the exact provisions of  mentioned 
Treaty that allow to unilaterally 
suspend its operation regarding one of 
the parties to the Treaty and justify 
appropriate suspension?  The application of the CIS FTA in respect of Ukraine 
was suspended by the Russian Federation in 
accordance wit h the Decree of the President of the 
Russian Federation of 16 December 2015 No. 628.  
 
The position of the Russian Federation on this issue 
was provided in detail  in the note of the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs of Russia dated 4 March 2016 No. 
1760/1DSNG, s ent to the Executive Committee of 
the Commonwealth of Independent States.  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.2 Rules of origin  
Page 42 (Para 3.15)  
Under the Report, a certificate of origin 
is required fo r consignments worth 
more than USD 150 that may be 
subject to trade remedies depending 
on their origin.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation explain 
under what circumstances 
consignments worth more than USD 
150 may be subject to trade remedies?  The Eur asian Economic Union (EAEU) applies 
common trade remedy measures. Trade remedies 
include measures to offset or prevent material 
injury to the EAEU industry caused either dumped 
imports (anti -dumping measures) or subsidized 
imports (countervailing measures) , or to offset or 
prevent serious injury to the EAEU industry caused 
by increased imports as a result of unforeseen 
developments (safeguard measures). The 
application of trade remedy measures with respect 
to imports of goods from third countries is 
precede d by the relevant investigation.  
The products may be subject to trade remedy 
measures in case it is established, as a result of the 
respective investigation:  
− that imports of the products are causing or 
threatening injury to the EAEU industry WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 170 - 
 
  through the effects of dumping or 
subsidization;  
− that the product is imported to the EAEU in 
such increased quantities and under such 
conditions as to cause serious injury to the 
EAEU industry.  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
Page 44 (Para 3.22)  
The Report indicates that "Overall tariff 
dispersion remains significant, with 
rates (including ad valorem equivalents 
(AVEs)) ranging from zero to 284.6% 
(Table A3.1)."  
 
Question : 
Could the Russian  Federation elaborate 
on reasons for subjecting sugar, meat 
and poultry to tariff peaks?  Most WTO Members use tariffs to secure favourable 
conditions for the development of their domestic 
agriculture by establishing higher duty rates on 
goods which are se nsitive to competition with 
imported goods and in respect of which the duties 
can be used to maintain a positive trade balance as 
well as a balanced trade structure.  
Page 44 (Para 3.23)  
The Report states that the Russian 
Federation bound "other duties and  
charges" at zero.  
 
Question :  
Could the Russian Federation give 
more detailed information on customs 
fees, presented in Table 3.1, including 
on other tax in 2019?  
 
Page 44 (Para 3.23)  
 
Question  : 
What steps the Russian Federation 
intend to take to implement Article VIII 
of the GATT?  According to Article 47 of the Customs Code of the 
EAEU customs fees shall not exceed the amount of 
the approximate cost of services rendered by 
customs authorities.  We would like to note that 
customs fees that fall under the provisions of 
Article VIII of the GATT cannot be considered as 
"other duties and charges" within the meaning of 
Article II of the GATT.  
 
Page 45 (Para 3.25)  
The Report notes that "For three tariff  
lines, the MFN rates applied in 2021 
are somewhat higher than the 
corresponding bindings (by up to 2 
percentage points). The Russian 
Federation`s bindings for seven 
additional tariff lines could potentially 
be exceeded, because the applied rates 
match the  corresponding ( ad valorem ) 
bound levels but also have a minimum 
specific duty component. For one 
additional tariff line, the MFN rate is ad 
valorem (6.5%) while the bound rate is 
compound (4.5% plus EUR 0.02 per 
kg)." 
 
Question : 
Could the Russian Federation identify 
for which tariff lines (HS) the applied 
tariff rates exceed the corresponding 
bound rates?  To all three questions.  
Para. 3.24 of the report states that "comparisons 
between the Russian Federation's bound and 
applied t ariffs (based on HS07 and HS17, 
respectively) are prone  to imprecision". In its turn, 
para. 3.25 stipulates that for "three tariff lines, the 
MFN rates applied in 2021 are somewhat higher 
than the corresponding bindings" but without the 
references to any c oncrete tariff lines or products.  
We believe that this suggestion can be based on 
incorrect data due to differences in the HS 
nomenclatures of Russia's WTO commitments and 
applied tariff.  
Page 45 (Para 3.25)  
 
Question  : 
Would the Russian Federation explain 
how it ensures that its applied rates WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 171 - 
 
  remain below or correspond the 
bound?  
Page 45 (Para 3.25)  
Question  : 
What kind of measures does the 
Russian Federation consider adopting 
to address these issues?   
Page 45 (Para 3.26)  
According to the Report the Russian 
Federation`s Consolidated Tariff 
Schedule contains four tariff quotas: 
fresh and chilled beef; frozen beef; 
fresh, chilled or frozen poultry; and 
whey and modified whey.  
 
Question:  
With the reference to the  Russian 
Federation's notification 
G/AG/N/RUS/32, could the Russian 
Federation elaborate on reasons of low 
fill-rates under all tariff quotas in 
place?  The low fill -rates under TRQs on certain categories 
of agricultural products may be explained by the 
market situation. First of all, this concerns the 
dynamics of growth of domestic production of 
agricultural products, raw materials and foodstuff 
in the co rresponding segments. For example, 
according to preliminary data of the Federal State 
Statistics Service for 2020, the production of 
livestock and poultry exceeded the same values of 
2019 by 3%, while compared to 2015, such growth 
was 16.6%. At the same ti me, the accelerated 
development of pig breeding has caused structural 
changes. Over the past 5 years, the share of pigs 
for slaughter has increased from 29.5 to 35%. On 
the contrary, the share of cattle decreased from 
21.1 to 18.2%, poultry - from 45.1% to  43%, 
sheep and goats - from 3.4% to 2.9%. In addition, 
it is important to take into account changes in 
demand and consumption, that occurs in the face 
of price level changes and the changes in 
purchasing power of the population due to the 
spread of the CO VID-19.  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Page 50 (Para 3.38)  
The Report informs that the Russian 
Federation prohibited, on national 
security grounds, the importation of 
certain agricultural products from 
several trading partners in August 
2014.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide a 
list of measures that would trigger the 
need to implement restrictions on 
national security grounds?  
 The need to implement measures aimed at 
protection of national security arises when there  is 
a threat to the national security of the Russian 
Federation. Given that such threats may vary 
dependent on particular circumstances it is not 
feasible to provide a list of such threats or 
circumstances, including the measures mentioned 
in the question.  As an illustration, we can refer to 
the Federal Law of 30 December 2006 #281 -FZ 
"On Special Economic and Coercive Measures" 
which provides that the special economic measures 
are adopted in cases when a complex of 
circumstances, that require immediate reac tion to a 
internationally wrongful act or hostile actions by 
foreign State or its bodies or authorities, that 
constitute a threat to the interests and security of 
the Russian Federation and/or infringing the rights 
and freedoms of Russia's citizens, arises .  
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53 (Para 3.45)  
According to the Report "A ban on the 
international transit of certain cargo 
through the territory of the Russian 
Federation was implemented in 2014 
and underwent several amendments 
before being lifted in July 2019. From 
that date, the transit traffic of g oods 
originating in jurisdictions that have 
imposed certain economic restrictions 
against Russian legal and/or natural 
persons, as well as goods originating in 
or being transported through Ukraine, Resolution No. 1716 -83 of the Government of the 
Russian Federation was adopted pursuant to the 
subparagraph "B" of paragraph 2 of the Decree of 
the President of the Russian Federation of 22 
October 2018 No 592 "On application of Special 
Economic Measures in Connection with the Hostile 
Actions by Ukraine in resp ect of Citizens and 
Juridical Persons of the Russian Federation".  
In accordance with paragraph 1 of the said 
Resolution the goods originating from Ukraine, the 
country of consignment of which is Ukraine or 
which are transported through the territory of 
Ukraine, listed in Annex 1 to the Resolution, cannot 
be imported to Russia.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 172 - 
 
  must be traced using identification 
means (seals) operatin g on the basis of 
the global navigation satellite system 
(GLONASS) and, in case of 
transportation by road, registration 
cards for drivers."  
 
Question:  
Would  the Russian Federation confirm 
that goods, listed in Annex 1 to 
Government Resolution No. 1716 -83 of 
29 December 2018, while being 
transported through the territory of 
Ukraine  (originating from WTO 
Members) are allowed for the 
importation into the Russian Federation 
without unnecessary delays? –  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting 
Exports  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Page 58 (Para 3.65)  
The Report mentions prohibitions of the 
exportation of certain agri cultural 
goods, such as onions, garlic, turnips, 
rye, rice, buckwheat, millet, cereals, 
wholemeal flour, and cereal granules, 
implemented by the EAEU on 21 April 
2020.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
reference number of notifications 
submit ted to the WTO regarding the 
imposition of export prohibition on the 
listed in para. 3.65 agricultural goods? 
–  To both questions. Temporary export prohibition on 
certain food products applied by the EAEU from 10 
April to 30 June 2020 was notified on the WTO 
webpage dedicated to enhancing transparency of 
trade-related measures aimed at containing and 
alleviating COVID -19 impacts.  
This temporary  measure was terminated on 1 
September 2021.  
 
Page 58 (Para 3.65)  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation also 
inform about its plans to submit a 
notification to the Committee on 
Agriculture in accordance with Article 
12 of the Agreement on Agriculture 
and relevant notification obligations 
under Article XI of GATT with regard to 
the introduced by the Government 
Resolution No. 684 of 30 April 2021 the 
Russian Federation temporary export 
prohibition on buckwheat (valid from 5 
June to 31 August 2021)?  
3.2.6 Special economic zones and 
regional schemes  
Pages 62 -64  
According to the re ports, special 
economic zones (SEZs), Advanced 
Development Area (ADA) and the 
Territories of Advanced Socio -Economic 
Development (TACED) are operating in 
the Russian Federation, where 
preferential tax regime is applied and 
services rendered in electronic f orm Taxation may vary depending on the zone, area or 
territory depending on the purpose of their 
creation. For example, VAT is not levied on the 
performance of works (provision of services) by 
residents of the port SEZ. Residents of some 
special economic zone may also benefit from lower 
income tax.  
Income tax rate is also set at 0% for residents of 
the Territories of Advanced Socio -Economic 
Development.  
The following benefits are also provided for WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 173 - 
 
  are subject to VAT.  
 
Question:  
Would the Russian Federation clarify 
the differences in preferential tax 
conditions set up for mentioned zones 
of economic development and inform 
whether application of preferential VAT 
regime is provided in such zones?  residents of the Advanced Development Area, in 
particular:  
• the right for VAT refund on a declarative 
basis in the presence of a guarantee from 
the management company;  
• income tax in the amount of 0 - 5% - 
within 5 tax periods starting from the 
period in which the first profit from 
activities within the Advanced Development 
Area was obtained; in the amount of 12 - 
20% (13 - 20% for the period 2017 - 
2020) - during the next 5 tax periods ; 
• With regard to property tax and land tax - 
the regional legislation may provide for a 
reduction in rates or full exempt ion from 
property tax and (or) land tax.  
3.2.6 Special economic zones and 
regional schemes  
Pages 62 -64  
 
Question:  
What is the applicable VAT rate for 
operations on rendering electronic 
services by foreign suppliers (via 
Internet)? What is the quantity of VAT 
taxpayers and what mechanism of 
control over VAT payment by such 
taxpayers is used by controlling 
authorities o f the Russian Federation?  According to article 164 of the Tax Code of the 
Russian Federation, the general (standard) VAT 
rate is 20 %. At the same time, according to the 
letter of the Federal Tax Service of Russia dated 23 
October 2018 No. SD -4-3/20667@ "O n the 
procedure for applying the VAT tax rate in the 
transition period", if foreign organizations provide 
services in electronic form and payment (partial 
payment) for these services has been received 
starting from 1  January 2019, then VAT is 
calculated at  the estimated tax rate of 16.67 %. 
3.2.6 Special economic zones and 
regional schemes  
Pages 62 -64  
 
Question  : 
How has increase of VAT rate 
influenced budget revenue and refund 
of this tax from the budget?  VAT is established at 16.67 %. In case the supplier 
has a representation within the territory of Russia 
the tax is paid by such representation. In case of 
absenc e of such representation, the tax is paid by 
the tax agent. The actual data on the amounts of 
VAT receipts and refunds from the budget are 
contained in the official forms of tax reporting, in 
particular in the 1 -NМ report (located at the link: 
https://www.nalog.gov.ru/rn77/related_activities/st
atistics_and_analytics/  
Page 63 (Para 3.90)  
According to the Report Territorial 
Development Zones (TDZs) may be 
established f or up to 20 years where 
state support may be provided to 
accelerate the socio -economic 
development of regions of the Russian 
Federation. Regions approved by the 
Government may apply for the creation 
of TDZs where incentives (e.g. tax 
incentives, leasing, s ubsidies, and state 
guarantees on loans) may be granted. 
By of the end of 2020, no TDZs had 
been created.  
 
Question:  
Could  the Russian Federation explain in 
detail mechanism of establishment of 
TDZs?  The regional authorities are the initiators of the 
establishment of TDZ. In order to create TDZ the 
regional authorities lodge a request to the Ministry 
of Economic Development o f the Russian 
Federation. Such request should contain the 
detailed description of the characteristics of the 
proposed TDZ. These characteristics can include 
information on potential residents of TDZ, its 
investment plan, job creation, revenue and tax 
forecast. The decision on creation of such zone is 
adopted by the Government of the Russian 
Federation.  
 
Page 63 (Para 3.90)  
 
Question  : 
What are the main sectors and The TDZ residents cannot engage in production of 
ethanol, alcohol products, tobacco products, 
excisable products, extraction of crude oil, natural 
gas, precious metals and gems, their processing, WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 174 - 
 
  economic activities that TDZs can 
cover?  wholesale and retail trade, repair of automotive 
vehicles, of household goods and of personal items, 
financial activity, processing of scrap and waste of 
ferrous and non -ferrous metals.  
Page 63 (Para 3.90)  
 
Question  : 
What is the reason that no such zone 
has been created, despite possible 
granting of state support?  One of possible reasons may be that other types of 
zones turned out to be more attractive for investors 
and regional authorities.  
3.3 Measures Affecting Pr oduction 
and Trade  
3.3.4 Competition policy and price 
controls  
3.3.4.1 Current legal framework, 
recent amendments, and 
development prospects  
Page 70 (Para 3.122)  
The Report states that the legal 
framework regulating competition 
policy comprises the Constit ution, the 
Civil Code, Federal Law No. 135 -FZ of 
26 July 2006 on the Protection of 
Competition (last amended in February 
2021), and other federal laws.  
 
Question:  
Could  the Russian Federation cite 
specific provisions that prohibit 
monopoly agreements and abuse of 
market power in accordance with the 
Law on Protection of Competition?  Chapter 2 of the Federal Law on Protection of 
Competition No. 135-FZ of 26 July 2006 describes 
the provisions concerning monopolistic activities, 
including the prohibition on:  
− abuse of a dominant position by an 
economic entity ; 
− agreements restricting competition 
between business entities ; 
− concerted actions/inaction of business 
entities that restrict competition.  
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned 
enterprises, and privatization  
Page 75 (Para 3.143)  
The Report mentions that the Russian 
Federation has not made any 
notifications to the WTO on state 
trading enterprises within the meaning 
of Article XVII of GATT 1994 and the 
understanding on the Interpretation of 
Article XVII.  
 
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation inform 
when it intends to submit the 
outstanding notifications regarding 
state trading enterprises?  In respect of making notifications under the GATT 
Article XVII the Russian Federation believes that it 
fully complies with its obligations under said Article 
and intends to continue to comply.  
 
Page 77 (Para 3.153)  
The Report informs on a privatization 
plan for 2020 -22 that identifies 86 
federal unitary state enterprises, 186 
JSCs, and 13 LLCs for privatizatio n 
over the period.  
 
Question:   
What are the Russian Federation's 
plans regarding the privatization 
program?  Privatization plan for the period 2020 - 2022 was 
approved by the Decree of the Government of the 
Russian Federation dated 31  December 2019 No. 
3260-r. In accordance with the Decree of the 
Government of the Russian Federation dated 
23.08.2021 No. 1401 "On Amendments to the 
Rules for the Development of Forecast Plans 
(Programs) for the Privatization of State and 
Municipal Property", the deadline fo r the 
implementation of the privatization program 2020 -
2022 has been postponed for two years. Now the 
privatization plan is to be undertaken for the period 
2023-2024.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 175 - 
 
  Page 77 (Para 3.153)  
 
Question  : 
Are there any criteria or prerequisites 
(e.g. profit, a sset prices) for selecting 
sectors or companies for privatization?  Taking into account the state policy aimed at 
reducing the state property sector, the privatization 
program shall include property not demanded by 
the state for the performance of its functions and 
not legally restricted in circulation.  
3.3.7 Intellectual property rights  
3.3.7.1 COVID -19 pandemic and 
IP-related measures  
Page 83 (Paragraphs 3.179 -3.180)  
The Report informs that Government 
Order No. 3718 -r was issued on 31 
December 2020 t o grant a compulsory 
licence for remdesivir, an 
investigational medical treatment of 
COVID -19, on the grounds of national 
security under Article 1360 of the Civil 
Code of the Russian Federation (CC 
RF). This Order authorized a Russian 
company called Pharma syntez to use 
six patents related to remdesivir under 
the compulsory licence to supply the 
Russian population with necessary 
amounts of remdesivir.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
whether the use of six patents related 
to remdesivir under the compulsory 
licence was authorized predominantly 
for the supply of the domestic market 
of the Russian Federation or it can also 
be supplied in the territory of the 
EAEU, considering that  appropriate 
patents are Eurasian patents? –  Compulsory licensing in respect of remdesevir was 
applied on the basis of Article 1360 of the Civil 
Code of the Russian Federation. This Article 
empowers the Government to allow this 
mechanism for internal sales. Besides, in 
accordance with paragraph 1 of the Government 
Decree  compulsory license was applied to meet the 
needs of only citizens of the Russian Federation. In 
this regard, there was no exports of remdesevir, 
including to the EAEU Member -States.  
 
Page 83 (Paragraphs 3.179 -3.180)  
 
Question  : 
How was the necessary amounts of 
remdesivir defined and whether it was 
fixed in the compulsory licence?   The specific volume of remdesevir was not 
determined in the governmental decree for 
granting the compulsory license. It was supposed 
that it would depends on the p andemic situation in 
Russia.  
Page 83 (Paragraphs 3.179 -3.180)  
 
Question  : 
How was the economic value of the 
authorization taken into account and 
what was the mechanism of 
remuneration to  the right holder?   According to paragraph 3 of the Decree of the 
Government of 31 December 2020 No. 3718-r 
Pharmasyntez (the company that was authorized to 
manufacture remdesevir under the compulsory 
license) had to provide the right holder with the 
compensation. This remuneration was the issue of 
commercial interaction be tween two economic 
operators.  
Page 83 (Paragraphs 3.179 -3.180)  
 
Question  : 
What was the process of choosing the 
company by the Government to use 
patents related to remdesivir under the 
compulsory licence?   The specific volume of remdesevir was not 
determined in the governmental decree for 
granting the compulsory license. It was supposed 
that it would depends on the epidemiological 
situation in Russia.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 176 - 
 
  Page 83 (Paragraphs 3.179 -3.180)  
 
Question  : 
Where there any labelling requirements 
for the supply of remdesivir, produced 
under the compulsory licence and, if 
so, what they are?   There were no labelling requirements as 
remdesevir was supplied only in the internal 
market as Article 31 of the TRIPS Agreement does 
not set out any labelling requirem ents for 
reproduced products to be supplied.  
Page 83 (Para 3.181)  
Under the Report, Article 1362 of the 
CC RF stipulates that compulsory 
licences can be granted by Russian 
courts, upon request, and a person 
requesting a compulsory licence should 
provide e vidence that the patent holder 
has refused to enter into a voluntary 
licensing agreement on terms and 
conditions corresponding to established 
practice.  
 
Question:  
Would the Russian Federation clarify 
what documents can be considered as 
evidence that the p atent holder has 
refused to enter into a voluntary 
licensing agreement according to 
Russian legislation?   The Russian Legislation does not provide a specific 
list of documents that can be accepted as evidence. 
In case of a litigation, as a general rule, an y 
documents that comply with the general principles 
may be considered by the court and accepted as 
evidence if they are sufficient to prove the details 
of the case. The final decision if made by the court 
on a case -by-case basis using the evidence 
provided  by both parties.  
 
 
 
Pages 83 -84 (Para 3.182)  
The Report mentions a bill on 
expanding the grounds for granting 
compulsory licences, including in 
emergency use related to protecting 
the life and health of citizens, that 
suggests that the Government should 
establish an appropriate policy and 
practices for determining the amount 
of compensation and its payment 
procedure.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
such expanded grounds for granting 
compulsory licences under mentioned 
bill?  The measure at issue is the new version of Article 
1360 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. 
According to this Article the Government of the 
Russian Federation is empowered to grant 
compulsory licenses in emergency or other 
circumstances of ex treme urgency related to, inter 
alia, protection of health and lives of citizens. 
According to Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement 
and Public Health each Member is authorized to 
determine what constitutes emergency or other 
circumstances of extreme urgency.  
Pages 83 -84 (Para 3.182)  
 
Question  : 
Have an appropriate policy and 
practices for determining the amount 
of compensation and its payment 
procedure been established by the 
Government (please, inform more, if 
so)?  On 18 October 2021 was signed a Governmen tal 
decree No. 1767 which introduces rules for 
compensation to the right holder in case of no 
agreement was reach by parties and in emergency 
situations or other circumstances of urgency when 
a compulsory license was granted. The amount of 
compensation will be calculate d on the base of a 
percentage of the incomes of a person who has 
exercised the right to use an invention, utility 
model or industrial design without the consent of 
the patent holder from the production, sale and 
over use of corresponding generic invention.  This 
compensation will be paid by a person  which will 
use the right to use patent without authorization of 
the right holder in accordance with the compulsory 
license an annual basis during the period of effect 
of this compulsory license.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 177 - 
 
  Page 84 (Para 3. 183)  
The Report informs on consideration of 
the inclusion of the special compulsory 
licensing system of the amended TRIPS 
Agreement into the CC RF in 
compliance with Article 31bis of the 
TRIPS Agreement. It also states that 
the bill was adopted by the Stat e Duma 
in the third reading on 25 May 2021.  
 
Question:  
Could the  Russian Federation update 
information on state of play of 
consideration process and describe 
main provisions of the appropriate bill?  The Federal Law No. 212-FZ was adopted by the 
Russian Federation and entered into force on 11 
June 2021. The Federal Law was developed in order 
to implement 31 bis of the TRIPS Agreement. In 
accordance with this Law the Government is 
authorized, in the cases and on the conditions 
provided for by an international agreement of the 
Russian Federation, to make a decision on the use 
of inventions for the production of a medicinal 
product for the purpose of exporting it without an 
authorization of the right holder with compensation 
to him. This decision should contain information on 
the volume of production of a medicinal product, 
determined by the needs of a foreign state, into 
the territory of which the medicinal product is to be 
exported. Medicinal product packaging must have a 
special labelling.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and 
Fisheries  
4.1.2 Policies  
4.1.2.1 Border policies  
Page 98 (Para 4.16)  
The Report notes that, the Government 
adjusted export duties on wheat, 
barley, and corn within this export 
quota in early 2021 to stabilize 
domestic market prices. Following 
additional changes, as from 2 June 
2021 these duties were to be replaced 
by floating duties, calculated using a 
benchmark index.  
 
Question:  
What are the economic reasons for 
introducing a floating duties on exports 
of wheat, barley, and corn, given that 
the harvest of these crops in 2020 was 
close to an all -time high and that 
inflation in Russia during this period 
was low?  The floating export duties were established in order 
to stabilize situation with the prices on the internal 
market amid the decreasing revenues of the 
population as a resul t of COVID -19 pandemic, as 
well as to ensure food security.  
Page 98 (Para 4.16)  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation describe 
its "grain damper mechanism" and 
confirm that it doesn`t provide any 
export subsidies for agricultural 
producers?  
 Floating export duties were established in order to 
stabilize situation with the prices on the interna l 
market amid the decreasing revenues of the 
population as a result of COVID -19 pandemic, as 
well as to ensuring food security. The floating duty 
won't be applied to wheat with the price under 200 
dollars per tonne. With the higher price, the duty 
rate wil l be 70% of the difference between the 
world price and 200 dollars. For barley and corn – 
the threshold is 185 dollars per tonne. It is 
expected that this floating duty will not significantly 
affect export but will become a mechanism for 
assuring food secu rity. 
The Russian Federation does not provide export 
subsidies for agricultural producers.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 178 - 
 
  Page 99 (Para 4.18)  
Under the Report, "According to its 
notifications to the WTO Committee on 
Agriculture, the Russian Federation did 
not provide export subsidies f or 
agricultural products during the review 
period. However, a number of Members 
have raised questions in recent 
Committee on Agriculture meetings, 
asking for clarification on the provision 
of financing support for exporters and 
exports via the Russian Expo rt Center, 
a one -stop shop for export financing 
and other support".  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation give 
specifics about the list and conditions 
of financial products that promote 
exports by Russian clients abroad, in 
particular regarding the serv ices and 
conditions that have been questioned 
by the WTO members in the meetings 
of the WTO Committee on Agriculture?  EXIAR provides the following products: buyer credit 
insurance, export factoring insurance, working 
capital financing insurance, short -term receivables 
insurance. Eximbank of Russia provides direct loan 
to foreign buyer, export factoring, financing 
through a confirmed letter of credit, special 
financial instrument for SME clients.  
The information on conditions for providing 
financial products  to agricultural goods was 
included in the compilation documents on Export 
Credits, Export Credit Guarantees or Insurance 
Programmes prepared by the Secretariat (for the 
year 2020 – G/AG/W/125/Rev.14/Add.2).  
4.1.6 Fisheries  
Page 110 (Para 4.52)  
The Repor t states that rules limiting 
the operation of foreign -owned firms in 
the fisheries sector were made 
somewhat more restrictive through an 
amendment of the definition of foreign 
ownership.  
 
Question:  
37. Could the Russian Federation 
elaborate on concrete restrictive effect 
of rules towards foreign ownership on 
the operation of foreign -owned firms in 
the fisheries sector?  Paragraph 2 of Article 11 of the Federal Law No. 
166-FZ of 20 December 2004 "On F ishing and 
Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources" 
(hereinafter - the Fisheries Law) provides that legal 
entities and individual entrepreneurs registered in 
the Russian Federation that are under the control 
of a foreign investor or a group of persons , which 
includes a foreign investor, are not entitled to 
fishing aquatic biological resources, except under 
certain conditions. Such conditions are set out in 
paragraph 3 of same Article.  
Persons in question are entitled to fishing aquatic 
biological resou rces in case the control by a foreign 
investor or a group of persons, which includes a 
foreign investor, in relation to such persons is 
acquired after the approval by the competent 
authority (in the manner prescribed by the Federal 
Law No. 57 -FZ 29 of Apri l 2008 "On the procedure 
for foreign investments in business entities of 
strategic importance for ensuring the country's 
defense and state security").  
Page 111 (Para 4.54)  
The Report mentions the strategies for 
the Development of Agriculture and 
Fisheries  through 2030 and for the 
Development of the Fisheries Industry 
until 2030.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation inform on 
the specific contents of the mentioned 
strategies?   The Strategy for the Development of the Agro -
industrial and Fisheries Complex es of the Russian 
Federation for the period up to 2030 contains the 
analysis, detailed elaborations on the directions of 
state policy, forecast of the development and 
targets of the agro -industrial and fisheries 
complexes for the period until 2030.  
One of the legal basis of the Strategy is the 
Strategy for the Development of the Fisheries 
Industry of the Russian Federation for the period 
up to 2030.  
The Strategy for the Development of the Fisheries 
Industry of the Russian Federation for the period 
up to 20 30 (hereinafter – the Strategy) is a 
sectoral document of strategic planning of the 
Russian Federation in the field of development of 
the fisheries complex and is the basis for the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 179 - 
 
  development and updating of state programs 
(subprograms) of the Russian Fed eration, state 
programs (subprograms) of the regions of the 
Russian Federation and other strategic planning 
documents stipulated by the legislation of the 
Russian Federation containing measures aimed at 
the development of the fisheries industry.  
The Strat egy contains the analysis of the fisheries 
complex, detailing the directions of state support 
for individual development projects, as well as the 
expected development parameters of stocks and 
volumes of catch, sales markets, range of final 
products, releva nt business models for fisheries 
enterprises.  
The Strategy defines new approaches to 
overcoming internal and external challenges facing 
the industry at the current stage of development, 
describes strategic measures to achieve the 
established development g oals and proposes main 
and supporting development projects strictly aimed 
at achieving long -term strategic goals and 
established target indicators, as well as the 
formation of a mechanism for high -quality 
management of the main risks.  
The strategy includes  the following projects: "New 
cod industry", "Marine biotechnology", "Food 
pelagics", "Salmon breeding", "Valuable seafood". 
In order to provide conditions for the economic 
growth of the industry, seven "supporting" projects 
in the areas of logistics infra structure, science and 
education are also being implemented.  
Page 111 (Para 4.54)  
 
Question:  
Do mentioned strategies provide fiscal, 
taxation and other preferences?   The Strategies do not provide fiscal, taxation or 
other preferences.  
Page 111 (Para 4.54)  
 
Question:  
What are preliminary results of 
implementation of the strategies?  The Strategies were adopted in late 2019 and early 
2020. The results of their implementation are not 
available yet.  
Page 111 (Para 4.54)  
 
Question:  
Could the Russi an Federation provide 
information about its subsidies to 
fishing producers?   Please see the notifications of the Russian 
Federation made pursuant to Article 25 of the 
Agreement on SCM (G/SCM/N/284/RUS, 
G/SCM/N/315/RUS, G/SCM/N/343/RUS).  
4.3 Services  
4.3.1  Financial services  
4.3.1.2 Banking  
Page 126 (Para 4.118)  
Under the Report "The Bank of Russia 
continued its efforts to strengthen the 
financial system and ensure regulatory 
compliance. As a result, the number of 
banks and non -bank credit institutions 
declined from 623 at the end of 2016 
to 442 in early 2020".  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation share its 
opinion why foreign investment is The year -on-year decrease was 0.83 p.p., which is 
not critical against the background of the 
pandemic. The size of foreign capital participation 
in the total charter capital of credit institutions 
licensed to conduct banking operations, as of 
1January 2021 was 10.96% (11.79% as of 1 
January  2020).  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 180 - 
 
  declining as a share of total capital of 
credit institutions?  
Page 126 (Para 4.118)  
 
Question:  
Are there any plans to attract more 
foreign capital to the banking sector?   The size of participation of foreign capital in the 
aggregate authorized capital of credit 
organizations, calculated by the Bank of Russi a as 
of 1 January 2021 amounted to 10.96%, while the 
maximum limit for non -residents' investments in 
the banking sector is 50%.  
Page 127 (Para 4.119)  
According to information, given in Table 
4.11, three largest banks represented 
54.6 % of system assets in 2020.  
 
Question:  
Could  the Russian Federation elaborate 
on its plans to reduce the 
concentration of the three largest 
banks in its banking sector?  
 
 It should be noted that concentration, being a 
factor influencing the competition, nevertheless, is 
not determinative (which is noted in international 
practice). The reasons for the growth of 
concentration are various. In particular, the number 
of market participants is reduced as a result of the 
withdrawal from the market of financially  unstable 
and unscrupulous financial institutions. Such 
decrease contributes to the improvement of the 
competitive environment. In addition, the process 
of innovative development (including the increasing 
role of data, technological infrastructure, etc.) 
leads to the fact that some financial market 
participants cannot adapt to changes, which leads 
to further concentration of the customer base 
around the leaders.  
 
In this context, the key principle of competitive 
environment development in the Russian financ ial 
market is the creation of favorable business 
conditions for all market participants that would, 
among other things, promote innovative 
development of the financial market, satisfaction of 
needs of the population, real economy sector. In 
particular, the  work conducted by the Bank of 
Russia on the development of the financial market 
infrastructure equidistant from the market 
participants, development of proportional 
regulation, etc. contributes to the creation of such 
conditions.  
Page 129 (Para 4.125)  
The Report mentions restrictions to 
trade in commercial banking services 
that further increased between 2016 
and 2020, according to the OECD`s 
Services Trade Restrictiveness Index.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
the types and scope of restri ctive 
measures on trade in commercial 
banking services?  
 The Bank of Russia does not impose any special 
restrictions in relation to trade in commercial 
banking services. All measures implemented by the 
Bank of Russia are aimed at developing and 
enhancing the banking system of the Russian 
Federation and ensuring financial stability and are 
in line with Russia's commitments in the WTO.  
 
Nonetheless, this question refers to the OECD 
Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (hereinafter, 
the Index). As regards the  information provided in 
the Index, we should note the following.  
 
The quota cap on foreign equity in overall charter 
capital of credit institutions having banking 
licences, as reported earlier, was established 
according to the list of Russia's specific 
commitments in services in the WTO. Moreover, the 
laws regulating corporate operations stipulate 
national treatment for residents and non -residents 
of the Russian Federation purchasing credit 
institutions' shares (equity stakes) that prevents 
discrimination  in terms of both the deadlines for 
completing admission procedures and the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 181 - 
 
  requirements for persons willing to get admission.  
 
As regards payments and cross -border transfers, 
the existing requirements are not discriminatory 
and align the conditions of ope ration in the Russian 
Federation of Russian payment service providers, 
payment system operators registered by the Bank 
of Russia, foreign payment service providers and 
foreign payment systems (Article 19.2 
'Requirements for the functioning of foreign 
payme nt systems in the Russian Federation' of 
Federal Law No. 161 -FZ 'On the National Payment 
System'). The provisions of Article 19.2 do not 
encompass foreign organi zations having 
subsidiaries in the Russian Federation that are 
payment system operators registe red by the Bank 
of Russia, as well as international financial 
organi zations, and foreign central (national) banks.  
 
Moreover, the information provided in the Index on 
prohibiting cross -border transfers from the Russian 
Federation to countries not recogni zing Russian 
payment systems is not true. Russian laws do not 
establish any restrictions on cross -border transfers 
depending on whether a payment system is or is 
not recogni zed in a foreign state.  
4.3.3 Transport  
Page 142 (Para 4.173)  
It is stipulated in the Report that 
among the most important goals of 
Transport Strategy 2030 are the 
creation of a competitive transport and 
logistic services market, and improved 
integration of the Russian Federation 
into the global transport system.  
 
Question :  
Does achieving the goal of improved 
integration of the Russian Federation 
into the global transport system 
include the implementation of the 
requirements of the EU's Third Energy 
Package in the energy sector, in 
particular providing that production, 
transportation, and sale of natural gas 
are not be combined by a single 
company? Is it expected that this 
requirement will be met? –  The list of goals and priorities provided for in the 
Transport Strategy does not contain the 
requirements referred to in ques tion by Ukraine in 
connection to the Third Energy package, as well as 
no timelines for the issue raised.  
2 TRADE AND ECONOMIC 
OVERVIEW  
2.4 Investments  
Page 7 (Para 2.20)  
It is stipulated in the Report, that 
during 2016 -2019, foreign direct 
investment flows abroad ranged from 
USD 22 billion to USD 37 billion per 
year, and in 2020 it fell to USD 5.3 
billion.  
 
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation provide 
more details on the measures taken by We kindly refer to Section 5.3 Improving the 
Investment Climate of the Report by the Russian 
Federation (WT/TPR/G/416 of 22 September 2021), 
which contains the main measures undertaken by 
the Ru ssian Federation with the view of improving 
the investment climate in Russia during the review 
period. Those would include, in particular: Business 
Climate Transformation instruments, various 
modifications to the corporate legislation, 
development of terri tories of Russia though 
creation of Special Economic Zones, Advanced 
Development Areas, as well as Investment 
Protection and Promotion Agreement between the 
State and an investor.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 182 - 
 
  the Russian authorities to attract more 
foreign dire ct investment and to 
improve the country's business 
climate?  
3 CHALLENGES  
Sustainable Development Challenges  
Page 10 (Para 3.11)  
The Report mentions such global 
challenge as climate change that 
requires joint efforts at an international 
level.  
 
Question:  
How does the Russian Federation see 
the possible input of trade into the 
global efforts to combat climate 
change? –  Internationa l trade can serve as a means for 
expansion of new climate -friendly technologies and 
know-how. Trade may also increase the 
vulnerability to climate change of some countries 
because it leads them to specialize in the 
production of products in which they have  a 
comparative advantage, while relying on imports to 
meet their requirements for other goods and 
services. Trade can also provide a means to bridge 
the differences in demand and supply conditions, 
so that if climate change leads to a scarcity of 
certain g oods and services in a country, it will 
nonetheless be able to obtain what it needs from 
countries where these goods and services continue 
to be available. Moreover, reducing or eliminating 
trade-distorting measures, such as subsidies, so as 
to make intern ational trade a more effective tool 
for adapting to climate change. Russia, thus, 
supports efforts aimed at addressing fisheries 
subsidies, including fuel subsidies, as well as trade -
distorting domestic support in agriculture.  
Trade opening can also contr ibute to global efforts 
to mitigate climate change. In this context, Russia 
supports efforts aimed at promoting greater access 
to environmental goods and services at a cheaper 
cost. 
Challenges of the Fourth Industrial 
Revolution  
Page 11 (Para 3.14)  
The Re port expresses opinion regarding 
influence of the strengthening of 
economic positions of transnational 
corporations (TNCs) on the global value 
chains (GVCs) and the "rules of the 
game" in the global market.  
 
Question:  
What steps is the Russian Federation 
taking to limit this impact by such 
multinational corporation as Gazprom, 
which is the Russian Federation's 
natural gas -exporting monopoly?   
 Gazprom can hardly be classified as a transnational 
company since it has major production are in 
Russia, its control over transportation networks in 
Europe was effectively diminished by the EU 3rd 
Energy package, and has lost most of its quasi 
monopoly rights. The prices of Gazprom gas for 
domestic sales are partially, and for transportation 
services in a full ar e set by the Government on the 
basis of economically viable and objective data, to 
avoid abuses.  
In particular, PJSC "Gazprom" does not hold 
monopoly rights over natural gas supply, including 
exports. According to the information of the 
Ministry of energy of the Russian Federation, all of 
the following companies, including PJSC Gazprom, 
have the right to export natural and liquified gas: 
PJSC NK Rosneft, JSC Yamal LNG, LLC Gazprom 
Export, LLC ARKTIK LNG 1 and LLC ARKTIK LNG 2.  
Currently, PJSC Gazprom maint ains monopoly 
rights solely over the Russian segment of the 
unified gas supply system, as well as of the 
Belarusian section of the Yamal - Europe gas 
pipeline.  
The number of natural gas producers in the Russian 
market is also steadily increasing.  
In 2018 t here were overall 252 producers in the 
Russian market, including 104 organizations 
included in the structure of vertically integrated 
companies; 145 independent oil and gas 
companies; 3 companies operating under a 
production sharing agreement (hereinafter – "PSA WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 183 - 
 
  operators").  
In 2019, natural gas in Russia was produced by 
258 companies, including 106 organizations 
included in the structure of vertically integrated 
holdings, 149 independent oil and gas companies, 
3 PSA operators.  
In 2020, natural gas in Russi a was produced by 
260 companies, including 96 organizations included 
in the structure of vertically integrated companies; 
161 independent oil and gas companies; 3 PSA 
operators.  
What concerns price regulation of the gas market 
in Russia, according to parag raph 4 (1) of the Basic 
Provisions for the Formation and State Regulation 
of Gas Prices, Tariffs for Gas Transportation 
Services and Fees for Technological Connection of 
Gas-Consuming Equipment to Gas -Distributing 
Networks in the Territory of the Russian F ederation, 
adopted by the Government Decree of 29 
December 2000 No. 1021  
(as amended), gas produced by producers 
independent of PJSC Gazprom, as well as gas 
produced by PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates may 
be sold by suppliers at unregulated prices if:  
1) gas is sold by PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates at 
organized auctions in volumes determined by the 
Government of the Russian Federation;  
2) gas is sold by PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates to 
organizations for the production of natural gas in a 
liquefied sta te for subsequent export and to 
organizations that entered into gas supply 
contracts after 1 November 2018, providing for the 
start of natural gas supplies after  1 January 2020, 
for the production of methanol from natural gas in 
a gaseous state for subsequ ent export;  
3) gas is produced using the technology for 
liquefying gas and (or) its regasification from gas 
produced by PJSC Gazprom and its affiliates, 
owners of regional gas supply systems and 
supplied to consumers who do not belong to the 
"population" c ategory;  
4) gas is produced by organizations created in 
pursuance of the Decree of the President of the 
Russian Federation of 17 November 1992 No. 1403 
"On the Specifics of Privatization and 
Transformation into Joint -Stock Companies of State 
Enterprises, P roduction and Research and 
Production Associations of the Oil, Oil Refining 
Industry and Oil Products Supply" (except for 
organizations that are owners of regional gas 
supply systems).  
To clarify, Russia does not intend to limit or 
structure the activities  of transnational companies. 
Rather, the goal is to bring the attention of the 
international community to the issue of market -
distorting behavior of transnational companies and 
the need to revive a respective dialogue, including 
at the WTO. In our view it is important to consider 
how market -oriented principles could be applied to 
such enterprises.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 184 - 
 
  5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT  
5.5 Digital economy  
Page 21 (Para 5.68)  
The Report mentions tax reliefs 
provided to IT -companies as a timely 
support amid the pandemic.  
 
Question:  
Would  the Russian Federation inform 
more what tax reliefs are granted to 
Russian IT companies to support them 
during the pandemic?  Tax reliefs prov ided to the IT -companies as part of 
the anti -pandemic package were not tied to the 
amount of exports of particular services by 
companies.  
The measures that were adopted included decrease 
in employment insurances fees from 14% to 7,6% 
and decrease of the in come tax from 20% to 3%.  
Page 21 (Para 5.68)  
 
Question:  
Were these tax reliefs tied to the 
volume of IT services exported by 
these companies?   
6 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 
RIGHTS  
Page 22 (Para 6.3)  
The Report informs that the Customs 
Code of the EAEU adopted in 2018 also 
envisages a few provisions aimed at 
strengthening measures of customs 
protection of intellectual property 
rights.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
whether the Customs Code of the EAEU 
envisages the customs protection of  
the trademarks and if owners of the 
trademarks can apply electronically to 
protect their IP rights, and how it 
strengthens the effective protection of 
the IP rights?  The Eurasian Economic Commission is empowered 
to establish uniform procedures in the ter ritory of 
the Union:  
• registration of decisions to suspend the 
time limit for the release of goods and 
the extension of the time limit for 
suspending the release of goods;  
• notification of the declarant, right 
holder or a person representing his 
interests or  the interests of several 
right holders (hereinafter - the 
representative) of the adoption of such 
decisions (hereinafter - the notification 
of suspension);  
• registration of the annulled decision to 
suspend the release of goods.  
Decision of the Board of Eur asian Economic 
Commission No. 188 of 19 December 2017 "On 
Certain Issues Related to the Release of Goods" 
provides for the possibility of sending notices of 
suspension in electronic form.  
In the Russian Federation for electronic interaction 
with rights hol ders a Personal Account of  a 
participant in foreign economic activity is used, 
registration in which is carried out on the official 
website of the Federal Customs Service of Russia.  
In addition to the implementation of electronic 
interaction with the cust oms authorities in 
notification of suspension, the right holder 
(representative) uses the Personal Account for a 
public service to maintain the customs register of 
intellectual property objects.  
7 DEVELOPMENT OF COMPETITION  
Page 23 (Para 7.2)  
The Report mentions Decree of the 
President of the Russian Federation of 
21 December 2017 No. 618 "On the 
Main Directions of State Policy for the 
Promotion of Competition" that defines 
the core principles of state policy for 
the promotion of competition, i ncluding 
the inadmissibility of restraining The official FAS website provides for the register of 
all natural monopolies (see 
http://fas.g ov.ru/pages/activity/tariffregulation/ree
str-subektov -estestvennyix -monopolij.html ). To 
prevent adverse effect the natural monopolies 
contained in the register on the competition and 
consumer interest, FAS pursues a bulk of 
regulatory methods enshrined in Article 6 of the 
Federal Law No. 147-FZ "On natural monopolies", 
such as price regulation by means of determination WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 185 - 
 
  economically justified transition of 
natural monopoly spheres from the 
state of natural monopoly to 
competitive markets.  
 
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation provide a 
list of natural monopolies that do not 
adversely affect competition and 
consumer interests?  (fixing) of prices (rates) or price ceilings or 
identification of consumer groups that shall receive 
services under а mandatory service arra ngement.  
10 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT  
10.2 Trade and environmental 
protection  
Pages 26 -27 (Para 10.6)  
The Report informs that Russia 
supports efforts to reduce global 
greenhouse gas emissions. At the same 
time, in accordance with the 
fundamental principles  of the UNFCCC 
and the Paris Agreement, each country 
has the right to independently choose 
the optimal model for the "green" 
transformation of the economy and 
production processes, as well as the 
pace, mechanisms and tools for 
achieving the climate goals. Russia 
advocates for the use of a wide range 
of measures to reduce emissions and 
reduce anthropogenic impact on the 
climate, such as increasing energy 
efficiency and energy saving measures, 
improvement of production processes, 
developing energy with low gr eenhouse 
gas emissions including renewable 
energy sources, increasing the 
efficiency of using ecosystems 
(including increasing their absorptive 
capacity), introducing new clean 
technologies, as well as the 
introduction of technologies for carbon 
capture, s torage and removal from the 
atmosphere.  
 
Question:  
Could  the Russian Federation provide 
more details on the measures taken by 
the Russian authorities to bring its own 
agricultural and industrial policies in 
line with Russia's commitments under 
the Paris A greement, in particular to 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 
energy, develop alternative energy, 
and regulate greenhouse gas 
emissions?  To all four questions.  
Over 40% of the Russian energy balance is 
comprised of low -emission energy sources, 
including n uclear power.  
For the moment, nuclear power represents a major 
source of green energy in Russia: by the end of 
2020, NPPs has generated 215.746 bln kWh of 
power, which is 20.3% of the total power generated 
in the country.  
All Russian -designed NPPs mitiga te the production 
of about 213 mln tons of CO2 -equivalent per 
annum.  
At the same time, Russia is developing the 
production of hydrogen energy.  
To achieve the strategic goal of developing 
hydrogen energy, it is necessary to intensify 
international cooperat ion in the sphere. This goal 
can be achieved by the conclusion of long -term 
export contracts for the hydrogen supply and 
energy products based on it, as well as by the 
exports of industrial products for hydrogen energy.  
There is also great potential for the implementation 
of climate projects aimed at enhancing greenhouse 
gas sink by forests and the other ecosystems. The 
other climate projects may be aimed at 
improvements in energy efficiency, development of 
energy saving measures, improvemen t of industrial 
processes.  
Russia is also actively developing national climate 
legislation. It includes the Federal Law "On limiting 
the greenhouse gas emissions", a draft federal law 
"On conducting an experiment to establish special 
regulation of emission s and absorption of 
greenhouse gases in certain regions of the Russian 
Federation", as well as a draft "Strategy on the 
socio-economic development of the Russian 
Federation with a low level of greenhouse gas 
emission until 2050".  
Since 2020 green financin g has been developing in 
Russia. The taxonomy has 2 blocks:  
1) Taxonomy of green projects that also 
includes nuclear energy.  
2) Taxonomy of adaptation projects. This 
taxonomy covers projects in oil and gas production, 
coal processing, sustainable infrastru cture.  
The Government Resolution of the Russian 
Federation of 14 July 2021 No. 1912 -r establishes 
the goals and main directions on sustainable 
(including "green") development in the Russian 
Federation. It provides the key directions of the 
state policy on the investments development and 
the extra -budgetary funds attraction to projects, WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 186 - 
 
  which have a positive impact on the environment 
and other spheres of sustainable development.  
Decree of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of 21 September 2021 No. 1587  
establishes the criteria for sustainable (including 
green) development of projects in the Russian 
Federation, as well as the requirements for their 
verification.  
In order to develop investment activities and 
attract extra -budgetary funds to projects aimed  at 
executing the national development goals, a draft 
action plan ("road map") has been developed to 
implement measures aimed at financing the 
sustainable (including "green") development in the 
Russian Federation. To increase the inflow of capital 
to susta inable development projects, the outlined 
plan provides for the following measures:  
− subsidies to Russian organizations applying 
BAT to reimburse part of the cost of paying 
coupon income on stable bonds and/or to 
reimburse part of the cost of paying 
interest on stable loans;  
− consideration of the possibility of applying 
in practice financial regulation and 
supervision of measures that stimulate 
market participants to pursue a policy of 
environmentally responsible financing, 
taking into account the impa ct of such 
policy on the level of credit and other risks, 
both in the short and long term;  
− application of a tax rate of 0% from 2022 
to 2024 in relation to coupon yield on 
stable bonds for this period.  
Page 27 (Para 10.7)  
Under the Report, hydrogen energy  
development strategy was adopted in 
August 2021.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation elaborate 
what are the main results expected to 
be achieved in the next few years 
according to the hydrogen energy 
development strategy and what are the 
main challenges?  
 
 The planned development of hydrogen energy in 
the Russ ian Federation is divided into 3 stages:  
Phase I (2021 - 2024) involves creation of pilot 
projects for the export of hydrogen up to 0.2 
million tons by 2024, as well as the use of 
hydrogen energy carriers in the domestic market.  
Phase II (2025 - 2035) incl udes the launch of the 
first commercial projects for the production of 
hydrogen with the export goal of up to 2 million 
tons in 2035 (the optimistic goal is 12 million 
tons).  At this stage, it is planned to implement pilot 
projects for the use of hydrogen in the domestic 
Russian market.  
Phase III (2036 - 2050) involves the large -scale 
development of the global hydrogen energy 
market.  The export volume to the world market 
can reach 15 million tons by 2050 (the optimistic 
target is 50 million tons).  The cost of production 
from renewable energy sources will approach the 
production cost from fossil raw materials.  
During the third phase the Russian Federation 
should become one of the largest suppliers of 
hydrogen and energy mixtures based on it, as well 
as indust rial products for hydrogen energy and 
hydrogen energy technologies.  
On the domestic market, a wide commercial 
application of hydrogen technologies is expected in 
such fields as transport, energy and industry.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 27 (Para 10.7)  
 
 
Question:  
When does the Russian Federation plan 
to start the export of hydrogen energy 
according to this strategy?   According to the Concept of hydrogen energy 
development in the Russian Federation 
(hereinafter - Concept), Russia is expected to 
provide a competitive cost of hydrog en both in the 
European market and in the Asia -Pacific Region. 
One of the challenges in realization of this scenario 
is the need to develop infrastructure and 
technologies for cost -effective distribution of 
hydrogen.  
 
The total export of hydrogen from Russ ia is 
supposed to reach up to 0.2 million tonnes in 2024, 
2 – 12 million tonnes in 2035 and 15 – 50 million 
tonnes in 2050. This volume will be depend on the 
development of global low -carbon economy and the 
demand for hydrogen in the global market.  
To achi eve the strategic goal of developing 
hydrogen energy, it is necessary to intensify 
international cooperation in this area. This goal can 
be achieved by the conclusion of long -term export 
contracts for the hydrogen supply and energy 
products based on it, as  well as by the exports of 
industrial products for hydrogen energy.  
 
Page 27 (Para 10.9)  
Under the Report, "A draft federal law 
"On the establishment of the 
experimental special regulation on 
emissions and absorption in certain 
Subjects of the Russian Federation" is 
currently awaiting approval from the 
Government of the Russian Federation. 
The Sakhalin Region will be the first 
region to conduct this experiment. The 
experiment provides for the 
greenhouse gas emission quotas at the 
enterprise leve l. The goal is to achieve 
carbon neutrality in the region by the 
end of 2025".  
 
Questions:  
Could the Russian Federation clarify 
how this system will operate?  A draft federal law "On conducting an experiment 
to establish special regulation of emissions an d 
absorption of greenhouse gases in certain regions 
of the Russian Federation" provides for the 
experimental pilot projects aimed at achieving 
carbon neutrality in regions of the Russian 
Federation.  
The Sakhalin pilot project will be a first regional 
emission trading system in Russia. It provides for 
the following elements:  
− monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions 
and removals;  
− quotas for greenhouse gas emissions;  
− mandatory reporting of regulated 
organizations and verification;  
− circulation and offset of carbon credits 
(issued if the actual emissions of the 
enterprise are below the established 
quota);  
− special economic and financial mechanisms 
stimulating the reduction of greenhouse 
gas emissions.  
It is expected that this pilot project will enhance 
the deve lopment of low -carbon solutions in the 
sectors of energy, transportation and industry, as 
well as allow attracting investment in these 
industries.  
Subsequently, the similar pilot projects may also be 
introduced in the other Russian regions.  
Page 27 (Para 10.9)  
 
Question:  
Are there plans to apply this system to 
goods imported by Russia?  The system only applies to domestic producers. At 
the moment there no such plans.  
11 RUSSIA IN THE WTO  
11.3 WTO negotiations  
Page 29 (Para 11.10)  
The Report informs about participation 
of the Russian Federation in the WTO In the framework of the ongoing negotiation 
process on e -commerce, Russia has proposed to 
adopt or maintain conditions and requirements 
relating to cross -border transfer and processing of 
personal data. Our proposal fully corresponds to WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 188 - 
 
  negotiations on e -commerce. It states 
that "Russia stands for the 
establishment of a system of 
multilateral rules in this important 
area, with special attention being 
devoted to developing rules aime d at 
protecting consumer rights and 
personal data, ensuring non -
discriminatory conditions for the 
participation of Russian economic 
operators, in particular MSMEs, in e -
commerce, simplifying customs and 
trade procedures, improving access to 
open government  data, as well as 
ensuring information security on the 
Internet".  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation specify 
its opinion in terms of establishment of 
multilateral rules aimed at 
strengthening the protection of 
personal data of consumers, 
considering i ts measures mentioned, in 
particular, in Subsection 4.3.2.5 of the 
Report by the WTO Secretariat?  the measures mentioned in the Secretariat's 
report.  
Russia adheres to a high -level standard for 
personal data protection, basing its legislation on 
the principles of the Conve ntion of the Council of 
Europe for the protection of individuals with regard 
to Automatic Processing of Personal Data.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  MONGOLIA  
  
4.2.2.3 Gas  
4.75. The major destinations for Russian 
pipeline natural gas exports in 2020 
were Germany, Italy, Belarus, Turkey, 
France, Kazakhstan, and the United 
Kingdom. There was a significant 
expansion of capacity to export gas to 
both Europe and Asia, as exemplified by 
the construction of the Nord Stream 2, 
Turk Stream, and Power of Siberia 
pipelines.131 As wi th oil, Asian countries 
are expected to become increasingly 
important as destinations for Russian 
gas exports.  
 
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
further details on the perspectives 
regarding Russian gas export to Asian 
markets?  The decision s on export destinations are taken by 
companies based on current and future 
perspectives of the market. There is a high 
potential of increase in supplies to Asian markets, 
in particular through Power of Siberia -2 pipeline.  
  
4.2.2.6.2.3 Export customs du ties 
and taxation  
4.98. Crude oil and petroleum products 
are subject to export duties under 
Article 3.1 of the Law on the Customs 
Tariff. The rates of export duty vary 
depending upon the price of crude oil. In 
accordance with bilateral 
intergovernmental agreements between 
the Russian Federation and Belarus, 
Armenia, and the Kyrgyz Republic, the 
export duty is not applied to oil and oil 
products exported to these countries 
within the indicative balances developed 
and agreed upon annually for the supply 
of oil and oil products .  
 
Question:   
Could the Russian Federation provide 
the up -to-date rates of export duty for 
crude oil and petroleum products? Are 
they publicly  available? Could Mongolia 
establish the above -mentioned type of 
bilateral intergovernmental agreement 
with Russi an Federation? If so, what 
needs to be done in order to establish to 
a bilateral intergovernmental agreement 
between the Russian Federation and 
Mongolia?  The rates of export duties on crude oil and oil 
products are published on the web site of Ministry 
of Economic Developments of the Russian 
Federation ( https://www.economy.gov.ru ). The 
rates of export duties o crude oil and oil products 
for the period from 1 October  to 31 October 
2021 are the following:  
 
According  to the Article 25 of the Treaty on the 
EAEU, within the framework of the customs 
union, the free movement of goods between the 
territories of the EAEU's Member States is carried 
out without the use of customs declaration and 
state control. Thus, the expor t duties on trade in 
goods, including oil and oil products, do not apply 
between the EAEU's Member States.  
In accordance with the agreement on the 
Methodology for the formation of indicative 
(forecast) balances of gas, oil and oil products 
within the Euras ian Economic Union, indicative 
balances form a single system of indicators 
applied within the EAEU and in its member states, 
characterizing production, consumption, import 
and export, including mutual ones, aimed at 
meeting the internal needs of the EAEU m ember 
states. The indicative balances do not relate  to 
the application or non -application of export duties 
on crude oil and oil products between the EAEU's 
Members States.  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
3.37. The EAEU NTMs are set out in a 
"Single List", which entered into force on 
1 January 2010 and has been amended 
a number of times.25 As at June 2021, 
the Single List comprised 7 items 
prohibited for importation and 15 
restricted items that were subject to 
(non-automatic) import l icensing. Many The Russian Federation does not app ly non -
automatic licensing in respect of cement. The 
procedures on non -automatic licensing and the 
covered products are described in notifications on 
import licensing No. G/LIC/N/3/RUS/6. Cement 
does not fall under the scope of such measures.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 190 - 
 
  of the NTMs in place implemented 
obligations undertaken under 
international conventions, such as 
CITES, the Stockholm Convention, and 
the Basel Convention, while others 
reflected national or regional interests. 
Most NTMs were of a permanent nature.  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation provide 
detailed information on the non -
automatic licensing procedures for 
cement products, specifically for the 
duration of processing applications and 
its approval steps?  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 191 - 
 
  ISRAEL  
  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.22. " The simple average applied 
MFN tariff declined slightly from 8.3% 
in 2016 to 7.9% in 2021; for dutiable 
lines, the decline was from 9.9% to 
9.4%. The phased implementation of 
the Russian Federation's accession 
commitments partly explains the 
reduction in average applied rates. 
Some 16% of tariff lines are duty free 
(same as in 2016) and 1.4% of all 
lines carry rates of over 25%, down 
from 1.9%  in 2016 (Chart 3.1). 
Overall tariff dispersion remains 
significant, with rates (including ad 
valorem equivalents (AVEs)) ranging 
from zero to 284.6% (Table A3.1). 
The average applied rate on 
agricultural products (WTO definition) 
is 13.4% (down from 14.6%  in 2016), 
whereas the corresponding average 
for non -agricultural products stands at 
6.3% (down from 6.5% in 2016)."  
Question:   
Does the Russian Federation have any 
planned tariff raise or reduction 
initiatives for the near future? If so, 
which sectors or products are planned 
to be included in such initiatives?   Russia as the EAEU Member State cannot change 
tariffs unilaterally. Such decision is taken by the 
Eurasian Economic Commission. Thus, Russia 
prepares its proposals on the tariff modification 
which i s then submitted to the Eurasian Economic 
Commission.  
According to the general directions of Customs and 
Tariff Regulation for 2021 and for the planned 
period of 2022 and 2023, the adjustment of 
customs duties will be based on the principle of tariff 
escalation. The relevant Russian proposals will be 
formed with a focus on reducing costs of imported 
intermediate products and equipment involved in 
value chains in Russia. These proposals will be also 
based on the tasks of the preservation and further 
develop ment of Russia's industries, price 
stabilization policy, reduction of direct and indirect 
costs of Russian stakeholders.  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production 
and Trade  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
3.3.6.3 General principles and buy 
national requirements  
3.163. "In addition, detailed 
implementing rules regarding these 
restrictions were developed and 
published in the form of federal 
resolutions. Examples of such 
resolutions include Resolution No. 617  
of 30 April 2020 on Establishing 
Market Entry Restrictions for Certain 
Types of Industrial Goods Originating 
from Foreign Countries in the Context 
of Procurement for State and 
Municipal Needs and Resolution No. 
616 of 30 April 2020 on Establishing 
Ban on Market Entry of Certain Types 
of Industrial Goods Originating from 
Foreign Countries in the Context of 
Procurement for State and Municipal 
Needs, and Foreign Industrial Goods 
and Services (Works) in the Context Implementing rules, which provide for the 
restrictions on the government procurements of 
foreign goods, works, and services, include the 
following: price preference to goods of Russian 
origin and services supplied by Russian service 
suppliers over those of foreign origin; limitations or 
full prohibition of procurement of certain types of 
goods or s ervices originating from foreign countries; 
minimum mandatory share of Russian goods. For 
procurement purposes the juridical persons 
established in Russia, with or without foreign 
capital, are considered to be Russian juridical 
persons.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 192 - 
 
  of Procurement for Defence Need. 
Under these Resolutions, procurement 
of foreign products will be allowed if 
there is no production of like domestic 
goods and services. Foreign 
participation is also restricted in some 
sectors, such as software and 
databases (with limited 
exceptions)180, radio -electro nic 
equipment181, and medicines and 
materials used for medical 
purposes.182 These Resolutions do 
not establish any limitations or 
specific requirements concerning 
suppliers and service providers with 
foreign capital established in the 
territory of the Russ ian Federation 
(and in that of other EAEU member 
States). Thus, such suppliers and 
service providers have equal rights to 
participate in government 
procurement in the Russian 
Federation."  
Question:   
Could the Russian Federation provide 
a full list of impl ementing rules 
(Federal Resolutions) along with some 
detailed explanations, regarding 
restrictions on the purchase of foreign 
goods, works, and services in public 
procurement? Are there any 
restrictions on suppliers and service 
providers with foreign capit al, 
established in the territory of the 
Russian Federation, such as a 
requirement that the research and 
development are performed within the 
Russian Federation?  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and 
Fisheries  
4.1.2 Policies  
4.1.2.1 Border policies  
4.16. "Temporary introduction and 
suspension of import and export 
duties and tariff rate quotas are also 
used to stabilize domestic prices, 
including when domestic price 
interventions are used. In addition, as 
a response to the pandemic in 2020, 
the Govern ment temporarily 
introduced export quotas on wheat, 
meslin, barley, rye, and maize.23 In 
December 2020, the Russian 
Federation established a temporary 
export tariff rate quota on certain 
grains for most of the first half of 
2021, with in -quota export dutie s 
initially set at 0% for rye, barley, and 
corn, and at EUR 25 per tonne for 
wheat and meslin.24 Out -of-quota Russian Federation applies export duties in 
accordance with WTO Agreement, including Protocol 
on Russia's Accession to the WTO.  
The floating duty won't be applied to wheat with the 
price unde r 200 dollars. With the higher price, the 
duty rate will be 70% of the difference between the 
world price and 200 dollars. For barley and corn – 
the threshold is 185 dollars per tonne.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 193 - 
 
  duties were set at 50% but at least 
EUR 100 per tonne. In early 2021, the 
Government adjusted export duties on 
wheat, barley, and corn within this  
export quota to stabilize domestic 
market prices.25 Following additional 
changes, as from 2 June 2021 these 
duties were to be replaced by floating 
duties, calculated using a benchmark 
index. According to the authorities, 
the export duty on sunflower seeds  
was also significantly increased for the 
period from 9 January to 30 June 
2021 (to 30% but at least EUR 165 
per tonne), and the authorities 
introduced export duties on soya 
beans for the period February -June 
2021. Both export duties have been 
extended at higher rates from 1 July 
2021 to 31 August 2022.26 In 2020, 
the EAEU introduced a temporary ban 
on the exports of some products 
including onions, garlic, turnips, rye, 
rice, buckwheat, millet, cereals, whole 
meal flour, and cereal granules and 
other produc ts.27 According to the 
authorities, it was in place from 1 
April to 30 June 2020 as a response to 
the adverse effect of the COVID -19 
pandemic. "  
Question:   
It is our understanding that border 
policies in the agricultural domain are 
being utilized, both in  the context of 
the COVID -19 pandemic and with the 
aim of ensuring food security and 
stabilizing domestic prices.  Could the 
Russian Federation provide more data 
about the adjustment of exports 
through export tariff rate quotas, 
specifically export quota qu antities, 
floating duties and export restrictions 
time limits?  
12 REGIONAL AND BILATERAL 
INTERACTION  
12.1 Eurasian Economic Union  
12.2. "Active work is being carried 
out aimed at the formation of EAEU 
common markets in various 
economic sectors. A single market 
for most goods is currently in place. 
During the reporting period, work in 
this regard focused on completing 
the common marke ts for medicines 
and medical devices, as well as 
common energy markets (in 
electricity, natural gas, oil and oil 
products). A common labour market 
and a common financial market are 
in the process of formation. High on 
the list of priorities in services are  
the transport and financial services In the EAEU the single market in established in 
respect of 55 services sectors. Transition of services 
sectors to the single market of services is carried 
out in accordance with Liberalization Plans approved 
by the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. It is 
expected that in 2025 a number of services sectors, 
including property valuation, accounting, auditing, 
selected construction services, will start operating in 
the single market format.   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 194 - 
 
  markets. The creation of a single 
financial regulatory authority is 
envisaged for 2025. "  
Question:   
Could the Russian Federation provide 
further details concerning the 
process of completing the EAEU 
common markets, in cluding the 
status and plans for the future in the 
areas of services?  
12 REGIONAL AND BILATERAL 
INTERACTION  
12.1 Eurasian Economic Union  
12.4. "During the reporting period, 
the EAEU regulatory framework for 
foreign economic activity has 
improved. As such, on January 1, 
2018, the Customs Code of the 
Eurasian Economi c Union (Customs 
Code of the EAEU) came into force. 
In March 2019, The EEC Council 
approved a draft Agreement on the 
Procedure and Conditions for the 
Elimination of Technical Barriers in 
Mutual Trade with Third Countries in 
order to approximate regulatory 
convergence with third countries and 
to provide a mechanism for mutual 
recognition of the results of 
conformity assessment procedure"  
Question:  
Israel would like to request further 
details concerning the EEC Council 
draft Agreement on the Procedure 
and Co nditions for the Elimination of 
Technical Barriers in Mutual Trade 
with Third Countries. When is the 
Agreement expected to enter into 
force? What would be the 
implications in terms of possibilities 
for mutual recognition arrangements 
with third countries?  The Agreement on the Procedure and Conditions for 
the Elimination of Technical Barriers in Mutual Trade 
with Third Countries was approved by the Council of 
the EAEU on 14 September 2021. Currently, the 
EAEU Member States are conducting internal 
procedures  necessary for adoption of this 
Agreement which is expected to enter into force the 
nearest future. The mutual recognition of conformity 
assessment procedures between the EAEU Member 
States and third countries implies equivalence of 
accreditation systems, mandatory requirements for 
products and other related factors and mutual 
recognition in respect of products that fall under the 
scope of the EAEU technical regulations.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 195 - 
 
  INDIA  
  
Page 10 Paragraph 3.5  
Background:  
To maintain an uninterrupted and 
stable supply level of mass -produced 
goods the Russian Federation adopted 
a series of recommendations 
regarding conformity assessment for 
applicants and product certification 
bodies for the period of 15 March – 31 
December 2020. These 
recommendations have provided for 
the possibility of postponing the 
period of scheduled inspection control 
in relation to valid certificates of 
conformity for serial products, issuing 
new certificates based on a previously 
conducted conformity assessment, 
and remotely assessing conformity.  
Question:  
Against the above -mentioned 
background, India requests Russia to 
provide an overview of 
recommendations regarding 
conformity assessment and product 
certification.  In 2020, the Ministry of Industry of Russia together 
with the Ministry of Economic Development and the 
Russian Agency for Accreditation developed 
recommendations for applicants and bodies for 
certification in respect of serial products in case of 
difficulties connected with COVID -19 pandemic. 
These recommendations are in force until 31 
December 2021.  
These recommendations were developed due to the 
limited opportunities for experts to travel and 
conduct inspection control on production sites. The 
recommendations laid down the follow ing guidance:  
1) With regard to valid certificates for serial 
products in case the date for the next scheduled 
inspection control has come during the period from 
15 March 2020 to December 31, 2020, the 
certification body could decide to postpone the 
inspec tion control for up to 6 months.  
When making such a decision, the certification 
body:  
− took measures to update the quality 
management system, which provided for the 
procedures for postponing the inspection 
control in case of lack of opportunity to visit 
the production -cite to carry out mandatory 
procedures for analyzing the state of 
production and taking samples.  
− provided a letter of the manufacturer about 
unchanged technical documentation and the 
technological process for the production of 
certified goods.  
− made amendments to the schedule of 
inspection control.  
2) Regarding certificates of conformity assessment 
that expired between 15 March and 31 December 
2021 as well as when certifying new products that 
has insignificant differences in its construction and 
technology of manufacturing that have no impact on 
its safety the body for certification could issue the 
new certificate on conformity assessment.  
Besides, the applicants had an opportunity to use 
the results of previously carried out conformity 
assessment procedures in case the same body for 
conformity asses sment had conducted this 
certification before and applicants provided the 
evidence about stability of production process that 
ensured compliance with the Technical Regulations 
of the EAEU, as well as not more than 12 months 
had passed between the analysis of the production 
state and preparation of the documents on 
certification.  
Page 11 Paragraph 3.11  
Background:  
Russia's policy is based on the 
presumption that climate change 
mitigation efforts should not restrict 
competition in world trade, or lead to 
inequality, introduction of Over 40% of the Russian energy balance is 
comprised of low -emission energy sources, including 
nuclear power.  
For the moment, nuclear power represents a major 
source of green energy in Russia: by the end of 
2020, NPPs has generated 215.746 bln kWh of 
power, which is 20.3% of the total power generated 
in the country.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 196 - 
 
  discriminatory practices, and trade 
barriers.  
Question:  
India would like to know the measures 
which Russia has taken with a view to 
mitigate the effects of climate change 
on one hand while on the other hand 
ensure that those mea sures do not 
impede the international trade.  All Russian -designed NPPs mitigate the production 
of about 213 mln tonnes of CO2 -equivalent per 
annum.  
At the same time, Russia is developing the 
production of hydrogen energy.  
To achieve the strategic goal of developing 
hydrogen energy, it is necessary to intensify 
international cooperation in this area. This goal can 
be achieved by the conclusion of long -term export 
contracts for the hydrogen suppl y and energy 
products based on it, as well as by the exports of 
industrial products for hydrogen energy.  
There is also a great potential for the 
implementation of climate projects aimed at 
enhancing greenhouse gas sink by forests and the 
other ecosystems. The other climate projects may 
be aimed at improvements in energy efficiency, 
development of energy saving measures, 
improvement of industrial processes.  
Russia is also actively developing national climate 
legislation. It includes the Federal Law "On limit ing 
the greenhouse gas emissions", a draft federal law 
"On conducting an experiment to establish special 
regulation of emissions and absorption of 
greenhouse gases in certain regions of the Russian 
Federation", as well as a draft "Strategy on the 
socio-economic development of the Russian 
Federation with a low level of greenhouse gas 
emission until 2050".  
Federal Law No. 296 -FZ of 2 July 2021 "On Limiting 
Greenhouse Gas Emissions" lays down the legal 
basis in the sphere of decarbonization. This Law 
provides for the following key measures on the 
regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.  
− Mandatory reporting on greenhouse gas 
emissions for largest emitters (with emissions 
exceeding 150 thousand tons of CO2 -eq per year 
until 2025, starting from 2025 – with emissions 
exceeding 50 thousand tons of CO2 -eq). The rest 
of the economic entities will be able to submit 
reports voluntarily on the basis of unified rules 
and procedures. This measure allows obtaining 
information on emissions at the level of individu al 
enterprises, which is important for preparing 
climate measures, adjusting targets of climate 
policy.  
− Targets -setting for greenhouse gas emissions for 
sectors of the economy. Targets will be approved 
by the Government of the Russian Federation. 
Sectoral targets will allow to differentiate 
measures in order to reduce GHG emissions, 
taking into account technologies, the volume of 
investments, the sale of goods, works, services 
and budgetary receipts in a particular industry.  
− Possibility of implementing volu ntary climate 
projects. Stakeholders will have the opportunity 
to implement on a voluntary basis a wide range 
of projects aimed to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions and increase their absorption. Projects 
can include measures in the field of energy 
efficienc y, modernization of production processes, 
carbon capture and storage, forest climate WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  projects, etc. Both Russian companies and foreign 
partners can invest in climate projects in Russia.  
− Circulation of carbon credits resulting of climate 
projects. The marke t for carbon credits allows 
ensure the reductions of greenhouse gas 
emissions at the lowest cost. This market can 
offset the investment in climate projects.  
A draft federal law "On conducting an experiment to 
establish special regulation of emissions and 
absorption of greenhouse gases in certain regions of 
the Russian Federation" provides for the 
experimental pilot projects aimed at achieving 
carbon neutrality in regions of the Russian 
Federation.  
The Sakhalin pilot project will be a first regional 
emissio n trading system in Russia. It provides the 
following elements:  
− monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and 
removals;  
− quotas for greenhouse gas emissions;  
− mandatory reporting of regulated organizations 
and verification;  
− circulation and offset of carbon cred its (issued if 
the actual emissions of the enterprise are below 
the established quota);  
− special economic and financial mechanisms 
stimulating the reduction of greenhouse gas 
emissions.  
It supposes that this pilot project will enhance the 
development of low -carbon solutions in the sectors 
of energy, transportation and industry, and it will 
allow attracting investment in these industries.  
Subsequently, the similar pilot projects may also be 
introduced in the other Russian regions.  
Since 2020, green financing has been developing in 
Russia. The taxonomy has 2 blocks:  
1) Taxonomy of green projects that also includes 
nuclear energy.  
2) Taxonomy of adaptation projects. This taxonomy 
covers projects in oil and gas production, coal 
processing, sustainable infrastruct ure. 
The Resolution Government of the Russian 
Federation of 14 July 2021 No. 1912 -r establishes 
the goals and main directions on sustainable 
(including "green") development in the Russian 
Federation. It provides the key directions of state 
policy for the d evelopment of investments and the 
attraction of extra -budgetary funds to projects 
which have a positive impact on the environment 
and other spheres of sustainable development.  
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation 
of 21 September 2021 No. 1587  establishes the 
criteria for sustainable (including green) 
development of projects in the Russian Federation, 
as well as the requirements for their verification.  
In order to develop investment activities and attract 
extra-budgetary funds in projects aimed  at realizing 
the national development goals, a draft action plan 
("road map") has been developed in order to 
implement measures aimed at financing of 
sustainable (including "green") development in the 
Russian Federation. To increase the inflow of capital WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  into sustainable development projects, the outlined 
plan provides for the following measures:  
− subsidies to Russian organizations applying BAT 
to reimburse part of the cost of paying coupon 
income on stable bonds and / or to reimburse 
part of the cost of paying interest on stable 
loans;  
− consideration of the possibility of applying in the 
practice of financial regulation and supervision 
of measures that stimulate market participants 
to pursue a policy of environmentally 
responsible financing, taking into ac count the 
impact of such a policy on the level of credit and 
other risks, both in the short and long term;  
− application of a tax rate of 0% from 2022 to 
2024 in relation to coupon yield on stable bonds 
for this period.  
Page 12 Paragraph 4.7  
Question:  
Russia is requested to provide the 
work it has done or the measures 
taken with respect to simplifying 
customs procedure, reduction of time 
required for customs operation, 
elimination of unnecessary barriers in 
customs regulation.  Automatization of customs  operations led to 
reduction in the time required to complete them, 
improving the quality of control of declared data, 
and also allows customs authorities to focus on the 
control of risky shipments without reducing the 
quality of customs administration. Fu lly automatic 
decision -making technologies are the most in 
demand.  
In 6 months of 2021, more than 2.18 million out of 
2.6 million completed declarations of goods were 
registered fully automatically. About 86.7% of risk -
free imports and 94.3% of exports of low-risk 
category foreign trade participants were 
automatically released. Average time of registration 
and release in automatic mode does not exceed 5 
minutes.  
The Federal Customs Service of Russia is constantly 
improving these technologies and expanding t he 
scope of their application to new procedures and 
features of the declaration of goods. Automatic 
registration and issuance of electronic transit 
declarations have been introduced. The aim of this 
direction is to accelerate and create the most 
favorable conditions for the movement of goods 
across the customs border through the automation 
of operations using information technology, as well 
as optimization of control bodies.  
In 2020, 26% of the total number of electronic  
transit declaration (ETDs) was regis tered 
automatically, the technology of automated release 
was applied to 57,873 ETDs, which was 10 times 
higher than in 2019.  
In 2021 (as of July 1) 68.9% of the total number of 
ETDs executed during this period were registered 
automatically, 13.4% of the to tal number of 
executed ETDs corresponding to the conditions of 
automatic registration and automatic issue of ETDs 
were issued using automated technology.  
Customs Administration Reforms (2017 -2020) 
provides for the:  
− Introduction of mandatory electronic decl aration 
of goods;  
− Automatic registration of declarations and 
automatic release of goods;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  − Introduction of remote goods release 
technology;  
− Introduction of technology for declaring goods 
placed in under the customs transit procedure in 
electronic form;  
− Automation of customs transit procedure;  
− Introduction of "single window" elements in the 
implementation of procedures at sea 
checkpoints;  
− Optimization of export and import procedures in 
the seaport of Big Port St. Petersburg;  
− Simplification of the procedu re for paying 
customs payments. Registration of customs 
duties, taxes and other payments paid in a 
single personal account of a participant in 
foreign economic activity at the level of the 
Federal Customs Service of Russia;  
− Implementation of "remote paymen t" 
technology for customs payments;  
− Automatic generation of customs receipt by 
customs information system;  
− Making security for customs payments 
electronically;  
− Improvement of the work of customs authorities 
with the payment of customs duties through 
provis ion of a financial guarantee (money on 
deposit and bank guarantee) in electronic form;  
− Automation of control over the execution of 
FSTEC and Ministry of Industry and Trade of 
Russia licenses;  
− Release of the declarant or customs 
representative from administ rative liability in 
case of self -disclosure of violations committed in 
the course of customs declaration of goods;  
− Ensuring the functioning of the system of 
interagency electronic interaction. Transition of 
federal executive bodies to the technology of 
paperless legally significant electronic document 
flow; 
− Elimination of duplication of electronic 
documents with documents paper and reduce 
the number of documents required for the 
movement of goods across the Russian section 
of the customs border of the Custo ms Union;  
− Maintaining an electronic archive of documents 
of the declarant;  
− Development of information services of the "My 
Account" mechanism;  
− Optimization of the procedure for amending the 
goods declaration with respect to conditionally 
released goods;  
− Optimization of the procedure for controlling the 
customs value of goods. Simplification of the 
procedure for controlling the customs value of 
identical goods imported in more than one batch 
under one contract;  
− Exemption of declarants from payment of 
customs duties for customs operations for re -
export of processed products;  
− Maintenance of the register of customs 
representatives;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  − Transition to control over the movement of 
licensed goods using the information system 
without the need to place licenses for control in 
the customs authorities;  
− Development of the risk management system;  
− Implementation of a subject -oriented model of the 
risk management system;  
− Reduction of the number of control procedures 
(including inspections) with respect to low risk 
traders in the application of a risk management 
system based on the WCO Customs Risk 
Management Compendium;  
− Unification of issuance and use of enhanced 
qualified electronic signature verification key 
certificates;  
− Conduct of activities to raise awareness of 
partic ipants in FEA of the reforms implemented by 
the FCS of Russia;  
The main results of the implementation of reforms 
in the field of customs administration were:  
− Optimization of the procedure for customs 
operations;  
− Reduction of the time for customs operations 
and state control at checkpoints, increasing their 
capacity while maintaining an appropriate level 
of control;  
− Creation of more favorable and stable conditions 
for the activities of customs representatives;  
− Fair competition for entities engaged in activities 
in the field of customs.  
Page 13 Paragraph 4.15  
Question:  
Russia is requested to explain the 
measures it has taken to reduce the 
time required to perform customs 
operations and improve the conditions 
for doing business.  
Page 13 Paragraph 4.14  
Question:  
Can Russia provide the details of 
subject -oriented model of  the risk 
management system which has been 
implemented by the customs 
authorities of the Russian Federation.  To both questions.  
According to the risk management system in 
Russian Federation during selecting the object of 
customs control different characte ristics of goods 
and the conditions and circumstances of their 
movement are taken into account, including 
characteristics of the person who declares the 
goods. All declarants of goods are classified into 
low-, medium - or high -risk categories depending on 
the likelihood of their violating customs laws. Such 
classification is carried out fully automatically by 
special software based on the results of analysis of 
declarants' activities for the previous 2 years on the 
basis of 31 criteria characterizing various  aspects of 
persons carrying out customs operations.  
Customs control measures within the management 
system are applied differentially to each risk level 
category. Customs control measures with regard to 
low-risk entities are applied at the minimum level, 
shifting the main scope to the stage after the 
release of goods. With regard to the medium level of 
risk, customs control is carried out in accordance 
with the generally established procedure. High -risk 
declarants are subject to enhanced customs con trol. 
Page 15 Paragraph 5.44  
Question:  
Can Russia provide the details of 
significant changes it has made in 
their investment regulation, including 
creation of new mechanisms?  We kindly refer to Section 5.3 Improving the 
Investment Climate of the Report by the Russian 
Federation (WT/TPR/G/416 o f 22 September 2021), 
which contain the main measures undertaken by the 
Russian Federation with the view of improving the 
investment climate in Russia during the review 
period. Those would include, in particular: Business 
Climate Transformation instruments , various WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  modifications to the corporate legislation, 
development of territories of Russia though creation 
of Special Economic Zones, Advanced Development 
Areas, as well as Investment Protection and 
Promotion Agreement between the State and an 
investor.  
Page 20 Paragraph 5.63 and 5.64  
Question:  
India requests Russia to throw some 
light on "Regulatory Sandboxes" in 
the field of digital innovation. How 
does Russia  digitize its economy and 
is developing e -commerce?  In Russia, the digital transformation of the economy 
is becoming one of the main strategic directions of 
its development. In December 2016, the President 
set the task of preparing a digital economy progr am. 
As a result, in 2018, the national program "Digital 
Economy of the Russian Federation" was approved 
by the Presidential Council for Strategic 
Development and National Projects. Today this 
program is the main document, which stipulated 
benchmarks of dig ital transformation of the Russian 
economy in whole.  
The Law on "digital regulatory sandboxes" is 
adopted in the framework of the above -mentioned  
national program. This is one of the leading 
regulatory and legal practices used to ensure control 
over the d evelopment and testing of the new 
technologies for their subsequent accelerated 
introduction to the market and constitutes one of 
the examples of "smart regulation". "Digital 
regulatory sandboxes" allow resolving the problem 
with commercialization and impl ementation of new 
technologies that results from the inability of 
legislation to keep up with the development of 
digital technologies. So, the Russian Federal law No. 
258, "On Experimental Legal Regimes in the Field of 
Digital Innovation," provides the opp ortunity to test 
a new software in order to ensure that it is effective 
and useful, and then, on the basis of the test 
results, to decide whether to change the current 
legislation to implement such innovation or not. 
Regulatory sandboxes can be applied in the 
following areas: financial activity, e -commerce, 
construction, supply of state and municipal services, 
medicine and telemedicine, transport, agriculture, 
industry, etc. The Law entered into force on 28 
January 2021.  
Paragraph 3.12 of the Government 
Report 
The recent shift away from the 
traditional modes of services supply 
towards the new digital solutions has 
been fundamentally changing the 
international trade landscape. New 
business formats and models are 
emerging, the importance of online 
platforms a nd ecosystems in services 
trade is growing. In addition to the 
new opportunities, a widespread 
technology adoption also carries 
potential risks both for the 
participants and market stability. To 
manage such risks non -standard 
methods may be required. There  is a 
trend towards using regulation of 
access to technology to purposefully To three questions.  
There is no separate legislation ("umbrella 
legislation") on e -commerce in the Russian 
Federation. At that moment, general norms are 
applied to e -commerce issues, primarily the norms 
of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the Civil 
Procedure Code of the  Russian Federation, the 
Arbitration Procedure Code of the Russian 
Federation, the regulations of the Central Bank of 
the Russian Federation governing transactions 
(using electronic documents and sealed with an 
electronic signature), entrepreneurial activi ty and 
electronic payments. The norms of the Customs 
Code of the Eurasian Economic Union that are 
applicable to similar traditional foreign trade 
relations are also applied to cross -border electronic 
commerce.  
The general conceptual framework of e -commerce  is 
set by the Federal Law "On Information, Information WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  isolate countries from access to 
competitive advantages.  
What are the existing laws and 
regulations pertaining to e -commerce/ 
digital governance in Russia?  Technologies and Information Protection" dated  27 
July 2006 No. 149 -FZ, and the Federal Law "On 
Personal Data" dated 27 July 2006, No. 152 -FZ, the 
Federal Law "On Communication" dated 7 July 2003 
No. 126 -FZ and the Presidential Decree "On 
Adoption of the Doctrine for Information Security of 
the Russian federation" dated 5 December 2016 No. 
646.   
Sectoral legislation also a pplies to a limited list of e -
commerce issues: the use of an electronic signature 
(Federal Law "On Electronic Signatures" dated 6 
April 2011 No. 63 -FZ), procedures for electronic 
procurement (Federal Law " On the Contract System 
in State and Municipal Proc urement of Goods, Works 
and Services" dated 5 April 2013 No. 44 -FZ and the 
Federal Law "On Purchases of Goods, Works and 
Services by Certain Types of Legal Entities" dated 
July 18, 2011 No. 223 -FZ), consumer protection 
issues (the Law "On Consumer Protecti on" dated  7 
February, 1992 No. 2300 -1).  
In order to develop further e -commerce in Russia, 
the Government of the Russian Federation adopted 
the National Program "On digital economy of the 
Russian Federation" dated  28 July 2017 No. 1632 -r, 
which aimed at de veloping of legal framework on 
digital economy issues and digital ecosystem and 
infrastructure in the Russian Federation.  Paragraph 3.12 of the Government 
Report  
Are any new laws related to digital 
trade being contemplated in Russia?  
Paragraph 3.12 of the Government 
Report  
Could Russia please explain and 
elaborate specific provisions related to 
the following in its laws, regulations or 
policies related to the evolving digital 
economy:  
b. Locali zation of data  
c. Data sharing obligations and 
provisions, if any, with regard to 
SME/ start ups  
d. Sharing of source code of digital 
technologies with public 
authorities  
e. Data adequacy arrangements with 
other countries  
f. Measures to address anti - 
competitive behaviour due to 
network effect o f digital 
monopolies  
g. Regulations of social media 
applications  
h. Artificial Intelligence.  
i. Cross -border transfer of personal/ 
non- personal data  
Paragraph 5.5 of the Government 
Report  
The national project "International 
Cooperation and Export" is aimed at 
forming competitive sectors in the 
manufacturing industry, agriculture, 
and services sector by reducing 
administrative procedures and 
barriers international trade, 
promoting interaction of international 
trade entities based on the "single 
window" principle , as well as 
facilitating the formation of a common 
market for goods, services, capital 
and labour within the EAEU, including 
through the elimination of barriers 
and restrictions, as well as the 
abolition of exemptions in economic 
cooperation.  
Can Russia p lease elaborate on the 
"International Cooperation and 
Export" project?   The national program "International cooperation and 
export" provides for the achievement of the growth 
of exports of non -primary non -energy goods 
indicator by at least 70% to 2024 comp ared to 
2020. In order to achieve that indicator the national 
program provides for a federal project aimed at 
improving systemic measures for the development 
of export activities.  
The key activities of that federal project includes the 
creation a comfortab le export ecosystem aimed at 
modernizing the logistics environment and 
simplifying administrative procedures, organizing 
exporters' access to government services, as well as 
digital information services and the expansion of the 
network of regional consulta nts with the necessary 
competencies to provide advisory support to 
exporters.  
The specific targets for REC are:  
• Expand the global offices' network to more 
than 65 countries,  
• Expand the regional offices' network to more 
than 40 local offices,  
• Develop and offer the portfolio of more than 
110 non -financial support measures with at 
least 25% available online,  
• Extend and expand the financial products' 
line-up in line with the global best practices,  Paragraph 5.5 of the Government 
Report  
What are the priority sectors, if any, 
within services sector for the 
consideration of this projec t?  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 203 - 
 
  Paragraph 5.5 of the Government 
Report  
Could Russia please explain the nature 
and details of the reduction in 
'administrative procedures and 
barriers to international 
trade',  and 'elimination of barriers and 
restrictions',  as well as  'abolition of 
exemptions in economic cooper ation'? • Bring at least 5 000 customer companies 
into the exports via e -commerce channels,  
• Reach the milestone of at least 7 000 
customer companies provided with export 
support services, and more than 10 000 
received the training on the export basics,  
• • Reach the total value of the supported 
exports of USD 34 bln, totaling 20 % of the 
total non -commodities export volume of the 
Russian Federation.  
Paragraph 5.69 of the Government 
Report  
The ongoing digitalization of economic 
and trade activities allows Russia to 
be an active participant in the 
discussions and negotiations on the 
settlement of trade aspects of e -
commerce, including within the 
framework of WTO, to promote its 
best practices in this area and adopt 
the best practices of foreign partners.  
What are some of the best practices 
adopted by Russia in the area of e -
commerce?   One of the examples of the best practices which 
Russia promotes in ongoing negotiations on the e -
commerce issue – is consumer protection practices.   
Rapid growth and development of new digital 
technologies and e -commerce have caused 
significant changes in the global economy over the 
past decades. These tre nds encourage innovations, 
create jobs and provide unprecedented opportunities 
for micro and small businesses located even in the 
most remote places of the world, and, therefore 
enable sustainable growth and socio -economic 
development.  
Online consumers and  their level of knowledge and 
trust in emerging technologies, including digital 
ones, and new business models on the e -market are 
becoming a key pillar for successful development of 
digital economy. The risks for online consumers in 
e-commerce are posed by  cross-border transactions, 
P2P platforms, dispute resolution and redress, 
aggressive targeted marketing and SPAM, 
product/service safety and quality and electronic 
payment systems. Collective efforts of all interested 
parties are needed to increase consum er trust in 
digital economy as well as their confidence in 
receiving appropriate level of protection that is as 
least equivalent to that provided for online 
consumers of traditional forms of commerce.  
Therefore we have proposed the following issues to 
the WTO Members for discussion and adoption:  
o provide protection for online consumers' rights 
and other participants of e -commerce on the 
level no less than is provided in other forms of 
commerce;  
o recognize the key online consumer rights in e -
commerce, includi ng the right for reliable 
information about goods/services;  
o set basic principles for cooperation and 
information exchange on cross border trade for 
competent authorities and develop unified 
approaches for cooperation and mutual aid in 
order to prevent dish onest commercial activities 
in the field of e -commerce;  
o ensure security of cross border transactions 
carried out in e -commerce, i.e. their 
confidentiality and safety;  
o ensure high standards of online consumer 
identification and personal data protection;  
o encourage private sector to engage in good 
business practices (negative and positive 
incentives);  
o provide redress mechanism.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  o In addition, we consider that conditions and 
procedures of personal data proceedings, 
timeframes for data storage, measures for 
confidentiality and security of personal data, as 
well as order of personal data transmission need 
to be developed and agreed.  
Paragraph 12.12 of the Government 
Report  
The Russian Federation is seeking to 
attract foreign investment into the 
economy, to create conditions for the 
growth of national and foreign 
investment. In 2016, such a bilateral 
agreement on the encouragement and 
mutual protection of investment was 
signed with Morocco, in 2017, a 
similar agreement with Palestine 
entered into force.  
With regard to foreign investment in 
Russia, is National Treatment given 
for both pre and post establishment?  
 To both questions.  
Both bilateral investment treaties (BITs) referred to 
provide for commitments in respect of pre -
establishment and post -establishme nt. However, in 
both cases such commitments are tied with the 
applicable legislation of the Host Party. Within its 
domestic legal framework Russia maintains number 
of measures that limit or restrict foreign 
participation both in respect of pre - and post -
establishment.  
For example, foreign entities and individuals cannot 
hold ownership title to agricultural land and land in 
the border territories and restricted administrative 
areas.  
Foreign acquisition of shares of some types of 
companies (for example, com panies deemed of 
strategic importance by the government) as well as 
certain types of assets (for example, strategic 
assets) may require prior consent of the Russian 
authorities. Pursuant to the Federal Law No. 57-FZ 
of 29 April 2008 "On Foreign Investment in Business 
Entities Having Strategic Importance for Defense 
and Security of the State" foreign investors are 
subject to certain restrictions when investing into 
entities that conduct strategic business, in 
particular: (1) business related to radioactive 
substances and nuclear materials; (2) business 
related to weapons and military equipment; (3) 
space and aviation activities; (4) provision of 
services of a natural monopoly; (5) use of subsoil of 
federal significance.  
There are number of sectoral restricti ons, such as 
with respect to activities on financial, telecom, mass 
media sectors.  Paragraph 12.12 of the Government 
Report  
Could Russia provide a list of sectors 
where majority foreign ownership is 
not permitted under the Foreign Direct 
Investment regime?  
 
Page 8 Paragraph 10  
Background:  
Since 2014, the Government has 
implemented the State Programme for 
the Economic Development and 
Innovation Economy, combining 
activities to improve the business and 
investment environment, increase 
employment in SMEs, and for self -
employed persons, improving labour 
productivity, stimulating technology 
adoption, and improving the efficiency 
of public administration.  
Question:  
Against the above -mentioned 
background, India requests Russia to 
provide an overview of state 
programmes it has implemented.  The State Programme for the Economic 
Development and Innovation Economy consists of 
following 14 subprograms and targeted federal 
programs: (1) "Inv estment Climate"; (2) "SME's 
Development"; (3) "The State Registration of 
Rights, Cadastre, and Cartography"; (4) "Improving 
Public Administration"; (5) "Fostering Innovation"; 
(6) "Development of Anti -monopoly and Tariff 
Regulation, Competition and Improv ing the 
Effectiveness of Anti -monopolistic Control"; (7) 
"Managerial Skills"; (8) "Improving the System of 
Strategic Public Management"; (9) "Official 
Statistics"; (10) "The Establishment and 
Development of the Skolkovo Innovation Center"; 
(11) "Energy Sav ing and Energy Efficiency 
Improvement"; (12) "Tourism"; (13) "Federal 
Property Management"; and (14) "Development of a 
Unified State System for Registration of Rights and 
Cadastre of Real Estate (2014 -2020)"  
Page 9 Paragraph 14  
Question:  VAT is payable by foreign organi zations either 
through their commercial presence in Russia or, in 
case such presence was not established, through a WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 205 - 
 
  What are the ca tegories of foreign 
service -suppliers that are to charge 
the VAT and remit it to the Federal 
Tax Services?  tax agent. VAT is to be paid if the service is supplied 
through the Internet. This does not cover the 
situation when the service is booked th rough the 
Internet, but is supplied through other means, in 
case of consulting services when the service is 
supplied through email. This also does not cover the 
services on provision of connection to the Internet.  
Page 10 Paragraph 21  
Background:  
The law  requires that preferences be 
given to certain types of suppliers, 
including small businesses. It allows 
the Government to adopt legal acts 
imposing restrictions on the purchase 
of foreign goods, works and services 
under certain conditions. These 
restricti ons might include the 
requirement to procure a minimum 
mandatory share of Russian goods, 
including goods delivered during the 
provision of works and services.  
Question:  
Against the above -mentioned 
background, India would like to 
understand whether the preferences 
and the restrictions are consistent 
with WTO rules or not?  The requirements to procure specific share of 
Russian goods are consistent with the Russia's WTO 
comm itment, in particular on the basis of the GATT 
Article III:8(a).  
Page  no. 10 -11 paragraph no. 23  
Background:  
"imports of agricultural goods also 
increased but less than exports. In 
2020, as a response to the covid -19 
pandemic, temporary export quotas 
were introduced on wheat, meslin, 
barley, rye and maize. The 
government replaced them in late 
2020 with a temporary export tariff 
rate quota on certain grains, which 
was adjusted several times in the 
course of 2021 to stabilize domestic 
prices. " 
Question:  
How does russian federation see the 
imposition of such measures in the 
context of current discussions on 
elimination of export restrictions?  The Russian Federation supports the initiative on 
export prohibitions or restrictions on foodstuffs 
purchased for non -commercial humanitarian 
purposes by  the World Food Programme and 
indicates its readiness to join the consensus on this 
issue.  
Page No. 10 -11 Paragraph No. 23  
Background:  
Question:  
Could the Russian Federation indicate 
the export tariff rates product -wise? 
Further, the duration of the measure 
may also be indicated.  Russian Federation applies export duties in 
accordance with WTO Agreement, including Protocol 
on Russia's Accession to the WTO.  
 
The floating duty won't be applied to wheat with the 
price under 200 dollars. With the higher price, the 
duty rate will be 70% of the difference between the 
world price and 200 dollars. For barley and corn – 
the threshold is 185 dollars per tonn e. 
Page 12 Paragraph 29  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate on the 
additional restrictions imposed on 
trade in commercial banking services 
since 2016?  The Bank of Russia does not impose any special 
restrictions in relation to trade in commercial 
banking services. All measures implemented by the 
Bank of Russia are aimed at developing and 
enhancing the banking system of the Russian 
Federation and ensuring financial stability and are in 
line with Russia's commitments in the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Nonetheless, this question refers to the OECD 
Services Trade Restri ctiveness Index (hereinafter, 
the Index). As regards the information provided in 
the Index, we should note the following.  
The quota cap on foreign equity in overall charter 
capital of credit institutions having banking licences, 
as reported earlier, was e stablished according to the 
list of Russia's specific commitments in services in 
the WTO. Moreover, the laws regulating corporate 
operations stipulate national treatment for residents 
and non -residents of the Russian Federation 
purchasing credit institutio ns' shares (equity stakes) 
that prevents discrimination in terms of both the 
deadlines for completing admission procedures and 
the requirements for persons willing to get 
admission.  
As regards payments and cross -border transfers, 
the existing requirements are not discriminatory and 
align the conditions of operation in the Russian 
Federation of Russian payment service providers, 
payment system operators registered by the Bank of 
Russia, foreign payment service providers and 
foreign payment systems (Article 1 9.2 
'Requirements for the functioning of foreign 
payment systems in the Russian Federation' of 
Federal Law No. 161 -FZ 'On the National Payment 
System'). The provisions of Article 19.2 do not 
encompass foreign organizations  having subsidiaries 
in the Russia n Federation that are payment system 
operators registered by the Bank of Russia, as well 
as international financial organizations , and foreign 
central (national) banks.  
Moreover, the information provided in the Index on 
prohibiting cross -border transfers from the Russian 
Federation to countries not recognizing  Russian 
payment systems is not true. Russian laws do not 
establish any restrictions on cross -border transfers 
depending on whether a payment system is or is not 
recognized  in a foreign state.  
Page 25 Paragraph 1.38  
Question:  
Can Russia provide an insight on what 
is "regulatory guillotine"  mechanism?  The "regulatory guillotine " mechanism is a tool for 
large revision and abolition of regulatory acts that 
are excessive or n egatively affect the business 
climate.  
The "regulatory guillotine " mechanism is used with 
the broad participation of the business and expert 
communities. The basis for implementation of the 
"regulatory guillotine " mechanism is risk -oriented 
approach. This  mechanism also envisages the 
possibility of creation so called experimental legal 
regimes, applied in respect of either limited territory 
or limited group of operators in order to test how 
the business environment develops under reduced 
regulation or comp letely unregulated.  
At the moment the mechanism was implemented in 
respect of 132 types of control (supervision) defined 
by Government Order No. 3340-r of 15 December 
2020.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 39 Paragraph 2.44  
Question:   
What are the exceptions provided in 
the Russian law for data processing, 
confidentiality maintenance and 
obtaining consent of data owners?  The Law does not contain exceptions for data 
processing, confidentiality maintenance and 
obtaining consent of data o wners.  
Page 40 Paragraph 3.6  
Question:  
Could Russian Federation clarify the 
attributes of the risk management 
system? How are the categories of 
risk determined?  In determining the risk level category there is a 
wide range of different parameters: prior violations 
of customs laws in the previous shipments, the 
classification of the goods transported to the "cover" 
goods, the degree of loading of the vehicle in 
comparison with the average values of the load, the 
nature of the type of packaging used in the 
movement of goods, etc.  
Various sources of information and advanced 
information technology are used during the risk 
assessment. Such sources and technologies ensure 
the quality of analytical activities and allow to 
identify objects of control more precisel y and also to 
increase the effectiveness of measures to minimize 
the risks.  
Page 45 Paragraph 3.25  
Background:  
For three tariff lines, the MFN rates 
applied in 2021 are somewhat higher 
than the corresponding bindings (by 
up to 2 percentage points). The 
Russian Federation's bindings for 
seven additional tariff lines could 
potentially be exceeded, because the 
applied  rates match the corresponding 
(ad valorem) bound levels but also 
have a minimum specific duty 
component. For one additional tariff 
line, the MFN rate is ad valorem 
(6.5%) while the bound rate is 
compound (4.5%) plus EUR 0.02 per 
kg).  
Question:  
What would  be the impact of these 
higher binding levels on Russia's 
Schedule of Concessions? Can Russia 
provide details of AVEs on the Non -Ad 
Valorem tariffs?  Para. 3.24 of the report states that "comparisons 
between the Russian Federation's bound and applied 
tariffs (based on HS07 and HS17, respectively) are 
prone to imprecision". In its turn, para. 3.25 
stipulates that for "three tariff lines, the MFN rates 
applied in 2021 are somewhat higher than the 
corresponding bindings" but without the references  
to any concrete tariff lines or products.  
We believe that this suggestion can be based on 
incorrect data due to differences in the HS 
nomenclatures of Russia's WTO commitments and 
applied tariff.  
Page 45 Paragraph 3.25  
Question:   
In this context, Russia is requested to 
provide relevant details on the 
consistency of these measures with 
Article II of GATT 1994.  
Page 45 Paragraph 3.25  
Question:   
Does the Russian Federation plan to 
phase out such measures to bring its 
MFN applied rates within the bound 
percentages?  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 49 Paragraph 3.35  
Question:   
Could Russian Federation specify the 
types of services covered under 
electronically supplied services? Does 
the VAT apply on a non -discriminatory 
basis, i.e. irrespective of whether the 
service is domestically supplied or 
supplied across the borders? What 
entities have been subject to the VAT 
since inception? Are the rates of VAT 
uniform across all kinds of 
electronically supplied services? How 
does Russian Federation calculate the 
VAT for each service? Do service 
providers have to register with any 
tax aut hority before providing the 
service?  "Electronically supplied services" mean services 
supplied via an information -telecommunications 
network, including the Internet through automation 
with use of information technologies, in particular 
that includes adver tising, consulting services, access 
to computing capacities, provision of access to 
databases or information, storing and processing of 
information on the condition that the person which 
has provided that information has access thereto via 
the Internet; se rvices of administration of 
information system and websites on the Internet, 
etc. 
The rate of VAT is established at 16.67 percent.  
VAT is payable by foreign organizations either 
through their commercial presence in Russia or, in 
case such presence was not established, through a 
tax agent.   
Page 50 Paragraph 3.38  
Background:  
In August 2014, the Russian 
Federation prohibited, on national 
security rounds, the importation of 
certain agricultural products from 
several trading partners. Through 
periodic extensions, the import ban 
was maintained during 2016 -21, with 
some amendments to coverage (Table 
3.8). In its current form (in force until 
31 December 2021), the prohibition 
applies to imports of designated 
products from Albania, Australia, 
Canada, the European Union, Iceland, 
Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, 
Ukraine, the United K ingdom and the 
United States. In December 2015, the 
Russian Federation also banned  on 
national security grounds, the 
importation of certain products of 
Turkish origin. The list of prohibited 
imports was subsequently narrowed 
down, through four revisions, t o fresh 
or chilled tomatoes (HS 0702 00 000) 
with effect from November 2017.  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate on what were 
the national security grounds for the 
imposition of these import bans? 
Could Russia provide details on the 
consistency of these impo rt bans with 
Article XI GATT 1994 relating to the 
elimination of quantitative 
restrictions?  In accordance with the Decree of the President of 
the Russian Federation No. 560 of 6 August 2014 
"On the application of certain special economic 
measures to ensur e the security of the Russian 
Federation", a ban was imposed on the 
implementation of foreign economic operations 
involving the import into the territory of Russia of 
certain types of agricultural products, raw materials 
and food, the country of origin of which is the State 
that has decided to impose economic sanctions 
against Russian legal entities and (or) individuals or 
has joined such a decision.  
Page 56 Paragraph 3.59  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate on the reasons 
for imposing export taxes? What will 
be the duration of export taxes?  Currently, there are no discussions on extension of 
these export duties.  
Page No. 57 Paragraph No. 3.63  
"The EAEU also maintains a common 
list of goods that are significantly 
important to the  internal market in According to Annex 7 to the Treaty on the EAEU, the 
quantitative restrictions may be applied by the EAEU 
or its Member States in the cases provided for in 
part III, IV, VII. These cases include, inter alia, the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 209 - 
 
  which temporary bans or export 
restrictions can be put in place. The 
list has 85 categories of goods listed 
by HS code. The products include 
meat, milk, grains, flour, beans, oil 
seeds, ve getable oil and oil cakes, 
animal feed, fuels, hides and skins, 
wood, wastepaper, wool, and various 
metal waste and scrap. Since 2016, 
the list has been supplemented by 
certain wood products (HS 4401, 
4403, 4404, 4406, and 4407) and 
agricultural products ( onions, garlic, 
and turnips)."  
Question:  
Against the above -mentioned 
background India would like to ask 
the following:  
On what criteria does the Russian 
Federation prepare the list of such 
goods?  
 
Page No. 57 Paragraph No. 3.63  
Question:  
What does "impo rtant to the internal 
market" mean?  
Page No. 57 Paragraph No. 3.63  
Question:  
How is such a list compatible with the 
WTO rules and under which 
provisions?  maintaining of balance of payments, the preve ntion 
of critical shortage of foodstuffs or products critical 
to the exporting country, the protection public 
morals or rule of law, the protection of the 
environment, human, animal or plant life or health 
and others.  
Maintaining the list does not mean the  automatic 
application of quantitative restrictions on the 
products concerned.  
 
 
 
The exceptional cases for the application of 
unilateral measures by the EAU Member States are 
the same as for the EAEU. See answer on previous 
questions.  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting 
Exports  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Background:  In exceptional cases, 
EAEU member States may also 
unilaterally introduce and temporarily 
apply (for up to six months) non -tariff 
measures to imports from  and/or 
exports to third countries. The EAEU 
member State that intends to 
introduce a temporary measure shall 
in advance, but no later than three 
calendar days prior to its introduction, 
notify the EEC and submit a proposal 
for the introduction of such mea sures 
within the customs territory of the 
EAEU. During the review period, the 
Russian Federation introduced 
temporary quantitative restrictions on 
export of ferrous waste and scrap, 
birch, and logs and a temporary 
prohibition of exports of raw hides and 
skins. All of these quantitative 
restrictions have been abolished.  
Question:  
Against the above -mentioned 
background could Russia explain the 
following:  
How are such non -tariff measures 
WTO compatible?  These measures were introduced in order to prevent 
critical shortage of these products.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 210 - 
 
  3.2 Measures Directly Affecting 
Exports  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Background:  In exceptional cases, 
EAEU member States may also 
unilaterally introduce and temporarily 
apply (for up to six months) non -tariff 
measures to imports from and/or 
exports to third countries. The EAEU 
member State that intends to 
introduce a temporary measure shall 
in advance, but no later than three 
calendar days prior to its introduction, 
notify the EEC and submit a proposal 
for the introduction of such measures 
within the customs territory of the 
EAEU. During the review period, the 
Russian Federation introduced 
temporary quantitative restrictions on 
export of ferrous waste and scrap, 
birch, and logs and a te mporary 
prohibition of exports of raw hides and 
skins. All of these quantitative 
restrictions have been abolished.  
Question:  
Against the above -mentioned 
background could Russia explain the 
following:  
What is the basis for selecting the 
upper limit of 6 m onths for application 
of non -tariff measures?  The timeframe for the application of unilateral non -
tariff measures was established in relation to the 
temporary character of measures. This period is 
sufficient for the elimination of critical shortage or 
adoption of other measures aimed to address the 
situation on market, taking into account necessity to 
preserve the EAEU's common policy with respect to 
third countries and EAEU's common market.  
 
Page 58 Paragraph 3.68  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate on the kind of 
export support that has been provided 
at the national level?  In 2020 the REC Group totally supported export by 
19,3 billion US dollars. Export supported by 
insurance programs of EXIAR amounted at 17.3 
billion US dolla rs. Insurance support has been 
provided to 466 exporters from 55 regions of 
Russia.  
Export supported by financial solutions of Eximbank 
of Russia amounted at USD 1,9 billion. The bank 
supported 401 exporters from 55 regions Russian 
Federation.  
In 2020, more than 10,000 exporters from various 
regions of the Russian Federation benefited from 
non-financial support measures. Most often 
exporters contacted REC Group for informational 
support, consulting support and educational 
services.  
Additional infor mation concerning the support 
provided by REC Group may be found in the Annual 
Reports available at the REC website 
https://exportcenter.ru/ .  
Page 58 Paragraph 3.69  
Background:  
On 24 December 2018, the 
Presidentia l Council for Strategic 
Development and National Projects 
announced a new set of measures to 
promote exports and industrial 
development under the International 
Cooperation and Export national 
project (Section 2.2). The key aim of In 2018 the Presidential Decree No. 204 of 7 May 
2018 on national goals and strategic objectives for 
the development of the Russian Federation for the 
period up to 2024 was adopted. According to the 
Decree when developing the national program in the 
field of international cooperation and export 
following priorities should be addressed:  
o achievement of the international competitiveness 
of Russian goods, works and services,  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 211 - 
 
  this project is to double the Russian 
Federation's export of both non -
energy and non -resource -based goods 
and services by 2025. For this 
purpose, a system of financial and 
non-financial export support was 
established. Financial measures are 
export credits with interest rate 
support , insurance, and guarantees of 
export credits, as well as support for 
participation in international 
exhibitions. Non -financial measures 
include consultation services, 
assistance in searching for potential 
partners abroad, and support for 
ensuring complian ce with customs 
procedures in the destination country.  
Question:  
Could Russia provide details of the 
'system' that was established? Is 
there any institution or body that has 
been established to provide such 
financial and non -financial measures?  o reducing administrative procedures and barriers 
to trade, including the abolition of exce ssive 
requirements for export licensing and currency 
control,  
o creating a comfortable logistics environment, 
including measures for the construction of new 
and modernization of existing checkpoints across 
the state border of Russia.  
In addition, the Decree  provides for the creation of a 
unified system of export promotion institution, 
which at this moment includes the Russian Export 
Centre, Eximbak and Exiar, regional export 
consulting agencies as well as the network of 
Russian trade missions abroad, and com pletion of 
the formation within the framework of the Eurasian 
Economic Union of common markets for goods, 
services, capital and labour.  
Page 58 Paragraph 3.70; 3.71  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate on the role of 
the VEB.RF? What is the extent of 
governme nt ownership? How does the 
VEB.RF provide support for export? On 
what terms and conditions is such 
export support provided?  VEB.RF is a Russian development finance institution. 
Pursuant to the law VEB.RF's operations contribute 
to ensuring long -term socio -economic development 
of the Russian Federation, improving quality of life 
for Russian citizens and creating an environment f or 
sustainable economic growth, enhancing investment 
performance, encouraging private investment in 
projects in the Russian Federation and protecting 
such investment, and expanding investment in the 
national economy through projects implemented 
within and outside Russia, including involving 
foreign capital, and designed to improve 
infrastructure, industry, innovation, special 
economic zones, environmental protection, energy 
efficiency, support for exports, and expand access to 
international markets for Russ ian industrial products 
(goods, work, or services), as well as other projects 
and/or transactions within the investment, foreign 
trade, advisory, or other operations. VEB.RF is 
100% state -owned. The support provided by VEB.RF 
is based on provisions of Russ ian Federation Federal 
Law on State Development Corporation VEB.RF and 
Memorandum on Financial Policies of State 
Development Corporation VEB.RF (accessible at 
https://veb.ru/en/about -us/legal/ ).  
As to the question of export finance provided by 
VEB.RF, it should be noted that export credits and 
guarantee support are naturally relevant to export 
performance. However, under the WTO rules export 
credits and guarantee may be provided subject to 
certain condition s. Such kind of support is provided 
in a WTO -consistent way.  Page 59 Paragraph 3.73  
Background:  
3.73 VEB.RF offers its clients the 
following export finance products:  
• export lending: financing of 
commercial exporter credits, 
financing of trade turnover 
with foreign buyers, direct 
foreign buyer credit, and 
credit to the bank of a foreign 
buyer; and  
• guarantee support: tenders, 
return of advance payment, 
payments, and per formance of 
obligations under an export 
contract.  
 
Question: 27. Could Russia clarify 
whether such export finance is a 
subsidy as per ASCM?  Is this export 
finance contingent upon export 
performance?  
Page 59 Paragraph 3.74  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting  
Exports  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Background:  Russian Export Center JSC (REC) pro vides only non -
financial support. For more detailed information 
please refer to answer on question No. 29.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 212 - 
 
  VEB.RF supports export development 
through its subsidiary – state export 
support institution Russian Export 
Center (REC). Having decided to 
adopt a holistic approach to providing 
financial and non -financial support to 
exporters, the authorities set up the 
REC as a single window in 2015.76 
Besides matching customers with the 
appropriate support facilities, the REC 
may assist entrepreneurs in carrying 
out market research, f inding partners, 
participating in international tenders, 
structuring export projects, 
conducting negotiations, and drawing 
up export contracts. The REC's 
mandate also includes acting as an 
interface between the Government 
and businesses, to ensure that 
legislative initiatives and new facilities 
respond to the needs of exporters. 
According to the authorities, the REC 
has autonomy to set the fees for its 
export support services, and it has not 
received any funding from the federal 
budget to date.  
Question : 28. The para notes that 
REC has not received any funding 
from the federal budget to date. What 
is the source of funding of REC for the 
financial support provided by it? What 
are the financial services provided by 
the REC?  
Page 59 Paragraph 3.75  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting 
Exports  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Background:  The key strategic  goal 
of the REC is to form an efficient 
infrastructure for the export of non -
resource products and services, as 
well as to provide support to the 
companies considering the export of 
their products. The REC established a 
comprehensive system of financial 
and non -financial export support 
instruments. The REC's systematic 
activity is focused both on large 
businesses and small and medium -
sized enterprises (SMEs). Since 2019, 
the REC also compensates 15 
approved commercial banks for 
subsidized interest rates on  export 
credits and other loans to exporters, 
and it provides subsidies to insurance 
premiums under export credit 
insurance contracts. In 2019, the REC 
supported more than 11,000 
exporters and total exports valued at 
USD 19.5 billion through its support 
programmes.  The Russian Export Center Group (REC Group) is the 
united state export support institution, which 
encom passes functions of trade promotion 
organization and export credit agency, thus 
providing complex support and promotion for active 
participation of Russian business in international 
trade.  
The REC Group incorporates three legal entities: JSC 
Russian export  center (REC), JSC Russian Agency 
for Export Credit and Investment Insurance (EXIAR) 
and State Specialized Russian Export -Import Bank 
JSC (Eximbank of Russia).  
The REC provides a set of non -financial products, 
including analytical services, consultations o n 
certification, licensing, logistics, e -commerce, search 
for partners abroad, assistance for Russian 
exporters at major international forums and 
exhibitions, etc. Apart from that, in 2020 the REC 
has established a comprehensive digital one -stop-
shop platf orm (digital platform My export also 
known as 'Single window'), which provides an online 
access to government and business services that 
accompany companies' exports.  
The EXIAR is a pure cover provider. To extend the 
reach of insurance support programs the  EXIAR 
actively cooperates with foreign partners, including 
export credit agencies, commercial insurers and 
international organizations.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 213 - 
 
  Question:  
India would like to know the details of 
the REC's comprehensive system of 
financial and non -financial export 
support instruments.   The Eximbank of Russia provides credit and 
guarantee support to Russian exporters and their 
foreign counterparties at all stages of export 
process, including pre -export and post -export 
financing, export factoring.  
Page 59 Paragraph 3.75  
Question:  
How does the support provided 
through financial export support 
instruments comply with the WTO 
obligations?  Both EXIAR and Eximbank of Russia operate on 
general commercial principles. The EXIAR uses 
insurance premiums and its capital to manage 
operations. EXIAR does not provide any support 
mechanisms related to partial compensation of 
insurance premiums under export credit  insurance 
contracts.  
The Eximbank of Russia is subject to banking 
legislation set by the Central Bank of the Russian 
Federation, which means that Eximbank of Russia 
performs standard range of bank market operations 
in order to fund its credit activity.  
With respect to officially supported export credits, 
both EXIAR and Eximbank of Russian follow the 
pricing rules set by the OECD Arrangement in order 
to comply with the requirements of the WTO on 
activities related to official export support.  
The EXIAR uses both OECD MPR and actuarial risk 
premium as standard approach when determining 
the risk premium for all projects/products. 
Eximbank of Russia sets interest rates for credits 
above the OECD CIRR minimum threshold for the 
relevant currency. With regard to su pport of Russian 
agriculture exports, EXIAR and Eximbank of Russia 
follow the rules set as a part of the Nairobi Package.  
Page 59 Paragraph 3.75  
Question:  
Could Russia clarify whether the 
compensation offered to commercial 
banks at subsidized rates is a  subsidy? 
Has this measure been notified to the 
WTO? Is the compensation contingent 
on export performance and hence an 
export subsidy?  Compensation is provided in the form of direct 
funding from the federal budget for compensation of 
interest rates on expo rt credits provided by 
commercial banks, in accordance with the 
Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of 24 May 2017 No. 620. Because of the 
fact that it is a subsidy this Resolution was notified 
in 2017 -2018 new and full subsidy notificat ion of 
the Russian Federation submitted in document No. 
G/SCM/N/343/RUS Please see the relevant 
information on page 11 of the notification. New and 
full notification for 2019 -2020 has not yet been 
submitted.  
The above -mentioned subsidy is aimed at 
compensa tion of interest rates on export credits. 
Export credits are naturally relevant to export 
performance. However, under the WTO rules export 
credits may be provided subject to certain 
conditions.  
Page 59 Paragraph 3.76  
Question:  
Are there any special terms for 
insurance of credits by Roseximbank 
or Exim bank to exporting domestic 
producers?  Are there are any current 
directives or legal acts prescribing 
minimum Russian content, or sectoral 
or geographical priorities for 
operations of specific entities?  There are such special terms which are fully 
consistent with the WTO Agreement. No, there are 
no such directives or legal acts.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 214 - 
 
  Page 60 Paragraph 3.77  
Background:  
The export credit and guarantee 
facilities provided by Exim bank are 
primarily targeted at the supply of 
industrial goods, works, and non -
financial services. Typically, the cost 
of Russian -sourced inputs (including 
labour and services) must represent 
at least 30% of the export contract's 
overall value.79 Unlike commerci al 
banks, Eximbank cannot provide 
export finance for raw materials. In 
2019, Eximbank was the second -
largest provider of international 
factoring services, implemented under 
EXIAR's insurance coverage for 
receivables. Eximbank's loan portfolio 
increased fro m RUB 10.4 billion at 
end-2014 to RUB 130.2 billion at end -
2020, whereas its portfolio of 
guarantees decreased from RUB 84.3 
million to RUB 4.6 billion in the same 
period. In 2020, 37.0% of export 
finance provided by Eximbank was 
allocated in the engineeri ng industry, 
followed by metallurgy, with Europe 
as the main destination with 53.0% of 
the total share (Chart 3.3).  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate on how the 
export credit and guarantee facilities 
provided by Exim bank work? What 
are the terms and condi tions on which 
these are provided? Are they given on 
preferential rates?  The Eximbank of Russia provides credit and 
guarantee support to Russian exporters and their 
foreign counterparties at all stages of export 
process, including export financing, export factoring. 
Eximbank of Russia offers the classic interest make -
up scheme (IMU) which is based on the same lines 
as standard IMU schemes internationally. The 
scheme is provided by the Eximbank on WTO 
compatible terms. Interest rates are set after a 
thorough  consideration, including risk assessment, 
and reflect the major terms of the underlying 
transaction.  
Page 60 Paragraph 3.78  
Background:  
EXIAR provides a range of insurance 
products to mitigate risks related to 
export finance and investment 
overseas. T he holders of EXIAR 
insurance policies can deduct 
expenditures on premiums from their 
corporate tax base and are deemed 
compliant with foreign exchange 
repatriation requirements, provided 
that they have opted to receive any 
policy -related indemnification o n a 
bank account.80 The Bank of Russia 
treats an EXIAR insurance policy as a 
first-class security, which allows 
Russian -incorporated credit 
institutions to benefit from a more 
favourable provisioning regime (a 
liquidity advantage).81 A VAT 
exemption for in surance services 
related to export credits and 
investments applies to all commercial 
insurance companies, including 
EXIAR.  
Question:  Insurance cover provided by EXIAR is one of 
financial instruments which are recognized as a 
first-class security as per the Central Bank of the 
Russian Federation Regulation No. 590 -P, dated 28 
June 2017, 'On the Procedure for Making Loss 
Provisions by Credit Institutions for Loans, Loan and 
Similar Debts'. Other first -class securities allow 
Russian credit institutions to benefit from a more 
favorable pro visioning regime as well.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 215 - 
 
  Could Russia clarify if only the holders 
of the EXAIR insurance policy benefit 
from a more favourable provisioning 
regime?  Which other insurance 
companies are considered as 'First 
Class' by the Bank of Russia?   
Page 62 Paragraph 3.83  
Background:  
Under Federal Law No. 116 -FZ of 22 
July 2005 on Special Economic Zones 
in the Russian Federation, four 
different types of special economic 
zones (SEZs) may be established: 
industrial and produc tion zones, 
technology and innovation zones, 
tourist and recreational zones, and 
port and logistical zones. SEZs in the 
Russian Federation aim to attract 
investments (both Russian and 
foreign) and promote regional socio -
economic and industrial development.  
The key objectives of SEZs are: (i) 
effective participation of Russian 
businesses in global value chains; (ii) 
promotion of the economic and 
investment attractiveness of the 
Russian Federation and its regions; 
(iii) creation of employment 
opportunities, i ncluding high -
performance jobs; (iv) development of 
the digital economy; (v) economic 
diversification, including export 
diversification; (vi) promotion of 
export growth; (vii) promotion of 
knowledge, skills, expertise, and 
technology transfer; (viii) promo tion 
of manufacturing development (e.g. 
high-tech industries, shipbuilding, 
transport infrastructure, and tourism); 
and (ix) development of new 
technologies, including IT and 
innovation.  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate on the 
measures taken in the SEZs t o 
promote exports? What are the terms 
and conditions for the enterprises to 
operate in the SEZ? Whether the 
enterprises operating in SEZ are 
under a condition to export?  There are no special measures to stimulate exports 
by SEZ residents.  
In order to get an access to the incentives provided 
within the SEZ, companies should obtain the status 
of a SEZ resident. There are equal requirements to 
obtain the status for both Russian and foreign 
companies:  
1) a legal entity implementing an investment project 
in a SEZ should be registered in the municipality in 
which the SEZ is located (there are no requirements 
for the founders of a legal entity);  
2) to obtain the status of a SEZ resident of an 
industrial -production type, a legal entity should 
invest minimum 12 0 million rubles (in other types of 
SEZ there are no such restrictions);  
3) a resident of a SEZ is not permitted to have 
branches and representative offices outside the 
territory of the SEZ;  
4) a resident of the SEZ should carry out the 
activities establis hed by the agreement on the 
implementation of activities on the territory of the 
SEZ; 
5) a resident cannot carry out activities prohibited in 
the SEZ (development of mineral deposits, 
production (processing) of excisable goods).  
 
Page 64 Paragraph 3.94  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.1 Incentives  
Background:  EAEU rules on industrial 
subsidies are to a large extent based 
on the rules of the WTO Agreement on 
Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures but differ in severa l 
important respects. They prohibit 
export subsidies, import substitution 
subsidies, specific subsidies that cause The industrial subsidies rules in the EAEU are indeed 
to a large extent based on the rules of the WTO 
Agreement. At same time, there are several 
additional provisions. Such provisions may be found 
in the fields of prohibited and permissible subsidies. 
In accordance with part III of Annex 28 of the EAEU 
Treaty if provision of a specific subsidy by a Member 
State results in injury to a sector of the national 
economy of another Member State, such subsidy 
shall be prohibited. According to part IV of Annex 28 
to the EAEU Treaty, subsidies that are not prohibited 
and non -specific under the provisions of the Annex, WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 216 - 
 
  injury to any section of the national 
economy of another member State, 
specific subsidies contingent upon 
local content or trade -balancing 
requirements, and specific subsidies 
that may cause serious prejudice to 
the interest of other member States. 
Subsidies other than specific and 
prohibited subsidies are deemed 
permissible, and certain types of 
subsidies are treated as non -
actionable. In addi tion to rules on 
procedural and substantive aspects of 
countervailing duty investigations by 
national competent authorities of the 
member States, the EAEU also grants 
important powers to the EEC to 
enforce implementation of the 
common rules on industrial s ubsidies.  
Question:  
It is stated that EAEU rules on 
industrial subsidies are to a large 
extent based on the rules of the WTO 
Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures but differ in 
several important respects. Which 
industrial subsidies rules are n ot 
based on the rules of the WTO 
Agreement and how such rules are 
WTO compatible?   shall be recognized as permissible subsidies, i.e. 
subsidies which do  not distort mutual trade between 
the Member States.  
 
Page 64 Paragraph 3.94  
Question:  What are the types of 
subsidies that are considered non -
actionable under the EAEU Rules on 
industrial subsidies?   According to part IV of Annex 28 to the EAEU Treaty 
subsidies, that are not prohibited and non -specific 
under the provisions of the Annex, shall be 
recognized as permissible subsidies, i.e. subsidies 
which do not distort mutual trade between the 
Member States. The Member States may provide 
such subsidies wi thout any limitations.  
Part VII of Annex 28 to the EAEU Treaty contains 
rules on specific subsidies the provision of which 
does not constitute grounds for adopting 
compensatory measures. Such subsidies include 
support for research activities carried out by  
economic entities, as well as universities and 
research institutions on a contractual basis with 
economic entities.  
To avoid confusion, it should be noted that 
determination of a subsidy as permissible in 
accordance with the EAEU Treaty is relevant only f or 
the purposes of non -application of compensatory 
measures, which are envisaged in the EAEU Treaty. 
Definition of a subsidy as permissible in the meaning 
of the EAEU Treaty does not automatically make it 
non-actionable in the meaning of Article 8 of the 
SCM Agreement. It should be noted that according 
to Article 31 of the SCM Agreement its provisions on 
non-actionable subsidies expired after five years 
from the date of entry into force of the WTO 
Agreement. Therefore, strictly speaking, at this 
point the S CM Agreement does not envisage the 
existence of non -actionable subsidies at all. Hence, 
in accordance with the SCM Agreement all subsidies 
must be deemed actionable as of today, so we WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 217 - 
 
  cannot see how we could possibly provide a list of 
non-actionable subsid ies. 
Page 64 Paragraph 3.96.  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production 
and Trade  
3.3.1 Incentives  
Background:  In its latest notification 
to the WTO, the Russian Federation 
submitted information regarding 
subsidies granted at the federal and 
sub-federal levels for 2017 and 2018. 
At the federal level, support was 
provided to several sectors under 
different legislat ive acts and in various 
forms, such as capital contributions, 
partial compensation for interest 
charged on loans, and grants (Table 
3.13). At the sub -federal level, the 
support provided by the sub -federal 
authorities was usually for specific 
sectors and al so took various forms, 
including tax incentives, compensation 
for expenditures and interest on 
loans, and grants.  
Question:  
The federal and sub -federal level 
subsidies referred in this para are 
provided for several sectors. Please 
clarify if these subsidie s are specific 
subsidies as defined under Article 2 of 
the ASCM.   In accordance with Article 25.2 of the SCM 
Agreement Members shall notify any subsidy, which 
is specific within the meaning of Article 2, and have 
no obligation to notify non -specific subsid ies. 
Therefore, all subsidies contained in the 2017 -2018 
new and full notification of the Russian Federation 
are specific.  
Page 65 Paragraph 3.100  
Background:  
Under Government Decree No. 191 of 
23 February 2019 (as amended on 4 
August 2020), the Corporat e 
Competitiveness Enhancement 
Programme (KPPK) is being 
implemented. The KPPK aims to 
increase production and 
competitiveness of industrial products 
with high added value by providing 
access to subsidized investment loans 
for the creation of production in the 
Russian Federation and/or abroad, 
and certain financial instruments for 
products destined for exports.  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate whether the 
KPPK provide access to subsidized 
investment loans and certain financial 
instruments only for products destined 
for exports?   According to the Resolution of the Government of 
the Russian Federation of 23 February 2019 No. 191 
KPPK is aimed at increasing competitiveness, the 
volume of production and sales. The program 
applies in respect of enterprises establ ished in 
Russia which are producing products in Russia or 
abroad for subsequent use by Russian industries in 
foreign countries.  
According to the Resolution of the Government of 
the Russian Federation of 23 February 2019 No. 
191, support is provided in the form of partial 
compensation interest rates of export credits and 
other financial instruments which are similar to 
credits in their economic essence, and of partial 
compensation of insurance premium for export 
credit contracts. It should be noted that export 
credits are naturally relevant to export performance. 
However, under the WTO rules export credits may 
be provided subject to certain conditions. Such kind 
of support is provided in a WTO -consistent way.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 218 - 
 
   Page 67 Pargragraph 3.106  
Background:  
Between June 2016 and March 2021, 
the Russian Federation submitted 41 
regular notifications to the WTO 
Committee on Technical Barriers to 
Trade (TBT Committee), all of which 
concerned EAEU -level measures. In 
21 submissions (46% of the total) t he 
allowed period for comments was 60 
days or more. Only three notifications 
allowed for a comment period of less 
than 45 days.  
Question:  
Russian Federation is requested to 
provide a response on these 
notifications:  
Are these measures a regional level 
standard? Is there a corresponding 
international standard? What was the 
necessity, or urgency, of having lesser 
than the mandated comment period 
for the three notifications? And Which 
sectors do they regulate?  The measures notified were the technical regula tions 
of the EAEU. According to paragraph 3 of the 
Protocol on the technical regulations in the EAEU 
(Annex 9 to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic 
Union) the technical regulations of the EAEU are 
based on the relevant international standards, 
except wher e such standards do not exist or they 
are ineffective or inappropriate to fulfil legitimate, 
inter alia, due to climate or geographical factors or 
fundamental technological problems. Taking into 
account this provision of the legislation of the EAEU, 
the no tified technical regulations of the EAEU are 
based on the international standards.  
The Russian Federation fully complies with is 
obligations regarding transparency. Notifications 
with a comment period of less than 45 days were 
either on re -published measur es or on provisions 
that improve the provisions of the technical 
regulations in force.  
The full list of notifications submitted by the Russian 
Federation with a description of the technical 
regulations notified is available and can be found at: 
at: 
http://tbtims.wto.org/en/Notifications/Search?Produ
ctsCoveredHSCodes=&ProductsCoveredICSCodes=&
DoSearch=True&ExpandSearchMoreFields=False&No
tifyingMember=Russian+Federation&DocumentSym
bol=&DistributionDateFrom=01%2F06%2F2016&Dis
tributionDateTo=3 1%2F03%2F2021&SearchTerm=&
ProductsCovered=&DescriptionOfContent=&Comme
ntPeriod=&FinalDateForCommentsFrom=&FinalDate
ForCommentsTo=&ProposedDateOfAdoptionFrom=&
ProposedDateOfAdoptionTo=&ProposedDateOfEntryI
ntoForceFrom=&ProposedDateOfEntryIntoForceTo=
&Reason ForAddendum =  
Page 68 Paragraph 3.113  
Background:  
As with standards and technical 
regulations, the legal and institutional 
framework for SPS protection is a 
mixture of national and EEC 
competences. There were no major 
changes to that framework during the 
review period.116 In 2018, the 
Russian Federation adopted rules for 
controls carried out at overseas 
production, processing, and dispatch 
sites of planting materials intended for 
importation into its territory.  
Question:  
Russian Federation adop ted rules for 
controls carried out at overseas 
production, processing, and dispatch 
sites of planting materials intended for 
importation into its territory by 
International Treaties of the Russian 
Federation.   
Could Russian Federation explain 
about the exp orting countries who are 
not part of those treaties?  Phytosanitary requirements for seed and planting 
material exported to the Russian Federation are set 
out in the Common Phytosanitary Quarantine 
Requirements for regulated products and regulated 
objects at the customs border and in the customs 
territory of the Eurasian Economic Union, approved 
by the Decision of the Council of the Eurasian 
Economic Commission as of 30 November 2016 N o. 
157. The implementation mechanism is built into the 
rules for imports of planting material.  
The Russian Federation is applying phytosanitary 
quarantine control in accordance with international 
standards, guidelines and recommendations in the 
field of plant quarantine. The phytosanitary 
measures taken by Russia are also scien tifically 
justified.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 219 - 
 
  Page 68 Paragraph 3.119  
Background:  
As at March 2021, common 
phytosanitary controls on imports 
from third countries applied to 128 
product groups. The corresponding 
figures for common veterinary and 
sanitary -epidemiological controls were 
110 product groups and 19 product 
groups, respectively. Goods marketed 
within the EAEU were subject to 106 
phytosanitary requirements, and a 
range of veterinary and sanitary -
epidemiological requirements. The 
bulk of t hese requirements were set 
out in more than 25 EAEU technical 
regulations. The authorities affirm that 
no export restrictions or prohibitions 
were introduced for SPS reasons 
during the review period, and all SPS -
related import restrictions were duly 
notified to the WTO.   
Question:  
Russian Federation is requested to 
explain on what scientific basis it has 
implemented phytosanitary controls 
on imports from third countries on 
128 product groups?  
Russia is requested to provide the 
details of Risk Assessment a nalysis 
and the relevant Dossiers;  
Further, can the Russian Federation 
explain the requirements set out in 
more than 25 EAEU technical 
regulations and are these non -
discriminatory to third country?  In accordance with the CU Commission Decision as 
of 18 October 2011 No. 835 "On the equivalence of 
sanitary, veterinary and phytosanitary measures 
and on the risk assessment " national competent 
authorities while conducting the analysis of 
phytosanitary risks apply the methods developed by 
the relevant international and regional organizations 
operating under the International Plant Protection 
Convention. In addition, the proces s of 
phytosanitary risks analysis is regulated by the 
Federal Law as of 21 July 2014 No. 206 "On plant 
quarantine ", the Resolution of the Government of 
the Russian Federation as of 10 August 2016 No. 
770 "On the analysis of phytosanitary risk ". 
National co mpetent authorities while conducting risk 
assessment take into account available scientific 
data, appropriate production and processing 
methods, appropriate inspections, sampling and 
testing techniques, the spread of certain types of 
diseases and pests, th e existence of pest or disease -
free zones, the relevant environmental conditions, 
the possibility of quarantine, etc.  
When assessing the risk to human, animal or plant 
life or health and determining the measure that 
should be applied in order to achieve t he required 
level of sanitary, veterinary or phytosanitary 
protection against such risk, national competent 
authorities take into account relevant economic 
factors: potential damage from reduced production 
or sales, in case of penetration, establishment or  
spread of any pest or disease, the costs of 
combating or eradicating them in its territory the 
relative cost -effectiveness ratio of alternative 
approaches to limiting risks.  
The EAEU technical regulations are adopted in 
accordance with the WTO rules. Befo re adoption, the 
draft EAEU technical regulations are published on 
the EEC website and notified to the WTO. The 
Rosselkhoznadzor expresses its readiness to provide 
its comments on specific issues regarding the 
requirements contained in the technical regula tions 
of the EAEU on the specific requests of the 
competent authorities of other Members.  
Page 69 Paragraph 3.119  
Background:  
The Russian Scientific and Technical 
Centre for Information on 
Standardization, Metrology and 
Conformity Assessment 
(Standartinf orm) is the national 
enquiry point, whereas the MED is the 
notification authority under the SPS 
Agreement. The Russian Federation 
submitted 39 regular and 49 
emergency notifications to the WTO 
between June 2016 and March 
2021.  SPS measures adopted at the 
EAEU level were the subject of nearly 
half of the regular notifications. 
Approximately 87% of the measures 
announced in regular notifications and 
92% of emergency measures were In the review period Russian Federation also 
submitted to the WTO notifications on SPS measures 
that facilitated trade and withdrew several 
notifications.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 220 - 
 
  based on international standards. 
During the same period, the Russian 
Federation  was asked to respond to 
six specific trade concerns raised by 
several Members at the Committee on 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. 
The Russian Federation also raised 
four specific trade concerns and 
supported six concerns raised by 
other Members.  
Ques tion:  
According to E -Ping notification, 
Russian Federation has notified 52 
emergency notifications and 41 
regular notifications to the WTO 
between June 2016. Approximately 
87% of the measures announced in 
regular notifications and 92% of 
emergency measures  were based on 
international standards.  
Russian Federation is requested to 
explain why the remaining 
notifications with national standards 
are not trade restrictive?  
Russia is requested to provide the 
details of 'risk assessment analysis' 
and the relevan t 'dossiers'?  
Page 83 Paragraph 3.179  
Background:  
On 31 December 2020, Government 
Order No. 3718-r was issued to grant 
a compulsory licence for remdesivir, 
an investigational medical treatment 
of COVID -19, on the grounds of 
national security under Article 1360 of 
the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation (CC RF). Under this Article, 
the Government  has the power to 
authorize compulsory licences for the 
use of an invention, utility model, or 
industrial design without the consent 
of its patent holder, if such use is in 
the interest of national defence and 
security. The patent holder should, 
however, b e notified of such use in 
the shortest possible time and be 
compensated commensurately.  
Question :  
As per Article 31 of the TRIPS 
Agreement for issuance of non -
voluntary license the national defence 
and security cannot be used as a valid 
ground. Therefore, what is the 
justification for Russia's order for 
issuance of compulsory license under 
Article 31 o f the TRIPS Agreement?  Article 31 of the TRIPS Agreement provides for a 
number of provisions to be respected in case when 
such use is allowed by Members law and does not 
set out specific grounds when compulsory licensing 
can be issued. More clarification re set in The 
Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and public 
health of 20 November 2000 (WT/MIN(01)/DEC/2). 
In accordance with the Declaration Members of the 
WTO have the right to use flexibilities of the TRIPS 
Agreement, especially, in case of national 
emergency or other circumstances of extreme 
urgency. According to this Declaration each member 
has the right to determine what constitutes a 
national emergency and it is understood that public 
health crises (in this case caused by COVID -19 
pandemic) can repre sent national emergency. The 
Government of the Russian Federation had issued 
the decision on granting a compulsory license with 
regard to remdesivir in conformity with the TRIPS 
Agreement and its international obligations.  
Page 83 -84 Paragraph 3.182  
Backg round  
The State Duma adopted a bill on 
expanding the grounds for granting 
compulsory licences, including in 
emergency use related to protecting In accordanc3e to the Ci vil Code of the Russian 
Federation there are no additional ground to issue a 
compulsory license other that stipulated in article 
1360 CC RF. Basis of the compensation was 
calculated in accordance with Article 31 (h) of the 
TRIPS Agreement, which establish that compulsory WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 221 - 
 
  the life and health of citizens. The bill 
also suggests that the Government 
should establish an appropriate poli cy 
and practices for determining the 
amount of compensation and its 
payment procedure.  
Question:  
Which international guideline has 
Russia adopted for compensation to 
the right holder in compulsory 
licensing instances? If no international 
guideline has bee n adopted, what was 
the compensation awarded for 
compulsory licenses issued during 
COVID -19? What was the basis for 
determining the amount of 
compensation? What are the 
additional grounds for granting 
compulsory licenses in Russia?  licensing can be authorized in case the right holder 
will be paid adequate remuneration, taking into 
account the economic value of the authorization. As 
a Member of the WTO and the Party to the TRIPS 
Agreement, the legislation of the Russia n Federation 
is based on the main international legal act in 
Multilateral Trading System.  
Page 87 Paragraph 3.194  
Background  
The Russian Federation has amended 
its copyright legislation since the 
previous Review, with a focus on 
copyright collective management and 
access to and use of information and 
information technology.  
Question:  
Does the Russia provide for the 
protection of performers rights? Could 
Russia provide further details? Does 
Russia provide royalty to foreign 
copyright holder s for the exploitation 
of their work in the member country's 
territory? Could Russia provide further 
details, including the specific domestic 
laws, regulations etc.?   In Russia the protection of related rights is ensured 
in accordance with international tr eaties. Chapter 71 
of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation is fully 
devoted to the objects of related rights, in 
particular, the rights of performers, producers of 
phonograms, the rights of broadcasting and cable 
broadcasting organizations, the rights of 
manufacturers of databases and the rights of 
publishers to works of science, literature and art.  
According to Article 1304 of the Civil Code of the 
Russian Federation, the objects of related rights are:  
1) the results of performing activities 
(performances), which include the performances of 
performers and conductors, if these performances 
are expressed in a form that allows their 
reproduction and distribution using technical means, 
staging by stage directors of performances, if these 
performan ces are expressed in a form that allows to 
carry out their repeated public performance while 
maintaining the recognition of a particular 
production by the audience, as well as in a form that 
allows reproduction and distribution via technical 
means;  
2) phon ograms, that is, any exclusively sound 
recordings of performances or other sounds or their 
representations, with the exception of a sound 
recording included in an audio -visual work;  
3) messages of broadcasts of broadcasting or 
cablecasting organizations, i ncluding programs 
created by the broadcasting or cablecasting 
organization itself or by its order at the expense of 
its funds by another organization;  
4) databases in respect of their protection from 
unauthorized extraction and reuse of the materials 
that make up their content;  
5) works of science, literature and art, published 
after their transfer to the public domain, in terms of 
protecting the rights of publishers of such works.  
For the occurrence, exercise and protection of 
related rights, registration of their object or 
compliance with any other formalities is not 
required.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 222 - 
 
  In accordance with international provisions and 
norms of national legislation, the Russian Federation 
ensures equal protection of the rights of foreign 
rightsholders on the territory  of the Russian 
Federation.  
Organizations for the management of related rights 
on a collective basis manage the rights of not only 
Russian, but also foreign performers on the basis of 
agreements on mutual representation of interests 
concluded with foreign collective management 
societies.  
Page 87 Paragraph 3.196  
Background:  
Regarding protection of information 
and information technology, Federal 
Law No. 156 -FZ of 1 July 2017 on 
Amendments to the Federal Law on 
Information, Information Technologies 
and Inform ation Protection (FLIITIP) 
established a mechanism allowing the 
court to restrict access to "mirrors", 
i.e. sites that are confusingly similar 
to the sites to which access was 
previously restricted due to replicative 
and illegal posting of information 
containing copyright items. This Law 
covers websites that contain 
unauthorized copyright and related 
rights' items or the information 
required to obtain these items. 
Federal Law No. 276 -FZ of 29 July 
2017 on Amendments to the Federal 
Law on Information, Inform ation 
Technologies, and Information 
Protection (FLIITIP) prohibits the use 
of information and 
telecommunications networks, 
information systems, and computer 
programs to access prohibited 
information resources on the list 
maintained by the Federal Service f or 
Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, 
Information Technologies and Mass 
Communication (Roskomnadzor). This 
Law also prevents proxy service (e.g. 
VPNs) providers from providing access 
to prohibited information resources in 
the Russian Federation and bans  
search engine operators from issuing 
links to such materials.  
Question:   
What is the procedure for removing 
copyright infringing material from the 
internet? Could Russia provide further 
details, including the specific domestic 
laws, regulations etc.? What is the 
liability of intermediary platforms in 
such infringement cases? Could Russia 
provide further details, including the 
specific domestic laws, regulations 
etc.? In the Russian Federation, the procedure for 
restricting access to illegal content on the Internet, 
is provided for by anti -piracy legislation which 
applies to all objects of copyright and related rights, 
excluding photographic works.  
Anti-piracy legislation contains a judicial mechanism 
of termination of violations of copyright and relate d 
rights on the Internet (Article 15.2 of the Federal 
Law of 27 July 2006 No. 149 -FZ "On Information, 
information technology and information protection ", 
introduced Federal Law dated 2 July 2013 No. 187 -
FZ "On Amendments in certain legislative acts of the 
Russian Federation on issues protection of 
intellectual rights in information and 
telecommunication networks ") and an extrajudicial 
mechanism for the termination of copyright 
violations and  related rights on the Internet (Article 
15.7 of the Federal Law 27 July, 2006 No. 149 -FZ 
"On information, information technologies and on 
the protection of information ", introduced by the 
Federal Law of 24 November 2014 No. 364 -FZ "On 
Amendments to the F ederal Law" On Information, 
information technology and information protection 
"and Civil the procedural code of the Russian 
Federation ").  
The judicial procedure is as follows: the copyright 
holder at detection of pirated content on the 
Internet addresses to the Moscow City Court with a 
statement on the adoption of measures to restrict 
access. The definition of Moscow City Court is sent 
to Roskomnadzor for execution. Roskomnadzor 
forwards the received application to the hosting 
provider, which in turn notif ies the site owner of the 
need to restrict access to an object of copyright or 
related rights.  
Interim measures are valid for 15 days and if the 
copyright holder does not apply during this time 
with a claim to the resource on which illegal content 
is post ed - interim measures are removed and 
access to the content is resumed.  
Out-of-court order are also available and allows 
copyright holders to apply with a statement on the 
termination of access to illegally posted content 
directly to the owner of the webs ite and promptly 
withe no expenses for legal procedures to block 
illegal content.  
Article 15.6 of the Federal Law of 27 July 2006 No. 
149-FZ "On information, information technology and 
information protection " provides for a permanent 
(eternal) blocking of  a website on the Internet. Such 
blocking occurs on the basis of the decision of the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 223 - 
 
  Moscow City Court in the case of repeated 
placement of illegal content.  
Federal Law of 1 July 2017 No. 156 -FZ "On 
Amendments to the Federal Law "On Information, 
Informatio n Technologies and on the protection of 
information ", establishes a mechanism that allows, 
by a court decision, to restrict access to the site, 
confusingly similar to a site to which access was 
previously restricted, the so -called "mirrors" (Article 
15.6-1 of the Federal Law 27 uly 2006 No. 149 -FZ 
"On information, information technologies and on 
the protection of information ").  
Federal Law dated 29 July 2017 No. 276 -FZ "On 
Amendments to the Federal Law "On Information, 
Information Technologies and on the protection of 
information "introduced article 15.8 of the Federal 
Law "On information, information technology and 
information protection", establishing a ban on 
telecommunication networks, information systems 
and computer programs which gave access to 
prohibited information resources.  
 Page 87 -88 Paragraph 3.198  
Background:  
As listed in Table 3.23, Federal Law 
No. 262 -FZ of 31 July 2020 on 
Amendments to Part IV of the Civil 
Code of the Russian Federation is one 
of the major legal developments in 
Russian p atent law. It introduces a 
new mechanism for institutions 
accredited by Rospatent to carry out, 
upon the request of an applicant, a 
preliminary information search and 
patentability assessment as part of 
the examination of applications for 
inventions and ut ility models. 
Applicants who submit the preliminary 
assessment results to Rospatent will 
benefit from reduced fees and 
shortened periods of substantive 
patent examinations. This mechanism 
is expected to reduce the amount of 
preparatory work of Rospatent 
examiners, help examiners have a 
better understanding of the essence of 
the claimed invention, and improve 
patent quality by involving industry 
experts to examine prior art and 
assess patentability before 
substantive examination by 
Rospatent.  
Question:  
India requests the Russian Federation 
to provide the following details:  
Can Russia provide more information 
regarding institutions accredited by 
Rospatent? Are these institutions 
public or private in nature? How is the 
examination procedure harmonized 
across a ll such accredited 
institutions?  How many patents have 
been granted under this new The law will be fully implemented starting from 
March 2022, so no patents have been granted under 
this system yet. The accreditation procedure should 
be available for any Russian institutions (public or 
private) that meet the established requirements. 
The accredited institutions, upon request of the 
applicant (Russian or foreign), will only provide 
preliminary search and patentability assessment. 
The exa mination will still be carried out by 
Rospatent. Since the adoption of the law, the unified 
Rules for conducting preliminary search and 
preliminary assessment of patentability were 
approved. Accreditation will also include 
examination of personnel for the required 
knowledge and skills in order to ensure consistency 
of the provided services.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 224 - 
 
  mechanism till date?   
Page 89 Paragraph 3.205  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation elaborate 
on the higher level of protection 
accorded to well -known trademark? Is 
there any procedure for cancellation of 
well-known trademarks?    A well -known trademark authorized by Rospatent 
enjoys infinite duration of protection without any 
need to renew. The protection further extends to 
goods that are not similar to those for which a well -
known trademark is registered if the use of 
trademark is likely associated by consumers with 
the well -known trademark holder and may damage 
the lawful interests of the holder.  
Well-known trademark protection can be invalidated 
by filing a complaint with Ros patent.  
Page 90 Paragraph 3.207  
Background:  
Federal Law No. 230 -FZ of 26 June 
2019 on Amendments to Part IV of 
the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation introduced geographical 
indication (GI) as a new and 
independent type of IP with an aim to 
attract fore ign investment and 
promote domestic brands. The Law 
establishes a registration procedure 
and requirements for GI protection. 
Under the Law, GI is defined as a 
designation used to identify a product 
as originating from a specific 
geographical territory, whe re certain 
quality, reputation, and other 
characteristics are attributable to its 
origin. The term of protection of GIs is 
10 years with the possibility of 
unlimited renewals. In addition, GIs 
can be registered by one or several 
individuals, legal entities , or 
associations of persons who 
manufacture or commercialize the 
product.  
Question:  
What classes of goods are included in 
the GI protection of the Russian 
Federation? Does Russian Federation 
provide GI protection to handicrafts 
and textile products? Is t here any 
higher level of protection for some 
particular classes of products?  No specific restrictions or preferences exist as to the 
classes of goods that may be subject to GI 
protection. There have already been cases of non -
agricultural GI registrations.  
 
Page 90 Paragraph 3.208  
Question:  
Are there any specific criteria 
considered in determining the level of 
protection while analyzing a foreign 
law for granting GI protection to a 
foreign applicant?  According to law, the applicant must provide 
evidence (d ocuments or statements):  
a) that he has the exclusive rights to the name in 
the country of origin and  
b) that the GI in question meets the requirements to 
GI stated by the Russian law (consistent with TRIPS 
Agreement).  
Unlike AOs, a GI applicant only has to provide 
evidence of exclusive rights regardless of the 
protection mechanism. When considering GI 
applications, examiners only analy ze foreign law if 
necessary for information purposes.  
Page 92 Paragraph 3.217  
Background:  
In accordance with Article 113 of 
Federal Law No. 289 -FZ, Russian 
customs authorities are empowered to In accordance with Article 384 of the Customs Code 
of the Eurasian Economic Union the customs 
authorities do not take measures aimed at 
suspending the release of transit goods that have WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  ex officio actions (i.e. without a 
request from the right holder), 
including measures to suspend the 
release of goods if infringing IP signs 
are detected . 
Question:  
Can ex -officio actions be taken for in -
transit goods?   signs of intellectual property rights violations, 
including in the ex -officio actions.  
 
Page 102 Paragraph 4.30.   
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and 
Fisheries  
Background:  
The Russian Government also has 
provided two types of domestic 
transport cost subsidies to various 
agricultural products since 2017. 
Under the first scheme as outlined in 
Decree No. 1104 of 15 September 
201750, companies registered in the 
Russian Federatio n can apply for a 
subsidy for the costs related to the 
transportation of certain types of 
agricultural products within the 
territory of the Russian Federation. 
This scheme is managed by the 
Russian Export Center as an agent of 
the Government, based on an 
agreement with the Ministry of 
Agriculture. The second scheme 
provided a subsidy for transportation 
costs of domestic grain shipments 
(established under Decree No. 1595 of 
20 December 2017) to the Russian 
Railways in 2017 and 2018 only, 
according to the aut horities. This 
subsidy was a compensation for 
revenue losses from the application of 
concessional rates on the transport of 
wheat, barley, and corn shipments 
within the territory of the Russian 
Federation. These subsidies accounted 
for USD 55 million in 20 17, USD 45 
million in 2018, and USD 30 million in 
2019. While these subsidies are for 
domestic transport costs, such 
cargoes could potentially subsequently 
be exported, but no information on 
such amounts is available, according 
to the authorities. It remai ned unclear 
whether a producer could benefit from 
a direct transport cost subsidy for a 
shipment of grains that also benefited 
from concessional railway transport 
rates.  
Question:  
Against the above -mentioned 
background India would request 
Russia to expla in the following:  
As noted in the report, while domestic 
transport cost subsidies are for 
domestic transport costs, such (1) Subsidies are provided for costs associated with 
transportation of certain agricultural goods on the 
territory of the Russian Federation. As far as the 
subsidy is not provided on export shipments and on 
terms more favourable than for domestic shipments, 
it is not subject to reduction commitments under 
Article 9 of the Agreement on Agriculture . 
Considering the length of the territory and the 
specifics of the localization of the centers of 
production and consumption of agricultural goods in 
the Russian Federation, accessible transport links 
are one of the key conditions for ensuring food 
securit y. Otherwise, a significant part of the supply 
of agricultural goods (taking into account the 
purchasing power of the population) will turn out to 
be unprofitable. Therefore, the subsidy is aimed at 
providing for accessibility of transport system in 
order to ensure food security of the Russian 
Federation.  
(2) The support to agricultural producers is provided 
in accordance with the procedures established by 
the Government Resolution No. 1104 of 15 
September 2017.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 226 - 
 
  cargoes could potentially subsequently 
be exported. The internal transport 
subsidies on export shipments are 
subject to reduction comm itments as 
per Article 9.1(e) of Agreement on 
Agriculture (AoA). It is requested to 
clarify how such subsidy is in 
compliance with Russia's obligations 
under AoA.  
Page 102 Paragraph 4.30.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and 
Fisheries  
Ques tion:  
India would like Russia to provide 
clarity whether a producer could 
benefit from a direct transport cost 
subsidy for a shipment of grains that 
also benefited from concessional 
railway transport rates. If yes, how 
such subsidy is in compliance with 
Russia's obligations under AoA.   
Page No. 102 Paragraph No. 4.32  
Background: "In addition to 
agriculture -specific support, 
agricultural producers also benefit 
from COVID -related general support 
measures, including the prolongation 
of concessional short -term loan terms 
and an increase in the maximum 
amounts provided to one borrower, an 
expansion of eligible use under such 
loans, the deferral of payments on 
accrued interest on previously 
concluded concessional short -term 
loans (for small  enterprises as 
borrowers), the deferral of payments 
on accrued interest and on repayment 
of the principal debt on previously 
concluded concessional investment 
loans, and the lease of equipment on 
concessional terms."  
Question:  
The Russian Federation is r equested 
to provide details regarding the time 
period during which these measures 
were in place? Are these measures 
still continuing? If yes, when are these 
expected to be terminated?   Agricultural producers were not eligible to receive 
support targeted to  overcome consequences of 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
Deferring the payment of previously taken 
investment loans, as well as deferring the 
repayment of the principal debt on credits and loans 
were of a local nature. In particular, only 10 
borrowers (agricultural producers) took advantage 
of these measures; no special selection of recipients 
was carried out, since these decisions were 
implemented within the framework of the existing 
state support measures performed on equal access 
conditions.  
Page No . 102 Paragraph No. 4.32  
Question:  
Did the RF conduct any assessment of 
the impact of such measures on the 
agriculture sector?   
Page No. 102 Paragraph No. 4.32  
Question:  
How were the beneficiaries targeted 
for providing Covid - related general 
support measures?  
Page 109 Paragraph 4.50  
Question:   
Could Russia clarify how Total The legislation on fishing and conservation of 
aquatic biological resources consists of the Federal 
Law No. 166 -FZ of 20 December 2004 "On Fishing WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 227 - 
 
  Allowable Catch (TAC)  is allocated and 
arrived at?  and Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources" 
(herein after – the Fisheries Law), other federal laws 
and laws of the regions of the Russian Federation, 
as well as other legal acts.  
According to Article 30 of the Fisheries Law, the 
total allowable catches of aquatic biological 
resources in sea waters, in inland water bodies, as 
well as quotas for the extraction (catch) of aquatic 
biological resources, provided to the Russian 
Federation in the areas of application of 
international treaties of the Russian Federation in 
the field of fishing and conservation o f aquatic 
biological resources, are annually distributed and 
approved by the Federal Agency for Fisheries in 
relation to the different types of quotas for the catch 
of aquatic biological resources, including:  
• for commercial fishing and (or) coastal 
fishing ; 
• for fishing for research and control purposes 
(scientific quotas);  
• for fishing for educational and cultural 
purposes;  
• for fishing for aquaculture (fish breeding);  
• for the organization of recreational fishing;  
• in order to ensure the traditional way of lif e 
and the implementation of traditional 
economic activities of the indigenous 
peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far 
East of the Russian Federation;  
• quotas for the catch of aquatic biological 
resources provided by the Russian 
Federation to the areas of action of 
international treaties for the implementation 
of commercial fishing and (or) coastal 
fishing;  
• quotas for the catch of aquatic biological 
resources in the exclusive economic zone of 
the Russian Federation for foreign states, 
established in accorda nce with international 
treaties of the Russian Federation in the 
field of fishing and conservation of aquatic 
biological resources.  
The procedure for the distribution of the total 
allowable catches of aquatic biological resources in 
relation to the types o f quotas for their catch was 
approved by the Resolution of the Government of 
the Russian Federation dated 15 December 2005 
No. 768. The mentioned act of the Government of 
the Russian Federation establishes that the 
distribution of the total allowable catch es of aquatic 
biological resources in relation to the specified types 
of quotas for their catch is carried out in the 
sequence in which they are listed. The volume of the 
subsequent total allowable catch in relation to the 
type of quota is determined on th e basis of the 
residual principle in relation to the previous types of 
quotas for each of the specified subparagraphs.  
The distribution of quotas between persons who 
have the right for the catch of aquatic biological 
resources, and the assignment of shares  of quotas is 
carried out in accordance with Article 31 of the 
Fisheries Law and the Resolution of the Government WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  of the Russian Federation No. 987 of 23 August 
2018 "On the distribution of quotas for the catch of 
aquatic biological resources in accordance  with 
paragraph 12 of Article 31 of the Federal Law "On 
Fisheries and the Conservation of Aquatic Biological 
Resources" and on the invalidation of some acts of 
the Government of the Russian Federation" 
(hereinafter - Resolution No. 987).  
According Resoluti on No. 987, for each person the 
volume of a part of the total allowable catch of a 
specific type of aquatic biological resources is 
calculated as the product of the share of the quota 
assigned to this person and the volume of 
corresponding quota approved b y the Federal 
Agency for Fisheries.  
Page 109 Paragraph 4.51  
Background:  
Over the reporting period, catch 
(landings) of fish and crustaceans 
increased overall, especially in the 
Pacific Ocean. In particular, the catch 
of diadromous fish and crustaceans 
increased, while the catch of cod, 
hake, and haddock declined, with 
others remaining broadly unchanged 
(Table 4.8). Russian fishing vessels 
engage in fishing activities inside and 
outside their exclusive economic zone 
in accordance with bilater al and 
multilateral access agreements.  
Question:   
Could Russia clarify if the fishing it 
undertakes in others' EEZ is under 
access rights? What are the terms and 
conditions under such 
agreements?  Which RFMO(s) is Russia 
a party to?  The Russian Federation c arries out its fishing 
activities in foreign EEZs on the basis of bilateral 
agreements. The terms and conditions of such 
agreements are individual with each country. The 
agreement may terminate due to its expiration 
(there may be an automatic renewal if it  was 
provided) or may be denounced. Terms of 
agreements include various forms of interaction 
within the framework of the agreement.  
The Russian Federation is a Party to the following 
RFMOs:  
• International Commission for the 
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas ( ICCAT)  
• Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization 
(NAFO)  
• North Atlantic Salmon Organization (NASCO)  
• North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission 
(NEAFC)  
• North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC)  
• Commission for the Conservation of 
Antarctic Marine Living Re sources (CCAMLR)  
• North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission 
(NPAFC)  
• South Pacific Regional Fisheries 
Management Organization (SPRFMO)  
• North Pacific Marine Science Organization 
(PIKES)  
• International Council for the Exploration of 
the Sea (ICES)  
• Conventio n on the Conservation and 
Management of Alaska Pollock Resources in 
the Central Bering Sea (CCBS)  
The list of bilateral agreements as well as RFMOs to 
which Russia is a party could be found on the 
website of the Federal Agency for Fisheries.  
Page 110 Paragraph 4.52  
Background :  
Domestically incorporated firms with 
foreign ownership can operate in the 
sector only if foreign ownership of the 
company has been established in line 
with requirements outlined in Federal 
Law No. 57 -FZ of 29 April 2008 on the 
Procedure for Making Foreign 
Investments in Business Entities of 
Strategic Importance for Ensuring the Paragraph 2 of Article 11 of the Federal Law No. 
166-FZ of 20 December 2004 "On Fishing and 
Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources" 
(hereinafter - the Fisheries Law) provides that legal 
entities and individual entrepreneurs registered in 
the Russian Federation that are under the control of 
a foreign investor or a group of persons, which 
includes a foreign investor, are not entitled to 
fishing aquatic biological resources, except under 
certain conditions. Such conditions are set out in 
paragraph 3 of same Article.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  National Defence and State Security 
(as amended)  
Question:  
India requests Russia to further 
elaborate on requirements outlined in 
Federal Law No. 57 -FZ that foreign 
ownership need t o compile.  Persons in question are entitled to fishing aquatic 
biological resources in case the control by a foreign 
investor or a group of persons, which includes a 
foreign investor, in relation to such persons is 
acquired after the approval  by the competent 
authority (in the manner prescribed by the Federal 
Law No. 57 -FZ 29 of April 2008 "On the procedure 
for foreign investments in business entities of 
strategic importance for ensuring the country's 
defense and state security").  Subparagraph  3 of 
paragraph 1 of Article 3 of the Federal Law No. 57 -
FZ determines that control of a foreign investor or a 
group of persons over a business entity of strategic 
importance means:  
• the ability of a foreign investor or a group of 
persons to determine decis ions directly or 
through third parties, taken by a business 
entity of strategic importance by disposing 
of votes attributable to voting shares 
(stakes) constituting the authorized capital 
of this business entity (including if this 
ability is temporarily tr ansferred to another 
person(s) on the basis of a property trust 
agreement, pledge agreement, repurchase 
agreement, security deposit, other 
agreement or transaction), at a general 
meeting of shareholders (participants) of 
this business entity, by participat ing in the 
board of directors (supervisory board) and 
other management bodies of this business 
entity, by concluding an agreement with 
this business entity on exercising the 
functions of a manager (managing 
organization) or a similar agreement;   
• the abilit y of a foreign investor or a group of 
persons to directly or indirectly dispose of 
twenty -five percent or more of the total 
number of votes attributable to voting 
shares (stakes) constituting the authorized 
capital of a business entity, having 
strategic im portance and exercising the 
use of subsoil plots of federal importance 
and (or) the extraction (catch) of aquatic 
biological resources (including if this ability 
is temporarily transferred to another 
person(s) on the basis of a property trust 
agreement, pl edge agreement, repurchase 
agreement, security deposit, other 
agreement or transaction);  
• the right of a foreign investor or a group of 
persons to appoint a sole executive body 
and (or) twenty -five percent or more of the 
composition of the collegial executi ve body 
of this business entity; or  
• the unconditional ability of a foreign investor 
or a group of persons to elect twenty -five 
percent or more of the composition of the 
board of directors (supervisory board) or 
other collegial management body of this 
busin ess entity.  
Federal Law No. 57 -FZ establishes a general 
screening mechanism. In case a foreign person WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  intends to acquire control over strategic enterprise, 
such acquisition has to be approved by the 
competent authority.  
Page 111 Paragraph 4.54.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1.6 Fisheries  
Background:  
The Strategy for Development of 
Agriculture and Fisheries Through 
2030, approved in April 2020 and the 
Strategy for the Development of the 
Fisheries Industry until 2030, 
approved in November 2019, pr ovide 
the overall framework for government 
action in the fisheries sector. Support 
for the fisheries sector is concentrated 
on supporting access to finance 
(subsidies for loan interests) for 
investment into fishing vessels, 
processing infrastructure, stora ge, 
and the development of aquaculture 
(primarily via interest payments for 
investment loans), as well as 
insurance (for aquaculture). Support 
to the sector is outlined in the State 
Programme on the Development of 
the Fisheries Industry (adopted in 
2014), but some support is also 
provided under the State Programme 
on Development of Shipbuilding and 
Techniques for Offshore Field 
Development. Over the period 2017 -
18, the State Programmes provided 
support of RUB 312 million and RUB 
4.5 billion, respectively, 
complemented with support from sub -
federal programmes of RUB 4.42 
billion. In addition, the State 
Programme on the Development of 
Agriculture also supported aquaculture 
development under its sub 
programme Development of Breeding, 
Processing and Marketing of  Livestock 
Products for the purchase of fish 
stocking material, feed, veterinary 
drugs, and the development of 
aquaculture infrastructure facilities 
until 2020 when this support ended, 
according to the authorities. No 
information regarding the structure 
and amount of subsidies to the 
fisheries sector was available yet for 
the period 2019 -20.  
Question:  
India requests Russia to provide 
information on the following:  
Could Russia clarify how many 
programmes are currently active? 
How much support, specific or n on-
specific, is provided towards the 
fisheries sector in the review period?  Please see the notifications of the Russian 
Federation made pursuant to Article 25 of the 
Agreement on SCM (G/SCM/N/284/RUS, 
G/SCM/N/315/RUS, G/SCM/N/343/RUS).  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 231 - 
 
  Page 111 Paragraph 4.54.  
Question:  
What is the value of Russia's specific 
and non -specific fuel subsidies to 
fisheries sector for the review period?   The Russian Federation did not provide specific or 
non-specific fuel subsidies to the fisheries sector in 
the revie w period.  
Page 111 Paragraph 4.54.  
Question:  
How does Russia ensure that subsidies 
for loan interests for investment into 
fishing vessel are not leading to 
overcapacity and overfishing?   The Russian Federation applies an effective model of 
conservation an d management of aquatic biological 
resources, which allows maintaining fish stocks at a 
sustainable level and catching aquatic biological 
resources in scientifically justified volumes. The 
Russian Federation implements the measures of 
state support in such  a way that do not provide for 
the extraction (catch) of aquatic biological resources 
in excess of the established total allowable catches. 
In this regard, the possibility of overfishing and 
creating an excessive fishing effort on aquatic 
biological resour ces through the provision of 
fisheries subsidies is factored out.  
Page 111 Paragraph 4.54.  
Question:  
Could Russia further elaborate the 
action plan under the two strategies 
like'Strategy for Development of 
Agriculture and Fisheries Through 
2030' and the 'Strategy for the 
Development of the Fisheries Industry 
until 2030'? How do the strategies 
mentioned above plan to address 
sustainability of the agricultural and 
fishery sectors?   The Strategies consolidate the conceptual 
foundations of the national se ctoral policy, including 
its long -term goals, objectives and indicators, linked 
to the assessment of the current state of these 
sectors based on the analysis of key risks, 
challenges and threats. The achievement of 
indicators of state policy in the field o f agro -
industrial and fishery complexes is performed 
through the existing state programs (projects), 
which form the basis for providing domestic support.  
The Strategy for the Development of the Fisheries 
Industry until 2030 includes the action plan aiming 
at renovation of production assets, including 
processing facilities, development of research 
activities, improvement of education, and creation of 
conducive e nvironment for attracting investments.  
The Russian Federation implements fisheries 
management measures that ensure sustainable 
exploitation of aquatic biological resources. 
Sustainable development of agricultural sector is 
ensured by bringing unused agric ultural land under 
cultivation, which (along with the development of 
organic production) allows minimizing anthropogenic 
impact on the environment.  
Page 111 Paragraph 4.54.  
Question:   
Could Russia further elaborate on the 
details of the supports given und er 
the State Programme on Development 
of Shipbuilding and Techniques for 
Offshore Field Development?   Under the State Programme on the Development of 
Shipbuilding and Techniques for Shelf Field 
Development fishing companies are entitled to 
receive subsidie s in the form of direct funding from 
the federal budget for partial compensation of costs, 
lease payments and expenditures on loans interests 
in relation to construction and purchase of fishing 
vessels flying the flag of the Russian Federation.  
Page 111 P aragraph 4.54.  
Question:  
Can Russia provide updated 
information regarding the structure 
and number of shipments (units) and 
the number of subsidies provided to 
the fisheries sector?   More details on the number of subsidies provided to 
the fisheries sector are contained in the notifications  
of the Russian Federation made pursuant to Article 
25 of the Agreement on SCM (G/SCM/N/284/RUS, 
G/SCM/N/315/RUS, G/SCM/N/343/RUS). The 
number of subsidies provided to the fisheries sector 
in 2019 -2020 wil l be notified in due course.  
The question regarding the structure and number of 
shipments (units) is unclear. The data on Russian 
export of fish and fish products could be found in 
Chart 4.3 of the Secretariat Report, on the official WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  website of the Federal  Customs Service of the 
Russian Federation or in UN Comtrade database.  
The Russian Federation does not provide export 
subsidies to the fisheries sector.  
Page 112 Paragraph 4.57  
Background:  In April 2020, rules on 
licensing of exports of gold were 
adopted that allowed gold mining and 
refinery companies along with credit 
institutions to obtain general licences 
for the export of refined gold from the 
Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT).  
Ques tion:  
Can Russia please specify the rules 
that companies need to comply with, 
in order to obtain licences? What are 
differences in the rules between 
domestically -owned and foreign -
owned firms and what is the 
distinction which Russia uses for the 
separatio n of ownership?   Following Government Resolution 539 issued on 17 
April 2021 the Ministry of  Industry and Trade is 
entitled to issue general export licenses for refined 
gold and silver in bars on the basis of the application 
by precious metals miners and producers, which 
should be agreed upon by the Ministry of Finance.  
The Resolution does not contain any differences in 
rules between the domestically -owned and foreign -
owned firms.  
The procedure for issuing of licenses for export of 
precious metals (listed in Tables 1 and 2 of section 
2.10, containing the list of goods which could be 
imported/exported to/from the territory of the EAEU 
under the approval procedure) is provided for under 
Annex 1 approved by the Order of the Ministry of 
finance No.50н of 29 March 2019 (as amended in 
September, 2020). The list of documents necessary 
for the application should/may, inter alia, contain 
the following:  
- cover letter to the application  
- the application  
- the copy of the foreign trade contract  
- copy of sales contract  
- commission agreement  
- copy of the extract from the United State 
Register of Legal Entities  
- copy of a license for subsoil exploitation 
(issuance in accordance with the Subsoil 
Law).  
An applicant or its authorized representative may on 
its own motion as well f ile additional documents.  
In respect of issuance of a license to export of 
precious metals and commodities, containing 
precious metals by the Ministry of Industry and 
Trade the procedure is the following.  
According to item 13 of Annex No. 14 to the 
Decisio n of the Board of the Eurasian Economic 
Union as of 21 April 2015 No. 30 (the Regulation) an 
applicant to receive a license should be:  
- mining entities  
- producers of refined precious metals  
- credit organizations, juridical persons, 
natural persons registered as entrepreneurs 
having a right to operations with precious 
metals and (or) commodities containing 
precious metals in accordance with the 
legislation of a EAEU Member  
- - any other special organizations designated 
thereto under the legislation of a EAEU 
Member.  
According to paragraph 13 of the Regulation to 
obtain a license an applicant should file documents 
to a relevant authority of a Member State (in the 
territory of which an applicant is registered) 
according to items 1 -5 of paragraph 10 of the  Rules 
on issuance of licenses and permits for export and 
import of goods (annex to annex 7 of the Treaty on 
the EAEU of 29 May 2014 (the Rules).  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 233 - 
 
  The list of documents needed for filing is the 
following:  
1. An application for obtaining a license  
2. an electronic  copy according to the format 
adopted by the Commission (before 
adoption of a especial format by the 
Commission, the application is field 
according to the format under the national 
legislations)  
3. copy of a foreign -trade contract, in case of 
absence – a cop y of other document proving 
the parties' intentions  
4. a copy of a document proving  
5. copy f a certificate of registration with the 
Tax Service or a copy a certificate of a state 
registration  
6. a copy of a license to perform activities 
subject to licensing.  
An applicant should also provide documents 
according to subparagraph 6 of para graph  10 of the 
Rules, which are the following:  
- for credit organizations – a copy of a license to 
perform activities with precious metals as well as 
copies of contacts proving th e property rights to 
refined precious metals or a copy of a commission 
contract;  
- for mining entity – a copy of a license or a contract 
containing a right to subsoil use or a certificate of 
registration of a contract on subsoil use;  
- for entities produci ng refined precious metals, 
juridical persons and individual entrepreneur having 
a right to perform operations with precious metals – 
copies of documents proving that precious metals 
were legally acquired, a copy of a special 
registration of an entity or a  copy of a license to 
perform a special activity according to the national 
legislation of a Member.  
Thus, the system is two -tiered – 1st step is to agree 
on the application with the Ministry of finance, 2nd – 
to apply for a license to the Ministry of Indus try and 
trade following the Rules.  
Page 113 Paragraph 4.57  
Background:  
The company's nickel output declined 
in 2016 -17, due to the 
decommissioning of one of its old 
plants, but the company has increased 
its nickel production since 2017 and is 
planning to continue to expand 
capacity to meet the growing demand 
for electric vehicles  
Question:  
With companies planning to continue 
expanding capacity to meet the 
growing demand, can Russia share its 
experience of the efforts it has 
undertaken to ensur e the 
sustainability of nickel reserves and 
promotion of environmentally friendly 
practices in the industry?  In 2018 the Government of the Russian 
Federation the Strategy on the Development of 
Mineral Resource Base up to 2035 (Resolution No. 
2914 as of De cember 12, 2018). The Strategy is the 
basis for development and implementation of state 
policy in the field of geological studies of subsoil; 
reproduction and use of mineral resource base on 
federal and regional level as well as for development 
of relevant  state programs. Among measures to 
prevent negative effect of subsoil geological 
exploration on environment are:  
− improvement of environmental requirements 
in respect of subsoil exploitation on the 
basis of the best national and global 
practices;  
− strengthen ing of state regulation of subsoil 
exploitation in terms of environmental 
assessment of mining and processing 
enterprises construction projects;  
− strengthening of environmental inspection 
and control of subsoil exploitation at all WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 234 - 
 
  stages of geological expl oration and deposits 
development;  
− development of a transparent system of 
penalties for environmental requirements' 
violation within the process of subsoil use;  
− encouragement of the use new technologies 
which allow to reduce negative impact on 
the environme nt; 
− establishment of liquidation funds by 
companies -subsoil users to finance 
restoration of natural environment and 
recultivation of lands and site improvement;  
− maintenance of best available technologies 
and engineering solutions data base for 
environmenta lly sound subsoil exploitation 
and safe manner mining of technogenic 
deposits;  
− active involvement in of mining industries' 
waste exploration.  
In addition, the sustainability of reserves efforts and 
promotion of environmentally friendly practices in 
the rel evant industries  are company -specific and 
seriously  depends on the type of the ores and 
mineral feed that a company processes as well as 
the technology a company may employ. As far as 
nickel is concerned, there is a significant variety in 
terms of the shap e, form, and chemical composition 
of the finished nickel product (e.g. refined nickel 
metal, nickel compounds and salts, nickel hydroxide 
cake, ferronickel, nickel pig iron, etc), huge variety 
of the mineral feed (e.g. sulphidic and laterite ores), 
all of which require conceptually different 
technologies. Having said that, very generally 
speaking, the use of the sulphidic ores (as opposed 
to the lateritic ones), switch from pyrometallurgy to 
hydrometallurgy (i.e. switching from very energy 
and carbon intens ive smelting processes to 
leaching), move from carbon -intensive energy 
sources to renewable green energy with zero or very 
low carbon footprint (e.g. hydroenergy) are the 
pathway to significantly improving the sustainability 
profile of nickel production. A s far as the Russian 
producers are concerned, for example MMC Norilsk 
Nickel carbon footprint already is in the lowest 
quartile of the global nickel production (i.e. within 
the 25% of the lowest emitters of CO2), the 
company has adopted a comprehensive and  fully 
integrated sustainability and technical upgrade 
policy, which is explicitly aimed at further reducing 
and minimi zing the environmental impacts of mining 
and smelting, which also includes the move from the 
pyrometallurgical technologies to hydrometal lurgy.  
Page 114 Paragraph 4.60  
Background:  
In the period since the mid -2010s, the 
Russian Federation has faced 
important changes in international 
energy markets, because of 
substantially lower oil prices and 
economic measures applied by other 
countries in a context of geopolitical 
tensions.  In summer 2014 the price for crude oil Brent was 
USD 115 per barrel.  
However in nearly 2015  oil prices started to decline 
as a result in January Brent costed USD 48,5 per 
barrel.  
By May 2015 oil prices have risen not substantially 
up to USD 67 per barrel, however again started 
declining before plummeting to USD 40 per barrel.  
By the mid -Decembe r Brent has reached its lowest 
level within last 7 year: oil market witnessed prices WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Question:   
Can Russia share insights on the 
changes in the international energy 
market that they have been facing?  of USD 37,8 per barrel of Brent and USD 35,6 per 
barrel of WTI.  
The overall assessment of the causes and 
consequences, rolling back investments in new 
projects, raising ef ficiency, competition for export 
markets were the issues around which main forces 
of oil industry were concentrated in 2015.  
Analysts, experts and market participants consider 
excess supply in the oil market along with 
stagnating demand and further increa sing oil 
production by oil -exporting countries as a 
fundamental aspect which contributed to depressed 
oil prices.  
According to expert analysts having access to 
international price agencies' data in 2015 96,3 mln 
barrels was produced per day, meanwhile the 
demand remained at 94,1 mln barrels per day.  
The energy sector has felt a significant impact 
of the crisis caused by  the COVID -19 pandemic, 
when forced restrictions, business slowdown, 
production stoppages and  transport disruptions all 
over the  world dram atically reduced the  demand 
for energy resources. Last year's results show that 
global primary energy consumption declined 
by 4.7%. Prices have been adjusted to  the falling 
demand. Last year, for  example, the  price of oil was 
negative at some point,  natura l gas in  Europe 
dropped by  60% t to  USD 113 per thousand cubic 
meters against USD 159 in  2019 and  USD 282 
in 2018.  
The OPEC and  non-OPEC countries managed 
to develop efficient cooperation, ensure the  stability 
of the oil sector during the  pandemic and, mos t 
importantly, create conditions for  investment 
activity If investment in  new deposits and  future oil 
production had been suspended, the  market would 
have quickly faced a  huge, critical shortage.  
Now at  the stage of  global economic recovery 
and growing oi l demand, our countries are also 
stabilizing the  market and  its price quotes. They are 
promptly increasing oil production and  shipping.  
As distinct from oil, the  situation in  the gas market, 
primarily in  Europe, does not yet look balanced 
and predictable. The main reason for  this is that: 
gas consumers are playing an  equal and  even bigger 
role then producers.  
Over the  past 10 years, the  share of  renewable 
energy sources in  the European energy balance has 
skyrocketed.  
However, this sector is notorious for  erratic power 
generation. It requires large reserve capacities.  
The rise in  natural gas prices in  Europe stemmed 
from shortages of  electricity, not the  other way 
around. When nuclear and  natural gas -based 
generation w ere the  leading energy sources, there 
were no such crises, and  there were no grounds 
for them.  
The dramatic, repeated surge in  energy prices 
influences business,  economy, and  utilities sector 
during periods of  drastically increased costs; many 
businesses a re forced to  cut energy consumption 
and reduce production volumes. This means that WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  high prices can ultimately have negative 
consequences for  everyone, including producers.  
Stability and  predictability are important in  any 
market. Russia fulfils its contra ctual obligations 
to its partners in  full, including its partners 
in Europe, ensuring guaranteed, uninterrupted gas 
supplies.  
Page 114 Paragraph 4.63  
Background:  
The role of the State in the energy 
sector remains very important, 
notwithstanding that there also have 
been several initiatives aimed at 
enhancing the role of market forces 
and competition  
Question:  
India would welcome further 
information from Russia regarding 
initiatives it has undertaken to 
enhance the role of market f orces and 
competition. Which sectors or 
companies have been targeted? What 
has been the outcome of the 
initiatives so far?  The Presidential Decree No.618 determined the 
goals and fundamental policy principles for 
competition development and its active prom otion 
as a priority for both state and local authorities. The 
Decree approved a relevant National Action Plan on 
development of competition in economic sectors. 
Further by Decision of the Government No.1697-р a 
Roadmap was adopted, containing steps towards  
development of competition in all sectors of the 
economy and transition of certain spheres of natural 
monopolies to a competitive market. The Roadmap 
contained inter alia measures in agricultural, 
telecommunication, construction, energy, industry, 
transpo rtation, social services.  
Pursuant to the Roadmap the Ministry of Energy of 
the Russian Federation works on competition 
development in sectors of gas supply, oil and 
petroleum, coal industry and electric power, as well 
as participates in certain activities  (under the action 
plan) within housing and public utilities.  
In terms of competition development in fuel and 
energy sector, there are measures on ensuring 
access of natural monopolies' services in gas supply, 
sale of natural gas through tenders (commodit y 
exchanges and trading systems), development of 
internal exchange mechanisms for oil and petroleum 
products' sale; development of mechanisms for coal 
and coal products sale at commodity exchange; 
development of competition and long -term relations 
within w holesale and retail electricity markets.  
In terms competition development within fuel and 
energy, action plan provided for the following 
expected outcomes:  
- transition to market -based pricing 
mechanisms by setting prices, secured by 
increase of volume of sales of gas at 
organized tenders;  
- increase of number of gas sellers at 
organized tenders;  
- increase of share of gas sold at commodity 
exchanges compared to total gas sales 
within internal market;  
- development of market pricing mechanisms 
by way of expanding  oil organized export 
tenders and establishment of a benchmark 
for Russian oil;  
- development of petroleum products futures 
market; and others.  
One of the initiatives aimed at strengthening 
competition is the introduction of new mechanisms 
in the retail ele ctricity markets by improving the 
activities of a natural monopoly entity (SO UES).  
Since 2019, the System Operator of the Unified 
Energy System (SO UES) has been providing a 
service for the formation of aggregators for WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  managing demand for retail consumers , as a new 
type of participants in the energy market.  
In 2019, the introduction of new mechanisms began 
to stimulate the development of competition in the 
retail electricity (capacity) markets and reduce the 
price for consumers.  
On 20 March 2019, the Government of the Russian 
Federation adopted Resolution No. 287, which 
provides for a pilot project in 2019 -2020, the 
purpose of which is to form aggregators of demand 
management for retail consumers as a new type of 
participants in the energy market.  
By the Decree of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of 8  February 2021 No. 132, the 
mechanism was extended to 2021 and a draft 
decree was prepared, extending it to 2022.  
There is also currently a draft law that provides for 
the integration of price -depen dent demand 
management on an ongoing basis.  
Demand management aggregators are specialized 
organizations coordinating the ability of a group of 
retail consumers to manage their electricity 
consumption, converting it into services for 
managing demand for ele ctricity and transmitting to 
consumers a part of the proceeds received from the 
sale of this service.  
The purpose of introducing a demand management 
mechanism is to reduce payments for electricity by 
limiting consumption during peak load hours, for 
which b oth the aggregator and its consumers will 
receive payments. Also, the introduction of this 
mechanism will reduce the necessary reserves in the 
energy system, exclude the construction of excess 
generation and reduce payments for capacity.  
During the pilot p roject, the volume of demand 
management services in the retail electricity market 
in 1 and 2 price zones of the wholesale market 
increased more than 10 times - from 50 to 963 MW, 
which corresponds to the total capacity of three 
large power units, and the n umber of regions where 
the project is present exceeded 50 The largest state 
and non -state companies of the country, as well as 
Russian representatives of international corporations 
showed interest in the mechanism.  
In total, during the operation of the mec hanism, 
about 70 aggregator companies took part in the 
pilot project, representing more than 300 control 
objects, each of which, in turn, consists of power 
receivers of one or several consumers. Among them 
are guaranteeing suppliers, independent energy 
sales companies, generating companies, as well as 
independent aggregators that are not subjects of 
the electric power industry.  
Consumers of the retail electricity market involved 
in the provision of load -changing services belong to 
various sectors of the eco nomy - mechanical 
engineering, food processing, oil production and 
transport, telecommunications, agriculture, as well 
as office and shopping centers and other types of 
electricity consumers.  
Thus, the practice of introducing a demand 
management mechanism shows an obvious increase WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  in the volume of services and the involvement of a 
wide range of consumers in it, which makes it 
possible to ensure competition between generation 
and between consumers on market conditions.  
The effect of the functioning of such a  mechanism is 
to reduce the price of electricity. So, from July 2019 
to December 2020, the direct effect amounted to 
about 320 million rubles for all consumers.  
Following the results of 2020, the Federal 
Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation with 
participation of other authorities and expert 
organizations conducted an assessment of progress 
made towards targets set forth in National Action 
plan for Competition development for the period of 
2018-2020 in economy sectors of the Russian 
Federation to e valuate the state of competition and 
state policy efficiency.  
The results of the assessment showed that for the 
three-year period of National action plan 2 key 
competition development indicators were reached:  
− not less than 3 subjects, not less than 
1 among which is privately owned, are 
present in all sectors of economy;  
− the number of anti -competition law 
violations by administrative authorities 
of all levels declined twofold.   
Page 114 Paragraph 4.64  
Question :  
Could Russia elaborate on the changes 
in its energy taxes?   Starting 2015 a coherent approach on reform of tax 
and customs policy in oil sector is being pursued, 
which provides for gradual decrease in export 
customs duties on oil and petroleum products by 
2024 along with proportional increase of oil and gas 
condensate extraction tax ("tax maneuver" in oil 
industry).  
In 2019 in oil sector a fiscal system based on taxes 
on additional income from hydrocarbon resources 
production was implemented.  
On 1 January 2019 a Chapter 25.4 of a Tax code of 
the Russian Federation "Tax on additional income 
from hydrocarbon resources production" entered 
into force imposing a tax on additional income 
calculated on the basis of world oil and gas prices 
and actual ex penses on hydrocarbon extraction on a 
specific subsoil plot. A fundamental difference of this 
type of tax is a transition from a rent principle of 
share of income generation by the state from 
natural resources exploitation.  
The basis of the tax on additio nal income is the 
deposit efficiency and engagement of new 
hydrocarbon resources.  
The Additional tax system was initially introduced 
for 4 categories of subsoil plots as a pilot project. 
Starting from 2021 this system is applicable also to 
depleted subsoi l plots as well as to plots in the 
Arctic area of the Russian Federation.  
Further tax policy is aimed at transforming the 
approach towards oil and petroleum products export 
duties; promotion of development of both new and 
of Hard -to-recover oil reserves; i mplementation of 
the most equitable taxation for oil extraction by way 
of gradual expansion of Tax on additional income 
application and possible consideration of 
discontinuing of mineral extraction tax.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 239 - 
 
  Page 114 Paragraph 4.64  
Question:   
Can Russia elaborate on sector -wise 
regulatory changes made during the 
review period and the 
objective/rationale for making these 
changes?   During the review period, certain changes were 
made to the legislation concerning electricity power.  
 In June 2016 a federal  law "On Certain 
Amendments  to the Federal law on Electricity Power 
Industry No.196-FZ" was adopted with the view to 
improve the security and reliability requirements 
electric power systems and facilities.  
In 2019 additional amendments to the Federal law 
"On Electricity Power Industry" were introduced with 
regards to certain aspects of pricing, designation of 
power supply companies acting in the wholesale 
market.  
In 2020 the Action Plan ("Roadmap") on 
Development of Hydrogen Energy for the period up 
to 2024 was adopted by the Government aimed at 
increasing development and broader application of 
hydrogen as energy source.  
Page 115 Paragraph 4.66  
Question:  
Can Russia provide updated 
information on the level of state 
ownership in the oil sector?   Starting  from 1 January 2021 there has not been 
any significant changes in respect of state 
participation within oil national market.  
Page 118 Paragraph 4.78  
Question:  
Can Russia elaborate on which other 
Asian markets it plans to boost the 
export of coal and other products?  China, Rep. of Korea and Japan are among leading 
importers of Russian coal in Asian market. Other 
exports destinations of Russian coal are India, 
natural (oil) gas in gaseous state – Japan, Rep. of 
Korea, China; for oil – China , Korea, Japa n, India 
and Philippines; for LNG gas – Rep. of Korea, Japan, 
China and India.  
According to various experts' assessments coal 
production volume growth to be mostly oriented for 
markets of South and South -East Asian countries 
where demand of high -quality co als will be 
increasing (China as well as Japan and Republic of 
Korea could show stabilization of coal imports); they 
also remain perspective destinations for boosting 
LNG, gas and oil exports.  
Increase in exports of Russian gas to China is 
planned, as wel l as through possible implementation 
of Power of Siberia -2 project.  
Page 119 Paragraph 4.90  
Question:  
Can Russia elaborate on the 
procedure for considering applications 
for obtaining the rights? How does the 
system differ for firms with foreign 
ownershi p? Legal basis and procedure for obtaining a right to 
subsoil use is contained in the following documents:  
The Federal law No. 2395-1"On Subsoil" as of 21 
February 1992  
The Federal law No. 99 "On licensing" as of 4 May 
2011 
Regulation No. 336 On the Procedure for Licensing 
the Exploitation of Subsoil  Resources  issued  on 15 
August  2007.  
Instructions on application of Regulation No. 336 
On the Procedure for Licensing the Exploitation of 
Subsoil  Resources  issued  on 15 August  2007.  
The Government R egulation No. 4 as of 8 January  
2009 as amended on 28  February 2019 
The Resolution of 15 June 1992 г. No. 3314 -1 (as 
amended in 2016)  
Certain amendments are planned to be made to the 
listed legislation starting 2022.  
As of now, the application for obtainin g a license is 
filed either to the Federal Subsoil Resources 
Management Agency or to the government WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 240 - 
 
  authorities of the constituent  entities  of the Russian 
Federation.  
The following exemplary list of documents should be 
filed to the relevant authority:  
- application  
- extracts from the shar holders register  
- certain banking information  
- information on technical possibilities of an 
applicant.  
Article 12 of the Subsoil law contains the 
requirements to the license content, which inter alia 
are the following  
- information on the user of the plot  
- information of the target use of the plot  
- volume Thresholds for extraction  
- payment conditions  
- arrangements on property rights for 
geological information  
According to the procedure an applicant files an 
application to the Federal Agency of Subsoil Use on 
obtaining a right to use a subsoil plot in a current 
year by 1 March  of each year.  
Exploration and extraction of mineral deposits from 
the plots of federal importance by a juridical person 
under foreign inv estors' control or by a foreign 
investor may be exercised by a decision of the 
Government on a possibility of mining within the 
certain plot.  
According to Article 9 of the Subsoil law foreign 
nationals can be subsoil users unless otherwise 
provided by the federal legislation. According to 
Article 13/1/ of the Subsoil law certain on 
participation in auctions (to obtain a right to use 
subsoil plots) can be applied in respect of juridical 
persons with foreign participation.  
In addition the Resolution of the Go vernment of the 
Russian Federation No.4 as of 8 January 2009 
(amended in 2019) approved application procedure 
for obtaining rights for subsoil use under combined 
exploration and production licences for gas plots.  
Under the procedure established the right to use 
subsoil plots is granted to juridical persons 
established in accordance with the legislation of the 
Russian Federation with not less than 5 years' 
experience in continental shelf subsoil plots 
development with charter capital of more than 50% 
share of the Russian Federation  for plots of federal 
importance in the continental shelf and for plots 
situated in the territory of the Russian Federation 
and ranging to its continental shelf;  
Juridical persons – owners of the unified gas supply 
system or juridical persons - owners of regional gas 
supply system – for subsoil plots of federal of 
federal importance containing gas.  
Page 120 Paragraph 4.92  
Question:  
Can Russia share the restrictions on 
the acquisition by foreign investors 
under the Strategic Investment Law? 
Has the ongoing pandemic impacted 
the law in any way?  In accordance with the Article 7 Federal Law No. 57-
FZ of 29 April 2008 "On the Foreign Investments in 
Legal Entities Having Strategic Importance for 
National Defense and State Security" whenever a 
foreign investor intends to acquire control over a 
Russian company engaged in a strategic activity, the 
acquisition, depending on the level of such control, 
requires preliminary approval from the Russian WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 241 - 
 
  government and/or post -transaction notification of 
the Federal Anti -monopoly Service (FAS) of the 
Russian Federation. Importantly, the notion of 
control for t hese purposes implies not only a certain 
minimum shareholding, but also rights to appoint 
governing bodies and otherwise determine the 
target company's activity. The ongoing pandemic 
did not impact the mentioned law in anyway.  
Page 120 Paragraph 4.93  
Ques tion:  
Can Russia share the conditions 
established by the Subsoil Law that a 
foreign investor of a subsoil user 
company must comply?  In accordance with Federal Law No. 57-FZ of 29 
April 2008 "On the Foreign Investments in Legal 
Entities Having Strategic Im portance for National 
Defense and State Security" subsoil use is defined 
as strategic.  
Foreign investments in the capital of the legal 
persons, engaged in activities within the subsoil land 
plots of federal importance, subject to the 
procedures of authori zation established under 
Federal Law No. 57-FZ. All transactions (actions) 
which are subject to preliminary approval are 
established by Article 7 of mentioned law.  
Under 57 -FZ when a foreign investor wishes to 
acquire "control" over a Russian company holdi ng a 
license for a strategic activity, it must seek the 
approval of a special commission headed by the 
Chairman of the Russian Government.  
According to the Law of the Russian Federation No. 
2395-I of 21 February 1992 "On Subsoil" terms and 
conditions for foreign investors to gain access to the 
right to use subsoil plots (except for the subsoil 
plots of the continental shelf of the Russian 
Federation) depend on whether the subsoil plot has 
the status of federal significance.  
The list of subsoil plots of fed eral significance is 
officially published by the federal authority of the 
management of the state subsoil fund in accordance 
with the procedure established by the Government 
of the Russian Federation in the official publication 
of the Russian Federation.  
In accordance with the Article 2.1 of the Law "On 
Subsoil" the following plots shall pertain to subsoil 
plots of federal significance:  
1) those containing deposits of uranium, high -purity 
quartz raw materials, rare earths of the yttria group, 
nickel, cobalt , tantalum, niobium, beryllium, lithium, 
primary diamond deposits or primary (ore) deposits 
of metals belonging to the platinum group with 
deposits included in the state balance sheet of 
minerals starting from 1 January 2006;  
2) those located in the territ ory of a constituent 
entity of the Russian Federation or in the territories 
of constituent entities of the Russian Federation and 
containing the following deposits (on the basis of 
data of the state balance sheet of minerals starting 
from 1 January 2006):  
- with recoverable oil reserves starting from 
70 million tons;  
- with natural gas reserves starting from 50 
billion cubic meters;  
- primary (ore) deposits with gold reserves 
starting from 50 tons;  
- with copper reserves starting from 500 
thousand tons;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 242 - 
 
  3) those of internal sea waters, territorial sea and 
the continental shelf of the Russian Federation;  
4) those which disposal involves the use of land 
plots pertaining to defense and security lands.  
Page 121 Paragraph 4.94  
Question:  
Can Russia share the restrictions on 
investments established by the 
Strategic Investment Law in 2017?  To both questions.  
Federal Law No. 57 -FZ of 2008 establishes 
screening mechanisms in respect of foreign 
investments in the enterprises having strategic 
importance for the defence of the State and security 
of the country. These mechanisms entail approval 
procedures in respect of transactions involving 
foreign persons intending to obtain control over 
such enterprises. In accordance with Article 3 of this 
Federal Law control is determined as possibility to 
determine decisions of the enterprise, which might 
be determined based on a particular benchmark of 
ownership over such enterprise or in any other form 
that results in the same possibility.  Page 121 Paragra ph 4.96  
Background:  
The Strategic Investment Law was 
further amended in July 2020 to 
change the definition of control and 
the list of transactions subject to 
preliminary approval.  
Question:  
Can Russia share how the new 
definition differs from the old one and 
the changes made to the list of 
transactions subject to preliminary 
approval?  
Page 139 Paragraph 4.159  
Question:   
Has Russia rolled out any specific 
support programmes or measures for  
the digital transformation of 
companies and for online education?  Different support programs for digital transformation 
and online education are developed and adopted in 
the framework of the National Program "Digital 
economy of the Russian Federation". O ne of the 
examples is the support program for Russian 
companies which implementing digital 
transformation projects and IT solutions. This 
program is realized by providing preferential 
(subsidized) loans and factoring through authorized 
banks. Regarding the  support program in the sphere 
of online education, we would like to note that the 
Government of the Russian Federation has the task 
to equip schools with modern electronic teaching 
aids, which will ensure the availability and high 
quality of the education al process in distance 
learning and verification of electronic educational 
services.  
Page 140 Paragraph 4.165  
Question:   
What are the data localization 
requirements under the Russian law? 
Are entities other than electronic 
messenger services subject to such 
data localization requirements  Data localization requirements are applied to the 
storage of personal data of the Russian citizens. All 
communications operators should comply these 
requirements.  
Page 141 Paragraph 4.166  
Question:   
What are the criteria to determine 
that a particular country has an 
adequate protection level of personal 
data? What are the factors considered 
by the Roskomnadzor for granting 
approval to store information on 
parallel -servers across the borders?  The criteria t o determine that a particular country 
has an adequate protection level of personal data 
are the following:  
- A country should have a legal act regulating 
personal data protection;  
- There should be an authorized body for the 
protection of personal data and th eir 
owners;  
- A country should adopt a system of 
sanctions for violation of legal requirements 
in the sphere.  
According to the Russian legislation, initially, 
personal data should be collected and stored in a 
database located in the Russian Federation.  
There are no prohibitions to transfer personal data 
to other countries for its secondary processing and WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 243 - 
 
  storage on parallel -servers. In this case, the 
following conditions should be met:  
- to determine the specific purpose of the 
processing of personal data;  
- to give a guarantee to the owner that after 
processing personal data will be 
depersonalized or destroyed  
- to give a guarantee that actions with 
personal data will also be regulated by the 
national legislation of the country where 
they are transferred;  
- - to stop using personal data if consent is 
withdrawn.  
Page No. 154 Table No. A2.1  
Background:  
Table A2.1 Notifications by the 
Russian Federation, June 2016 -August 
2021 
Question:  
India notes that Russian Federation 
has submitted its latest DS:1 
notification for the Calendar Year 
2019 (G/AG/N/RUS/34) on 1 June 
2021. By when would the Russian 
Federation  notify its pending DS:1 
notifications?  Domestic support for calendar year 2020 is planned 
to be notified at the beginning of the next year. The 
delay for the submission of notifications is due to 
specificity of the federal and regional budget 
execution.  
 
Agreement  Requirement/content  Document symbol and date of notifications  
Agreement on Agriculture  
Article 18.2  Table DS:1 – Domestic 
support and appropriate 
supporting tables  G/AG/N/RUS/5/Rev.1, 29 January 2016; G/AG/N/RUS/13, 28 April 2016; 
G/AG/N/RUS/11, 7 February 2017; G/AG/N/RUS/21, 22 May 2018; 
G/AG/N/RUS/24, 18 September 2019; G/AG/N/RUS/29, 20 July 2020; 
G/AG/N/RUS/34, 1 June 20 21 
 
Paragraph 2.44 of the Secretariat Report  
Key conditions for the development of 
electronic commerce, such as (online) 
consumer protection laws, data privacy, and 
electronic signatures are in place. Consumers 
generally have the right to cancel orders and 
return purchases within 15 days. While 
producers can determine the duration of 
warranties they grant, consumers can 
generally file complaints within a two -year 
period in case of deficiencies unless a shorter 
warranty time has been 
determined.82  Companies are required to 
provide accurate information to consumers and 
need to be identifiable by them. In terms of 
data protection83, companies have to keep 
private data confidential, are required to 
register with Roskomnadzor before being 
allowed to pro cess data, and require consent 
(which can be withdrawn) from individuals 
whose data will be processed, with some 
exceptions spelled out in the law.  
What are the exceptions provided in the 
Russian law for data processing, maintenance 
of confidentiality and obtaining consent of data 
owners?  The Law does not contain exceptions for 
data processing, confidentiality 
maintenance and obtaining consent of data 
owners.  
Paragraph  4.159 of the Secretariat Report  
Overall, digital transformation (and the role of 
competi tive telecommunications services in 
this process) plays an important role in In 2018, the national program "Digital 
Economy of the Russian Federation" was 
approved by the Presidential Council for 
Strategic Development and National WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 244 - 
 
  government policy -making. The National 
Programme on Digital Economy of the Russian 
Federation (approved in 2018) outlines 
objectives and benchmarks for the digital 
transformation of the national economy and 
includes seven federal projects with an overall 
budget of RUB 938 trillion between 2019 and 
2024.266  As elsewhere, the pandemic has 
increased the demand for and accelerated the 
speed of digitalization and affected the role of 
the National Programme. According to the 
authorities, particular focus is on support for 
the development of digital technologies, digital 
transformation of companies, public 
administration, and online education.  
Kindly give details on measures taken under 
the various components of the National 
Programme on Digital Economy of the Russian 
Federation.  Projects. Today this program is the main 
document, which stipulated benchmarks of 
digital transformati on of the Russian 
economy in whole.   
The national program "Digital Economy of 
the Russian Federation" includes six federal 
projects with a period of implementation 
from October 2018 to 2024:  
-      "Normative regulation of the digital 
environment". In the framework of this 
project a flexible system of normative 
regulation of the digital economy should be 
created; and as a consequence, barriers to 
the development of modern technologies 
and business conduct, in such areas as civil 
circulation, financial techn ology, intellectual 
property, telecommunications, legal 
proceedings and notaries, and 
standardization should be removed;  
-      "Information Infrastructure". The main 
idea of this project that the development of 
communication infrastructure and the 
expansi on of access to the Internet in 
sparsely populated, remote and hard -to-
reach locations will help overcome the 
digital divide and provide citizens with 
access to modern digital services, distance 
education and telemedicine;  
-      "Human Resources for the D igital 
Economy". In the framework of this project 
the improvements of education system will 
ensure the training of qualified personnel 
for the digital economy, and citizens will 
receive new opportunities and motivation to 
master digital competencies;  
- -"Information Security". The main 
goals of this project are ensuring 
the security of the digital space, the 
protection of personal data, and the 
protection against cyber threats;  
- "Digital technologies". In the 
framework of this project 
technological conditions for the 
development of "end -to-end" digital 
technologies, mainly based on 
domestic developments should be 
created;  
- "Digital public administration". Due 
to this project digital technologies 
and platform solutions should be 
implemented in the areas of public  
administration and the supply of 
public services that improved the 
quality of life of citizens, made it as 
easy as possible for them to receive 
various services, provided a 
convenient format for interaction 
with the state and changed 
processes within the authorities 
themselves.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 245 - 
 
  Paragraph 32 of the Secretariat Report  
Transport services contribute an important 
share of the Russian Federation's total services 
exports. In 2019, the Federal Service for 
Supervision of Transport carried out a set of 
activities t o transition to a risk -based model of 
supervisory activities. The Transport Strategy 
2030, adopted in 2008 and revised in 2018, is 
the main policy document for the transport 
sector. Among its most important goals are the 
creation of a competitive transport  and 
logistics services market and improved 
integration of the Russian Federation into the 
global transport system. Transport plays an 
important role in the import substitution policy.  
Could Russia please elaborate on the  risk-
based model of supervisory ac tivities  that it 
has undertaken in the context of transport 
services?  The institute of a risk -based approach has 
been introduced and it is widely used in the 
implementation of control (supervisory) 
powers in order to form the culture of 
transport safety, to encourage 
organizations of the transport complex to 
comply with mandatory requirements, to 
reduce administrative pressure on business 
entities in the Russian Federation.  
The implementation of these provisions 
makes it possible, on the one hand, to 
conce ntrate the efforts of state authorities 
on solving issues related to non -fulfillment 
(improper fulfillment) of mandatory 
requirements by controlled entities which 
hinder safe and uninterrupted operation of 
transport, and. on the other hand, to 
interest eco nomic entities in conscientious 
compliance with mandatory requirements 
and minimizing the potential benefits from 
their violations.  
In the field of transport supervision, this 
approach has been implemented since 
2018.  
For instance, while implementing of fe deral 
state control (supervision) in the field of 
civil aviation, 4 risk categories are provided 
(depending on the severity groups and the 
likelihood of adverse consequences), 
namely, the categories of high, significant, 
medium and low risks.  
At the same t ime, the severity group is 
differentiated depending on the activity (air 
transportation of passengers or 
performance of aviation works; operation of 
airfields or landing pads, etc.), and the 
probability group depends on the presence 
of aviation accidents i n the previous period, 
restrictive measures introduced in 
connection with gross violations that 
directly affect flight safety.  
In case of planning control (supervisory) 
activities all controlled entities are 
categorized. Depending on the assigned 
category,  the frequency of control and 
supervisory measures is determined. In 
particular, if there is a high risk, the 
frequency is once in 2 years; with an 
average risk - once in 3 years.  
In addition, in order to assess the risk of 
damage when deciding on the conduct and 
selection of the type of unscheduled control 
(supervisory) event, the Federal Law No. 
248-FZ dated 31 July 2020 "On State 
Control (Supervision) and Municipal Control 
in the  Russian Federation" (p.9 of Article 
23) provides that the control (supervisory) 
body develops indicators of risk of violation 
of mandatory requirements, that is, 
compliance or deviation from the 
parameters of the object of control, which 
in themselves are  not violations of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 246 - 
 
  mandatory requirements, but with a high 
degree of probability they indicate the 
presence of such violations and the risk of 
causing harm (damage) to legally protected 
values.  
At the same time, the effectiveness of the 
work of the control  bodies is evaluated 
according to the key performance indicators 
approved by the Government of the 
Russian Federation, the main criterion for 
which is the reduction of negative 
phenomena in the controlled area.  
Paragraph 32 of the Secretariat Report  
Could  Russia please elaborate on the  import 
substitution policy ? The economic meaning of import 
substitution is very close to one of 
reshoring. However, there is no equivalent 
term in Russian language for reshoring. 
Upon dissolution of USSR, disruption of 
economy and of production chains which 
existed before 1992 within single territory, 
Russia lost substantial volumes of 
production of goods previously produced 
and consumed within the territory of the 
USSR and exported, as well as labor places  
and budgetary incomes from taxation. 
Domestic demand was progressively 
covered by increased supply of imported 
products. Imports has effectively 
substituted domestic production, with 
respective consequences for all parts of 
production chains, employment a nd budget, 
Please find examples in following table.  
 1986  2001  
Steel processing machine tools  7,6 87,1 
Agricultural machines  14,3 85,0 
Trams, railway, metro wagons  31,3 48,6 
Busses  11,3 14,3 
Passenger cars   0,4 41 (as of 2005)  
Sugar  27,6 45,1 
Meat 6,5 45,0 
Incl. poultry  7,5 50,1 (as of 2003)  
Butter  10,9 29,2 
Vegetable oils  14,1 44,6 
Vegetables  0?9 36,4 
Medicines  23 55-660 
Civil Aircrafts (production, pieces)  252 (as of 1976)  12 
 
  So, first programs which may be also better 
defined as reshoring started in mid -90th 
and were connected with the intention to 
reestablish production levels lost in times of 
economic disturbances connected with 
dissolution of USSS, fundamental change of 
parameters of economic system to market 
based, privatization, etc. and to return back 
labor places which was critical because of 
low mobility of labor and big distances in 
Russia.  
Second was connected with implementation 
of concept of food security, based on 
decisions of Security council. The Council 
approved such concepts in 2010 and in 
2020, establishing target proportions 
between production and consumption of 
key agricultural pro ducts.  
Another set of programs relevant for 
manufacturing was developed after 2014, 
following economic sanctions, with the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 247 - 
 
  primary aim to secure uninterrupted 
operation of supply chains in key sectors 
vital for country's economy, security and 
defense, and  later – to secure stable flow of 
goods necessary for fight against pandemic.  
While implementing its policies Government 
acts in conformity with its obligations under 
WTO agreement and intends to do so in 
future. Type of policy instruments depend 
on the n ature and character of the problem. 
For example, in agriculture mix of trade 
policy instruments was used to provide 
relief to domestic producers after 
aggressive ad underpriced growth of 
importation, including safeguards and TRQs 
on poultry, pork, beef, su gar. Investments 
into development of domestic production of 
cars were supported by conclusion of 
special investment contracts, investments 
in some other areas were supported by 
preferential taxation within the framework 
of special economic zones. Some regi ons 
provided preferential access to 
infrastructure for those who wants to 
establish production site in their territory. 
These cases and underlying policies are 
described in respective parts of WP report 
on accession of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO.  
Recent programs are closely connected with 
government procurement schemes, where 
access to respective programs is in itself 
lucrative support for investors into 
respective industries, as well as other types 
of promotion, including provision of 
financial reso urces (subsidies), at regional 
or federal level.  
Sector al ministries like Ministry of Industry 
or Ministry of Agriculture develop and 
implement the programs. Duration of the 
programs depend on their nature. Some of 
them like those aimed at achieving given  
level of food security will be idle as soon 
such level is achieved. Others caused by 
sanctions and other deteriorations in 
international trade legal order – as soon as 
international trade returns back to stable 
and predictable atmosphere.  
Paragraph 32 of the Secretariat Report  
What are the other services sectors with 
similar importance in Russia's import 
substitution policy?  Bank are used to provide financial support 
of respective industrial projects.  
Paragraph 2.37 of the Secretariat Repo rt 
In 2017, the Government introduced a general 
foreign investment screening mechanism by 
amending the Foreign Investment Law (Federal 
Law No. 160 -FZ of 9 July 1999 on Foreign 
Investment in the Russian Federation). In 
2020, the Russian Federation expanded FDI 
screening procedures for the acquisitions of 
voting stakes in strategic enterprises by 
foreign investors to also include temporary The restrictions are established by the 
legislation of the Russian Federation, 
mainly by the federals laws.  
In respect of banking:  
Article 18 of Law No. 395-1 of 2 December 
1990 "On Banks and Banking Activity" 
established that the foreign capital 
participation in the bank system of the 
Russian Federation shall not exceed 50 
percent.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 248 - 
 
  acquisitions. Some ownership restrictions also 
apply to the banking and insurance sectors as 
a whole (Section 4.3.1), the  aviation sector, 
mass media, and audio -visual services; 
foreigners cannot own land in border and 
certain other areas, and some government 
support programmes are open only to Russian 
companies. There are no restrictions on the 
use of revenues and profits. There are also no 
restrictions for Russian citizens wanting to 
invest abroad.  
Could Russia please elaborate on the current 
ownership restrictions placed in different 
services sectors such as banking, insurance, 
aviation, mass media and audio -visual 
service s? In respect of insurance:  
Paragraph 3 of Article 6 of Law No. 4015 -1 
of 27 November 1992 "On the Organization 
of the Insurance Business in the Russian 
Federation" establish ed that insurance 
organizations which are subsidiary 
companies with respect to foreign investors 
or have a partner share of foreign investors 
in their charter capital of over 49 per cent 
cannot carry out insurance of citizens' life, 
health and property in the Russian 
Federation at the expense of funds from 
budgets of the Russian Federation, 
insurance connected with purchases of 
commodities, works and services to provide 
for the state and municipal needs as well as 
insurance of the property interests of stat e 
and municipal organizations.  
In respect of aviation:  
Paragraph 2 of Article 61 of Air Code of the 
Russian Federation of 19 March 1997 
established that foreign capital participation 
shall not exceed 49 per cent of charter 
capital of aviation enterprise.  
In respect of mass media and audio -visual 
services:  
Article 19.1 of Law No. 2124 -1 of 27 
December 1991 "On Mass Media" 
established that foreign capital participation 
shall not exceed 20 per cent of charter 
capital of a founder or editor of mass media 
or broadcasting organization. In accordance 
with Article 6 of the Federal Law No.57-FZ, 
the implementation of television 
broadcasting in the territory within the 
boundaries of which the population that 
constitutes half or more of the population of 
a constituent  entity of the Russian 
Federation resides and radio broadcasting 
in the territory within the boundaries of 
which the population that constitutes half 
or more of the population of a constituent 
entity of the Russian Federation resides 
performed by foreign i nvestors are subject 
to the investment screening mechanism.  
Paragraph 2.37 of the Secretariat Report  
Does Russia offer any relaxation, if any, on 
foreign investment screening mechanism to 
countries on case -by-case basis?  The screening mechanisms do not apply to 
countries, they apply to particular foreign 
investors intending to obtain control over a 
strategic enterprise irrespectively of their 
origin.  
Paragraph 2.37 of the Secretariat Report  
What are the various restrictions placed by 
Russia on content r equirements, screening etc. 
in the audio -visual services sector?   Generally, the Mass Media Law No.2124-1-
FZ of 27 December 2021 guarantees 
unrestricted access to the information and 
materials of foreign mass media to Russian 
citizens. However, distributio n of foreign TV 
and radio channels and the respective 
content is permitted only upon registration 
of mass media in Russia. Distribution of 
foreign printed media not registered in 
Russia requires a permit from 
Roskomnadzor.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 249 - 
 
  Specific content requirements fo r mass 
media can be found in following laws 
including:  
Article 5 of the Federal Law No. 436-FZ of 
29 December 2010 "On Protection of 
Children from Information Harmful to Their 
Health and Development" sets forth types 
of information prohibited for dissemina tion 
among children;  
Article 16 of the Federal Law No.15-FZ of 
23 February 2013 "On Protection of Health 
Against Tobacco Smoke and Consequences 
of Tobacco Consumption" prohibits 
advertisement of tobacco -containing 
products;  
Federal Law No.149-FZ of 27 July  2006 "On 
Information, Information Technologies, and 
Information Protection";  
and the Federal Law No. 38-FZ of 13 March 
2006 "On Advertising" sets forth 
requirements for prohibited advertisement 
(also have an exemption from the general 
advertising ban for pay-TV channels; such 
exemption is available to cable channels 
with primarily local content).  
According to Article 6 of the Federal Law 
No.57-FZ, the implementation of television 
broadcasting in the territory within the 
boundaries of which the population t hat 
constitutes half or more of the population of 
a constituent entity of the Russian 
Federation resides and radio broadcasting 
in the territory within the boundaries of 
which the population that constitutes half 
or more of the population of a constituent 
entity of the Russian Federation resides 
performed by foreign investors are subject 
to the investment screening mechanism. 
The head of the government commission 
has the authority and discretion to subject 
any foreign investment to such a 
procedure.  
Paragr aph 3.69 of the Secretariat Report  
On 24 December 2018, the Presidential Council 
for Strategic Development and National 
Projects announced a new set of measures to 
promote exports and industrial development 
under the International Cooperation and 
Export na tional project (Section 2.2). The key 
aim of this project is to double the Russian 
Federation's export of both non -energy and 
non-resource -based goods and services by 
2025. For this purpose, a system of financial 
and non -financial export support was 
establ ished. Financial measures are export 
credits with interest rate support, insurance, 
and guarantees of export credits, as well as 
support for participation in international 
exhibitions. Non -financial measures include 
consultation services, assistance in sea rching 
for potential partners abroad, and support for In accordance with the federal project 
&quot;Systemic measures for the 
development of international cooperation 
and exports&quot; in the period 2021 -
2024, annual funding of rebates in t he 
amount of RUB 100 million is provided. 
Respective program provides for the 
provision of state support to Russian  
cinematography organizations up to 40% of 
the costs actually incurred in Russia for the 
production of audiovisual products by 
foreign film or animation companies.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 250 - 
 
  ensuring compliance with customs proced ures 
in the destination country.  
Does Russia provide incentives/ subsidy to any 
of its services sectors to promote exports? If 
yes, the details of such assistance (including 
sector, quantum of assistance etc.) may please 
be provided.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 251 - 
 
  CANADA  
 
 
Secretariat Report   
Page 11, paragraph 25:  
It is noted that the value generated 
from forestry and logging is lower 
than its potential.  
Question:   
Does Russia see the forest 
bioeconomy playing a role in 
increasing the economic value of the 
sector going forward?  Almost all of the biofuel produced in Russia is 
exported. More than 95 percent of exports go to 
Europe, about 5 percent to Asia. The global demand 
for pellets by 2030 may grow from 27.8 to 41 - 52 
million tons. The growth in industrial consumption 
will be determined by the successful implementation 
of plans to increase the share of renewable energy 
sources in the global energy balance (mainly in 
Europe, the Republic of Korea and Japan). The 
dynamics  of gas prices will also be a significant 
factor determining the dynamics of demand for 
pellets. If prices for traditional fuel remain low and in 
the absence of government support, households and 
enterprises of the European Union will not be 
motivated to s witch to pellets. The Russian market 
currently lacks economic and regulatory 
prerequisites for the consumption of pellets in 
significant volumes. Pellet production in Russia may 
increase from 1.9 to 2.8 - 5.2 million tons by 2030, 
depending on market condi tions. The production will 
be export -oriented, which will allow achieving a 
global market share of pellets of 5 - 8 percent.  
Pages 30 and 58, paragraphs 2.15 
and 3.69:  
The report notes the "International 
Cooperation and Export" project which 
aims to doub le Russia's export of both 
non-energy and non -resource -based 
goods and services by 2025 by, inter 
alia, providing financial and non -
financial support in basic sectors of 
the economy, particularly in 
manufacturing and agricultural 
industries.  
Question:  
Can Russia provide a list of all the 
sectors eligible to receive support 
under the International Cooperation 
and Export project?  First of all, it should be noted that no subsidies are 
provided based on the International Cooperation and 
Export project per se. It is a strategic document 
which establishes goals and strategic objectives. 
Subsidies, if any, are provided in accordance with 
the correspondent Resolutions of the Government of 
the Russian Federation. Eligibility criteria are 
established by those Res olutions.  
Second, under the project non -primary non -energy 
goods may be subject to the support measures. 
There are no other restrictions concerning the 
sectors. However, additional eligibility criteria may 
be established in accordance with the Resolutions 
depending on the particular program.  
Pages 30 and 58, paragraphs 2.15 
and 3.69:  
The report notes the "International 
Cooperation and Export" project which 
aims to double Russia's export of both 
non-energy and non -resource -based 
goods and servic es by 2025 by, inter 
alia, providing financial and non -
financial support in basic sectors of 
the economy, particularly in 
manufacturing and agricultural 
industries.  
Question:  
Can Russia explain why this program 
was not included in Russia's latest 
subsidy  notification 
(G/SCM/N/343/RUS)?  The International Cooperation and Export project is a 
strategic document which establishes goals and 
strategic objectives. It does not establish any 
subsidies. Therefore, this project was not included in 
Russia's latest su bsidy notification, and there are no 
plans to notify it.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 252 - 
 
  Page 37, paragraph 2.37:  
It is noted that some foreign 
ownership restrictions apply to specific 
sectors, including the aviation sector. 
In addition, page 147, paragraph 
4.200 of the WTO Secretariat Report 
further indicates that the Russian 
Federation owns a 51.17% stake in 
PJSC Aeroflot through the Federal 
Agency for State Property 
Management, and the Group's free 
float is 40.9%, which is held by 
institutional and retail investors.  
Question:   
Could Russia confirm the specific 
foreign ownership limit for Russian air 
carriers, as well any other foreign 
ownership restrictions in the aviation 
sector?  In accordance with Federal Law № 57 -FZ of 29 April 
2008 the following aviation related activities are of 
strategic importance for national defense and state 
security:  
1) Activities to ensure aviation security;  
2) Space activities;  
3) Development of aviation equipment, including 
dual-use aviation equipment;  
4) Production of aviation equipment, including dual -
use aviation equipment;  
5) Repair of aviation equipment, including dual -use 
aviation equipment (except for repair of aviation 
components and units by civil aviation 
organizations);  
6) Testing of aviation equipment, including dual -use 
aviatio n equipment.  
In accordance with the Article 7 Federal Law № 57 -
FZ of 29 April 2008 "On the Procedure for Facilitating 
Foreign Investment in Legal Entities Having Strategic 
Importance for National Defense and State Security" 
whenever a foreign investor inte nds to acquire 
control over a Russian company engaged in a 
strategic activity, the acquisition, depending on the 
level of such control, requires preliminary approval 
from the Russian government and/or post -
transaction notification of the Federal Anti -monop oly 
Service (FAS) of the Russian Federation. 
Importantly, the notion of control for these purposes 
implies not only a certain minimum shareholding, 
but also rights to appoint governing bodies and 
otherwise determine the target company's activity.  
Page 48,  paragraph 3.33 and table 
3.7: 
The Secretariat report notes that for a 
number of the Russian Federation's 
excise duty rates have been amended 
recently.  
Question:  
Would Russia please clarify whether or 
not the excise tax rate for sparkling 
wines is the sa me whether or not it is 
from a protected geographical 
indication or a protected appellation, 
i.e. 41 per 1 litre?  Excise rate for all sparkling wines is 41 rubles per 
liter regardless of whether it is or not from a PGI or 
PAoO.  
 
Page 48, paragraph 3.33 a nd table 
3.7: 
The Secretariat report notes that for a 
number of the Russian Federation's 
excise duty rates have been amended 
recently.  
Question:  
Would Russia please clarify whether or 
not the excise tax rate for table wines 
is the same whether or not it is from a 
protected geographical indication or a 
protected appellation, i.e. 32 per 1 
litre?  Excise rate for wines is 32 rubles per liter regardless 
of whether it is or not from PGI or PAoO.  
 
Page 48, paragraph 3.33 and table 
3.7: 
The Secretariat rep ort notes that for a 
number of the Russian Federation's Wine inputs are wines or fortified wines before 
bottling in consumer packaging. Bulk wine is covered 
by this category.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 253 - 
 
  excise duty rates have been amended 
recently.  
Question:   
Would Russia please clarify what is 
meant by "wine inputs", and whether 
bulk wine (HS 220429) falls into this 
category?   
Page 48, paragraph 3.33 and table 
3.7: 
The Secretariat report notes that for a 
number of the Russian Federation's 
excise duty rates hav e been amended 
recently.  
Question:  
Would Russia please share its 
rationale for taxing "wine inputs" per 
litre, whereas Grapes, Grapes and 
Fruit musts are taxed by the ton?  In accordance with the Tax Code of the Russian 
Federation excise rates for wine inputs and fruit 
musts regardless of their origin is 32 rubles per liter, 
and for Grapes is 31 rubles per ton. Grapes cannot 
be measured in volume, but can be calculated in 
weight. In this regard, excise rates for grapes are 
calculated in tons.  
 
Page 64, Paragraph 3.94:  
The report mentions that subsidies 
other than specific and prohibited 
subsidies are deemed permissible, 
and certain types of subsidies are 
treated as non -actionable. It is also 
mentioned that the EEC has important 
powers to enforce th e implementation 
of the common rules on industrial 
subsidies.  
Question:  
Can Russia provide explanations as to 
the types of subsidies that are treated 
as non -actionable?  According to part IV of Annex 28 to the EAEU Treaty, 
subsidies that are not prohibited and non -specific 
under the provisions of the Annex shall be 
recognized as permissible subsidies, i.e. subsidies 
which do not distort mutual trade between the 
Member States. The Member States may provide 
such subsidies without any limitations.  
To avoid confusion, it should be noted that 
determination of a subsidy as permissible in 
accordance with the EAEU Treaty is relevant only for 
the purposes of non -application of compensatory 
measures, which are envisaged in the EAEU Treaty. 
Definition of a su bsidy as permissible in the meaning 
of the EAEU Treaty does not automatically make it 
non-actionable in the meaning of Article 8 of the 
SCM Agreement. It should be noted that according to 
Article 31 of the SCM Agreement its provisions on 
non-actionable sub sidies expired after five years 
from the date of entry into force of the WTO 
Agreement. Therefore, strictly speaking, at this point 
the SCM Agreement does not envisage the existence 
of non -actionable subsidies at all. Hence, in 
accordance with the SCM Agre ement all subsidies 
must be deemed actionable as of today, so we 
cannot see how could we possibly provide a list of 
non-actionable subsidies.  
Page 64, Paragraph 3.94:  
The report mentions that subsidies 
other than specific and prohibited 
subsidies are deem ed permissible, 
and certain types of subsidies are 
treated as non -actionable. It is also 
mentioned that the EEC has important 
powers to enforce the implementation 
of the common rules on industrial 
subsidies.  
Question:  
Can Russia elaborate on how the EEC 
ensures that Russia's subsidy 
disciplines are implemented and on 
the powers that are granted to the 
EEC?  According to Article 92 of the EAEU Treaty, the 
Member States independently develop, form and 
implement national industrial policies, including 
adoptio n of national development programs and 
other industrial policy measures as well as definition 
of methods, forms and direction of subsidies 
assignment, which should not violate the provisions 
of Article 93 of the EAEU Treaty.  
The industrial policy within the EAEU is being formed 
on the basis of the main areas of industrial 
cooperation between the Member States approved 
by the EEC Council. The EEC coordinates the 
industrial policy of the Member States and exercises 
consulting support to them.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 254 - 
 
  Page 6 5, Paragraph 3.100:  
The report mentions that Russia has 
adopted a Decree in 2019 establishing 
the Corporate Competitiveness 
Enhancement Program (KPPK). This 
program aims to increase production 
and competitiveness of industrial 
products with high added valu e by 
providing access to "subsidized 
investment loans" and certain 
financial instruments for products 
destined for export.  
Question:   
Can Russia explain which high -value 
added industrial products are eligible 
under the KPPK?  In accordance with paragraph 17  of the Resolution of 
the Government of the Russian Federation of 23 
February 2019 No. 191, the following industries are 
eligible under the KPPK:  
a) in mechanical engineering:  
automotive engineering, including the production of 
gas engine technology;  
railway engineering;  
agricultural, road -building and food engineering;  
machine tool industry;  
heavy engineering;  
oil and gas engineering, including the production of 
an automobile gas filling compressor station;  
power engineering;  
shipbuilding;  
b) chemical industry;  
c) metallurgical industry, including ferrous 
metallurgy, non -ferrous metallurgy, pipe industry 
and precious metals;  
d) timber industry;  
e) pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry;  
f) light industry.  
Page 66, paragraph 3.105:  
According to the Secretariat report, 
"Russian authorities affirm that 
standards and technical regulations 
implemented in the Russian 
Federation are generally based on 
international standards or relevant 
parts thereof, except when 
fundamental climatic, geog raphical, or 
technological factors render the latter 
ineffective or inappropriate for the 
fulfilment of legitimate objectives."  
Question:  
Could Russia provide examples of 
climatic, geographical, or 
technological factors that would 
render international sta ndards 
irrelevant or inappropriate for the 
fulfillment of a legitimate objective?  In accordance with Article 2.4 and point F of Annex 
of the Agreement on TBT Members of the WTO shall 
ensure that technical regulations and standards to be 
based on the releva nt international standards in case 
they exist except where such standards are not 
effective or appropriate, for instance, because of 
insufficient level of protection or fundamental 
climatic or geographical factors or fundamental 
technological problems. The  Agreement does not set 
out any specific requirements for determining these 
factors. Deviation from international standards 
should be determined on case -by-case basis. As for 
specific examples, these factors can include severe 
weather conditions, atmospher e pressure, vitamin 
sufficiency, etc. E.g., the standards applied to ice 
crossings created on the frozen bodies of water in 
Arctic regions of Russia for winter cargo and 
passanger transportation will differ substantively 
from any international standards es tablished for the 
purposes of construction of roads on solid soils used 
for the same purposes.  
Page 68 -69, paragraph 3.113 -
3.119:  
The report notes the main legislation 
covering SPS measures, including 
legislation relating to sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures and the main 
sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements and procedures.  
Question:  
Does Russia have any planned 
upcoming sanitary and phytosanitary 
regulatory initiatives not referenced in 
the TPR reports that may impact 
Canadian exports of agriculture, 
forestry, or aquatic products?  All the necessary data on EAEU and Russian planned 
upcoming sanitary and phytosanitary regulatory 
initiatives is circulated in the WTO in the form of 
regular SPS notifications. The access to them can be 
gained via the WTO official web -site in the section 
"Documents online – Notifications", ePing website 
and in the SPS Information Management System. 
The initiatives on amendments to the EAEU SPS 
legislation are being publicly available on the EAEU 
legal portal in the section "Public Discussion and 
Regulatory Impact Assessment ". 
Page 69, paragraph 3.116:  
The re port notes that "Eurasian 
Economic Union (EAEU) member 
states can unilaterally implement Russia as a member of the EAEU has a right to apply 
unilateral SPS measures. It means that these 
measures are applicable only for the territory of the 
Russian Federation taking  into account regional WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 255 - 
 
  provisional SPS measures that have 
not been harmonized at the Union 
level… and implement a higher level of 
protection than in the rest of the 
EAEU, based on scientific  justification. 
Also, that, any national laws relating 
to SPS measures are to be applied to 
the extent that they do not contradict 
the EAEU Treaty and the acts 
constituting the law of the EAEU."  
Question:   
Canada seeks clarification on what is 
meant by "un ilaterally implementing 
provisional SPS measures that are 
beyond EAEU levels" as well as 
confirmation that such measures 
would be notified in advance to the 
WTO SPS Committee. What about 
meeting international standards?  
In the WTO context, it would be mor e 
relevant to ensure meeting 
international SPS standards, rather 
than regional standards, unless the 
regional standards are already more 
stringent than the former.  conditions and feasibility of risk mitigation. Russia 
notifies the WTO of the unilaterally applied SPS 
measures as emergency notifications. These SP S 
measures are applied to the extent necessary to 
protect human, animal or plant life and health, and 
are based on scientific principles. These measures 
are based on international and regional standards, 
guidelines and recommendations, except as provided 
for in Article 5 of the SPS Agreement.  
Russia consistently harmonizes its SPS legislation 
with the relevant international standards both at the 
EAEU and at the national level. The harmonization 
process continues on the permanent basis because 
of regular ren ewal of international standards. Article 
56 of the EAEU Treaty and Decision of the CU 
Decision as of April 7, 2011 No. 625 "On 
harmonization of CU legal acts in the field of 
application of SPS measures with international 
standards" provides for harmonizati on of EAEU SPS 
regulation with international standards. Russia is a 
member of international organizations engaged in 
the development of international standards, 
including Commission Codex Alimentarius, OIE, 
IPPC.  
Page 69, paragraph 3.116  
Question:  
How wi ll Russia ensure that national 
SPS measures will align with 
international standards, such as those 
of the Codex Alimenarius Commission, 
as well as the EAEU Treaty and law?  When introducing an SPS measure, the 
Rosselkhoznadzor assesses the risks of the spread of 
animal diseases and quarantine objects, basing them 
on existing international standards and 
recommendations in order to comply with the SPS 
Agreement and the EAEU law.  
Page 69, paragraph 3.117:  
According to the Secretariat's report, 
institutiona l framework for SPS 
measures within the Russian 
Federation remains broadly 
unchanged since the previous Review. 
The Federal Service for Veterinary and 
Phytosanitary Surveillance 
(Rosselkhoznadzor) under the Ministry 
of Agriculture remains responsible for 
implementing and enforcing EAEU and 
domestic measures related to plant 
and animal health. Rosselkhoznadzor 
is also responsible for the control of 
genetically modified organisms 
entering its border, amongst other 
controlled substances.  
Question:  
Canada req uests further clarifications 
from the relevant authorities on its 
policies, regulations, and 
implementation mechanisms 
(particularly testing methodologies) 
for imports of products containing 
genetically modified organisms 
(GMOs) destined for human and 
specifically for non -human 
consumption.  
Canada would encourage the Russian 
Federation to consider implementing a The Rules of state registration of genetically 
engineered or modified organisms intended for 
release into the environment as well as products 
derived from the use of such organisms or containing 
such organism, including the specified products 
imported to the territory of the Russian Federation 
were adop ted by the Resolution of the Government 
of the Russian Federation No. 839 as of September 
23, 2013. In accordance with the Rules, 
Rospotrebnadzor carries out the state registration of 
modified organisms used for the production of food 
raw materials and foo d products, as well as food raw 
materials and food products obtained using modified 
organisms or containing such organisms (hereinafter 
referred to as GMO products for food purposes).  
The procedure for state registration of GMO products 
for food purposes set out in the technical regulations 
of the Customs Union 021/2011 On food safety. In 
addition, in the Technical Regulation TR CU 
021/2011 it is stipulated that the production 
(manufact uring) of food products from food raw 
materials is possible only if they are obtained from 
GMOs of plant, animal and microbial origin, GMO 
lines that were registered.  
The data on the registered GMO -products is entered 
into the national part of the EAEU Un ified Register of 
state registration certificates. This information is 
publicly available on the Rospotrebnadzor official 
website.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  clear information sharing system on 
its non -GMO policy, available to third 
countries to avoid unnecessary GMO 
violations of products being exporte d 
to the Russian Federation. For 
example, this information could be 
made more readily available on 
Rosselkhoznadzor website (preferably 
in one of the languages used by the 
WTO – English, French or Spanish).  The data on registered GMO products for food 
purposes is included into the consolidated State 
Register of genetically enginee red modified 
organisms, as well as products obtained using such 
organisms or containing such organisms. Ministry of 
Health of the Russian Federation is responsible for 
this Register.  
In the Russian Federation there is created a 
legislative, regulatory and methodological framework 
for biomedical safety assessment and control over 
the circulation of food products containing 
components of genetically modified organisms.  
The Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian 
Federation approved more than 15 methodologi cal 
guidelines in order to assess the safety and control 
of food products produced with the use of GMOs, 
including their medical and biological assessment.  
In order to form a safety system and to control the 
circulation of genetically modified products at all 
stages of the life cycle, the Rospotrebnadzor 
consistently renews the methods and techniques, 
including those for the identification of new 
generations of GMOs.  
The system of safety assessment of GMO products 
for food purposes requires a wide range of studies 
and includes long -term toxicological studies on 
animals 180 days, as well as the use of modern 
methods for analysis, in particular, the determination 
of genotoxicity, genomic and proteomic analyzes, 
assessment of their allergenicity on model system s, 
etc. The methodological corpus for the study of food 
products for the GMOs contents includes the most 
modern methods based on the polymerase chain 
reaction (PCR), the method of hybridization on a 
biological microchip, real -time PCR, and 
immunofluorescen ce analysis.  
The Russian Federation will take into account the 
Canadian proposal.  
Page 69, paragraph 3.117  
Question:  
Canada would like Russia to provide a 
scientific justification for the exclusion 
of GMO content in products for non -
human consumption.  The Russian Federation allows the use of GMOs as 
feed or veterinary products for animals, provided 
that there is a complete and reliable information on 
their safety, and if the registration and traceability 
requirements are met.  
The requiremen ts of mandatory labeling for GMO -
products were introduced in order to ensure safety 
for humans, animals and the environment. It makes 
it possible to control the negative consequences 
related to the consumption of previously not known 
GMOs. Mandatory tracea bility of GMOs makes 
possible the control of pesticide residues.  
There is also a certain risk of the environmental and 
ecological impact of the uncontrolled spread of GMOs 
, related to the spread of modified genetic material 
both in the form of an initial  invasive GM -organism 
and in the form of its hybrids with wild and cultivated 
species, which can lead to an irreversible change in 
biocenoses, an increase in the resistance and 
invasiveness of weeds, etc.  
The economic consequences can have a negative 
effect on the production of organic products (for 
example, soybeans), when a number of countries WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  importing agricultural products from the Russian 
Federation completely prohibit the use of GMOs.  
Page 70, paragraph 3.121:   
In the context of the National Plan o n 
the Development of Competition 
Policy in the Russian Federation for 
the years 2018 -20, it is noted that: 
"To secure enhancement of 
competition and liberalization of 
markets in specific sectors, the 
Government adopted a road map 
containing detailed steps,  deadlines, 
and responsible bodies. According to 
the Federal Antimonopoly Service 
(FAS), 200 of 228 measures set out in 
the road map had been implemented 
by the beginning of 2021."  
Question:   
What specific measures have been 
implemented to enhance competit ion 
and liberalize the transport services 
sector, and do these measures apply 
equally to domestic and foreign 
entities?  As a result of the implementation of the Program for 
the Structural Reform of Railway Transport, 
approved by Russian Government Decree No. 384 of 
18 May 2001, a competitive market of services for 
the provision of railway rolling stock for 
transportation was formed. The rolling stock owned 
by JSCo "Russian Railways" was transferred to the 
charter capitals of subsidiaries of JSCo "Russian 
Railways" - railway rolling stock operators.  
Rolling stock operators are professional participants 
in the market of operator services.  
Rolling stock operators provide freight cars to 
shippers for the transportation of freight. The price 
of the operator's car services is determined solely by 
market mechanisms under civil law contracts.  
Aircraft authorities conduct consultations on a 
regular basis and enhance commercial rights to carry 
out international air transport  
The Decree No. 618 of the President of the Russian 
Federation of 21 December 2017 "On the Main 
Directions of the State Policy on the Development of 
Competition" stipulates:  
- development of fair competition in the freight 
transportation market (road, rail, air and water 
transpo rt) and related services;  
- further development of institutions for cooperation 
between government and business (including within 
the framework of the transport services market 
council)  
- development of electronic systems of transport 
services, including f or small and medium -sized 
businesses, which are provided by transport 
organizations that are not natural monopolies and 
(or) for which no price regulation is applied, 
including through the launch of an electronic trading 
platform for freight transport, and  the formation of 
market indicators for prices. Controlling the level of 
economic concentration in freight transport;  
- Updating the regulatory framework for freight 
transport, including the development of rules for 
non-discriminatory access to railway tra nsport 
services and information disclosure standards;  
- approval of the new tariff price list of Russian 
Railways (including the allocation of the locomotive 
component of the tariff in the necessary gross 
proceeds of the regulated entity)  
- development of a balance of interspecific 
competition in freight and passenger transportation 
(including inland waterway, railway and pipeline 
transportation).  
Page 70, paragraph 3.121:  
Question:  
What is the timeline for the 
implementation of the remaining 28 
measures in the road map, and what 
specific sectors do they cover?  13 out of 28 measures have already been 
implemented.  
The remaining measures are left under control until 
they are fully implemented. Measures have not been 
implemented in the following sectors:  
- Road construction (2 measures);  
- Telecommunications (2 measures);  
- Information technology (3 measures);  
- Housing and communal services (2 measures);  
- Gas supply (2 measures);  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  - Coal industry (1 measure);  
- Natural resources sphere (2 measures);  
- Transport services (1 measure).  
Page 76, paragraph 3.157:  
The Secretariat Report outlines a 
number of initiatives designed to 
improve the Russian Federation's 
administrative systems to ensure the 
capitalization of IP, including the 2016 
Strategy for the S cientific and 
Technological Development, and the 
new State Programme for the 
Scientific and Technological 
Development of the Russian 
Federation 2019 -2030.  
Question:  
Has Russia gathered any preliminary 
data, or received any feedback from 
stakeholders on th ese initiatives?  State programs usually serve as roadmaps for the 
Government, promoting the existing initiatives and 
establishing indicators to measure success of state 
policy. The opinion of stakeholders is taken into 
account when drafting these documents . 
Additionally, there is a general consensus forming 
around the idea that Russia could benefit from a 
separate IP Strategy in the future.  
 
Page 79, paragraph 3.162  
The Federal Law No. 44 -FZ enables 
government entities to purchase 
goods or services only fr om domestic 
Russian companies in the following 
instances: "protecting the 
constitutional order, national defence 
and security, and the domestic 
market; developing the national 
economy; and supporting Russian 
Federation producers".  
Question:  
Could Russia present some examples 
of circumstances where a government 
procurement is required to be 
restricted only to Russian suppliers to 
"protect the domestic market", as per 
Article 14.3 of Federal Law No. 44 -FZ?  That is determined on case by case ba sis.   
Page 79, paragraph 3.162  
The Federal Law No. 44 -FZ enables 
government entities to purchase 
goods or services only from domestic 
Russian companies in the following 
instances: "protecting the 
constitutional order, national defence 
and security, and t he domestic 
market; developing the national 
economy; and supporting Russian 
Federation producers".  
Question:  
Could Russia please elaborate as to 
what its understanding of what 
constitutes "protection the 
constitutional order?"  "Constitutional order" ref ers to the most basic social, 
economic and political foundations of the society of 
the Russian Federation. They are reflected in the 
similarly named Chapter I of the Constitution of the 
Russian Federation. This Chapter establishes, inter 
alia, the followin g pillars: democracy, federalism and 
republican form of government of the Russian 
Federation (Article 1); sovereignty, rule of law, 
territorial integrity and inviolability (Articles 4, 15); 
separation of powers (Articles 10, 11); equality of 
federal subjec ts of the Russian Federation (Article 
5); social welfare as an aim of the state (Article 7); 
internal market within Russian Federation and 
equality of private and public property (Article 8); 
safeguarding of the land and natural resources 
(Article 9) and e tc. 
Page 81, paragraph 3.169  
Government entities can resort to 
electronic catalogues for the 
procurement of goods as long as the 
procurement value is less or equal to 
RUB 3 million.  
Question:  The catalogue of goods, works, services for 
government procurement contains a list of goods, 
works, services purchased for government purposes, 
formed on the basis of the Russian classifier of 
products by sector of economic activity. This 
catalogue does not refer to the country of origin of 
goods, works or services or specific producers 
thereof.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 259 - 
 
  Are products of foreign companies or 
foreign -invested companies listed in 
procurement e -catalogues?  
Page 83, paragraph 3.180 -3.181:  
The Secretariat Report notes that the 
Russian Federation granted a 
compulsory licence for remdesivir on 
national security grounds, which is 
valid until the end of 2021. The report 
also notes that compulsory licences 
can also be granted on two other 
grounds, provided that the person 
requesting such a licence prov ide 
evidence that the patent holder 
refused to enter a voluntary licence 
agreement under terms and 
conditions corresponding to 
established practice.  
Question:  
Could Russia indicate whether the 
grant of a compulsory licence on 
national security grounds als o require 
evidence that the patent holder 
refused to enter a voluntary licence 
agreement under terms and 
conditions corresponding to 
established practice?  The mechanism of compulsory licensing laid down in 
the Russian legislation is to be applied only in 
emergency situations or other circumstances of 
urgency. We note hereby that in accordance with the 
TRIPS Agreement the use of patent without 
authorization can be permitted in case generic 
company made efforts to obtain authorization from 
the right holder. However, this requirement can be 
waived in the case of national emergency and other 
circumstances of extreme urgency. Declaration of 
Doha on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health 
states that each Member has the right to determine 
what constitutes national emergency and other 
circumstances of extreme emergency.  
Page 83, paragraph 3.180 -3.181:  
Question:  
If not, could Russia explain why is this 
criterion not applied to compulsory 
licences granted on national security 
grounds?  
Pages 83 -84, paragraph 3.182:  
The Secretariat Report notes that bill 
No. 842633 -7 suggests that the 
Russian Federation should establish 
an appropriate policy and practices for 
determining the amount of 
compensation and its payment 
procedure for compulsory licences on 
patents and industrial designs.  
Question:  
Could Russia provide additional details 
on the development and (potential) 
content of such policy and practices?  The Federal Law № 107 -FZ was signed by the 
President of the Russian Federation and entered into 
force. The provisions of this Federal Law empowered 
the Government of the Russian Federation to grant 
compulsory licensing without authorization of a right 
holder in emergency situations and other 
circumstances of urgency than include the protection 
of public health. The methodology and procedures of 
compensation to rightholder based on the economic 
value of distributed generic product /economic 
benefit from production and distribution of generic 
product are laid down in the Government Resolution 
№ 1767.  
Page s 83-84, paragraph 3.182:  
Question:  
Could Russia indicate the process 
through which compensation and 
payment procedure are currently 
determined for compulsory licences, 
as well as the factors considered?  18 October 2021 was signed a Governmental decree 
№ 1767 which introduces rules for compensation to 
the right holder in case of no agreement was reach 
by parties and in emergency situations or other 
circumstances of urgency when a compulsory license 
was gra nted. The amount of compensation will be 
calculated on the base of a percentage of the 
incomes of a person who has exercised the right to 
use an invention, utility model or industrial design 
without the consent of the patent holder from the, 
production, sa le and over use of corresponding 
generic invention. This compensation will be paid by 
a persons which will use the right to use patent 
without authorization of the right holder in 
accordance with the compulsory license an annual WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 260 - 
 
  basis during the period of effect of this compulsory 
license.  
Page 87, paragraph 3.195:  
The Secretariat Report notes that, to 
effectively implement the obligations 
of copyright collective management 
organizations, the Russian Federation 
requires these organizations to 
disclose thei r activities and annual 
accounting (financial) reports.  
Question:   
Could Russia provide additional details 
on the activities collective 
management organizations are 
required to disclose?  In accordance with the Resolution of the Government 
of the Russian Federation No. 831 of July 16, 2018 
"On approval of the information disclosure standard 
by organizations for the management of rights on a 
collective basis that have received governmental  
accreditation" an organization accredited for the 
management of rights on a collective basis is obliged 
to disclose (through publication on its website) 
information about its activities, constituent 
documents, applicable fees, the procedure for 
collecting, distributing and paying remuneration for 
the use of copyright and ( or) related rights, about 
the activities of special funds created by it, 
information about the rights transferred to the 
management of the organization. Also, a "personal 
account" system h as been created for each copyright 
holder, which allows the copyright holder to receive 
at any time a report on the amounts of remuneration 
collected in his favour and on the amounts withheld 
from it.  
Page 87, paragraph 3.195:  
Question:  
Could Russia prov ide additional details 
on the accounting information 
collective management organizations 
are required to disclose, and whether 
such information include their royalty 
distribution schemes?   According to Article 1244 of the Civil Code of the 
Russian Federati on, the annual accounting (financial) 
statements of an accredited organization for the 
management of rights on a collective basis, the 
annual accounting (financial) statements of special 
funds created by it as legal entities are subject to 
mandatory audit and are disclosed by posting 
together with an audit report on it on the official 
website of the accredited organization on the 
Internet not later than ten working days following 
the date of receipt of the auditor's report, but not 
later than December 31 of  the year following the 
reporting year.  
The annual accounting (financial) statements and the 
auditor's report on them must be available on the 
official website of the accredited organization for the 
management of rights on a collective basis on the 
Interne t within five years from the date of posting.  
According to the legislation of the Russian Federation 
on accounting, accounting (financial) statements 
must give a faithful presentation of the financial 
position of an economic entity as of the reporting 
date, the financial result of its activities and cash 
flows for the reporting period. The annual accounting 
(financial) statements of a non -profit organization 
consist of a balance sheet, a report on the intended 
use of funds and annexes thereto.  
Information o n the procedure for collecting, 
distributing and paying remuneration for the use of 
objects of copyright and (or) related rights, including 
information on the methodology for collecting and 
distributing collected remuneration used by the 
accredited organiz ation for collective management of 
rights, in accordance with the information disclosure 
standard is posted on the official Internet website of 
the organization.  
Page 87, paragraph 3.195:  
Question:  
Could Russia indicate whether either 
disclosure requirements extend to Information is disclosed solely in accordance with the 
requirements of the Government of the Russian 
Federatio n of 16 July 2018 No. 831 "On approval of 
the information disclosure standard by organizations WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 261 - 
 
  dealings such domestic organizations 
have with their foreign counterparts?  for the management of rights on a collective basis 
that have received state accreditation."  
Page 91, paragraph 3.214:  
The Secretariat Report indicates that 
from 2016 to 2019, the number of 
criminal copyright infringement cases 
decreased significantly from 1132 to 
438, while the number of criminal 
trademark infringement cases 
remained around 200 annually for the 
same time period (as per the data in 
Table 3.29).  
Question:   
Can Russia provide any further 
information on what may have caused 
such a sharp decline in copyright 
infringement cases, while trademark 
infringement cases remained 
relatively even?  This significant decline is due to the fact that initially 
infringements of copyrights was enforced on 
copyrights contained on physical media. With the 
evolution of the Internet technologies, its speed and 
accessibilities, infringements are committed 
essentially in Internet sites or applications. The 
share of physical  media is declining on the market 
significantly. Because the methodology to combat 
infringement on physical media and in the Internet 
are different it is difficult to show real progress in 
combating copyright infringements using traditional 
enforcement sta tistics. Firstly, as it was mentioned in 
para 3.214 of the Secretariat's Report, infringements 
in Internet de facto are registered on Internet sites 
in the country -code top -level domain (ccTLD) other 
than ".ru" which can be enforceable by Russian 
authoriti es. Secondly, the most effective way for 
combating such crimes in modern era is the 
development of different kind of mechanisms 
restricting access to illegal content. Thus in parallel 
with adoption of specific legislation in Russia was 
developed a cooperat ion mechanism between 
Internet companies, copyright holders and 
government enforcement agency in order to have a 
more flexible and fast responses to the problem of 
Internet piracy. This cooperation resulted in the 
Memorandum "On cooperation in the field of  
protection of exclusive rights in the era of evolving 
digital technologies " signed for the first time in 2018 
and then renewed in 2020. The blocking system 
created by this cooperation already restricts access 
to about 7,309 pirated resources and blocks ab out 6 
million links to pirated content. All these actions 
have their positive effect, according to analytics of 
the company " Group IB", the volume of the pirated 
content market decreased in Russia by 32% in 2020 
compared to 2018.  
Page 107 -108, paragraph 4.42-
4.44:  
The Secretariat references Russia's 
Strategy for the Development of the 
Forest Complex, which aims to 
develop their forestry trade sector 
while maintaining a sustainable 
management of forests and socio -
economic development. This section 
identif ies two export rate quotas for 
"coniferous wood in the rough" with 
in-quota export duties of 13% and 
15% that are currently in place.  
Question:  
 
Can Russia explain its trade measures 
to prevent the illegal trade of forestry 
products, particularly coniferous 
wood?  To both questions.  
The creation of the exchange mechanisms for timber 
trade is being discussed as part of internal efforts to 
establish transparent, reasonable and corresponding 
to market conditions for trade timber and prevention 
of illegal timber cut and trafficking. .  
The other course of internal discussions on the 
matter of prevention of illegal timber cut and 
trafficking is a potentia l mechanism for the 
termination of operations and exclusion from the 
unified state register of legal entities of lessees and 
buyers of forest range, who were found violating 
timber logging, circulation and export legal 
requirements.  
The possibility to subm it the incomplete customs 
declaration in respect of timber products was abolish 
starting form 1 August 2021 in order to improve 
customs control with the view of preventing illegal 
timber exports.  
At the same time the exporters can submit a 
declaration in electronic form, which make it possible 
to provide the exact volume of exported timber and 
its customs value simultaneously with its loading.  Page 108, paragraph 4.46:  
It is noted that the share of illegal 
logging in total timber harvesting is WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 262 - 
 
  estimated a t around 20%, with rates 
much higher in the Far East region.  
Question:  
What measures does Russia propose 
or have in place to address illegal 
harvesting and reduce this risk going 
forward?  
Page 114, paragraph 4.6.4:  
The report focuses on important 
developments regarding general 
energy policy, including the adoption 
of a comprehensive energy strategy 
for the period until 2035, aimed at 
transforming the energy sector to 
maximize its contribution to economic 
development.   
Question:  
Russia's comprehensive energy 
strategy involves the continued 
expansion of oil, gas and LNG. What 
other policies or strategies are in 
place that might offset the emissions 
generated from the production of oil, 
gas and LNG?  The Federal law № 2 96 adopted in July 2021 sets a 
legal basis for regulation of economic and other 
activities resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and 
aims to create conditions for a sustainable and 
balanced development of the economy while 
lowering the level of greenhouse emissions.  
It sets principles and measures for limiting 
greenhouse gas emissions, provides for the rights 
and obligations of companies as regards to limiting 
greenhouse emissions.  
The Federal Law is aimed at regulation of the 
emissions and encouragement o f Russian companies' 
participation in and promotion of environmental 
projects. The Law introduces mandatory carbon 
reporting mechanism for the largest carbon emitting 
companies, and sets a threshold for emissions (in 
tons of CO2) per year above which compa nies must 
limit their emissions starting 2023.  
Companies emitting below the set threshold will have 
to report their emissions starting 2024.  
The Federal law will enter into force on 30.12.2021.  
Page 118, paragraph 4.87:  
The report notes that the "Russian 
Federation is investing heavily in 
improvements to its railway and port 
infrastructure to boost exports and 
other products to Asian markets". It 
also notes that the Russian Federation 
aims to double its coal exports durin g 
the period until 2035.  
Question:  
Can Russia provide additional details 
on how they plan to offset the 
emissions generated through the 
production, transport and trade of 
coal? There is also great potential for the implementation 
of climate projects aime d at enhancing greenhouse 
gas sink by forests and the other ecosystems. The 
other climate projects may be aimed at 
improvements in energy efficiency, development of 
energy saving measures, improvement of industrial 
processes.  
Page 118, paragraph 4.87:  
Question:  
Can Russia expand on what "other 
products" entails?   This sentence is read as following: "The Russian 
Federation is investing heavily in improvements to 
its railway and port infrastructure to boost exports of 
coal and other products to Asian market s. It has 
been reported that the Russian Federation aims to 
double its coal exports during the period until 2035".  
Russian export to the Asian market is not limited to 
the export of coal. Thus, the improvements of 
railway and port infrastructure will have a positive 
impact on the Russian total export to the Asian 
market.  
Page 119, paragraph 4.86:  
The report notes that the Ministry of 
Energy carries out the functions of 
state policy on fuel, energy, electric 
power, oil production, and the 
development of hy drocarbons. In 
particular, the Ministry of Energy 
develops state policy and legal According to the Energy Strategy of the Russian 
Federation for the period up to 2035, it is supposed 
that the average growth rate of energy consumption 
will be from 0.3 to 0.6 percent. In particular, by 
2035, it is expected that the specific fuel 
consumpti on in transport will decrease by 13 -15 
percent due to the optimization of internal WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 263 - 
 
  regulation in the field of energy saving 
and increasing energy efficiency.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation provide 
details on what measures are being 
made to save ener gy and increase 
energy efficiency in relation to their 
state policies on fuel and oil 
production?  combustion engines and the use of new materials in 
the automotive industry.  
Page 125, paragraph 4.113:  
The Secretariat report notes a few of 
the energy related goals outlined in 
the 2020 Government -adopted Energy 
Strategy of the Russian Federation, 
for the Period up to 2035 (ES -2035).  
Question:  
Can Russia expand on any set energy 
or climate related target s, or targets 
that may have changed, for the period 
up to 2035, in correspondence with 
the Paris Agreement for example?  According to Presidential Decree of the Russian 
Federation № 666, the Russian Federation set a 
target to reduce the greenhouse gas emis sions up to 
70% of the 1990 level by 2030. As for climate 
targets, we note hereby that the Energy Strategy 
does not relate to climate ambitions of the Russian 
Federation. Climate targets of the Russian Federation 
will be laid down by the Strategy of the Ru ssian 
Federation on Low -Carbon Development till 2050 
that is under development, currently.  
Page 125, paragraph 4.113:  
Question:  
Can Russia provide information 
regarding any investments it aims to 
make in the energy sector and in the 
clean energy sector?  The policies of the Russian Federation aim to support 
the renewable energy, including clean energy. At this 
moment the network of nuclear power plants, 
including small -scale power plants, is under 
development, specifically within the isolated distant 
territories, which are naturally cut off from the 
general networks. In addition to the nuclear energy, 
as part of the general policies to make the energy 
cleaner the Russian Federation intends to further 
develop solar, wind and hydrogen generation. About 
1 trillion roubles are expected to be invested for 
these purposes until 2035. The other side of these 
policies is decrease of coal generation in the energy 
balance of Russia, that would entail additional 
investments with the view to modernize coal power 
plants towards making them cleaner, or when such 
modernization is not technically efficient – shutting 
them down.  
Page 125, paragraph 4.113:  
Question:  
Can Russia clarify how its Energy 
Strategy will increase competition in 
the energy sector, or conversely, 
whether it plans for further 
centralization in the sector?  The Energy Strategy 2035 contains a number of key 
measures aimed at developing competition  and 
market relations in energy sector, such as:  
- creation, improving and promotion of 
oil, coal, petrochemical and gas sectors' 
commodity exchange mechanisms, as well 
as trade in derivatives of the said 
products:  
- improvement of operating pricing model 
mech anisms in energy sphere taking into 
account social responsibility obligations of 
fuel and energy sector companies.  
 
Another goal set forth by the Strategy connected to 
increasing competition within the sector is 
application of a set of implementation of k ey 
measures related to raising investment 
attractiveness in fuel and energy sector along with 
measures on optimization and predictability of 
taxation and tariff setting policies, which are: 
development and implementation of target models 
for business facil itation and investment 
attractiveness; supervising and auditing activities' WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 264 - 
 
  reform; raising the level of records of payments by 
energy resources consumers.   
Page 127 -128, paragraph 4.121:  
According to the IMF and the Bank of 
Russia, competition in the mai n 
product markets of the financial sector 
remains insufficient, and although 
spreads between lending and deposit 
rates have fallen significantly over the 
past years, they remain elevated (see 
Tables 4.11 and Table 4.12), as does 
the net interest margin. Ov erall, the 
Russian banking sector can be best 
characterized as operating under 
monopolistic competition, according to 
the IMF, as the banking sector 
remains dominated by the largest two 
state-owned banks, while the 
authorities consider the sector as 
oligop oly with a competitive 
environment. According to the IMF's 
analysis, the degree of competition in 
the banking sector is similar to that in 
India and Brazil, while the degree of 
competition of Russian private banks 
tended to be greater than that for 
Russian  state-owned banks, although 
the difference was not statistically 
significant. According to the Bank of 
Russia, competition in the important 
segments of transfer and payments 
remained most monopolized, while 
competition was stronger in the 
segments of insu rance and investment 
services.  
Question:  
Does Russia have intentions to 
increase competition within their 
banking sector, if so would reducing 
barriers to foreign banks be a 
measure to address this?  One of the key principles for the development of 
competition in the Russian financial market is t he 
creation of favorable conditions for doing business 
for all market participants, regardless of their 
nationality, which is provided for in the Decree of the 
President of the Russian Federation No. 618 of 
December 21, 2021 "On the Basic Guidelines for th e 
State Policy on the Development of Competition", as 
well as in the Order of the Government of the 
Russian Federation No. 2424 -r of September 2, 
2021.  
The National Plan for the Development of 
Competition in the Russian Federation for 2021 -2025 
(approved b y Order of the Russian Government No. 
2424-r of September 2, 2021) is exactly aimed at 
ensuring competition in all sectors of the economy, 
including banking sector. At the same time, the 
Ministry of Finance together with the Bank of Russia 
are currently de veloping the Strategy of Financial 
Market Development till 2030, within the framework 
of which increase of competition on the financial 
market will be one of the key policy directives till 
2030. Both current and draft Financial Market 
Development Guideline s of the Russian Federation 
for 2022 and for the Period of 2023 and 2024 reflect 
a set of measures designed to promote competition:  
- competitive access of all participants to the 
financial market infrastructure;  
- lowering the barriers for the consumers and 
suppliers of the financial services;  
- exclusion of anti -competitive violations in relation 
to the consumers of financial services;  
- ensuring a balanced structure of the financial 
market.  
The Government of the Russian Federation has 
approved the creat ion of competitive conditions for 
the admission of credit organizations to raise funds 
on bank deposits (accounts) and other money 
market instruments, the procedure for placing such 
funds on bank deposits (accounts) and other money 
market instruments, the admission of credit 
organizations to issue bank guarantees to secure 
obligations of third parties, and the provision of 
subsidies from the federal budget to creditors when 
providing concessional financing.  
Page 140, paragraph 4.162  
It is noted that, upon  accession to the 
WTO, the Russian Federation retained 
horizontal limitations on the 
movement of people.  
Question 42: Could you please 
provide your rationale for maintaining 
these horizontal Mode 4 limitations? 
Are these limitations enshrined in your 
dome stic regime?  The relevant requirements and procedures are set 
out in the Federal Law of 25 July 2002 #115 -FZ "On 
the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian 
Federation", in particular Articles 5 and 13.2 thereof.  
Page 143, paragraph 4.179:  
As part of the implementation of rail 
transport policy, it is noted that 
Government Decree No. 384 of 18 
May 2001 on a Programme for According to the Federal Law of 17.08.1995 No. 147 -
FZ "On Natural Monopolies", railway transportation is 
a natural monopoly.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Structural Reform of Railway 
Transport focuses on restructuring the 
railways from a government -owned 
monopoly to the privat e competitive 
sector.  
Question:  
Could Russia confirm if foreign entities 
are currently permitted to establish 
and supply freight or passenger rail 
transport services, and if so, under 
what conditions?  In this regard, freight and passenger transportation 
services are provided by carriers that are natural 
monopoly entities.  
Page 143, paragraph 4.179:  
Question:  
What specific measures have been 
implemented, and/or will be 
implemented, as part of Decree No. 
384 to restructure railways from a 
government -owned monopoly to a 
private competitive sector?   As a result of the implementation of the Program for 
the Structural Reform of Railway Transport, 
approved by Russian Government Decree № 384 of 
18 May 2001, a competitive market of services for 
the provision of railway rolling stock for 
transportation was formed. The rolling stock owned 
by JSCo "Russian Railways" was trans ferred to the 
charter capitals of subsidiaries of JSCo "Russian 
Railways" - railway rolling stock operators.  
Rolling stock operators are professional participants 
in the market of operator services.  
Rolling stock operators provide services for the 
provisio n of freight cars to shippers for the 
transportation of freight. The price of railcar services 
provided by operators is determined solely by 
market mechanisms under civil law contracts.  
Page 143, paragraph 4.179:  
Question:   
Will the measures implemented a s 
part of Decree No. 384 include 
changes to existing rules or 
restrictions on foreign investment and 
participation in the supply of rail 
transport services?  No.  
Page 145, paragraph 4.188:  
It is noted that according to Russian 
legislation, legal entities , individuals, 
and vehicles registered in the Russian 
Federation have the right to carry out 
internal transportation of goods by 
road on the territory of the Russian 
Federation.  
Question:  
Are foreign entities, including those 
that are not from member Stat es of 
the EAEU Treaty, permitted to 
establish and register in the Russian 
Federation for the purposes of 
carrying out internal and/or 
international transportation of goods 
or passengers, and if so, under what 
conditions?  The procedures regarding the intern ational road 
transport is regulated by Federal Law № 127 -FZ of 
24 July 1998 'On State Control of International Road 
Transportation and Liability for its Violation'. Article 7 
of the mentioned law prohibits the transportation of 
goods and passengers by vehi cles owned by foreign 
carriers, including those temporarily imported into 
the Russian Federation, between points located on 
the territory of the Russian Federation.  
If a foreign organisation establishes a presence in 
the territory of the Russian Federation as a Russian 
legal entity, it can carry out international and 
domestic transportations on an equal basis with 
other Russian organizations  
Page 146, paragraph 4.190:  
It is noted that the Federal Agency for 
Maritime and River Transport 
(Rosmorre chflot), under the MT, is 
entrusted to manage state property, 
maintain transport security -related 
tasks, and provide services in the field 
of maritime and inland waterway 
transport.  A foreign person may create juridical persons in 
Russia in accordance with the Civil Code. Such a 
juridical person has the right to regis ter vessels in 
Russian vessel registers and operate vessels under 
the national flag of Russia.  
Conditions on operating a vessel or fleet under the 
national flag of Russia are established in Article 15 of 
Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian Federation WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Question:  
Are foreign entities permitted to 
establish a registered compan y for the 
purpose of operating a vessel or fleet 
under the national flag of Russia, and 
if so, under what conditions?  and Article 23 of Code of Inland Water Transport of 
the Russian Federation.  
Page 146, paragraph 4.191:  
It is noted that: "Port management 
remains based on Federal Law No. 
261-FZ of 8 November 2007 on Sea 
Ports in the Russian Federation and 
the Merchant Ma rine Code, according 
to which port management is carried 
out by the Seaport Administration. 
The Seaport Administration, under the 
Federal Agency of Sea and River 
Transport, provides organizational, 
logistical, and financial support to the 
execution of the seaport captains' 
functions, and services for seaport 
users. The administration founders' 
functions and authorities are carried 
out by the Federal Agency of Sea and 
River Transport."  
Question:  
Could Russia confirm if foreign 
investment and/or operation o f ports 
or port terminals is permitted, and if 
so, under what conditions and at 
which specific ports?  Foreign investments in the enterprises engaged in 
provision of services in ports are subject to the 
screening mechanisms established under the Federal 
Law № 57 -FZ.  
 
Page 146, paragraph 4.193:  
It is noted that: "According to the 
authorities, Government Decree No. 
778 of 10 August 2016 on 
Amendments to Government Decree 
No. 193 of 6 March 2012 simplified 
licensing requirements and conditions 
for passenger transportation, 
transportation of dangerous goods, 
towing, and freight operations for 
dangerous goods on sea and internal 
water transport."  
Question:  
Could Russia elaborate on how the 
licensing requirements and conditions 
were simplified in thes e areas?  The Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of 10 August 2016 No 778 is no longer in 
force as it was repealed by the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation of 26 October 
2020 No 1742, together with the Resolution of  the 
Government of the Russian Federation of 6 March 
2012 No 193 (that was initially amended by the 
Resolution No 778).  
New regulations on licensing activities for the 
transportation of inland waterway transport, sea 
transport of dangerous goods and activi ties for the 
implementation of sea towing were approved by 
Government Decree No. 1243 of 21 July 2021 which 
will be in force from 1 March 2022 to 1 March 2028.  
Page 146, paragraph 4.193:  
Question:   
Do the simplified licensing 
requirements and conditions apply 
equally to domestic and foreign 
entities?   The requirements apply equally to domestic and 
foreign juridical persons.  
Page 93, paragraph 4.4:  
The Secretariat report notes that 
Russia applies limits to the share of 
total land owned by a gro up of 
citizens, which varies by municipal 
district.  
Question:   
Could Russia please elaborate on the 
procedures for determining these 
limits?  The maximum size of the total area of agricultural 
land that is located on the territory of one municipal 
district and may be owned by one citizen and (or) 
one legal entity is established by the law of the 
region of the Russian Federation and equals to at 
least 10% of the total area of agricultural land 
located on the specified territory at the time of the 
provision and (or) acquisition of such land plots.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 97, paragraph 4.11:  
The Secretariat report indicates that 
the Russian Federation has 
implemented export restrictions as 
part of support measures for 
agricultural development in the 
context of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
Question:  
Could Russia confirm whether these 
restrictions are still in place? If not, 
could the Russian Federation describe 
the duration of these measures?  These temporary export restrictions were terminated 
and are no lo nger in force.  
In addition, the Secretariat report 
notes that the Russian Federation's 
agrarian policy is to increase 
agriculture production by increasing 
efficiency.  
Question: Could Russia indicate how 
"production subsidies based on 
output" which disto rt production 
decisions and trade are an effective 
tool to increase efficiency in 
agricultural production?  This approach of Russian agrarian policy is 
characterized by the accuracy of domestic support 
goal-setting and the predicted result of subsidies, 
thereby guaranteeing the efficiency of using 
budgetary outlays, including by the method of 
stimulating agricultural producers to increase 
production volumes by technical and technological 
modernization and innovative development of assets, 
which has a long -term effect, ensuring the 
sustainable development of the industry.  
Page 97, paragraph 4.13:  
The Secretariat report notes that an 
updated Food Security Doctrine was 
adopted in January 2020 and 
expanded to include new products 
such as vegetables and melons, f ruits 
and berries, and seeds as well as 
increasing for a number of products 
"the targets for the share of domestic 
production in domestic consumption".  
Question: Could Russia elaborate on 
how the targets for share of domestic 
production in domestic consumption 
are set?  The self -sufficiency indicator is calculated as a 
percentage of domestic production to domestic 
consumption. This approach is widely used in 
international practice, including the Food and 
Agriculture Organization of the United  Nations (FAO). 
The corresponding values are enshrined in the 
national doctrine of food security and serve as the 
main indicators of state agricultural policy.  
Page 97, paragraph 4.13:  
Question: Are these targets set on an 
annual basis?  These indicators are not set on an annual basis.  
Page 97, paragraph 4.13:  
Question: Does Russia provide 
production incentives to producers to 
meet these production targets?  Ensuring food security within the national doctrine is 
the main goal that is achieved through domes tic 
support for agriculture, which determines its 
architecture, systemic nature and structure of 
budget financing. However, the conditions for 
receiving subsidies do not tied to meeting these 
production targets, the conditions are established in 
the contex t of production efficiency.  
With regard to international trade and economic environmental measures, Russia supports 
efforts aimed at addressing fisheries subsidies, including fuel subsidies, as well as trade -
distorting domestic support in agriculture. Rus sia also supports efforts aimed at promoting 
greater access to environmental goods and services at a cheaper cost. Russia also welcomes 
further international dialogue on plastics pollution and environmental standards. Russia 
considers it appropriate when s uch voluntary measures concerning product packaging, 
labeling, waste recycling and recovery, as well as environmental management systems like 
ISO 14000, are imposed in a unilateral manner.  
What concerns the imposition of unilateral measures Russia support s the following directions 
of work: development of nuclear and hydrogen power, promotion of sustainable forest 
management and preservation of all types of animals and plants, preservation of unique 
natural objects (eg. in Russia - Volga River and Lake Baik al), promotion of ecological tourism, 
reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions through financial and tax policy WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 268 - 
 
  measures, development and introduction of renewable energy sources, promotion of effective 
waste management.  
Russia believes that bot h international and unilateral trade and economic measures should be 
compatible with the WTO and respective environmental agreements, including the UNFCCC 
and the Paris Agreement. As stated by Article 3.5 of the UNFCCC, "measures taken to combat 
climate ch ange, including unilateral ones, should not constitute a means of arbitrary or 
unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade".  
The main outcomes of the Program are improvement of work of technical committees, 
professional development of the staff of the standardizing body and sectoral organization, 
improving the quality of adopted standards, et.  
The implementation of the road map is envisaged for the period up to 2027.  
The measures include sets of measures aimed at construction of new and modernization of 
existing infrastructure as well facilitation of access to such infrastructure.  
The Compreh ensive Plan on Modernization and Expansion of Backbone Infrastructure provides 
for construction of new electricity generation facilities and networks, including within isolated 
regions (cut off from main networks) and renewable generation. It also provides  for 
construction of 6 new backbone gas pipelines, 4 compressor and gas distribution stations, 5 
oil pipelines, 2 condensate pipelines.  
The Comprehensive Plan entails deployment of smart systems for digital management or 
grids, introduction of risk -orient ed approach in this area.  
From the user point of view regional governments together with supply companies develop 
new rules and procedures designed to decrease the timeframes necessary for connection to 
the relevant networks of both households and industr ial consumers, taking into due account 
the needs of MSMEs. That includes facilitation of construction procedures, in particular 
abolition of the authorizations, for construction and modernization of linear objects of the 
electricity networks, gas pipelines , including distribution lines and networks, transforming 
stations of 20/10/6/0,4 kW. In particular, in Saint Petersburg and Leningrad region the 
simplification of procedures for approval of grid plans allowed the procedures to be finalized 
within 14 calen dar days, the approval of engineering schemes is conducted within 7 days. The 
consumers are provided with the possibility of distant communication with the supplying 
companies, including on the matters of technical connection. Relevant applications may be 
submitted though either GOSUSLUGI web -site, personal cabinet created on the companies 
web-site, by phone.  
In accordance with the Federal Law of 11 June 2021 #184 -FZ "On Amendments of the Federal 
Law "On the Supply of Gas in the Russian Federation" the con nection of the individual 
residential land plots are to be connected to the gas networks would be free of charge. The 
relevant application may be submitted in particular through the GOSUSLUGI website or 
regional gas distribution company.  
The measures list ed in the Action Plan pertaining to oil and gas sectors included pilot 
application of the tax on additional income in oil sector with respect of certain subsoil land 
plots situated in both traditional and new regions of oil extraction (limited number of su ch 
subsoil land plots that were chosen for the purpose of such pilot application). The main goal is 
to create a new taxation regime that would decrease the total amount of taxes dependent on 
the gross indicators (such as decrease of the tax for extraction of natural resources and 
export duties) with the introduction of the tax on additional income for extraction of oil 
resources the amount of which would be dependent on the amount of the income from the 
activities on development of a particular land plot ta king into account world market prices for 
the products and factual expenses and capital investments for their extraction. The other set 
of measures included conclusion of agreements on modernization of oil refinery capacities; 
expansion of declarative proc edure (rather that approval procedure) in respect of provision of 
subsoil land plots for geological survey in Far East Federal District and East Siberia regions; 
provision of right to extract associated natural resources under a general license; tax holida ys 
for new infrastructure for gas and electricity refueling stations.  
The Government of the Russian Federation adopted the Resolution № 1587 that establishes 
the criteria of Green and ESG projects as well as procedures for their verification. The Russian 
Federation aims to develop and improve the "green" infrastructure incentivizing investments 
into this sphere creating the system of determination of what ESG or "green" products are. As 
the products and technologies are deployed, they will be integrated in to the energy 
infrastructure.  
The Russian Federation is always open for bilateral and multilateral cooperation on issues 
related to development of "green" technologies, standards and infrastructure.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  One of the programs implemented within the framework of  the national project "SMEs and 
Support for Individual Entrepreneurial Initiatives" is "Development of the Women 
Enterpreneurship". This program envisages measures aimed to help strengthen and promote 
women entrepreneurship.  
Such measures include, among others, financial support (lower interest rates; special credits 
and loans, including preferential loans for mothers -entrepreneurs), specialized forms of grant 
support, advisory support, capacity building and education.  
1. Information Portal My Busines s contains information regarding SME support 
measures, available services for entrepreneurs, as well as useful materials for starting and 
developing business. The portal includes a visual "map" of all nearby SME support 
infrastructure (including "My Busine ss" centers, export support centers or microfinance 
organization). The portal also contains information regarding SME and business -related 
forums and workshops.  
2. SME Digital Platform (msp.economy.gov.ru) provides SMEs with high -quality 
information support,  including information regarding services (including control and 
supervisory services, banking services) and support measures available for SMEs (including 
measures aimed at facilitating SMEs access to digital marketplaces), as well as the other 
relevant i nformation sources (such as online business education). The platform facilitates 
"digitalization" of SME support and allows entrepreneurs to get the required support online on 
a remote basis.  
Both of the abovementioned platforms provide targeted services to support women -led 
MSMEs.  
Moreover, "My Business" centers regularly organize various trainings and capacity building 
activities, such as "Mom -Entrepreneur", "Women -led Business Academy", "Women 
Entrepreneur" etc. There are 440 "My Business" centers oper ating in the Russian Federation.  
Almost all of the biofuel produced in Russia is exported. More than 95 percent of exports go to 
Europe, about 5 percent to Asia. The global demand for pellets by 2030 may grow from 27.8 
to 41 - 52 million tons. The growth in industrial consumption will be determined by the 
successful implementation of plans to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the 
global energy balance (mainly in Europe, the Republic of Korea and Japan). The dynamics of 
gas prices will also be a significant factor determining the dynamics of demand for pellets. If 
prices for traditional fuel remain low and in the absence of government support, households 
and enterprises of the European Union will not be motivated to switch to pellets. Current ly, 
the Russian market lacks economic and regulatory prerequisites for the consumption of 
pellets in significant volumes. Pellet production in Russia may increase from 1.9 to 2.8 - 5.2 
million tons by 2030, depending on market conditions. The production wi ll be export -oriented, 
which will allow achieving a global market share of pellets of 5 - 8 percent.  
According to the Concept of hydrogen energy development, one of the priority areas of 
energy development is the production of low -carbon hydrogen from fo ssil raw materials, 
including using technologies for capturing carbon dioxide, on the basis of a nuclear power 
technology station (with ensuring carbon dioxide capture), by the method of water electrolysis 
on the basis of a nuclear power plant, hydroelectr ic power plant and electricity of the power 
system, provided that an appropriate carbon footprint is ensured, as well as on the basis of 
the capacities of renewable energy sources in those regions where the cost of produced 
hydrogen on the basis of such so urces is competitive.  
Russia is actively developing national climate legislation. It includes the Federal Law "On 
limiting the greenhouse gas emissions", a draft federal law "On conducting an experiment to 
establish special regulation of emissions and abs orption of greenhouse gases in certain 
regions of the Russian Federation", as well as a draft "Strategy on the socio -economic 
development of the Russian Federation with a low level of greenhouse gas emission until 
2050".  
Since 2020 green financing has been developing in Russia. The taxonomy has 2 blocks:  
1) Taxonomy of green projects that also includes nuclear energy.  
2) Taxonomy of adaptation projects. This taxonomy covers projects in oil and gas 
production, coal processing, sustainable i nfrastructure.  
The Government Resolution of the Russian Federation of 14 July 2021 No. 1912 -r establishes 
the goals and main directions on sustainable (including "green") development in the Russian 
Federation. It provides the key directions of the state po licy on the investments development 
and the extra -budgetary funds attraction to projects, which have a positive impact on the 
environment and other spheres of sustainable development.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of 21 September 2021 No. 1587 
establishes the criteria for sustainable (including green) development of projects in the 
Russian Federation, as well as the requirements for their the verification.  
In order to develop investment activities and attract extra -budgetary funds to pr ojects aimed 
at executing the national development goals, a draft action plan ("road map") has been 
developed to implement measures aimed at financing the sustainable (including "green") 
development in the Russian Federation. To increase the inflow of capi tal to sustainable 
development projects, the outlined plan provides for the following measures:  
- subsidies to Russian organizations applying BAT to reimburse part of the cost of paying 
coupon income on stable bonds and / or to reimburse part of the cost o f paying interest on 
stable loans;  
- consideration of the possibility of applying in practice financial regulation and supervision of 
measures that stimulate market participants to pursue a policy of environmentally responsible 
financing, taking into accou nt the impact of such policy on the level of credit and other risks, 
both in the short and long term;  
- application of a tax rate of 0% from 2022 to 2024 in relation to coupon yield on stable 
bonds for this period  
The requested data may be found via the l ink https://di.unfccc.int/detailed_data_by_party  
Federal Law No. 296 -FZ of 2.07.2021 "On Limiting Greenhouse Gas Emissions" provides for 
the possibility of implementing voluntary climate projects and circulation of carbon credits 
resulting from executing climate projects. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to 
implement on a voluntary basis a wide range of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas 
emissions and increasing their absorpti on. Projects can include measures in the field of energy 
efficiency, modernization of production processes, carbon capture and storage, forest climate 
projects, etc. Both Russian companies and foreign partners can invest in climate projects in 
Russia.  
GOST R 1.2 -2020 "Standardization in Russian Federation. National Standards of Russian 
Federation. Instructions for development, taking over, revision, correction and cancellation" 
(hereinafter – GOST R) is based on the Guidelines of ISO and IEC for standardiz ation by 
national bodies (ISO/IEC Guide 59), The decision of the Committee of the WTO on TBT on 
principles of the development of international standards, guidelines and recommendation 
(G/TBT/9, 13 November 2000) and the Code of Good Practices for the Prepa ration, Adoption 
and Application of Standards (hereinafter – the Code). The GOST R contains the provisions of 
the Code and does not have any differences with it. For instance, the requirements for 
transparency, the procedures for development of standards, obtaining comments of 
stakeholder, non -discrimination and the principle of not constituting unnecessary barriers, 
etc., as they are stipulated in the Code, are incorporated into the GOST R. In our point of 
view, GOST R is similar with the principles of the  Code.  
Rosstandard has already accepted the Code of Good Practices and develops national 
standards following its provisions.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 271 - 
 
  KYRGYZ REPUBLIC  
 
Government Report:  
In the Government report, item 
5.52, it is stated that SEZs are 
aimed at the creation of the growth 
points in the regions and attraction 
of investments in priority sectors of 
the economy (industry, technology, 
port activities, tourism). The 
mechanism consi sts in the creation 
of the necessary infrastructure 
conditions for investors, provision 
of the federal and regional 
incentives, including tax 
preferences.  
Question:  
Can the Russian Federation provide 
more detailed information of the 
federal and regional incentives and 
tax preferences? Can these 
incentives equally accessible for 
both local and foreign investors? If, 
yes, what are the specific 
requirements for these companies 
to get access to the incentives?  The following incentives are provided within the SEZs:  
1 Reduced rates of several taxes:  
- reduced income tax rate of 2 per cent in the part 
allocated to the federal budget and of 0 to 13,5 per 
cent in the part allocated to the regional budget;  
- reduced property tax rates of organizations of 0 
per cent for 10 years;  
- reduced land tax rates of organizations t of 0 per 
cent for 5 years;  
- reduced transport tax rates (the rate is 
determined by the region);  
2 The customs procedure of a free customs zone, 
whereby the residents of SEZ do not have t o pay 
customs duties and other payments charged due to 
customs proceedings, can be applied to the 
organization;  
3 The organization can use accelerated 
amortization with a ratio of 2 in case a project is 
implemented in the territory of an industrial -product ion 
SEZ; 
4 The organization can be qualified for preferential 
rental rate for state and (or) municipal real estate.  
The above -mentioned  incentives for residents of the 
SEZ are not different for Russian and/or foreign 
companies.  
In order to get an access to these incentives companies 
should obtain the status of a SEZ resident. There are 
equal requirements to obtain the status for both 
Russian and foreign companies:  
1) a legal entity implementing an investment project in 
a SEZ should be registered in the municipality in which 
the SEZ is located (there are no requirements for the 
founders of a legal entity);  
2) to obtain the status of a SEZ r esident of an 
industrial -production type, a legal entity should invest 
as minimum 120 million rubles (in other types of SEZ 
there are no such restrictions);  
3) a resident of a SEZ is not permitted to have 
branches and representative offices outside the 
territory of the SEZ;  
4) a resident of the SEZ should carry out the activities 
established by the agreement on the implementation of 
activities on the territory of the SEZ;  
5) a resident cannot carry out activities prohibited in 
the SEZ (development of minera l deposits, production 
(processing) of excisable goods).  
In the Government report, item 
5.20, it is said that the organic 
production niche is being 
developed. In January 2020, the 
law on organic products came into 
force, which laid the legal basis for 
the production and circulation of 
these products in the Russian 
Federation.  
Question:  
Can you provide with the text of 
the law, and what mechanism and The Federal Law No. 280 -FZ of 3 August 2018 " On 
organic products and on amendments to certain 
legislative acts of the Russian Federation " regulates 
activities related to production, storage, transportation, 
labelling and sale of organic products. State support of 
producers of organic  products is provided on a common 
basis; there are no special mechanisms for 
subsidization of such producers. The text of the Law is 
published on the following website: pravo.gov.ru.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 272 - 
 
  supportive measures does the law 
provide for the producers of 
organic goods?  
In the Government report, item 
5.25, it is provided that the 
Russian Fed eration uses modern 
tools for the development of 
agriculture, primarily associated 
with the digital transformation of 
the sector. The Russian Federation 
carries out extensive work to 
develop digital services complex 
that would allow to optimize costs 
and increase the efficiency of 
production and management 
processes.  
Question:  
Please provide a broader 
information about the carried 
extensive work towards 
development of digital services 
complex that would allow to 
optimize costs and increase the 
efficiency of production and 
management processes.  The work on introduction of digita l technologies in 
agriculture is at the initial stage of implementation, 
thereby not allowing an objective assessment of the 
results achieved in improving the efficiency of 
production and management processes. Only in 2020, 
the creation of sub -platform for  collecting agricultural 
industry data "Single Window" was completed as part of 
the national platform "Digital Agriculture". This platform 
is aimed at collecting timely information on the 
progress of fulfilling sectoral targets in the context of 
key perfor mance indicators of agro -industrial complex, 
which will allow to respond to situational deviations 
promptly  
Secretariat Report:  
Page 8, Para 11  
There have been important 
changes to the legal framework for 
domestic and foreign investors 
through amended la ws and 
regulations. The list of strategic 
sectors in which foreign investment 
requires prior approval was 
expanded in 2017, and since 2018 
citizens of the Russian Federation 
with multiple citizenships have also 
been subject to this requirement.  
Question:  
Please specify  Russia 's main 
measures for improving foreign 
investment environment during the 
review period.  We kindly refer to Section 5.3 Improving the 
Investment Climate of the Report by the Russian 
Federation (WT/TPR/G/416 of 22 September 2021), 
which contain the main measures undertaken by the 
Russian Federation with the view of improving the 
investment climate in Russia during the review period. 
Those would include, in particular: Business Climate 
Transformation instruments, various modification s to 
the corporate legislation, development of territories of 
Russia though creation of Special Economic Zones, 
Advanced Development Areas, as well as Investment 
Protection and Promotion Agreement between the State 
and an investor.  
Government Report:  
Page 13, Para 5.1  
The Russian Federation attaches 
great importance to the issues of 
economic diversification, which is 
being achieved through the 
implementation of a wide range of 
measures and policies aimed at 
improving the business 
environment and invest ment 
climate, developing international 
trade and economic cooperation, 
promoting technological 
modernization, and supporting 
micro, small and medium 
enterprises (MSMEs).  
Question:  
Please introduce the latest 
measures to promote the Several federal projects were developed to promote the 
development of MSMEs through a wide range of 
measures.  
- Federal project "Acceleration of SMEs" contains a set 
of measures aimed at the development of existing 
entrepreneurs and their access to foreign markets 
(financial and fiscal instruments to support SMEs, 
infrastructure for comfortable operation and 
development, creating conditions for the participation in 
competitive procurement, etc.). A set of measures (so 
called "cultivation") is being implemented aimed at 
providing support to SME to increase their productivity, 
competitiveness, and development as suppliers 
(performers, contractors) for participation in the 
procurement of goods, works, and services by the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  development of micro, sm all and 
medium enterprises (MSMEs).  largest customers (using the SME support 
infrastructure).  
- Federal project "Creation of a Digital Platform with a 
mechanism for targeted selection and the possibility of 
remote receipt of support measures and special 
services by SMEs and self -employed citizen s" contains 
the creation of a single digital ecosystem containing up -
to-date information about all measures and institutions 
of support for SMEs, which would allow the 
entrepreneur to choose and receive remotely required 
support measures. Several digital r esources were 
established to support business community, including 
MSMEs, due to pandemic by collecting all the 
information about the COVID -related measures 
implemented in Russia and about the new support 
measures aiming at promoting MSMEs supply chains:  
- An online website "Economy without virus" was 
developed to support business community due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic by informing business community 
about support measures, which were implemented by 
the Government of Russian Federation.  
- Ministry of Econom ic Development has developed 
"Digital Platform", which main aim is to support supply 
chains of MSMEs. This digital infrastructure provides 
MSMEs with necessary information about new support 
measures, such as various types of financial support, 
special serv ices for distance work. etc. The public digital 
platform "My Business " was developed to provide small 
and medium -sized businesses with access to the full 
range of opportunities to support the use of online 
platforms and online services within the Digital 
Platform.  
Other questions:  
Question:  
Please specify  the mandatory E -
labeling policy  of Russia . In accordance with Article 9 of the Agreement of the 
Eurasian Economic Union on Track and Trace system 
(hereinafter – T&T System) and the legal acts of the 
Russian Federation on application of T&T System in 
respect of covered products is carried out by:  
- manufacturers in Russia;  
- importers of such products that originate from 
the territory of other EAEU Member States before actual 
crossing of the border (i n case T&T System is 
introduced in respect of similar products in the territory 
of the EAEU Member State, the application is carried 
out in the territory of such Member State); and  
- importers of products that originate from non - 
EAEU countries before pla cing the goods under the 
customs procedures (application is carried out either at 
a foreign production site or on the route of the goods 
(foreign logistics site) or in the areas of customs 
warehouse.  
An economic operator registers the products in the 
State  information system for monitoring the circulation 
of goods subject to T&T System (hereinafter – the 
information system), receives a special code, ensures 
the application of identification means on goods in 
accordance with requirements established by the 
Government of the Russian Federation for each product 
group, and transmits information about the release of 
the products to the information system.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  In accordance with paragraph 3.1 of Article 5 of the 
Federal Law of December 28, 2009 No. 381-FZ the 
Governme nt of the Russian Federation makes up a list 
of products subject to the T&T System. This list is 
approved by the Decision of the Government of 28 April 
2018 No. 792-r. Currently, the list includes tobacco 
products, perfumes, tyres, certain items of textile s, 
shoes, cameras, dairy products, cheese, ice -cream, 
bicycles, mineral water. T&T System has fully entered 
into force in respect of tobacco products, shoes, 
perfumes, mineral water, textiles, tyres, cameras, dairy 
products.  
In accordance with the Federal Law of April 12, 2010 
No. 61-FZ and the Government Resolution of December 
14, 2018 No. 1556 T&T System has been introduced in 
respect of pharmaceuticals since the 1st of July 2020.  
Guidance documents for importers, exporters and 
domestic producers are avai lable on the web site: 
https://chestnyznak.ru/en/business/ .  
T&T system was developed and implemented pursuant 
to the Strategy to combat illicit circulation of industrial 
goods in the Russian Federation un til 2020 and for the 
planned period until 2025. The objectives of the System 
are threefold: to combat counterfeiting, to fight tax 
evasion and to improve customs enforcement.  
Question:  
Please introduce Russia's  vehicle 
scrapping tax policy.  In accordance with Article 24.1 of the Federal Law No. 
89-FZ of 24 June 1998 the recycling fee is paid both for 
vehicles imported into the Russian Federation and for 
vehicles manufactured in the Russian Federation. The 
recycl ing fee is paid for the purpose of ensuring 
ecological safety, including protection of human health 
and environment, against the harmful impact of 
transport vehicles operation, taking into account their 
technical features and wear -out. 
The list of types and categories of wheeled vehicles 
(chassis) and trailers to them which are subject to 
payment of the recycling fee, as well as rules regulating 
levying, calculation, payment and recovery of the fee, 
are approved by the Resolution of the Government o f 
the Russian Federation No. 1291 of 26 December 2013.  
The list of self -propelled machines and trailers to them 
which are subject to payment of the recycling fee, as 
well as rules of levying, calculation, payment and 
recovery of the fee, are established by  the Resolution of 
the Government of the Russian Federation No. 81 of 6 
February 2016.  
Question:  
Please specify  Russia's  latest policy 
of log trade.  The creation of the exchange mechanisms for timber 
trade is being discussed as part of internal efforts to  
establish transparent, reasonable and corresponding to 
market conditions for trade timber and prevention of 
illegal timber cut and trafficking. .  
The other course of internal discussions on the matter 
of prevention of illegal timber cut and trafficking is  a 
potential mechanism for the termination of operations 
and exclusion from the unified state register of legal 
entities of lessees and buyers of forest range, who were 
found violating timber logging, circulation and export 
legal requirements.  
The possibil ity to submit the incomplete customs 
declaration in respect of timber products was abolish 
starting form 1 August 2021 in order to improve 
customs control with the view of preventing illegal WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  timber exports.  
At the same time the exporters can submit a 
declaration in electronic form, which make it possible to 
provide the exact volume of exported timber and its 
customs value simultaneously with its loading.  
Question:  
Please elaborate on  Russia's  
dividend tax collection policy.  Dividend tax is one of the vari ous corporate taxes in 
Russia. During the reviewed period, the Russian policy 
regarding the taxation of dividends by income tax has 
remained without changes.  
Pursuant to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, the 
term 'dividends' embraces any income recei ved by a 
shareholder (participant) from an organization upon a 
distribution of profit remaining after taxation (including 
in the form of interest on preference shares) on shares 
(holdings) belonging to the shareholder (participant) in 
proportion to the sha res held by the shareholders 
(participants) in the charter capital of that organization. 
Dividends include any income that is received from 
sources outside the Russian Federation and is classed 
as dividends in accordance with the legislation of 
foreign sta tes (see Article 43 of the Tax Code of the 
Russian Federation).  
The provisions of Chapter 25 of the Tax Code of the 
Russian Federation stipulate different income tax rates 
in respect of dividends paid to Russian and foreign 
organizations:  
- 13% is the default rate applicable to dividends 
received by Russian organizations from Russian and 
foreign organizations;  
- 0% is the rate upon the payment of dividends to 
Russian organizations, if these organizations fulfill the 
conditions for the peri od of ownership of at least a 50% 
of the share in the charter capital of the organization 
paying dividends;  
- 5% is the rate applicable to dividends accrued by 
foreign persons from shares of international holding 
companies that are public companies;  
- 15% is the rate applicable to dividends paid to a 
foreign organization.  
At the same time, an international agreement between 
the Russian Federation and the state receiving 
dividends may provide for another rate.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  COSTA RICA  
 
Secretariat Report  
Página 37, párrafo 2.36  
2.36. A "regulatory guillotine" 
mechanism was introduced in 2019 
under Presidential Instruction No. 
Pr-294 of 26 February 2019, 
aiming to review and abolish all 
sectoral regulatory acts and 
replace them with regulations 
containing updated requirements 
and using risk -based principles. 
Significant work has been 
undertaken in each of the areas 
covered by 43 working groups. 
According to the authorities, 
12,300 regulations containing 
mandatory requirements (more 
than 30% of ma ndatory 
requirements under revision) were 
abolished and 447 regulations 
adopted instead, often by 
regrouping various requirements 
into more comprehensive 
regulations.71 The authorities also 
consolidated key regulatory 
principles in Federal Law No. 248 -
FZ of 31 July 2020 on State Control 
(Supervision) and Municipal Control 
in Russian Federation and Federal 
Law No. 247 -FZ of 31 July 2020 on 
Mandatory Requirements in the 
Russian Federation. The 
Government has also launched a 
"regulatory sandbox" mechanism 
to facilitate digital innovation.72 
72 Federal Law No. 258 -FZ of 31 
July 2020 on Experimental Legal 
Regimes in the Field of Digital 
Innovation in the Russian 
Federation. 
Question:  
¿Podría la Federación de Rusia por 
favor explicar en mayor detalle 
cuáles son lo s elementos 
principales del mecanismo de 
"sandbox" regulatorio y a qué 
sectores o servicios se aplica para 
facilitar la innovación digital?   The key elements of the "regulatory sandbox" 
mechanism are as follows:  
- piloting in a test environment is a necessary element 
of support from the regulator but not a sufficient one. It 
is useful for companies that are not ready to invest 
significant reso urces in setting up a pilot project in real 
conditions. At the same time, for companies that have 
the necessary resources for a pilot in a real 
environment, it is necessary to create such an 
opportunity, because it allows for more insight into the 
demand f or new products, their risks and the viability of 
their idea;  
- removal of regulatory barriers tend to make the 
sandbox more oriented towards large and medium -
sized businesses. In addition to regulatory barriers 
small businesses and start -ups usually face constraints 
related to their business model in general (for example, 
market entry costs, strong compliance requirements, 
etc.).  
 
Thus, besides removing the legal restrictions and 
consultation assistance from the regulator, the sandbox 
should also have at i ts disposal a set of tools to support 
different groups of participants: large businesses, small 
and medium -sized enterprises and start -ups at different 
stages.  
 
The "digital regulatory sandboxes" envisaged by the 
Federal Law No. 258 -FZ of 31 July 2020 on 
Experimental Legal Regimes in the Field of Digital 
Innovation in the Russian Federation aim to facilitate 
commercialization and implementation of new digital 
technologies, especially in the financial sector (such as 
big data and machine learning technologie s, mobile 
technologies, artificial intelligence, biometric 
technologies, distributed ledger technologies, open 
interface solutions, digital profile technologies, etc).  
 
Página 38 párrafo 2.40  
2.40. In 2020, a new Federal Law 
to protect and encourage 
investment was approved, 
introducing Capital Investment 
Promotion and Protection 
Agreements. These are new 
instruments of investment 
promotion between government 
entities at the federal and/or state  
level and private enterprises either In accordance with Article 9 of the Federal law No. 69-
FZ of 1 April 2020 "On the protection and promotion of 
capital investments in the Russian Federation" the 
stabilization clause is a imed to protect the investor 
from adverse legislation arising after the investment 
was made. It preserves the same legal regime 
throughout a period of time. The stabilization clause 
also protects from changes to the taxation regime for 
the period of the ag reement.  
The period of application of the stabilization clause is 
the following:  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 277 - 
 
  following government initiative or 
unsolicited proposals by private 
enterprises.76 Such firm -specific 
investment promotion and 
protection agreements can be 
concluded for investments in nearly 
all economic sectors with certain 
exceptions77 and allow for the 
reimbursement of some investment 
costs incurred by private 
enterprises for investment in 
infrastructure (broadly defined), 
and also provide certainty 
regarding the regulatory 
framework affecting the investment 
for a p eriod of 6 to 20 years 
depending on the size of the 
investment (a "stabilization 
clause"), while setting certain 
targets that companies agree to 
achieve and that are monitored. 
Investment agreements are 
transferable.  
76 Federal Law No. 69 -FZ of 1 April 
2020 on the Protection and 
Encouragement of Investment in 
the Russian Federation. 
77 For example, gambling, tobacco 
and alcohol production, oil and gas, 
wholesale and retail, regulated 
financial services, or construction 
(Article 6).  
Question:  
¿Podría la Federación de Rusia 
brindar más detalle sobre cuáles 
medidas se toman en consideración 
para cumplir con el objetivo de 
brindarle seguridad o certeza al 
inversionista sobre el marco 
regulatorio que afecta la inversión 
por el periodo respectivo (de 6 
hasta 2 0 años) según el tamaño de 
la inversión (cláusula de 
estabilización)?  1) 6 years – for the value of capital investment up to 5 
billion rubles;  
1.1) 10 years – for investment projects in agriculture, 
food and processing industry, education and he althcare 
(investments up to 5 billion rubles);  
2) 15 years – for the value of capital investment of 5 -
10 billion rubles;  
3) 20 years – for the value of capital investment from 
10 billion rubles or more.  
 
During the entire term of IPPA new laws amending 
profits tax, property tax, transport tax and land tax that 
change objects of taxation, tax base, tax periods, rates 
and tax concessions, tax calculation and payment 
procedures will not apply to IPPA participants 
(stabilization clause). Nevertheless, it is dir ectly stated 
that the stabilization clause does not cover "positive" 
changes in tax legislation that reduce tax rates or 
introduce regional and local tax concessions – they 
apply to IPPA participants as usual. If the adopted 
regulation worsens the conditio ns of the current 
provisions in relation to which the "stabilization clause" 
is applied, this regulation does not apply to the 
investment project implemented within the framework 
of the IPPA.  
Página 8, párrafo 12 y página 
38, párrafo 2.43  
12. Key conditions for the 
development of electronic 
commerce, such as (online) 
consumer protection laws, data 
privacy, and electronic signatures 
are in place. Turnover in the 
relatively fragmented e -commerce 
sector increased significantly over 
the review period.  
2.43. The e -commerce sector is 
relatively fragmented, with the two 
largest companies (Wildberries and 
Ozon) jointly accounting for a little 
more than 20% of the market80, 
but turnover increased significantly 
over the review period to reach The Secretariat report states that the two largest 
companies (Wildberries and Ozon) jointly account for a 
little more than 20% of the market. However , it does 
not mean that other companies, including foreign 
companies, cannot have possibilities to enter the 
Russian e -commerce market. Alibaba, E -bay, ASOS,  
are the biggest foreign companies that are represented 
on the Russian e -commerce market. In addit ion, there 
are a lot of small foreign companies that are 
represented on the Russian e -commerce market. 
Therefore, there are no obstacles for foreign companies 
to supply their goods and services to Russian 
consumers.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 278 - 
 
  RUB 3 t rillion in 2020.81 A small 
share of these transactions are 
exported (around RUB 90 billion in 
2020). Alibaba is active in the 
market as a joint venture with a 
Russian company, while Amazon, 
as another major player, has not 
entered the market although 
options to ship goods directly or via 
intermediaries to the Russian 
Federation exist.  
Question:  
¿Podría la Federación de Rusia 
brindar más información sobre la 
fragmentación que se reporta en el 
sector de comercio electrónico? 
¿Considera que esto podría tener 
un impacto en la posibilidad de que 
productores de otros Miembros 
vendan productos a consumidores 
en Rusia?  
Página 42, párrafo 3.15  
3.15. The EAEU non -preferential 
rules of origin apply to MFN 
imports and are used for the 
purposes specified in Article 37 of 
the Treaty on the Eurasian 
Economic Union (EAEU Treaty), 
including non -tariff measures, 
trade remedies, marking 
requirements, public procure ment, 
and trade statistics. As from 12 
January 2019, origin is conferred 
on the basis of a list of criteria for 
wholly obtained products, a change 
in HS classification at the 4 -digit 
level, or a maximum threshold for 
non-originating inputs (50% of 
value -added).13 Basic operations, 
such as preparation for sale, 
labelling, freezing, colouring, or 
packaging, do not confer origin. A 
certificate of origin is required for 
consignments worth more than 
USD 150 that may be subject to 
trade remedies depending on thei r 
origin .  
Question:  
Si, de conformidad con la última 
oración del párrafo 3.15 del 
Informe de la Secretaría sobre 
reglas de origen no preferenciales 
de la Unión Económica 
Euroasiática, se requiere la 
presentación de un certificado de 
origen sólo para cargamentos con 
valor mone tario superior a los USD 
$150 y que además puedan estar 
sujetos a medidas comerciales 
correctivas dependiendo del origen, 
¿es correcto asumir que los 
cargamentos que no cumplan estas In case of application of domestic market protection, 
origin of like products  imported into the customs 
territory of the Eurasian Economic Union from one 
sender to one recipient under one transport (carriage) 
document and the total customs value of which exceeds 
the amount equivalent to USD 150 should be confirmed 
by a certificate of origin.  
In case the products are not alike, their origin can be 
confirmed by a declaration of origin.  
It has to be taken into account that if the information 
declared in the declaration of origin is inaccurate, the 
customs authority of the Union member state has the 
right to request a certificate of origin.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 279 - 
 
  dos condiciones no están obligados 
a presentar un certificado de 
origen? Si la respuesta es 
afirmativa, ¿cuál sería en ese caso 
el mecanismo de verificación del 
cumplimiento de reglas de origen 
no preferenciales que requerirían 
las autoridades rusas?  
Página 42, párrafo 3.15  
3.15. The EAEU non -preferential 
rules of origin apply to MFN 
imports and are used for the 
purposes specified in Article 37 of 
the Treaty on the Eurasian 
Economic Union (EAEU T reaty), 
including non -tariff measures, 
trade remedies, marking 
requirements, public procurement, 
and trade statistics. As from 12 
January 2019, origin is conferred 
on the basis of a list of criteria for 
wholly obtained products, a change 
in HS classificati on at the 4 -digit 
level, or a maximum threshold for 
non-originating inputs (50% of 
value -added).13 Basic operations, 
such as preparation for sale, 
labelling, freezing, colouring, or 
packaging, do not confer origin. A 
certificate of origin is required for 
consignments worth more than 
USD 150 that may be subject to 
trade remedies depending on their 
origin.  
Question:  
¿Cuáles serían las implicaciones o 
consecuencias prácticas en el 
mercado ruso, que podrían tener 
los cargamentos que no aporten 
una prueba de or igen al momento 
de importación? Por ejemplo, 
¿podría la no presentación de un 
certificado de origen dar lugar a 
que se deniegue el ingreso de la 
mercancía a territorio aduanero 
ruso?  It depends on the category of goods and the measures 
that can be applied to it. If the origin of goods is 
unknown or is considered as unconfirmed, then:  
1) import customs duties are calculated based on the 
rates established by the Common Customs Tariff of the 
Eurasian Economic Union,  
2) special, anti -dumping , countervailing duties will be 
calculated on the basis of the highest rates of special, 
anti-dumping , countervailing duties established in 
relation to goods classified under the same HS code;  
3) other measures of customs and tariff regulation, 
prohibitions and restrictions, trade remedies will apply 
to goods in cases where the application of such 
measures depends on the goods origin.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 280 - 
 
  KOREA, REP. OF  
 
Secretariat Report:  
Page 17 (Para 1.17)  
1.17. The ample fiscal policy space 
allowed the Russian authorities to 
mount a sizeable public health and 
countercyclical response to the 
economic crisis in 2020, which 
helped limit the economic 
downturn. The fiscal policy 
response was mostly concentrated 
on expenditure measures (about 
3.5% of GDP), revenue measures 
(0.4% of GDP), and loans and 
guarantees (0.6% of GDP). 
Consequently, the general 
government deficit, as a percentage 
of GDP, is estimated at 4.6% in 
2020, compared with surpluses of 
2.9% and 1.9 % in 2018 and 2019, 
respectively (Table 1.1).23 Fiscal 
support in 2020 was targeted at 
the health sector, vulnerable 
households and the 
unemployed, and the most 
affected sectors (mainly SMEs), 
and at preventing large -scale 
layoffs. Support specific to 
SMEs  included wage subsidies, 
interest rate subsidies, 
subsidized credits, and forgone 
revenue (e.g. permanent 
reduction in social security 
contributions).  
Para 1.17 of the WTO Secretariat 
Report states that fiscal support 
was targeted at the most affected 
sectors including SMEs. Korea 
would like to know how SMEs are 
legally defined in Russia, namely 
what criteria are to be satisfied in 
order to be recognized as SMEs. 
Also, could Russia elaborate on the 
specific examples of how wage 
subsidies, inter est rate subsidies 
and subsidized credits were 
endowed to SMEs?  Under the Federal Law of 24 July 2007 No. 209 -FZ "On 
the Development of Small and Medium -Sized 
Enterprises", MSMEs are defined as companies that 
meet the following conditions:  
⎯ the share of for eign or large companies in the 
authorized capital does not exceed 49% whereas 
state's share does not exceed 25%;  
⎯ the average number of employees of an enterprise 
does not exceed: 15 people for micro -, 100 people 
for small, 250 people for medium -sized 
enterprises;  
⎯ yearly revenue of the organization does not 
exceed: RUB 120 million for micro -, RUB 800 
million for small, RUB 2 billion for medium -sized 
enterprises.  
A company is no longer considered an MSME only if the 
maximum values for reven ue or number of employees 
exceed the established thresholds for three consecutive 
calendar years. At the same time, if the company does 
not meet the conditions on the employees or revenue, 
it ceases to be considered an MSME on the next month 
after the date  is included into the Unified Register of 
MSMEs.  
SME employee may apply (including online via e -
government services) for an emergency interest -free 
loan primarily for wages payment. The payment starts 
within 8 working days. The employee receives an 
amount paid at the SMIC rate per 1 employer.  
SMEs from most affected sectors, as defined by the 
Government, may apply for credits at 3 % rate. The 
maximum amount of funds will be calculated as the 
number of employees (based on employment 
contracts) multiplied by  the SMIC (the minimum wage) 
and by 12 months. The SME does not pay the rate 
during the first 6 months. The 3 % rate is available if 
the employee managed to retain not less than 90 % of 
staff.  
Since 1 June 2020 companies and individual 
entrepreneurs may a lso apply for credits at 2 % rate in 
case when the purpose of the credit is to recover 
economic activities due to the impact of the pandemic. 
The key factor defining the terms and timelines for the 
repayment of the credit is the percentage of retained 
staff by the employee.  
Besides, in 2020, the program of preferential 
microloans has been amended in order to simplify the 
obtaining of financing. First, several options are 
available for SMEs that have already borrowed from 
regional microfinance organizations  and that are facing 
difficulties with payments: (1) interest "holidays" for a 
period of 3 to 10 months; (2) deferred repayment of 
debt principal to the end of the loan term; (3) 
restructuring (change) of the payment schedule in 
order to delay the repaymen t of the microloan for 3 -10 
months; (4) moratorium on the payment of interest 
and gross debt for a period of up to 6 months; (5) 
other measures that contribute to alleviating the 
financial burden on the borrower. Second, the following WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 281 - 
 
  prerequisites have be en excluded from the list of 
mandatory conditions for the borrowers: lack of tax 
debts; lack of wage arrears; the absence of credit 
payments overdue for over 30 days. The interest rate 
does not exceed the key rate of the Central Bank of the 
Russian Federat ion (currently 5.5%) (temporary 
measure; applicable to the all sectors).  
Page 39 (Para 2.45)  
2.45. Key barriers to the sector's 
development as of 2017 relate to 
slow package delivery, although 
there are reports that the situation 
has improved significantl y as 
companies adjusted to COVID -19- 
related shopping patterns. The 
courier service market is relatively 
concentrated, with the three largest 
players dominating the market 
although major international 
players are also active. Most online 
purchases are ship ped with the 
Russian Postal service or EMS, 
while courier services such as DHL 
and UPS also operate. The de 
minimis threshold for small 
cross -border shipments was set 
at EUR 500 and/or 25 kilograms 
on 1 January 2019 and was set 
to be further decreased to E UR 
200 on 1 January 2020. While in 
the past, most shipments were paid 
with cash -on-delivery, the share of 
online payments is said to have 
increased significantly over the past 
years.  
In order to facilitate the cross -
border transaction including e -
commerce,  it may be advantageous 
to increase the de minimis 
threshold for more exemption. 
Recently, however, according to 
para 2.45 of the WTO Secretariat 
Report Russia has been reducing 
the de  minimis threshold for small 
cross-border transactions. Could 
Russia ela borate on the reason of 
recent policy change? Also, does 
Russia have any future plan to 
increase the de minimis threshold?  Cross -border e -commerce is becoming a bridge 
between consumers and producers from all around the 
world; it combats protectionism and promotes trade 
liberalization principles. At the same time, e -commerce 
is currently widely used for fraudulent and deceptive 
commercial activities. Unfair participants of foreign 
trade send commercial goods as goods for personal use 
to avoid duties and tax es. Therefore, Russia sticks to 
the position that high level of the de minimis threshold 
can lead to increase shadow import. So, Russia does 
not plan to increase the de minimis threshold.  
Page56(Para 3.57)  
3.57. In January 2021, a Resolution 
by the Prime Minister was signed to 
adjust exports through export tariff 
rate quotas on wheat, barley, rye, 
and corn to stabilize their prices on 
the domestic market. As from 2 
June 2021, this tax was to be 
replaced by f loating duties, 
calculated using a benchmark index 
(Section 4.1.3). It covers products 
delivered from the Russian 
Federation outside the EAEU. The Export tariff rate quotas as well as floating export 
duties were to stabilize situation with the prices on the 
internal market amid the decreasing revenues of the 
population as a result of COVID -19 pandemic, as well  
as to ensuring food security. The tariff rate quota was 
abolished in June 2021. The floating duty won't be 
applied to wheat with the price under 200 dollars. With 
the higher price, the duty rate will be 70% of the 
difference between the world price and 20 0 dollars. For 
barley and corn – the threshold is 185 dollars per 
tonne. It is expected that this floating duty will not 
significantly affect export but will become a mechanism 
for assuring food security.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 282 - 
 
  regulations are expected to reduce 
export volumes and refocus market 
participants from selling agricultural 
raw materials abroad to export high 
value -added agricultural products.  
Amidst the COVID -19 pandemic, to 
Korea's knowledge, several export 
restrictions are maintained under 
Russian Federation's Government 
Resolution No.754 with the purpose 
of stabilizing domestic grain market 
price. With export quota, export 
tariff and elastic  tariff, countries 
importing grain from Russia 
experience higher import cost than 
before.  
Could Russia explain how it plans to 
operate the mentioned export 
restrictions? Specifically, would 
Russia have any plan to alleviate or 
review the restrictions, dep ending 
on changes to pandemic situation?   
Page 64 (Para 3.158)  
3.158. Overall, the Russian 
Federation continues to lag in key 
areas affecting the overall 
investment regime, such as legal 
independence and corruption.  
According to the WEF's Global 
Competitiveness Index, business 
executives in the Russian 
Federation perceive increasing 
challenges regarding the 
independence of the legal system 
over the reporting period, while the 
Russian Federation ranked in the 
bottom quartile of the distribution 
for the rule of law in 2019 in the 
Worldwide Governance Indicators.  
The IMF in 2017 stressed the need 
to strengthen property rights and 
contract enforcement to reassure 
investors.  
 And perceptions about the 
prevalence of corruption in the 
Russian Federation remain high, 
according to the Transparency 
International 2020 Corruption 
Perception Index (rank  129 of 180), 
the WEF's 2019 Global 
Competitiveness Index (rank 116 of 
141), and the World Bank's 
Worldwide Governance Indicators 
on the control of corruption (in the 
bottom quartile of the distribution). 
To combat corruption, in 2018 the 
Government amende d Federal Law 
No. 273 -FZ of 25 December 2008 
on Combatting Corruption to create 
a publicly available registry of 
persons dismissed from office 
because of a loss of confidence due Respective measures, bot h in respect to the 
institutional and legal aspects, are reflected in the 
National Anti -corruption plan 2021 -2024 was adopted 
by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of 
16 August 2021 No. 478. The Plan contains a list of 
measures for preventin g and countering corruption, 
mitigating and eliminating its consequences, and is 
divided into 16 areas:  
Anti-corruption standards; (2) conflict of interest; 
(3) anti -corruption verifications; (4) disciplinary 
liability; (5) criminal and administrative liab ility; (6) 
protection of restricted information; (7) revolving door; 
(8) anti -corruption action in the private sector entities; 
(9) anti -corruption action in the Russian regions; (10) 
fight against corruption in procurement; (11) 
corruption proofing of leg islation; (12) education and 
awareness -raising; (13) participation of society; (14) 
international cooperation; (15) systematization of anti -
corruption legislation; and (16) digital financial assets 
and information technologies.  
Many of the provisions of t he Plan are designed to 
fill in the existing legal gaps detected in law 
enforcement over the previous years: some of them 
regard specific mechanisms, for example, the increase 
of sources of information and the provision of access to 
them to enhance the eff ectiveness of anti -corruption 
verifications; others concern matters of a more 
conceptual nature, for instance, the revision of the 
norms regulating conflict of interest and 
systemati zation of anti -corruption legislation.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  to (perceived) corruption, and 
strengthen the rules preventing 
conflicts of i nterests.  
Question:  
To facilitate trade and investment 
between countries, trust in a 
country's system takes a great role. 
According to para 3.158 of the WTO 
Secretariat's Report, despite the 
Russian Federation's effort 
including amendment to relevant 
laws, indexes including the 
Transparency International 2020 do 
not fully show meaningful 
promotions. Could Russia explain in 
more detail what kind of anti -
corruption efforts Russia is making, 
including institutional and legal 
framework?  
Page 64 (Para 3.94)  
3.94. EAEU rules on industrial 
subsidies are to a large extent 
based on the rules of the WTO 
Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures but differ 
in several important respects. They 
prohibit export subsidies, import 
substitution subsidies, specific 
subsidies that cause injury to any 
section of the national economy of 
another member State, specific 
subsidies contingent upon local 
content or trade -balancing 
requirements, and specific 
subsidies that may cause serious 
prejudice to the interest of other 
membe r States.97 Subsidies other 
than specific and prohibited 
subsidies are deemed permissible, 
and certain types of subsidies are 
treated as non -actionable . In 
addition to rules on procedural and 
substantive aspects of 
countervailing duty investigations 
by nat ional competent authorities 
of the member States, the EAEU 
also grants important powers to the 
EEC to enforce implementation of 
the common rules on industrial 
subsidies.98 
According to the para 3.94 of the 
WTO Secretariat's Report, although 
the EAEU rules on industrial 
subsidies are based on the rules of 
the WTO Agreement on Subsidies 
and Countervailing Measures to a 
large extent, the two rules differ in 
several important respects.  
In this regard, could Russia 
elaborate on the list of "non -
actionable subsi dies" under the 
EAEU rules on industrial subsidies? According to part IV of Annex 28 to the EAEU Treaty, 
subsidies that are not prohibited and are non -specific 
under the provisions of the Annex are regarded as non -
actionable as they do no t disturb trade between EAEU 
member states. Respective provisions do not apply in 
respect of subsidies provided by non -members of the 
EAEU.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 284 - 
 
  Also, could Russia explain if these 
"non-actionable subsidies" under 
the EAEU rules on industrial 
subsidies have relationship with 
WTO Subsidies Agreement, under 
which three types of non -actional 
subsidie s were provided for and 
expired by the end of 1999 under 
its Art. 31?  
Page 77 (Para 3.154)  
3.154. Government procurement 
encompasses all procurements of 
goods, services, and works by 
contractual means to meet state 
and municipal needs. It amounted 
to RUB 8.24 trillion in 2019 (or 
about 7.5% of GDP) (Table 3.19). 
The main legal framework has 
remained the same since the 
previous Review, though numerous 
amendments have taken place.171 
Confidence in the procurement 
system seems to have been 
enhanced, as the average number 
of participants in each procurement 
procedure increased from 2.94 in 
2018 to 3.12 in 2019.172  
Para 3.154 and the Table 3.19 of 
the WTO Secretariat's Report state 
that the Government procurement 
of Russian Federation amounted to 
7.5% of its GDP in 2019. Does the 
procurement statistics in Table 3.19 
include procurement by federal 
government, public entities, and 
local governments? Also, could 
Russia provide the statistics of 
procurement by each procuring 
entity respectively?  The procurement statistics in Table 3.19 includes 
procurement by federal government, public entities and 
local governments. There is no official data regarding 
the procurement by each procuring entity.  
Page 77 (Para 3.155)  
3.155. The Russian Federation is 
not a party to the WTO Agreement 
on Government Procurement 
(GPA). On joining the WTO in 
August 2012, the Russian 
Federation agreed to initiate 
negotiations on accession to the 
GPA within four years. The Russian 
Federation became an observer in 
the Committee on Government 
Procurement on 29 May 2013 and 
initiated its GPA accession process 
in August 2016. The initial market 
access offer was circulated in June 
2017. The Replies to the Checklist 
of Issues, together with the Federal 
Law No. 44 -FZ of 5 April 2013 on 
the Contract System in State and 
Municipal Procurement of Goods, 
Works and Services, were 
circulated in January 2018.  The relevant revision to the initial offer of Russia may 
be provided only after internal analysis an d discussions 
with the stakeholders, which is conducted at this 
moment. There are no specific timeframes for this 
process due to its complexity and involvement of many 
parties domestically.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 285 - 
 
  According to para 3.155 of the WTO 
Secretariat's Report, as an observer  
in the Committee on Government 
Procurement, Russia has been in 
the procedure of accession to GPA. 
After its submission of the initial 
market access offer and circulation 
of the Replies to the Checklist of 
Issues, does Russian Federation 
have any plan to s ubmit further 
revised market access offer? Could 
the Russian Federation provide 
explanations regarding its further 
plan towards accession to the 
agreement?  
Page 79 (Para 3.163)  
3.163. In addition, ...Foreign 
participation  is also restricted in 
some sectors, such as software 
and databases (with limited 
exceptions)180, radio -electronic 
equipment181, and medicines and 
materials used for medical 
purposes.182 These Resolutions 
do not establish any limitations 
or specific requir ements 
concerning suppliers and service 
providers with foreign capital 
established in the territory of the 
Russian Federation (and in that 
of other EAEU member States). 
Thus, such suppliers and service 
providers have equal rights to 
participate in governme nt 
procurement in the Russian 
Federation.  
According to Para 3.163 of 
Secretariat's report , foreign 
participation is restricted in some 
sectors, such as software and 
databases (with limited exceptions ), 
radio-electronic equipment , and 
medicines and materials used for 
medical purposes . Specifically with 
regard to the procurement of 
medical appliances, recent 
amendment of Russian Federation 
Law 1432(amended in 28 
August,2021) gives preference to 
EAEU products over products from 
non-EAEU countries in ca se they all 
come in for a bid. Could Russia 
explain if it has any future plan to 
expand categories of products with 
regard to which the EAEU products 
are preferred over non -EAEU 
products?  The list of relevant products is periodically reviewed by 
the Govern ment of the Russian Federation. Such 
review may result in inclusion of new items on the list, 
as well as their exclusion. In particular, the 
Government Resolution #1432 of 28 August 2021 
referred to in the question excluded nasal respiratory 
support of the  breathing support equipment for 
newborns, intensive therapy incubators for newborns 
and colposcopes were excluded from the 32.50.13.190 
code.  
Page 80 (Para 3.166)  
Regarding entities covered by 
Federal Law No. 223 -FZ (SOEs, 
natural monopoly entities, publ ic 
companies, and utilities The values of the minimum shares can be found in the 
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of 
03.12.2020 N 2013 " On the minimum share of 
procurement of goods of Russian origin".  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 286 - 
 
  companies), the Government has 
the right to establish preferences, 
including through the procurement 
of a minimum share of goods, 
works, and services provided by 
Russian suppliers.187 Furthermore, 
in case of procurement of goods , 
including goods supplied when 
procuring works or services, the 
contract should stipulate the origins 
of such goods. A draft decision was 
introduced to this end.188 In 
addition, Government Decree No. 
925 of 16 September 2016 sets out 
a 15% price preferenc e for goods, 
works, and services of Russian 
Federation origin procured by 
entities covered by Federal Law No. 
223-FZ. Article 8 of Government 
Decree No. 925 provides that 
"preference is granted subject to 
the provisions of the General 
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 
1994 and the Eurasian Economic 
Union Treaty of 24 May 2014".  
Para 3.166 of WTO Secretariat's 
report states that the Federal Law 
No. 223 -FZ stipulates the minimum 
share of goods, works, and services 
provided by Russian Suppliers. 
Could Russia provide a specific 
number of 'a minimum share', with 
specific cases regarding the 
procurements of public company 
and SOEs?  The minimum share of procurement is established only 
with regards to goods of Russian origin and is 
determined as a percentage of the volume of 
procurement of goods (including goods supplied when 
procuring works or services) of a respective type made 
by a company in a reporting year.  
For instance, in the Annex to the Decree N 2013:  
- minimum share for paper and cardboard for 
procurement in 2021, 2022, 2023 is 90% (line 13.),  
- minimum share o f cash registers, ATMs and similar 
equipment connected to a computer or data network 
for procurement in 2021 – 18%, 2022 – 20%, 2023 – 
20% (line 34.)  
- minimum share of TV cameras for procurement in 
2021 – 16%, 2022 – 18%, 2023 – 18% (line 49.)  
Page 80 (P ara 3.166)  
3.166. Regarding entities covered 
by Federal Law No. 223 -FZ (SOEs, 
natural monopoly entities, public 
companies, and utilities 
companies), the Government has 
the right to establish preferences, 
including through the procurement 
of a minimum share  of goods, 
works, and services provided by 
Russian suppliers.187 Furthermore, 
in case of procurement of goods, 
including goods supplied when 
procuring works or services, the 
contract should stipulate the origins 
of such goods. A draft decision was 
introduc ed to this end.188 In 
addition, Government Decree No. 
925 of 16 September 2016 sets out 
a 15% price preference  for goods, 
works, and services of Russian 
Federation origin procured by 
entities covered by Federal Law No. 
223-FZ. Article 8 of Government 
Decre e No. 925 provides that 
"preference is granted subject to 
the provisions of the General In accordance with the Decree 925, price preferences 
apply to all domestic bidders, which produce goods or 
perform, or render works and services of Russian 
origin, by all procuring entities that are covered by the 
Federal Law No. 223 -FZ. The preference is granted 
subject to the provisions of the General Agreement on 
Tariffs and Trade 1994 and the Eurasian Economic 
Union Treaty of 24 May 2014.  
The size of a company is irrelevant for the application 
of the price preference  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 287 - 
 
  Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 
1994 and the Eurasian Economic 
Union Treaty of 24 May 2014".  
According to para.3.166, 15% price 
preference is applied for goods, 
works, a nd services of Russian 
Federation origin procured by 
entities covered by Federal Law No. 
223-FZ. Could Russia explain if this 
preference applies equally to all 
domestic bidders by all procuring 
entities? Specifically, do the various 
types of Russian SOEs a ll offer the 
same 15%  price preference? Also, 
is the 15% price preference applied 
for all domestic companies 
regardless of company size?  
Page 99 (Para 4.21)  
4.21. In the State Programme for 
the Development of Agriculture 
(2018 -25), specific activities are  
outlined  under  two subprogrammes  
being  implemented  between  2019 
and 2025.34 The first aims to 
support agro -industrial sectors 
directly through five projects that 
focus on increasing production of  
basic agricultural  goods35, 
stimulating  investment,  supporting  
technological  modernization,  
supporting agro -industrial exports, 
and supporting farmers. The 
second subprogramme consists of  
seven targeted programmes and 
activities that aim to address the 
operational environment in the  
agro-industrial sectors, the 
sustainable development of rural 
areas, land reclamation, scientific 
and technical support, sanitary and 
phytosanitary (SPS) supervision, 
and "digital agriculture" ( some of  
these  were only implemented  in 
2019 and 2020)  (Table  4.4). Some  
of these  projects  reflect  federal  
projects  designed  under  the 
national  objectives,  while others  
reflect  programmes  designed  
separately and linked to the 
complex set of strategic 
documents. The Ministry of 
Agriculture also  implements a 
separate State Programme on 
Integrated Development of Rural 
Territories36 that indirectly  
provides  support  to agricultural 
activities  (see below).  
According to para 4.21 of the 
Secretariat Report, in the State 
Programme for the Development of 
Agriculture (2018 -25), the Russian 
federation  aims to   support agro -The projects at issue provide for subsidies that fall 
under Article 6.1 and Annex 2 of the Agreement on 
Agriculture. The detailed information on the subsidies 
provided and the ir classification is contained in 
respective DS notifications of the Russian Federation 
(G/AG/N/RUS/5/Rev.1, G/AG/N/RUS/9, 
G/AG/N/RUS/11, G/AG/N/RUS/13, G/AG/N/RUS/21, 
G/AG/N/RUS/24, G/AG/N/RUS/29, G/AG/N/RUS/34).  
Russia does not provide export subsidies f or 
agricultural products.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 288 - 
 
  industrial sectors directly through 
five projects that focus on 
increasing production of  basic 
agricultural  goods,  stimul ating 
investment,  supporting  
technological  modernization,  
supporting agro -industrial exports, 
and supporting farmers.  
Could Russia provide a detailed 
explanation about the mentioned 
five projects? In particular, we ask 
if support affecting agricultural 
production or exports is not 
covered by trade -distorting 
subsidies.  
Page 111 (Para 4.54)  
Support to the sector is outlined in 
the State Programme on the 
Development of the Fisheries 
Industry (adopted in 2014), but 
some support is also provided 
under the State Programme on 
Development of Shipbuild ing and 
Techniques for Offshore Field 
Development.  
Para 4.54 indicates that there are 
differentiated programmes to 
coastal and distant water fishing. 
Does this mean that there is an 
independent legislation to 
coastal/distant water fishing? If 
that is the c ase, are those two 
legislations independent? Or is 
there a general act for all fisheries 
and a special act for distant water? 
Are those acts limited to only 
shipbuilding?  The fisheries sector is mainly regulated by the Federal 
Law No. 166 -FZ of 20 December  2004 "On Fishing and 
Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources" 
(hereinafter referred to as the Fisheries Law).  
According to Article 6 of the Fisheries Law, the 
legislation on fishing and conservation of aquatic 
biological resources applies to:  
1) internal waters of the Russian Federation, including 
internal sea waters of the Russian Federation, as well 
as to the territorial sea of the Russian Federation, the 
continental shelf of the Russian Federation and the 
exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation;  
2) ships on the high seas, flying under the State flag of 
the Russian Federation and assigned to the ports of the 
Russian Federation, unless otherwise provided by an 
international treaty of the Russian Federation;  
3) the land territ ory of the Russian Federation, which is 
used for fishing and conservation of aquatic biological 
resources.  
The Russian Federation does not have support 
programmes differentiated on coastal or distant water 
fishing basis – subsidies for construction or 
mode rnization of fishing vessels (no matter the size of 
vessels or the scale of fishing activity) could be 
provided through two State Programmes – the State 
Programme on the Development of Fisheries Industry 
and the State Programme on the Development of 
Shipbu ilding and Techniques for Shelf Field 
Development. Both State Programmes are not limited 
to only shipbuilding. The State Programme on the 
Development of Fisheries Industry includes 
subprogrammes on "Organization of fisheries", 
"Development of aquaculture",  "Science and 
innovation", "Protection and control", "Modernization 
and incentives", etc. The State Programme on the 
Development of Shipbuilding and Techniques for Shelf 
Field Development includes subprogrammes 
"Development of shipbuilding science", "Devel opment 
of the technological potential of civil shipbuilding and 
equipment for the development of the shelf fields", etc.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 289 - 
 
  Page 115 (Para 4.68)  
The main destinations in 2019 for 
crude oil were China, the 
Netherlands, Germany, the 
Republic of Korea, Belarus,  Italy, 
Poland, Finland, Turkey, Japan, the 
United States, and Slovakia.112 
The sharp increase in the past two 
decades in China's share of exports 
of goods from the Russian 
Federation is largely attributable to 
crude oil, which constitutes 70% of 
Chinese i mports from the Russian 
Federation.113 More generally, it is 
expected that Russian crude oil 
exports to Europe will decline in the 
long run, while exports to the Asia 
Pacific Region will increase.  
In addition to Russia's oil exports, 
natural gas exports to  Asia-Pacific 
regions such as Korea, China, and 
Japan are also increasing. Amid 
these changes in the supply 
structure, could Russia explain in 
more detail how to cooperate with 
Korea, especially with regard to 
hydrogen extraction to cope with 
decarbonizati on? According to the Concept of hydrogen energy 
development in the Russian Federation (hereinafter - 
Concept), Russia is expected to provide a competitive 
cost of hydrogen both in the European market and in 
the Asia -Pacific Region. One of the challenges in 
realization of this scenario is the need to develop 
infrastructure and technologies for cost -effective 
distribution of hydrogen.  
The total export of hydrogen from Russia is supposed 
to reach up to 0.2 million tonnes in 2024, 2 – 12 
million tonnes in 2035 a nd 15 – 50 million tonnes in 
2050. This volume will be dependent on the 
development of global low -carbon economy and the 
demand for hydrogen in the global market.  
To achieve the strategic goal of developing hydrogen 
energy, it is necessary to intensify int ernational 
cooperation in this area. This goal can be achieved by 
the conclusion of long -term export contracts for the 
hydrogen supply and energy products based on it.  
Page 119 (Para 4.90)  
The Subsoil Law outlines the legal 
framework for the exploration, 
extraction, and exploitation of 
minerals and other natural 
resources. It provides for the 
procedure for considering 
applications for obtaining the right 
to use subsoil, including for 
geological exploration to search and 
evaluate hydrocarbon deposits in a 
subsoil plot of federal significance, 
inland sea waters, and the 
territorial sea of the Russian 
Federation. The procedure is 
established by the Government. 
Prior to the entry into force of 
amendments to the Subsoil Law 
made in 2019, the three main types 
of subsoil licences were: (i) 
geological (exploration) survey 
licences (covering prospecting and 
appraisal activities); (ii) 
production/mining licences; and 
(iii) combined exploration and 
production licences (covering both 
geological (exploration) surveys 
and production/mining activities). A 
geological survey licence may be 
granted for a maximum period of 5 
years, but geological survey 
licences can be granted for 7 years 
in the Northern and Far East 
regions, or 10 years for offshore The criteria are established by Article 2.1 of Law of the 
Russian Federation "On Subsoil" No. 2395 -1 of 21 
February 19 92.  
The list of subsoil plots of federal importance is 
officially published by federal body of management of 
the state fund of subsoil.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 290 - 
 
  fields. Production/mining l icences 
and combined licences can be 
issued for the projects' life span. 
Geological licences are awarded 
without a tender or auction, while 
production and combined licences 
are awarded by tender or auction.  
Page 120 (Para 4.92)  
The Strategic Investment Law 153 
establishes certain restrictions on 
the acquisition by foreign investors, 
or a group of persons that includes 
a foreign investor, of control over 
enterprises carrying out activities 
that are strategically important for 
ensuring the State's defence and 
security, as well as on the 
acquisition of 25% or more of the 
fixed production assets of such 
enterprises and the performance of 
several other related transactions 
and actions. The list of activities of 
strategic importance for the 
defence and security of the State 
includes 47 types of activities, 
including exploration and/or 
detailed exploration and production 
of minerals in subsoil areas of 
federal significance.  
Page 120 (Para 4.93)  
The authorities indicate that subsoil 
plots of federal significance include 
not only those that meet the 
criteria defined by the Subsoil Law, 
but also other plots included in the 
List of Subsoil Plots of Federal 
Significance by the Federal Agency 
for Subso il Use, officially published 
in the Rossiyskaya Gazeta . That is, 
a subsoil plot may not be included 
in the specified List, but if its 
reserves exceed, for example, 50 
tonnes of indigenous gold, such a 
plot will be recognized as having 
federal significance.  Acquisition by 
a foreign investor of a subsoil user 
company operating under a licence 
for the right to use a subsoil plot of 
federal significance is only possible 
on the premise of compliance with 
the conditions established by the 
Subsoil Law and after re ceiving 
preliminary approval from the 
Government Commission for 
Control over Foreign Investments in 
the Russian Federation.  
According to Russian Federation's 
Subsoil Law, exploration and 
exploitation of minerals and other 
natural resources by foreign 
investments require the federal 
government's preliminary approval WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 291 - 
 
  when the explored resources fall 
into subsoil plots of federal 
importance.  
Could Russia elaborate on which 
standard or criteria is applied to 
determine which subsoil plots are 
"of federal importance"?  
Government Report  
Page 19 (Para 5.57)  
The Foreign Investment Advisory 
Council in Russia (FIAC). In order 
to attract foreign direct investments 
and to create favourable conditions 
for doing business in Russia, one of 
the most reputable business 
associations, the FIAC, has been 
working for 26 years. FIAC 
Members are implementing the 
major commercial projects in many 
sectors of the economy. In 
addition, every year, with the 
active participation of FIAC, 
measures are implemented to 
improve the legal framework and 
enforcement of rules governing 
business environment.  
Page 24 (Para 8.7)  
The implementation of the 
mechanism "Transformation of the 
Business Climate" (TBC) is being 
undertaken in order to provide 
immediate respond by the 
authorities to requests from the 
business to reduce administrative 
barriers in business activities. This 
mechanism is aimed at 
deregulating business, including 
eliminating redundant, outdated, 
and conflicting requirements 
provided by the legislative acts. A 
key feature of TBC is the most 
active involvement of the business 
community in shaping the reforms 
agenda.  Business is involved in all 
its stages - from identifying 
challenges of doing business in 
various industries, finding ways to 
address them, to an assessment of 
the quality of the work of 
authorities. In 2020, the TBC 
mechanism was modified, an 
updated reg ulatory framework was 
approved. As part of the 
implementation of the TBC 
mechanism the following legal acts 
were adopted: one Decree of the 
President of the Russian 
Federation, 21 federal laws, 28 
legislative acts of the Government 
of the Russian Federatio n, 56 
departmental acts and three The Government of the Russian Federation is not in a 
position to speak on beh alf of FIAC. This is a consulting 
mechanism between the Government and foreign 
investors.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 292 - 
 
  decisions of the Eurasian Economic 
Commission.  
Despite the Russian government's 
efforts to improve the business 
environment and attract overseas 
investment, many small and 
medium -sized companies still have 
difficulties in corporate regulations, 
law enforcement, and contract 
implementation. Could the FIAC of 
Russia come up with measures to 
promote foreign SMEs' investment 
in Russia?  
Page 27 (Para 3.11)  
10.8. Formation of carbon 
regulation is considered to be an 
important area of work within the 
framework of achieving low –carbon 
development. In t his regard, the 
Federal Law of 2 July 2021 No. 
296-FZ "On limiting greenhouse 
gas emissions" was adopted . 
This regulatory act has introduced a 
requirement for the economic 
entities to provide mandatory 
reporting  in the case of the annual 
gross emissions ex ceeding 150 
thousand tons of CO2 e.q., up until 
2025, and 50 thousand tons of CO2 
e.q., starting from 2025. In 
addition, a basis for the 
implementation of voluntary 
climate projects and the respective 
circulation of carbon credits issued 
based on the resul ts of such 
projects, is also being created.  
Could Russia elaborate on the 
Federal Law "On limiting 
greenhouse gas emissions" adopted 
? As for the mandatory reporting, 
could Russia further explain the 
details of the requirement, 
including following: how do es 
Russia define an economic entity?; 
is the requirement also required for 
foreign entities?; what sectors are 
involved?; when does the 
regulation start?; what kind of 
information is to be reported?; 
which institution is in charge of the 
filing process?  Federal Law No. 296 -FZ of 2.07.2021 "On Limiting 
Greenhouse Gas Emissions" lays down the legal basis 
in the sphere of decarbonization. This Federal Law is 
applied to Russian economic operators only. It provides 
for the following key measures on the regulatio n of 
greenhouse gas emissions.  
- Mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions for 
largest emitters in Russia (with emissions exceeding 
150 thousand tons of CO2 -eq per year until 2025, 
starting from 2025 – with emissions exceeding 50 
thousand tons of CO2 -eq). The rest of the economic 
entities will be able to submit reports voluntarily on the 
basis of unified rules and procedures. This measure 
allows obtaining information on emissions at the level 
of individual enterprises, which is important for 
preparing  climate measures, adjusting targets of 
climate policy.  
- Target -setting for greenhouse gas emissions for 
sectors of the economy. Targets will be approved by 
the Government of the Russian Federation. Sectoral 
targets will allow to differentiate measures in  order to 
reduce GHG emissions, taking into account 
technologies, the volume of investments, the sale of 
goods, works, services and budgetary receipts in a 
particular industry.  
- Possibility of implementing voluntary climate projects. 
Stakeholders will hav e the opportunity to implement on 
a voluntary basis a wide range of projects aimed at 
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing 
their absorption. Projects can include measures in the 
field of energy efficiency, modernization of production 
processes,  carbon capture and storage, forest climate 
projects, etc. Both Russian companies and foreign 
partners can invest in climate projects in Russia.  
- Circulation of carbon credits resulting from executing 
climate projects. The market for carbon credits allows  
to ensure the reductions of greenhouse gas emissions 
at the lowest cost. This market can offset the 
investment in climate projects.  
According to the Supreme Court of 
the Russian Federation statistics for 
2019, out of 233 applications for 
enforcement of foreign arbitral 
awards, the arbitration courts of 
Russia satisfied only 139. This 
could imply that foreign companies 
in Russia might h ave difficulties 
pursuing their due rights under 
foreign arbitral awards ruled in The statistical method is not entirely applicable to the 
estimation of quality of the judicial acts issued in 
individual cases. The statistics provided may suggest 
that in the Russian Federation the parties are  more 
frequently attempting to enforce arbitral awards issued 
with breaches of the New York Convention. The degree 
of legal protection of the parties should be assessed in 
light of all relevant circumstances of any particular 
legal proceedings.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  favor of them. Such practice of 
Russian courts might deter foreign 
companies' investment toward 
Russia as well as transactions with 
Russian companies.  
Courts in many countrie s including 
Korea hardly reject applications for 
enforcement of decisions of foreign 
arbitration courts but for only in 
extremely exceptional cases. Would 
Russia have any plan for 
institutional improvement to 
enhance satisfaction rate regarding 
application s for enforcement of 
foreign arbitral awards?  Besides, th e numbers provided by the Republic of 
Korea include the judgments of foreign courts together 
with arbitral awards. The grounds for the refusal in 
recognition and enforcement of judgments of foreign 
courts differ compared to arbitral awards.  
 
Russia's National Security Strategy 
published in July states that one of 
the tasks to ensure the economic 
security of the Russian Federation 
is strengthening control over 
foreign investment in strategically 
important sectors of the country. 
If investors fe ar that the 
"strategically important sectors" 
might be arbitrarily defined, it 
might discourage the influx of 
future foreign direct investment. 
Could the Russian Government 
explain if it has any plan to offer 
foreign investors guarantee to 
ensure stability  of investment?  
 Paragraphs 67 and 101 of the National Security 
Strategy adopted on 2 July 2021 provide that the 
economic security of the Russian Federation and 
external policy of the Russian Federation goals are 
attained through, in particular, protection  and 
promotion of investments as well as development of 
international trade and economic relations and 
assistance to FDIs. Therefore, the increase of control 
over the foreign investments into the strategic sectors 
of the Russian Federation is balanced by t he said goals. 
At the same time, the list of sectors of strategic 
importance for national security of the Russian 
Federation is provided for in the Article 6 of the Federal 
Law of 29 April 2008 #57 -FZ "On the Order of Foreign 
Investing into the Companies h aving Strategic 
Importance for the Defense of the Country and 
Security of the State". The most recent amendments to 
this list were introduced in 2017. This Federal Law does 
not prohibit foreign participation in the capital of the 
companies of strategic imp ortance, except for 
acquisition of control over such companies by foreign 
states or international organizations. The Law 
establishes a screening mechanism in order to ensure 
that participation in the capital of the relevant foreign 
person does not pose a r isk to the national security of 
Russia. The foreign investments approved in 
accordance with this Law are subject to the general 
(horizontal) rules protection of foreign investments in 
Russia.  
Under the Ministry of Economic 
Development (MED)'s 
authorizatio n, import quota on the 
HFCs(HS code 3824 78 8000) is in 
operation. However, there's no 
exact quantity specified in the 
authorization. Could Russia specify 
the import quota on the HFCs, 
including exact limit of the 
quantity allowed for import?  
Also, as both  the exporters to 
Russia and importers in Russia 
suffer from the HFCs import quota, 
the Association RATEK(the 
Association of Trading Companies 
and Manufacturers of Electrical 
Household and Computer 
Equipment) asked the Russian There is no quota on imports of the HFCs. As a Member 
of Montréal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the 
Ozone Layer, the Russian Federation establishes quota 
on consumption of these products. The HFCs 
consumption quota is established by the Order of the 
Ministry of Natural Resources. The volume of quota 
(expressed in CO2eq) is 46, 292 million tons for the 
period of 2021 -2023.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  authorities to reconsider the  
import quota. Could Russia explain 
if it has any plan to reconsider or 
amend the operation of HFCs 
import quota?  
Amid the COVID -19 pandemic, 
proper and transparent disclosure 
of information regarding domestic 
status of disease is very important 
for trade and investment. The 
Russian federal government 
announces daily briefing on the 
status of COVID -19. Regarding the 
briefing, could Russia provide the 
information in more detail, 
including the following information: 
the number of confirmed cases per 
one million population, the number 
of death per one million population, 
the number of infected people 
released from quarantine, the 
number of infected people in 
quarantine, the number of severe 
patients with infection, the status 
about federal government's 
restriction and lifting measures 
regarding COVID -19, the number of 
people vaccinated people by 
vaccine type. Is it possible of 
provide above information in the 
daily briefing?  The available data as of 20 October 2021:  
- 55,000 people affected per 1 million population;  
- 1,540 people died per 1 million population;  
- 225,325 people - the total number of deaths from 
coronavirus infection  in Russia;  
- 794,946 people - in the active phase of the disease, 
2,300 of them - in critical condition;  
- 51,388,292 people vaccinated;  
- 47,319,976 people fully vaccinated;  
- lethality rate: 2.80%;  
- confirmed cases of complete cure from the virus in 
Russia: 7,040,481.  
Trade and trade -related measures related to the 
species adopted by the Russian Federation are 
published on a regular basis on the official WTO 
website.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  
  
Pág. 12  
24. La ayuda a la agricultura se canaliza por 
medio del Programa Estatal de Desarrollo 
Agrícola, adoptado inicialmente en 2012 y 
revisado en 2019 para incluir una segunda etapa 
(2018 -2025). Esta segunda etapa tiene por 
objeto lograr la seguridad alimentaria, aumentar 
la producción nacional y las expor taciones e 
incrementar la inversión en activos físicos en el 
sector. Un primer subprograma previsto en esta 
segunda etapa tiene por finalidad apoyar a los 
sectores agroindustriales directamente, 
mientras que el segundo subprograma está 
destinado a abordar,  entre otras cosas, el 
entorno operativo de los sectores 
agroindustriales, la recuperación y saneamiento 
de terrenos y la agricultura digital. En 2020 se 
estableció por separado el Programa Estatal de 
Desarrollo Integrado de los Territorios Rurales. 
Alguna s otras estrategias y la Doctrina de 
Seguridad Alimentaria, actualizada en 2020, 
ofrecen orientación adicional para la aplicación 
de la política general. Desde 2017, la Federación 
de Rusia ha concedido dos tipos de subvenciones 
al transporte interno a dive rsos productos 
agropecuarios.  
Pregunta: ¿Es posible disponer de mayor detalle 
respecto al Programa Estatal de Desarrollo 
Agrícola y los logros alcanzados con el mismo a 
la fecha?  Agriculture in the Russian Federation is 
showing a steady growth. The volume of 
added value generated in agriculture 
reached 3,472.7 billion rubles in 2020. The 
index of crop production (in comparable 
prices) in enterprises of all categories 
amounted to 106.1% comparing to 2017, 
which is 3.7 p.p. higher than the planned 
value. The index of livestock production (in 
comparable prices) in enterprises of all 
categories amounted to 105.1% comparing 
to 2017, which is 0.4 p.p. lower than the 
planned value. A slight deviation from the 
planned value is associated, in particular, 
with a decre ase in egg production in 2019, 
as well as a decrease in the number of 
cattle, sheep, goats and poultry in 2020.   
 
 
Pág. 13  
26. La Federación de Rusia es uno de los 
mayores productores de pescado del mundo, 
pero la participación del sector pesquero en el 
PIB y en el empleo total sigue siendo 
relativamente baja. Durante el período objeto de 
examen, las capturas de pescado y crustáceos 
aumentaron a nivel global, especialmente en el 
océano Pacífico. La Federación de Rusia es un 
exportador neto de pescado desde  2014. Las 
normas que limitan el funcionamiento de las 
empresas de propiedad extranjera en el sector 
de la pesca se han hecho algo más restrictivas 
mediante una modificación de la definición de 
propiedad extranjera. La Estrategia de 
Desarrollo de la Agricu ltura y la Pesca hasta 
2030 y la Estrategia de Desarrollo de la Industria 
Pesquera hasta 2030 establecen el marco 
general para la adopción de medidas por el 
Gobierno en el sector de la pesca. En general, los 
obstáculos arancelarios en este sector son 
relativamente elevados.  
Pregunta: ¿Pueden suministrarnos más 
información sobre la Estrategia de Desarrollo de 
la Agricultura y la Pesca hasta 2030 y la 
Estrategia de Desarrollo de la Industria Pesquera 
hasta 2030?  The Strategy for the Development of the 
Agro-industrial and Fisheries Complexes of 
the Russian Federation for the period up to 
2030 contains the analysis, detailed 
elaborations on the directions of state 
policy, forecast of the development and 
targets of the agro -industrial and fisheries 
complexes for the period until 2030.  
The Strategy contains several goals. The 
first is increasing the share of the total area 
of comfortable housing in rural areas, which 
is reflected in the state program 
"Comprehensive Development of Rural 
Areas ". The second goal provides for the 
increase in the level of employment in the 
countryside, as well as the number of highly 
qualified and highly paid specialists. The 
third is "Increasing the added value 
produced in the agro -industrial complex ", 
which provi des the use of resource -saving 
technologies and high -producing 
equipment. The forth goal is improving the 
scientific and technological level of the 
agro-industrial complex through the 
development of selection and genetics. The 
fifth strategic goal is "Digital transformation 
of the agro -industrial complex ", performed 
by the development of the digital 
agricultural platform with the necessary WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 296 - 
 
  services for the activities of agricultural 
producers. The sixth goal "Increasing the 
volume of investments " involves a ttracting 
investments in the industry by ensuring the 
availability of concessional credits and 
leasing. The final goal "Ensuring food 
security " contributes to the achievement of 
the national goal of creating a high -
producing agricultural sector.  
The Strate gy for the Development of the 
Fisheries Industry of the Russian Federation 
for the period up to 2030 (hereinafter – the 
Strategy) is a sectoral document of 
strategic planning of the Russian Federation 
in the field of development of the fisheries 
complex an d is the basis for the 
development and updating of state 
programs (subprograms) of the Russian 
Federation, state programs (subprograms) 
of the regions of the Russian Federation and 
other strategic planning documents 
stipulated by the legislation of the Rus sian 
Federation containing measures aimed at 
the development of the fisheries industry.   
The Strategy contains the analysis of the 
fisheries complex, detailing the directions of 
state support for individual development 
projects, as well as the expected 
development parameters of stocks and 
volumes of catch, sales markets, range of 
final products, relevant business models for 
fisheries enterprises.  
The Strategy defines new approaches to 
overcoming internal and external 
challenges facing the industry at the current 
stage of development, describes strategic 
measures to achieve the established 
development goals and proposes main and 
supporting development projects strictly 
aimed at achieving long -term strategic 
goals and established target indicators, as 
well a s the formation of a mechanism for 
high-quality management of the main risks.  
The strategy includes the following 
projects: "New cod industry", "Marine 
biotechnology", "Food pelagics", "Salmon 
breeding", “Valuable seafood”. In order to 
provide conditions f or the economic growth 
of the industry, seven “supporting” projects 
in the areas of logistics infrastructure, 
science and education are also being 
implemented.  
Pág. 41  
2.37. En 2017, el Gobierno introdujo un 
mecanismo de control de las inversiones 
extranjeras modificando la Ley de Inversiones 
Extranjeras (Ley Federal Nº 160 -FZ sobre la 
Inversión Extranjera en la Federación de Rusia, 
de 9 de julio de 1999). En 2020, la Fe deración 
de Rusia amplió los procedimientos de control de 
la IED en lo que respecta a la adquisición, por 
parte de inversores extranjeros, de There are no plans to promote FDIs by 
foreign persons outside Russia.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 297 - 
 
  participaciones con derecho a voto en empresas 
estratégicas a fin de abarcar las adquisiciones 
temporales. También  se aplican algunas 
restricciones a la propiedad en los sectores 
bancario y de los seguros en su conjunto 
(sección 4.3.1), el sector de la aviación, los 
medios de comunicación y los servicios 
audiovisuales; los extranjeros no pueden poseer 
tierras en la fr ontera y en otras determinadas 
zonas, y algunos programas de ayuda 
gubernamentales están abiertos únicamente a 
las empresas rusas. No hay restricciones a la 
utilización de los ingresos y beneficios. Tampoco 
hay restricciones para los ciudadanos rusos que 
deseen invertir en el extranjero.  
Pregunta: ¿Tiene intención el gobierno de Rusia 
implementar algún programa de incentivos para 
las inversiones extranjeras directas de personas 
físicas o jurídicas en el extranjero?  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  MALAYSIA  
  
2.4 Investments [Page 8]  
 
2.23. The largest FDI recipient industry is the 
mining industry, followed by the manufacturing 
industry (primarily metallurgy) and services 
(primarily wholesale and retail trade).  
 
Question : 
What are the main sectors under the 
Manufacturing and Services t hat received the 
FDI in the Russian Federation?  
 In 2020, the following sectors under 
Manufacturing accounted for the largest 
inflows of foreign direct investment in the 
Russian Federation (the balance of 
transactions):  
• manufacture of basic metals; 
manu facture of fabricated metal products, 
except machinery and equipment 
(918 million US dollars);  
• manufacture of coke and refined 
petroleum products (451  million US 
dollars);  
• manufacture of machinery and equipment 
n.e.c. (132 million US dollars).  
Regardin g Services, the following sectors 
accounted for the largest inflows of 
investment (the balance of transactions):  
• wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor 
vehicles and motorcycles (4,536 million US 
dollars);  
• accommodation and food service activities 
(276 million US dollars);  
• administrative and support service 
activities (257  million US dollars).  
3. Challenges [ Page 10]  
 
Sustainable Development Challenges  
 
3.10 Sustainable development in the global 
context is understood as development that 
meets modern -day needs without undermining 
the ability of future generations to meet their 
own needs. In terms of the key markets, this 
trend assumes a long -term reduction  in the 
global consumption of coal, oil and gas together 
with a promotion of demand for renewable 
energy, low -carbon technologies, food, and 
disaster -resilient finance and infrastructure. 
Poverty reduction, as well as the relevance of the 
global aim of imp roving the quality of education 
and health care contribute to the creation of new 
markets and transformation of the supply and 
demand structure in favour of factors that 
stimulate high -quality, but possibly slower 
growth in key regions.  
 
Question : 
Malaysi a wishes to seek further clarification on 
the plan to promote renewable  energy by 
increasing non -fossil fuels energy, namely in the 
transportation and industrial sectors.   The Russian Government’s goal is to reduce 
the economy's dependence on 
hydrocarbons in order to combat climate 
change and develop a technological base. 
About half of all new energy capacities in 
Russia are hydroelectric, nuclear and 
renewable energy plants.  
As result of implementation of special 
program of development of renewable 
energy about 6.7 GW of installed capacity 
to be commissioned in addition to currently 
installed 231 GW capacity. In recent years 
there has been a significant decrease in the 
cost of producing solar and wind energy. In 
case of further cost reduction, generating 
companies will be able to build additional 
facilities for "green" generation. This 
program is expected to reduce the cost of 
producing renewable energy.  
Measures of state support for the 
construction of generating facilities based 
on renewable energy sources , assuming a 
return on investment with a guaranteed 
profitability, are in place until 2024, but the 
selection of projects under this program has 
already been almost completed.  
The next renewable energy generation 
support program will be implemented from 
2025 to 2035.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  5.1.1 Industrial policy [Page 14]  
 
5.11. innovation policy that promotes the 
establishment of state guidelines and incentives 
for an innovative development model;  
Question : 
Would  there be any details on the guidelines of 
the incentives for the innovative development  
model?  The strategy of scientific and technological 
development of the Russian Federation, 
approved by the Decree of the President of 
the Russian Federation No. 642 d ated 
December 1, 2016) establishes following 
targets and instruments of Russia’s 
innovation development.  
The priorities of the scientific and 
technological development of the Russian 
Federation should be those areas that will 
allow obtaining scientific and  technological 
results and creating technologies that are 
the basis for the innovative development of 
the domestic market for products and 
services, Russia's stable position in foreign 
markets, and will ensure:  
a) the transition to advanced digital, 
intelligent production technologies, robotic 
systems, new materials and design 
methods, the creation of systems for 
processing large amounts of data, machine 
learning and artificial intelligence;  
b) a transition to environmentally friendly 
and resource -saving en ergy, an increase in 
the efficiency of extraction and deep 
processing of hydrocarbon raw materials, 
the formation of new sources, methods of 
transportation and storage of energy;  
c) the transition to personalized medicine, 
high-tech healthcare and health -preserving 
technologies, including through the rational 
use of drugs (primarily antibacterial);  
d) transition to highly productive and 
environmentally friendly agricultural and 
aquaculture, development and 
implementation of systems for the rational 
use of c hemical and biological protection of 
agricultural plants and animals, storage and 
efficient processing of agricultural products, 
creation of safe and high -quality food 
products;  
e) counteraction against technogenic, 
biogenic, socio -cultural threats, terror ism 
and ideological extremism, as well as cyber 
threats and other sources of danger to 
society, the economy and the state;  
f) the connectivity of the territory of the 
Russian Federation through the creation of 
intelligent transport and telecommunication 
systems, as well as taking and maintaining 
leadership positions in the creation of 
international transport and logistics 
systems, the development and use of space 
and air space, the World Ocean, the Arctic 
and Antarctic;  
g) the possibility of an effective re sponse of 
Russian society to major challenges, taking 
into account the interaction of man and 
nature, man and technology, social 
institutions at the present stage of global 
development, including using the methods 
of the humanities and social sciences.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 300 - 
 
  5.3 Improving the investment climate 
[Page 19]  
5.56. Investment Protection and Promotion 
Agreement (IPPA). In 2020, to create additional 
mechanisms to protect the interests of the 
investor and the state, as well as to lay the 
predictable groundwork for the i mplementation 
of large investment projects, a mechanism of 
agreements on the protection and promotion of 
capital investments was launched. IPPA is an 
agreement between business and the state, 
according to which business, for its part, 
undertakes to make in vestments within the 
framework of the project and implement an 
investment project on the territory of the 
Russian Federation, and the state undertakes to 
ensure the stability of the legal regime for the 
implementation of such a project. These 
agreements en visage the possibility to provide 
investors with a "stabilisation clause" for various 
types of taxes; removal of infrastructural 
restrictions for the implementation of projects 
through investors reimbursement. IPPA with the 
organisation implementing the pr oject (OIP) is 
concluded by application without holding 
competitive tender. In 2020, 24 IPPAs were 
signed under new investment projects in the 
chemical industry, transport, energy, mining and 
processing of minerals, timber processing, 
agriculture, healthca re, and other areas.  
Question :  
How many  IPPAs were signed under the timber 
processing industry?   As of 15 October 2021 3 IPPAs were signed.  
 
Improving the investment climate [Page 
19] 
We would appreciate  further explanation on the 
"stabilization clause" as stated, and what are the 
taxes involved?   
 In accordance with Article 9 of the Federal 
law № 69 -FZ of 1 April 2020 "On the 
protection and promotion of capital 
investments in the Russian Federation" the 
stabilization clause is aimed to preserve the 
same legal regime throughout a specific 
period, notwithstanding any amendments 
to the legal acts that could come into force 
after the investment was made, in 
particular the changes to the taxation 
regime. If th e relevant amendments 
provide for better treatment for the 
investment, the investment is entitled to be 
granted such better treatment.  
The period of application of the stabilization 
clause is as follows:  
1) 6 years – for the value of capital 
investment up  to 5 billion rubles;  
1.1) 10 years – for investment projects in 
agriculture, food and processing industry, 
education and healthcare (investments up 
to 5 billion rubles);  
2) 15 years – for the value of capital 
investment of 5 -10 billion rubles;  
3) 20 years  – for the value of capital 
investment from 10 billion rubles or more.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 301 - 
 
  Improving the investment climate [Page 
19] 
Malaysia  wishes to seek further clarification on 
the competitive tender holding.   
 Competitive methods of procurement 
include tendering (open tendering, 
tendering with limited participation, two 
stage tendering, closed tendering, closed 
tendering with limited participation and 
closed two stage tendering), auctions 
(electronic auction and closed auction), 
request for quotations, a nd request for 
proposals.  
5.57. The Foreign Investment Advisory Council 
in Russia (FIAC). In order to attract foreign direct 
investments and to create favourable conditions 
for doing business in Russia, one of the most 
reputable business associations, the FIAC, has 
been working for 26 years. FIAC Members are 
implementing the major commercial pr ojects in 
many sectors of the economy. In addition, every 
year, with the active participation of FIAC, 
measures are implemented to improve the legal 
framework and enforcement of rules governing 
business environment.  
 
Question :  
What are the sectors that a re promoted by the 
FIAC?   For 2020 -2021 the following were identified 
as priority areas of FIAC’s activities: 
development of a digital, low -carbon and 
knowledge -based economy; localization 
and regional development; improvement of 
tax and customs legislati on and 
administration; development of the 
consumer market and technical regulation; 
development of healthcare and 
pharmaceutical industry; natural resources 
and ecology; development of the banking 
sector and financial markets of Russia.  
 
 
10.2 Trade and e nvironmental protection 
[Page 27]  
 
10.7. To this end, in August 2021, hydrogen 
energy development strategy was adopted. 
According to this strategy, the export potential 
of the Russian hydrogen is estimated to be 15 -
15.5 million tons by 2050. In August 2021, 
framework for the development of electr ic 
transport was also adopted. According to this 
framework, by 2030 Russia would be producing 
217 thousand electric vehicles per year. The 
development of the appropriate charging and the 
other relevant infrastructure is also envisaged.  
 
Question :  
 
What  projects  have been implemented in the 
Russian Federation for the promotion of 
hydrogen energy?   To all three questions.  
The planned development of hydrogen 
energy in the Russian Federation is divided 
into 3 stages:  
Phase I (2021 - 2024) involves creation o f 
pilot projects for the export of hydrogen up 
to 0.2 million tons by 2024, as well as the 
use of hydrogen energy carriers in the 
domestic market.  
Phase II (2025 - 2035) includes the launch 
of the first commercial projects for the 
production of hydrogen wi th the export goal 
of up to 2 million tons in 2035 (the 
optimistic goal is 12 million tons).  At this 
stage, it is planned to implement pilot 
projects for the use of hydrogen in the 
domestic Russian market.  
Phase III (2036 - 2050) involves the large -
scale d evelopment of the global hydrogen 
energy market.   The export volume to the 
world market can reach 15 million tonnes 
by 2050 (the optimistic target is 50 million 
tons).  The cost of production from 
renewable energy sources will approach the 
production cost f rom fossil raw materials.  
 Trade and environmental protection [Page 
27] 
Are there  any incentives to support the 
development of the hydrogen economy value 
chain?   
Trade and environmental protection [Page 
27] 
What are the challenges and issues in utilising 
the hydrogen potential faced by the 
manufacturers in the Russian Federation?   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  1 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.3 Trade and Investment Performance  
 
1.3.2 Foreign direct investment [Page 24]  
 
1.36. FDI inflows ranged around USD 30 billion 
per year between 2016 and 2019, with a 
temporary drop to USD 8.8 billion in 2018. In line 
with the strong decline in global FDI flows in 
2020 due to the COVID -19 pandemic, FDI 
inflows plummeted from USD 32 billion in 2019 
to USD 8.7 b illion in 2020, driven by the 
manufacturing and services sectors. The Russian 
Federation is also an important contributor to 
global FDI, with FDI outflows averaging USD 
28.1 billion during 2016 -19; outflows of USD 5.3 
billion are estimated for 2020 (Table 1.3).52 
 
Question :  
What are the measures taken to mitigate the 
impact of the drop in FDI inflows due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic?  The examples of measures undertaken in 
response to COVID -19 pandemic include:  
- support of households and businesses and 
economic activities, e.g. tax incentives for 
industries affected by COVID -19 pandemic;  
- temporary reduction of key rate of the 
Central Bank from 6% until 24 April 2020 to 
4.25% on 27 July 2020 which was aimed to 
reduce the interest rate of loans;  
- encour agement of banks by the Central 
Bank of Russia to further support affected 
borrowers (e.g. it has introduced temporary 
regulatory easing for banks intended to 
help corporate borrowers, and more 
favorable treatment for FX loans issued to 
certain sectors);  
- credit vacations (deferred payments on 
loans);  
- forbearance on provisioning for 
restructured corporate and SME loans was 
granted to all sectors.  
- the extension of deadline for full 
provisioning of restructured corporate loans 
until 1 April 2021 (until 1  July 2021 
restructured SME loans);  
- measures to ensure the availability of 
services of non -bank financial institutions 
and to promote remote customer services.  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
 
2.3.1 WTO [Page 32 – 33] 
 
2.18. The Russian Federation grants at least MFN 
treatment to all of its trading partners. It is a 
party to the Information Technology Agreement 
and the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA), 
which the Russian Federation accepted on 22 
April 2016. Since 29  May 2013, it has acted as 
an observer to the Agreement on Trade in Civil 
Aircraft and the Government Procurement 
Agreement (GPA). The Russian Federation 
started GPA accession negotiations in the second 
half of 2016, issuing its initial GPA market access 
offer in June 2017.  
 
2.19. The Russian Federation continues to 
strongly support the multilateral trading system 
as embodied in the WTO and sees the WTO as 
critical to ensuring a stable and predictable 
international trading environment. According to 
the aut horities, this was one of the key priorities 
for the Russian Federation's presidency in BRICS 
2020, which was explicitly reflected in the Joint 
Statement by BRICS Trade Ministers on the 
Multilateral Trading System and WTO Reform 
adopted on 1 June 2021. The  Russian Federation 
is contributing to the discussion around WTO 
reform with a focus on improvements of the 
dispute settlement, negotiating, and monitoring 
functions of the WTO, as well as institutional 
improvements for its operation. The Russian All the partners mentioned are equally 
important to Russia. Although the format 
and specialization in the cooperative ties 
may vary.  
As a EAEU Member State Russia considers 
further development of the EAEU 
integration as one of its majo r priorities.  
Despite the current challenges, the EU 
remains to be one of the largest trade and 
investment partners to Russia (35,7 % of 
total trade turnover). APEC economies are 
also important trade partners of Russia 
(34,1 % of Russia’s total turnover, as to the 
1st quarter of 2021). Russia attaches great 
importance to the development of trade 
cooperation with APEC partners.  
Trade and investment with the BRICS 
Members also increases (at the same time 
some of the APEC Members are participants 
to BRICS).  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 303 - 
 
  Federatio n proposed its vision of the MC12 
package reflecting its key priorities.41 The 
Russian Federation participates in all four Joint 
Statement Initiatives, endorsed the Buenos Aires 
Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic 
Empowerment, and is one of the membe rs of the 
Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender. 
According to the authorities, the Russian 
Federation's proposal on involving MSMEs in 
domestic regulatory development served as a 
basis for the respective recommendation 
endorsed by the Informal Working  Group on 
MSMEs in December 2020.42 The Russian 
Federation, together with other WTO Members, 
also advanced a proposal that governments 
should voluntarily provide information on MSMEs 
in the government reports under the TPR. The 
Russian Federation is also a ctively involved in 
the discussions regarding domestic support in 
agriculture, eliminating special agricultural 
safeguards, tariff quota allocation, enhancing 
transparency of applied import custom duties, 
and negotiations on fishery subsidies.  
 
Question :  
Tariff liberalisation may increase foreign trade, 
WTO accession asserted a significant favourable 
influence on Russia's trade flows, and economic 
sanctions hurt Russian exporters significantly.  Is 
Russia’s trade with APEC partners more 
promising than with  BRICS, EU or EAEU?  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
 
3.1.3 Tariffs [Page 42]  
3.18 As a member of the EAEU, the Russian 
Federation applies, with some exceptions, its 
unified customs tariff (UCT) and receives a share 
(85.065% as from 1 January 2020) of the 
revenue from customs duties and trade remedies 
levied on imports from third countries.  
 
Question :  
What are the benefits for non -EAEU who are not 
eligible to receive the UCT? Is a higher tariff 
imposed on non -EAEU members?   The Common Customs Tariff of the EAEU is 
applied to all countries, excluding the EAEU 
Member States, as well as for the trade 
under the  free trade agreements concluded 
with third countries. The import duties are 
not applied in trade among the EAEU 
Member States.  
 
 
3.1.7 Other measures affecting imports 
[Page 54]  
3.47. The Russian Federation develops import 
substitution programmes through  various 
instruments. These include the regulation of 
public procurement under Federal Law No. 44 -FZ 
and Federal Law No. 223 -FZ of 18 July 201139 
(Section 3.3.6). Foreign data storage systems 
were prohibited by Decree No. 1746 of 21 
December 2019 in procur ement for 
governmental purposes. The Russian authorities 
observe in this Review that since 2016 there 
have been no priority sectors for import 
substitution.40 With respect to a recent World 
Bank report that identifies planned decreases in Russia is not imposing any quantitative or 
other similar restrictions which may limit 
share of imported industrial products in 
commercial part of internal market. In 
respect of governmental procurement, 
minimum level for procurement of limited 
number of products from domestic sources 
is established  in order to support domestic 
industries and spend budgetary assets for 
strengthening national enterprises, 
increase income of domestic workers, 
ranchers and farmers.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 304 - 
 
  import shares in certain industries41, the 
authorities note that these indexes for import 
substitution in certain sectors have a forecast 
character.  
 
41According to the World Bank report, "[t]he 
Russian Government developed import 
substitution programmes for 22 industries, 
covering approximately 2,000 products in the 
industries for pharmaceuticals, medical, radio -
electronics, transport, construction, and 
metallurgy ... it was planned that in the timber 
industry the share of imports should decrease to 
49 percent, in the oil and gas engineering 
industry to 55 percent, in the automotive 
industry up to 7 per cent, in machine tools up to 
75 percent, and in pharmaceuticals up to 33 
percent". World Bank (2020), Russia Integrates: 
Deepening the Country's Integration in th e 
Global Economy, p. 52. The authorities also note 
that the correct forecast figures are: timber 
industry, 21.3%; oil and gas engineering 
industry, 43%; automotive industry, 38%; 
machine tools, 58%; and pharmaceuticals, 50%.  
Question : 
 
What are the possibl e factors that contributed to 
the decrease of import share for the timber  
industry apart from the import substitution 
programme? Is there any policy change/ 
incentive introduced that gave effect to the 
decrease?   
3.2.2 Export taxes, charges, and levies 
[Page 56]  
 
3.58. Regarding sunflower seeds (HS 120600), 
the export duty was significantly increased for 
the period from 9 January to 30 June 2021 to 
30% but at least EUR 165 per tonne. Also, export 
duties on soya beans were introduced for the 
period February -June 2021. Both export duties 
have been extended at higher rates from 1 July 
2021 to 31 August 2022 (Section 4.1.3.2).  
 
Question : 
Could  the Russian Federation explain on the 
reasons for the higher imposition of export taxes 
on selected oilseeds during the stipulated period, 
as mentioned in  the text?   The export duties were established in order 
to stabilize situation with the prices on the 
internal market amid the decreasing 
revenues of the population as a result of 
COVID -19 pandemic, as well as to ensuring 
food security.  
 
 
3.2.4 Export fin ance, insurance, and 
guarantees [Page 58]  
 
3.68. The EAEU Treaty provides for the 
application of joint measures to promote exports 
of goods originating from member States to 
third-party markets; the indicative list includes 
export credit and export insurance facilities, 
"made in the EAEU" labelling , and coordinated 
exhibition, advertising, and branding 
activities.70 However, according to the 
authorities, in practice export support has been 
carried out only at the national level.  The Russian Federation does not provide 
targeted product -specific subsidies for 
entities engaged in the production of 
oilseeds and vegetable oils. At the same 
time, these entities could receive subsidies 
through general support mechanisms. For 
instance, th e most significant areas of state 
support for crop husbandry production are 
concessional lending, which provides for 
attraction of short -term and investment 
loans at a reduced interest rate, and 
decoupled income support. This approach 
allows entities to ch oose crops for WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  3.69. On 24 December 2018, the Presidential 
Council for Strategic Deve lopment and National 
Projects announced a new set of measures to 
promote exports and industrial development 
under the International Cooperation and Export 
national project (Section 2.2). The key aim of 
this project is to double the Russian Federation's 
export of both non -energy and non -resource -
based goods and services by 2025. For this 
purpose, a system of financial and non -financial 
export support was established. Financial 
measures are export credits with interest rate 
support, insurance, and guarantees of export 
credits, as well as support for participation in 
international exhibitions. Non -financial measures 
include consultation services, assistance in 
searching for potential partners abroad, and 
support for ensuring compliance with customs 
procedures i n the destination country.  
 
Question : 
Could the Russian Federation give details on any 
incentives or support given to the industry 
players that are involved in the production of 
oilseeds and vegetable oils?   cultivation based on market conditions and 
other factors, which has a positive effect on 
balance of supply and demand in the 
context of seasonal nature of production.  
 
 
3.3.6.4 Procurement methods & procedures 
[Page 77]  
 
3.168. Procurement  methods were not changed 
substantially during the review period. They can 
be classified into two general categories in terms 
of the extent of competition in the procurement 
method: (i) competitive methods; and (ii) single -
supplier methods. Competitive met hods include 
tendering (open tendering, tendering with 
limited participation, two -stage tendering, closed 
tendering, closed tendering with limited 
participation, and closed two -stage tendering), 
auctions (electronic auctions and closed 
auctions), request f or quotations, and request 
for proposals. In tendering, the supplier that 
offers the best contract conditions will be 
awarded the contract. In an auction, the supplier 
that offers the lowest price will win the contract. 
The procuring entity decides which p rocurement 
method will be used for a specific procurement, 
according to the provisions of Federal Law No. 
44-FZ. Closed forms of procurement methods 
can be organized only with the agreement of the 
relevant federal executive body. The procuring 
entities' ch oices of procurement methods should 
not result in an unreasonable reduction in the 
number of participants in the procurement. 
According to data provided by the authorities, 
electronic auction is the most frequently used 
method, while the use of single sour cing 
remained stable . 
 
Question : 
Appreciate if Russia can clarify the details of the 
procurement method with regards to single -Single -supplier method is a non -
competitive method of procurement that 
does not involve tenders, auctions or 
requests. In this case, a procuring entity 
can almost directly offer to conclude a 
contract with the selected supplier.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 306 - 
 
  supplier methods  and how it contrasts with the 
competitive methods .  
3.3.7.2 Overview [Page 83]  
 
3.186. In March 2019, the Government approved 
the State Programme for the Scientific and 
Technological Development of the Russian 
Federation 2019 -2030, which is administered by 
the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. 
According to the Programme, the annual federal 
budget allocated for sc ientific R&D and higher 
education will increase from RUB 889.7 billion 
(about USD 11.9 billion, 5.6% of the total federal 
budget201) in 2019 to RUB 1,969.6 billion 
(about USD 26.4 billion) in 2030.  
 
3.188. The Programme is expected to achieve 
several concr ete results by 2030, including the 
Russian Federation entering the top 50 of the 
Global Talent Competitiveness Index202, 
doubling the number of foreign students in the 
higher education system, ensuring that at least 
800 students for every 10,000 people age d 17 to 
30 can receive free higher education, becoming 
one of the 5 leading countries in terms of the 
total number of articles published in the priority 
areas identified by the Strategy, becoming the 
top 10 leaders in 14 areas of scientific 
specialization,  ensuring the growth rate of 
domestic R&D spending exceeds the growth rate 
of GDP, and entering top 5 countries in terms of 
domestic R&D spending. It should be noted that 
several IP -related indicators, such as raising 
investment in IP to 5% of the nation's  total 
investment in fixed assets, and the Russian 
Federation entering top five leading countries in 
terms of the total number of patent applications 
in the priority areas of the Strategy, are integral 
parts of the Programme.  
 
Question : 
Appreciate if Russi a can clarify the status and 
achievements of the State Programme for the 
Scientific and Technological Development of the 
Russian Federation 2019 -2030 so far as of 2021.   The State programme “Scientific and 
Technological Development of the Russian 
Federatio n” is currently implemented.  
The state programme specifies the goals 
that are to be achieved by 2030. Therefore, 
it is premature to make assessments of 
specific achievements under the 
progamme.  
 
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
 
4.1.1 Trade [Page 95 – 96] 
4.7. Imports of agricultural products increased 
by 14.1% between 2016 and 2020, less than 
exports, and slightly fell as a share of total 
imports. In 2020, agricultural imports were 
valued at USD 28.3 billion. Imports were 
particularly dominated by fruits, dairy products, 
(alcoholic) beverages, (preparations of) meats, 
and soya beans, accounting for around 47.9% of 
total agricultural imports (Table 4.3). In 2019, 
imports primarily originated in the EU -27, 
Belaru s, Brazil, China, and Turkey.  
 
Question : Consumption of pepper (HS 090411) 
corresponds to the volume of import. In 
2018, Russian import of pepper under HS 
0904110000 was 7,353 tonnes; in 2019 – 
9,186 tonnes; in 2020 – 8,693.   
 
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- 307 - 
 
  As Malaysia is one of the pepper -producing 
countries, appreciate it if the Russian Federation 
could  indicate the trend of pepper consumption 
and import of pepper under HS 090411200, 
090411300 and 090411900?    
Trade [Page 95 – 96] 
Is there any particular requirement for exporting 
pepper to the Russian Federation?   The products subjects to phytosanitary 
quarantine requirements imported to the 
territory of the Russian Fede ration, 
including pepper, must comply with the 
Unified Phytosanitary Quarantine 
Requirements to the regulated products 
and objects at the customs border and in 
the customs territory of the Eurasian 
Economic Union, approved by the Decision 
of the Council of  the Eurasian Economic 
Commission dated 30 November 2016 N 
157.  
In accordance with the provisions of the 
Unified Phytosanitary Quarantine 
Requirements, Pepper of the genus Piper, 
neither crushed nor ground (HS code 0904 
11) must be free from plants of the  genus 
Striga, plants of the genus dodder (Cuscuta 
spp.), as well as Mexican bean weevil 
(Zabrotes subfassiatus), caryopses of the 
genus Callosobruchus, khapra beetle 
(Trogoderma granarium) and broad -nosed 
grain weevil (Caulophilus latinasus), and 
must als o originate from zones, places and 
/ or production sites free from potato 
spindle tuber viroid, tomato brown rugose 
fruit virus and Pepino mosaic virus mosaic 
virus.  
Spices and herbs, including pepper (HS 
code 0904), are subject to the confirmation 
of conf ormity.  
Confirmation of conformity of spices and 
seasonings is carried out in the form of a 
declaration, provided by a manufacturer 
(supplier) of the products.   
The declaration of conformity can be 
obtained both for individual spices and 
seasonings and fo r sets.  
4.1.5 Forestry [Page 108]  
4.43. The State Programme on Forest 
Development aims to better protect and 
maintain forests, improving forest management 
to ensure sustainable forest use and 
development of the forest sector. The State 
Programme was revised multiple times over the 
reporting period and now spans the period 
2013-2024 with planned budget of RUB 180 
billion allocated for the period 2016 -2020. The 
State Programme on Industry Development and 
Increasing Its Competitiveness supports the 
devel opment of timber industry enterprises by 
providing loan servicing subsidies for 
investments in high -tech processing industries 
or the formation of seasonal stocks of raw 
materials and fuel, and subsidies to enterprises 
participating in priority investment projects in 
the Far Eastern Federal District.  Support of the development of timber 
industry enterprises  by providing loan 
servicing subsidies for investments in high -
tech processing industries was provided in 
accordance with the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation No. 
2 of 16 January 2013 and the Resolution of 
the Government of the Russia n Federation 
No. 838 of 13 August 2015 for the period 
2013-2018. For more detailed information 
please see documents No. 
G/SCM/N/284/RUS, G/SCM/N/315/RUS, 
G/SCM/N/343/RUS. The above -mentioned 
resolutions expired in 2018.  
According to these Resolutions there  were 
no changes to the loan servicing subsidies 
for investments in high -tech processing for 
the period 2016 -2018. There are no special WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 308 - 
 
  4.44. Support continues to be provided via a mix 
of general support to improving the management 
of forest resources, direct support to industry, 
and trade measures such as export and import 
duties. Import dutie s for paper products range 
from 0% to 14%, with an average tariff of 8.2% 
and only 1.4% of tariff lines duty free. Including 
furniture, import duties range from 0% to 
21.5%, with an average tariff of 8.2% and 4.1% 
of tariff lines duty free. Export duties a re usually 
applied as mixed duties with the ad valorem 
element ranging from 5% to 80%, with some 
specific duties ranging from EUR 30 to EUR 100 
per cubic metre and estimated AVEs of some of 
these tariffs reaching more than 175%. Two 
export tariff rate quot as for coniferous wood in 
the rough with in -quota export duties of 13% 
and 15% are in place (Section 3.2.2). According 
to the authorities, 80% of tariff lines of wood and 
products thereof do not face export duties in line 
with commitments made during the a ccession 
process.69 The economic effects of imposing 
export tariffs and quotas, aimed at increasing 
domestic value added by reducing input prices 
for downstream producers, can potentially limit 
the development of the forestry sector in the 
country imposing  these.  
 
Question :  
Are there any changes introduced to the loan 
servicing subsidies for investments in high -tech 
processing industries over the period of 
implementation? If there are, please explain the 
changes made.  support programs in the sphere of timber 
industry for Small and Medium Enterprises.  
 
 
Forestry [Page 108]  
What are the types of subsidies given to 
enterprise, and does it include Medium and Small 
Enterprises?   
Forestry [Page 108]  
Kindly  share more details on the execution of the 
plan to ban the export of logs from the Russian 
Federation by 2022. What are the product HS 
code affected, how is the ban regulated and who 
are the parties allowed by the government to 
harvest logs?   Currently, t here is no legal act under 
development aimed at establishing export 
ban on logs.  
 
 
Forestry [Page 108]  
What is the impact of imposition of export duties 
on unprocessed timber with a moisture content 
exceeding 22% to the Russian Federation’s 
timber trade a nd domestic market? Any specific 
reason why the said duties are imposed for a 
short term (July - December 2021)?   Export duties on unprocessed timber have 
not entered into force yet.  
 
 
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.2 Energy  
 
4.2.2.5 Electricity [Page 118]  
4.79. The Russian Federation has the world's 
fourth -largest electricity system, after the United 
States, China, and India. The total installed 
power generation capacity in the Russian 
Federation was 251,097 MW as at 1  January  
2021. Production of electricity within the Unified Under the Fede ral law № 35 -FZ on "Electric 
power" both biomass and biogas inter alia  
form the list of renewable energy resources. 
According to the said Law, the Government 
is to establish rules, conditions and 
procedures of qualification of a generating 
power entity, us ing renewable energy 
(including biogas and biomass); and to 
provide support for renewable energy use WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 309 - 
 
  Energy System (UES) amounted to 1090.6 billion 
kWh in 2019 and 1063.7 billion kWh in 2020.140 
Gas accounts for 46% of electricity generation, 
followed by coal (18%), hydro (18%), and 
nuclear power (17%). The role of non -hydro 
renewable energy in electricity production is very 
small.  
 
Question :  
Does the Russian Federation have any plans on 
expanding the role of non -hydro renewable  
energy in electricity production such as biomass 
or biogas?   as well as to encourage use of efficient 
energy technologies.  
Action Plan on implementation of Energy 
Strategy of the Russian Federation for the 
period up  to 2035 yet does not contain any 
measures for expansion of the role of 
biomass or biogas in electricity production.  
 
 
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  PARAGUAY  
  
2.3. Acuerdos y arreglos comerciales  
2.3.3 Otros acuerdos y arreglos  
2.26. La UEEA otorga, como grupo, preferencias 
en el marco del Sistema Generalizado de 
Preferencias (SGP) a 104 países en desarrollo y 
48 países menos adelantados (PMA). Los 
importadores pagan el 75% de los derechos 
aplicados a las mercancías originarias de países 
en desarrollo, mientras q ue las mercancías 
originarias de PMA se importan libres de 
derechos. Desde  
Enero de 2019 se aplican normas de origen 
preferenciales en el marco del SGP.  
Pregunta: ¿Rusia está considerando la 
posibilidad de revisar su Decisión 130/09 de la 
Comisión de la Unión Aduanera Euroasiática? En 
el sentido se plantea la posibilidad de exclusión 
de ciertos países de la lista de beneficiarios del 
SGP.  
 Criteria for non -inclusio n of a country in 
the list of countries benefiting from the 
Common system of tariff preferences of 
the Eurasian Economic Union are 
established in para 5 of the Decision of the 
Eurasian Economic Commission No. 47 as 
of 6 April 2016 and were notified in the 
document WT/COMTD/PTA1/N/1 of July 
2019.  
 
According to the mentioned Decision, a 
country may be excluded from the list of 
developing countries that benefit from GSP 
due to the following criteria:  
a) the country has reached an income 
level determined to be above average or 
high by the World Bank for 2 consecutive 
years;  
b) a country's share of world exports as 
measured by the World Trade Organization 
for two consecutive years has been at or 
above 1 %; 
c) a country has concluded a preferential 
trade agreement with the EAEU;  
d) a country is included in the list of the 
least developed countries of the UN.  
3.1.5. Prohibiciones, restricciones y 
licencias de importación.  
3.38. En agosto de 2014, por razones de 
seguridad nacional, la Federación de Rusia 
prohibió la importación de determinados 
productos agropecuarios provenientes de varios 
interlocutores comerciales. Esa prohibición se 
mantuvo durante el periodo 2016 -2021 
mediante prórrogas periódicas, con algunas 
modificaciones de los productos abarcados.  En 
su forma actual (en vigor hasta el 31 de 
diciembre de 2021) la prohibición se aplica a las 
importaciones de productos designado 
procedentes de Albania, Australia, el Canadá, 
los Estados Unidos, Islandia, Liechtenstein, 
Montenegro, Noruega, el Reino Uni do, Ucrania y 
la Unión Europea.  
Pregunta.   
▪ ¿Cuáles serían las razones de seguridad 
nacional en que se basa Rusia para 
prohibir la importación de determinados 
productos agropecuarios desde el 2014 
hasta 2021 provenientes de países 
Albania, Australia, el Canadá, los 
Estados Unidos, Islandia, Liechtenstein, 
Montenegro, Noruega, el Reino Unido, 
Ucrania y la Unión Europea?  
▪ ¿Cuál es el tiempo promedio que 
otorgan las licencias de importación no 
automáticas?  The ban on specific products was 
introd uced in accordance with the Federal 
Law of 30 December 2006 No 281 -FZ “On 
Special Economic Measures and Measures 
of Coercion” and the Federal Law of 28 
December 2010 No 390 -FZ “On Security”.  
The basis for inclusion of certain countries 
into the list is se t forth in the Decree of 
the President of the Russian Federation 
No. 560 of 6 August 2014 “On Application 
of Special Economic Measures to Ensure 
the Security of the Russian Federation”. 
According to paragraph 1 of the Decree 
special economic measures are e xtended 
to products originating from the countries 
applying economic sanctions to the 
Russian persons or entities. Thus, the 
duration of Russia’s special economic 
measures depends on the removing of the 
reasons for their adoption.  
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 311 - 
 
   The Government Decree 778 of 7 August 
2014 does not establish any import 
licensing procedures or requirements in 
respect of the products covered.  
2. PANORAMA GENERAL DEL COMERCIO Y 
LA ECONOMÍA  
2.1 Situación Económica  
2.2. En 2016 el ritmo de crecimiento de la 
economía de Rusia se empezó a acelerar, y en 
2018 ascendió a un 2,8% (frente a un 0,2% en 
2016). Sin embargo, en 2019, el ritmo de 
crecimiento del PIB disminuyó a un 2%, en un 
contexto de empeoramiento generalizado de los 
principales indicadores de l a economía mundial, 
debido entre otras cosas a los conflictos 
comerciales y a la tendencia a la 
desglobalización y el proteccionismo.  
Pregunta:  La desglobalización ¿es una 
tendencia que viene desde dentro de Rusia para 
defender sus propios intereses o se t rata de 
políticas externas que afectan el desempeño 
económico de Rusia? ¿Se han podido identificar 
más políticas tendientes al proteccionismo en 
Rusia? ¿Los sectores protegidos afectarían las 
actividades de exportación de carne de 
Paraguay?   
The Russian Federation is not in a position 
to comment on the statements referred to 
in question, as the Russian Federation 
finds this statement lacking any 
justification, in particular the sources 
mentioned in relevant paragraphs do not 
support the conclusion s made.  
 
 
2.2 Comercio de mercancías  
2.10. El periodo examinado se caracteriza 
también por un crecimiento estable de la parte 
correspondiente a los productos de alta 
tecnología en el volumen total de exportaciones 
de Rusia, que pasó de un 14,5% en 2016 a un 
26,2% en 2020.  
Pregunta:  ¿Podría considerarse que los 
reajustes de la demanda de bienes tecnológicos 
producto de la pandemia por COVID -19 
impulsaron este significativo aumento de 
exportaciones de bienes de componente 
tecnológico? O ¿dicho resultado es p roducto de 
los objetivos estratégicos de Rusia?   
The growth in the share of high -tech goods 
in the total volume of Russian exports is 
the result of the implementation of the 
policy on priority areas of strategic 
development of science, technology, and 
engineering of the Russian Federation.  
 
 
 
 
2.3 Comercio de servicios  
2.16. Las exportaciones de servicios de Rusia 
siguen estando dominadas por los servicios de 
transporte, debido a la situación geográfica del 
país. El volumen y la proporción de esas 
exportaciones habían venido aumentando hasta 
2018 (USD 22.100 millones, o 34,2%). Hasta 
2019, las exportaciones de otros servicios 
prestados a las empresas presentaron una 
tendencia al alza (USD 13.000 millones o 
21,0%), principalmente relacionada con 
subgrupos como los de servicios profesionales y 
de consultores en gestión; servicios técnicos y 
comerciales, y otros servicios prestados a las 
empresas. Las exportaciones de servicios 
modernos de telecomunicaciones, informática e 
información han venido crecien do de forma 
constante (USD 5.900 millones o 12,6% en 
2020).  
Pregunta:  Teniendo en cuenta la fortaleza de 
Rusia en lo que respecta a las exportaciones de 
servicios de transporte, ¿podría Rusia contribuir In the recent years both Russian 
government and Russian based operators 
have steadily taken steps aiming at cost 
reduction in the field of logistics. The first 
one to mention is of course the 
digitalization of nearl y 3 billion of annually 
issued transport documents. Next one is 
"green technology" - goals aimed at 
increase of share of produced electric 
vehicles and introduction of hydrogen -
fueled road and rail transport with relevant 
charging and refueling infrastruct ure have 
been already adopted by the Russian 
Government with the sectoral strategies. 
Cost reduction in the field of aviation is 
achieved inter alia by introduction of 
performance -based navigation, 
remodelling of existing and construction of 
brand new airp orts (such as "Gagarin" in 
Saratov or "Platov" in Rostov) which leads 
to a better cost effectiveness in ground 
handling operations. The legal framework WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 312 - 
 
  con la logística global del comercio internacional 
de manera a hacer frente al elevado costo del 
transporte de mercancías que se observa y 
prevé para el corto plazo? En lo que respecta a 
informática y telecomunicaciones, ¿se considera 
Rusia como un potencial proveedor competitivo 
para otras regiones alejadas  geográficamente, 
como América del Sur?  
 of the Russian legislation and EAEU serves 
as a basis for innovative services, which 
also could help to reduce costs. Container 
service "Intertran " represents the 
comprehensive and unique multimodal 
service including maritime and rail carriage 
as well as container operator. "UTLC ERA ", 
which is the joint company of Russian, 
Belorussian and Kazakhstan railways, 
offers a possibility of "green corridor " 
though a EAEU territory and shows the 
constant growth with over 475 thosands 
TEUs carried in 9 months of 2021 (+35% 
to the relevant period of 2020) alone.  
 
Regarding IT and telecommunications the 
markets of South America countries is of 
interest to Russian IT and telecom 
suppliers.  
4 LIBERALIZACIÓN Y FACILITACIÓN DEL 
COMERCIO DE MERCANCÍAS  
4.2 Mejoramiento de la administración 
aduanera  
4.8. Pregunta:  Con respecto a la entrada en 
vigor del nuevo código aduanero y que incluye 
avances en cuanto al uso de tecnologías 
digitales y procesos electrónicos, ¿existiría la 
posibilidad de intercambio de experiencias y 
cooperación de transferencia de conocimientos 
con los socios de la OMC de menor desarrollo 
económico relativo?  The exchange of experience is carrie d out 
at such fora as the WCO, BRICS, APEC, the 
Kimberley Process, etc. On a bilateral 
basis, the exchange of experience is 
available through the framework of joint 
working groups.  
 
 
 
12 INTERACCIÓN REGIONAL Y BILATERAL  
Pregunta : ¿Cuál es la expectativa del actual 
acercamiento entre la Unión Económica 
Euroasiática con el MERCOSUR?  
 
 We expect further development of trade 
and economic relations with MERCOSUR 
within the framework of the Memorandum 
on trade and economic cooperation 
between the Eu rasian Economic 
Commission and the Common Southern 
American Market (MERCOSUR) dated 
December 2018.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA  
 
Government Report  
Sustainable Development  
Trade and environmental 
protection  
Para 10.9 page 26  
"A draft federal law "On the 
establishment of the experimental 
special regulation on emissions and 
absorption in certain Subjects of the 
Russian Federation" is currently 
awaiting approval from the 
Government of the Russian Federation. 
The Sakhalin Region will be the first 
region to co nduct this experiment. The 
experiment provides for the 
greenhouse gas emission quotas at the 
enterprise level. The goal is to achieve 
carbon neutrality in the region by the 
end of 2025."  
Question:  
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be 
grateful if Russian Fe deration elaborate 
more on this project?  A draft federal law "On conducting an experiment to 
establish special regulation of emissions and 
absorption of greenhouse gases in certain regions 
of the Russian Federation" provides for the 
experimental pilot proj ects aimed at achieving 
carbon neutrality in regions of the Russian 
Federation.  
The Sakhalin pilot project will be a first regional 
emission trading system in Russia. It provides for 
the following elements:  
- monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and 
removals;   
- quotas for greenhouse gas emissions;  
- mandatory reporting of regulated organizations 
and verification;  
- circulation and offset of carbon credits (issued if 
the actual emissions of the enterprise are below the 
established quota);  
- special econo mic and financial mechanisms 
stimulating the reduction of greenhouse gas 
emissions.  
It is expected that this pilot project will enhance the 
development of low -carbon solutions in the sectors 
of energy, transportation and industry, as well as 
allow attracting investment in these industries.  
Subsequently, the similar pilot projects may also be 
introduced in the other Russian regions.  
Secretariat Report  
2.4. Investment Regime  
Page 23 (Para 1.35)  
Question:  
The WTO Secretariat Report notes that 
the Ru ssian Federation has 
experienced reduced FDI inflows 
between 2014 and 2019, mainly due to 
increased uncertainties derived from 
economic measures applied by some 
countries and the Russian Federation's 
countermeasures. Would Russia be 
also be elaborate more on what some 
of these countermeasures are?  Among various measures taken by the Russian 
Federation with the view to protect its national 
security in the light of unilateral sanctions applied 
by certain Members in respect of the Russian 
Federation, the Presi dent of the Russian Federation 
adopted a Decree No. 560 of 6 August 2014. In 
accordance with this Decree Russian state bodies, 
legal entities and individuals under Russian 
jurisdiction shall respect restrictions in respect of 
imports to Russia of certain t ypes of agricultural 
products, raw materials and foodstuffs originating 
in countries that took a decision to impose 
economic sanctions on Russian legal entities and/or 
individuals, or have joined to such decisions.  
Page 27 (Para 2.1)  
Question:  
The WTO Secretariat Report notes that 
Russia's revised Constitution 
introduced a number of changes, 
including certain limits to the 
enforcement of decisions of interstate 
bodies established under international 
treaties. Would Russia be able to 
elaborate on these l imits, the rationale, 
as well as any potential impact of these 
changes?  The amendments relating the enforcement of 
decisions of interstate bodies affected Articles 79 
and 125 of the Constitution.  
 
Article 79 of the Constitution was supplemented 
with a provision which establishes that the 
decisions of interstate bodies shall not be enforced 
in the Russian Federation if such decisions are 
taken on the basis of interpretation of the 
international treat ies of the Russian Federation that 
is contrary to the Constitution of the Russian 
Federation.  
 
The amendment to Article 125 provided the 
Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation with 
the power to decide on consistency of interpretation WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  of an interna tional treaty by interstate bodies with 
the Constitution of the Russian Federation.  
Page 35 (Para 2.30)  
Question:  
The WTO Secretariat Report notes that 
the Russian Federation continues to lag 
in key areas affecting the overall 
investment regime, such as l egal 
independence. Would the Russia 
Federation be able to comment on the 
actions taken to address this?  The Russian Federation is not in a position to 
comment on the statements referred to in question, 
as the Russian Federation finds this statement 
lacking  justification.  
At the same time, the judiciary is one of three basic 
and equal pillars of power in the Russian 
Federation, together with legislature and executive 
branch. Judicial independence is a fundamental 
aspect of the rule of law, and a necessary 
safeguard for those who seek and expect justice as 
well as the protection of their rights. The 
guarantees of their independence are stipulated in 
the Constitution of the Russian Federation and in 
federal law.  
 
In accordance with Article 5 ( "Autonomy of Court s 
and Independence of Judges ") of Federal 
Constitutional Law of 31 December 1996 No.1-FKZ 
"On the judicial system of the Russian Federation" 
courts exercise judicial power independently, 
regardless of anyone's will, obeying only to the 
Constitution of the Russian Federation and the law. 
Laws and other normative legal acts that abolish or 
diminish the autonomy of the courts and the 
independence of judges may not be issued.  
 
Persons guilty of exerting unlawful influence on 
judges, jurors and arbitration jurors participating in 
the administration of justice, as well as in other 
interference in the activities of the court, shall be 
liable under federal law. The appropriation of the 
powers of the court is punished in accordance with 
the criminal law. 
Page 37 (Para 2.38)  
Question:  
The WTO Secretariat Report notes that 
restrictions on FDI remain relatively 
high overall. Would the Russian 
Federation be able to comment on the 
actions it would take to attract FDI?  We kindly refer to Section 5.3 Improv ing the 
Investment Climate of the Report by the Russian 
Federation (WT/TPR/G/416 of 22 September 2021), 
which contain the main measures undertaken by 
the Russian Federation with the view of improving 
the investment climate in Russia during the review 
period. Those would include, in particular: Business 
Climate Transformation instruments, various 
modifications to the corporate legislation, 
development of territories of Russia though creation 
of Special Economic Zones, Advanced Development 
Areas, as well as I nvestment Protection and 
Promotion Agreement between the State and an 
investor.  
Government Report  
3 Challenges  
Page 10 (Para 3.6)  
Question:  
The Government Report notes that 
"Russia continues to face a number of 
challenges that hinder the full 
realization of its potential as a 
participant in international trade" , and 
"a high level of protectionist pressure 
remains, due to both bilateral issues 
and global problems" . Would Russia be 
able to elaborate on its plans to tackle FTAs may be considered as one of the instruments 
aimed at promoting Russia's exports in third 
countries by reducing tariff and non -tariff barriers 
as well as  establishing transparent and more 
predictable trade environment. We believe that 
FTAs can enhance and improve Russian 
participation in global value chains. They also can 
contribute to the diversification of Russia's exports.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  these challenges, and wh ether its FTA 
strategy could be one of the ways to 
help Russia move towards its full 
potential? –  
5.4 Innovative Development  
Page 20 (Para 5.62)  
Question:  
The Government Report states that 
"work is underway to develop 
innovative scientific and technological 
centres (the so -called technological 
valleys) on the territory of which a 
special legal regime is implemented. By 
the end of 2020, five such centres have 
been created, some of them were 
established at the premises of the 
largest Russian universities." Could the 
Russian Federation share on the 
progress of the development of these 
scientific and technological centres, 
and the opportunities available for 
trade partners to collaborate in this 
area?  Work to increase the number of such technological 
valleys, as well as improving the existing ones is 
being carried out. For instance, the "Russky" 
technological valley in Vladivostok is planned to be 
further expanded. It is planned to build an 
innova tive "science city" (250 hectares) on its 
territory designed for comfortable work and living in 
a 24/7 format for entrepreneurs, scientists, 
engineers from all over the world. The 
6th technological valley "Intellectual Electronics – 
Valdai" was created in Autumn 2021. Another five 
technological valleys are: "Vorobyovy Gory" 
(Moscow), "Sirius" (Sochi), "Mendeleev Valley" 
(Moscow), "Russky" (Russky Island, Primorsky 
region), "Composite Valley" " (Tula region).  
  
These centers provide additional opportunities in 
the field of R&D activities and implementation of 
innovative solutions.  They provide students, young 
scientists and researchers with an opportunity to 
work on innovative and potentially commercial 
projects with the involvement of inductrial partners 
(including foreign ones).   
5.5 Digital Economy  
Page 21 (Para 5.69)  
Question:  
The Government Report states that 
Russia is pursuing seven digital 
economy national projects and seeks to 
be an "active participant in the 
discussions and negotiations on the 
settlement of trade aspects of e -
commerce, including within the 
framework of the WTO, to promote its 
best practices in this area and adopt 
the best practices of foreign partners" . 
Could the Russian Federation share 
whether it foresees opportunities for 
bilateral cooperation in this area, and 
how so?  Taking into account the active proce ss of creating 
and developing of digital economy in Russia, Russia 
is open to any form of cooperation with interested 
countries.  
10.2 Trade and Environmental 
Protection  
Page 27 (Para 10.7)  
Question:  
The Government Report states that the 
Russian Federation  export potential of 
hydrogen is "estimated to be 15 -
15.5million tons by 2050" . Could the 
Russian Federation further elaborate on 
its export strategy, and if it intends to 
commence exports in a phased manner 
in the years leading up to 2050?  According to th e Concept of hydrogen energy 
development in the Russian Federation 
(hereinafter - Concept), Russia is expected to 
provide a competitive cost of hydrogen both in the 
European market and in the Asia -Pacific Region. 
One of the challenges in realization of this  scenario 
is the need to develop infrastructure and 
technologies for cost -effective distribution of 
hydrogen.  
 
The total export of hydrogen from Russia is 
supposed to reach up to 0.2 million tonnes in 2024, 
2 – 12 million tonnes in 2035 and 15 – 50 million  
tonnes in 2050. This volume will be depend on the 
development of global low -carbon economy and the 
demand for hydrogen in the global market.  
To achieve the strategic goal of developing 
hydrogen energy, it is necessary to intensify WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  international cooperatio n in this area. This goal can 
be achieved by the conclusion of long -term export 
contracts for the hydrogen supply and energy 
products based on it, as well as by the exports of 
industrial products for hydrogen energy.  
12.2 Free Trade Agreements  
Page 31 (Para 12.7)  
Question:  
The Government Report states that the 
FTA between the Eurasian Economic 
Union and the Socialist Republic of Viet 
Nam, which entered into force on 5 
October 2016, "covers the liberali zation 
of trade in goods for about 88% of 
mutual tra de between Russia and Viet 
Nam" . However, Viet Nam did not rank 
as one of the Russian Federation's top 
10 goods export/import partners for 
the duration of the last WTO TPR 
period (source: Table 2.1 and 2.2), 
which is also the duration since the FTA 
entered  into force. Are there specific 
challenges that the Russian Federation 
faced, if any, in operationalizing  the 
FTA and growing goods trade with Viet 
Nam?  There are no specific challenges in functioning of 
the FTA with Vietnam. The implementation period 
for the reduction of import customs duties provided 
in the agreement has not expired yet. The 
implementation period for the elimination of import 
duties unde r this agreement is fixed for 2025.  
 
However, the turnover between Russia and Vietnam 
is increased by more than 45% since 2015 (the 
turnover in 2015 amounted to 3,9 billion USD 
compared to 5,7 billion USD in 2020).  
 
It also should be noted that Vietnam ( compared to 
2015) rose up by 8 positions in Russia's top trading 
partners ranking. Now Vietnam is in the 20th place.  
Secretariat Report:  
2.4.2 International Cooperation (Page 
38) 
 
2.41. Over the reporting period, the 
Russian Federation concluded three 
additional bilateral investment treaties 
(BITs) with the Islamic Republic of 
Iran, Morocco, and Palestine; a number 
of new BITs entered into force; and the 
BIT with India ended in 2017, bringing 
the total of BITs in force to 62 
according to UNCTAD (6 5 according to 
the authorities). They are 
complemented by six Treaties with 
Investment Provisions (including the 
EAEU).78 The Russian Federation also 
concluded additional double taxation 
agreements (DTAs) with Hong Kong, 
China; Ecuador; and Japan, and 
amen ded four (including most recently 
Cyprus, Malta, and Luxembourg), 
bringing the total number of DTAs to 
83, according to the authorities. The 
Russian Federation also adhered to the 
Multilateral Convention to Implement 
Tax Treaty Related Measures to 
Prevent Base Erosion and Profit 
Shifting, entering into force in 2019. In 
2016, the Russian Federation approved 
new rules governing the prioritization 
and negotiation of international 
agreements on the promotion and 
protection of investments.  
Questions:  This is within the purview of particular Russian 
companies. To our knowledge, a number of Russian 
companies plan to invest in fields abroad.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 317 - 
 
  Does Russi a have plans to invest 
directly in Oil & Gas sector to develop 
fields abroad in the form of FDI?  
Government Repor t: 
5 Economic Diversification, Promoting 
Trade and Investment (Page 13)  
 
5.3. During the period under review, 
the share of oil and gas export 
revenues in the total volume of the 
Russian Federation's foreign trade 
revenues has demonstrated a declining 
tendency: in 2020, the share of oil and 
gas revenues in the total exports has 
amounted to 49.6%, which is 8.5% 
less than in 2016. It should be noted 
that the share of MSMEs in the non -
primary exports has demonstrated 
stable growth, amounting to 17.2% in 
2019.  
 
Questions:  
Does member A foresee a need to 
increase oil production over the span of 
the next 10 years?  
Is Russia interested in attracting 
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and/or 
investing abroad?  The Russian Federation as one of the leading oil 
production countries aims at promoting a long -term 
sustainability of world oil market and ensuring and 
creation of effective supply/demand balance. Oil 
production growth in Russia is possible under 
general favourable conditions determined by world 
favourable market e nvironment and by global level 
of demand for oil in particular, which was "clutched" 
by corona crisis. At present world economy is 
experiencing a stage of uneven improvement, 
however volatility caused by pandemic still prevails 
over global economic recover y. 
Russia aims at restoring production level as the 
world economy and demand recovery.  
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 318 - 
 
  UNITED STATES  
 
Secretariat Report:  
1 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.2 Recent Economic 
Developments  
1.2.3 Balance of payments  
Pages 19 -20, Paragraphs 1.27:  
Contrary to the description in the 
Secretariat's Report, Russia's import 
substitution measures began before  
2014. Federal Law No. 44 -FZ (5 April 
2013), "On the Contract System for 
the Procurement of Goods, Works and 
Services for State and Municipal 
Needs"  went into effect January 1, 
2014 and established the basic 
framework for subsidiary measures 
restricting government procurement. 
Federal Law No. 223 -FZ (18 July 
2011) "On the Purchasing of Goods, 
Works, and Services by Certain Types 
of Legal Entities" wen t into effect on 
January 1, 2012 and established the 
legal basis for imposing purchasing 
restrictions on state -owned 
enterprises ("SOEs").  
Question:  
What was Russia's justification for 
such measures beginning as early as 
2012?  The economic meaning of import substitution is very 
close to one of reshoring. There is no equivalent term 
in Russian language for reshoring, that is why Russia 
uses notion of import substitution. Upon dissolution 
of USSR, disruption of economy and of prod uction 
chains which existed before 1992 within single 
territory, Russia lost substantial volumes of 
production of goods previously produced and 
consumed within the territory of the USSR and 
exported, as well as labor places and budgetary 
incomes from taxat ion. Domestic demand was 
progressively covered by increased supply of 
imported products. Imports has effectively 
substituted domestic production, with respective 
consequences for all parts of production chains, 
employment and budget. Please find examples i n 
following table.  
 
 1986  2001  
Steel processing 
machine tools  7,6 87,1 
Agricultural 
machines  14,3 85,0 
Trams, railway, 
metro wagons  31,3 48,6 
Busses  11,3 14,3 
Passenger cars  0,4 41 (as of 2005)  
Sugar  27,6 45,1 
Meat 6,5 45,0 
Inc. Poultry  7,5 50,1 (as of 2003)  
Butter  10,9 29,2 
Vegetable oils  14,1 44,6 
Vegetables  0,9 36,4 
Medicines  23 55-660 
Civil Aircrafts 
(production, 
pieces)  252 (as of 
1976)  12 
 
So, first, programs which may be also better defined 
as reshoring started in mid-90th and were connected 
with the intention to reestablish production levels lost 
in times of economic disturbances connected with 
dissolution of USSS, fundamental change of 
parameters of economic system to market based, 
privatization, etc. and to retur n back labor places 
which was critical because of low mobility of labor 
and big distances in Russia.  
Second, reshoring was connected with 
implementation of concept of food security, based on 
decisions of Security council. The Council approved 
such concepts  in 2010 and in 2020, establishing 
target proportions between production and 
consumption of key agricultural products.  
 Another set of programs relevant for manufacturing 
was developed after 2014, following economic 
sanctions, with the primary aim to secu re 
uninterrupted operation of supply chains in key 
sectors vital for country's economy, security and WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 319 - 
 
  defense, and later – to secure stable flow of goods 
necessary for fight against pandemic.  
While implementing its policies Government acts in 
conformity wi th its obligations under WTO agreement 
and intends to continue doing so in future. Type of 
policy instruments depends on the nature and 
character of the problem. For example, in agriculture 
a mix of trade policy instruments was used to provide 
relief to do mestic producers after aggressive and 
underpriced growth of importation, including 
safeguards and TRQs on poultry, pork, beef, sugar. 
Investments into development of domestic 
production of cars were supported by conclusion of 
special investment contracts, investments in some 
other areas were supported by preferential taxation 
within the framework of special economic zones. 
Some regions provided preferential access to 
infrastructure for those who wanted to establish 
production site in their territory. These cases and 
underlying policies are described in respective parts 
of the Report of the Working Party on accession of 
the Russian Federation to the WTO.  
Recent programs are closely connected with the 
government procurement schemes, where access to 
respective programs is in itself a beneficial support 
for investors into respective industries, as well as 
other types of promotion, including provision of 
financial resources (subsidies), at regional or federal 
level.  
 
Russia avoids using trade restrictive measures  like 
bans, quotas or other types of restrictions prohibited 
or limited under the WTO. Russia is of the view that 
there is no need to provide any particular justification 
for its policies or their underlying programs which are 
in line with its WTO obligati ons. 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.1 General Framework  
Page 28, Paragraph 2.6:  The report 
indicates that draft normative legal 
acts are subject to a regulatory 
impact assessment (RIA) procedure 
(which also considers, inter alia , the 
impact of a draft normative legal act 
on micro, small, and medium -sized 
enterprises (MSMEs)). Draft 
normative legal acts are posted for at 
least 30 days on the 
regulation.gov.ru website for public 
access and the opportunity to provide 
comments and ma ke proposals that 
can be considered by the developers 
of the acts.  
Question:  
Do all authorities use the same 
procedure to prepare an RIA, and is 
there formal guidance on the process 
for preparing an RIA?  
 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  To both questions.  
The authorities use the same procedure to prepare 
an RIA. There is a formal guidance on the process for 
preparing an RIA.  
This guidance is publicly available. It is reflected in 
the Government's Resolution of 17 December 2021 
No. 1318 "Concerning the Proc edures of the 
Regulatory Impact Assessment of Draft Regulatory 
Legal Acts and Draft Decisions Issued by the 
Eurasian Economic Commission to be Implemented 
by the Federal Executive Authorities, and also 
Concerning Amendments of Some Acts Issued by the 
Gover nment of the Russian Federation".  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 320 - 
 
  2.1 General Framew ork 
Page 28, Paragraph 2.6  
Question:  
Is that guidance public, and if so, 
where?  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.1 General Framework  
Page 28, Paragraph 2.6  
Question:  
Are the RIAs published together with 
the draft normative legal act?  The draft act and the summary RIA report are 
published on regulation.gov.ru, on one webpage at a 
time. The final RIA report, prepared by the Ministry 
of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, 
is published later, aligned with the stages of the 
procedure (the same webpage on regulation.gov.ru).  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.1 General Framework  
Page 28, Paragraph 2.6  
Question:  
Are all comments posted on 
regulation.gov.ru?   A website feedback tool allows to leave comments 
directly on the draft act webpage. Also, the 
comments can be provided via e -mail. All submitted 
comments are published in a summary report along 
with the regulator's responses.  
 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.1 General Framework  
Page 28, Paragraph 2.6  
Question:  
Are foreign stakeholders able to 
participate in the RIA public 
consultations?   Foreign stakeholders are able to participate in the 
RIA public consultations.  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.1 General Framework  
Page 28, Paragraph 2.6  
Question:  
What requirements exist, if any, for 
regulators to take public comments 
received into account in the final 
measure?   The regulator is obliged to consider all submitted 
comments. In the final report, the regulator shall 
respond to any comment whether it has been taken 
into account or not when finalizing the draft 
regulatory act, and explain the reason why it has 
been declined. The technical functionality of 
regulation.gov .ru is designed to ensure that all 
comments received are necessarily reviewed. It is 
impossible to skip to the next step of the procedure 
on regulation.gov.ru, if the results of the comments 
review are not provided.   
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.1 Gen eral Framework  
Page 28, Paragraph 2.6  
Question:  
Does the regulator publish the 
comments received and the 
regulator's response, and describe 
how the final measure may have 
been revised in light of comments 
received?   The comments taken into account by the regulator 
are highlighted in the final revision of the draft legal 
act. 
Page 28, paragraph 2.8:  The report 
lists a number of websites that make 
legal acts accessible online, including 
government.ru/docs/all, garant.ru, 
consultant.ru, and docs.cntd.ru.  
Question:  
Do any of these websites provide 
information about all mandatory 
requirements in one pla ce so that 
businesses can understand the 
requirements with which they must 
comply?  Information regarding mandatory requirements is 
provided in the Register of Mandatory Requirements 
(ot.gov.ru). The Register is currently in a pilot mode.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 28, paragr aph 2.8  
Question:  
What are the differences in the four 
websites listed?   The primary source where regulatory legal acts are 
officially released is pravo.gov.ru. The website 
government.ru/docs/all releases regulatory legal acts 
issued by the Government of t he Russian Federation. 
The websites garant.ru, consultant.ru and 
docs.cntd.ru are private legal data aggregators.  
Page 28, paragraph 2.8  
Question:  
The United States understands that 
the Russian Federation developed a 
registry of all mandatory 
requirements (The Government 
Report references the registry on 
page 24, paragraph 8.5 .) The registry 
appears to be in pilot mode; when 
will the registry be fina lized?  Currently, the Register of Mandatory Requirements 
(ot.gov.ru) is a pilot web portal since the creation of 
a complete database to cover all mandatory 
requirements is still underway. No specific timeline is 
set out for its finalization.  
2.3 Trade Ag reements and 
Arrangements  
2.3.1 WTO  
Page 32, Paragraph 2.18:  As the 
Secretariat's Report notes, Russia 
began its GPA accession negotiations 
in 2016. Since then, Russia has 
adopted numerous import 
substitution requirements applicable 
to government procurement.  
Question:  
How does Russia justify those 
measures  with i ts efforts to join the 
GPA?  A Member joining the GPA negotiates individual 
accession terms with the GPA Parties based on the 
mutual interests of the negotiating parties and the 
GPA standards. Therefore, Russia is ready to engage 
into discussions on the com patibility of the Russian 
policy in the sphere of government procurement with 
the GPA standards within the framework of accession 
negotiations process.  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
2.3.1 WTO  
Page 32, Paragraph 2.19  
Question:  
How does Russia explain its "strong [] 
support [of] the multilateral trading 
system" in the face of its far -reaching 
import substitution programs that 
work to keep imports out of the 
Russian market?  
 WTO members and their traders are aware that the 
WTO al lows to implement import duties, anti -
dumping  and safeguard and many other measures 
and instruments, including agriculture and other 
subsidies, which aim to support or protect domestic 
production and which lead to decrease of imports. All 
WTO Members implement such measures and 
instruments, even thou gh they are designed to keep 
imports out of their markets or limit its influence on 
domestic conjuncture. This fact does not limit the 
desire of Members to support multilateral trading 
system because its rules keep protectionism under 
control. Russia's reg ulatory policy fully respects WTO 
rules, in particular Russia does ignore WTO safeguard 
rules explaining its non -consistent safeguards by 
security considerations. Russia is not discriminating 
imports from third countries with reference to their 
non-market economy status, nor Russia forces its 
trading partners to source huge quantities of Russian 
goods and thus substituting products from other 
countries.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 322 - 
 
  2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
2.3.1 WTO  
Page 33, Paragraph 2.20:   
Question:  
When does Russia plan to provide the 
missing four notifications identified by 
the Secretariat? Moreover, the United 
States notes that the Russian 
Federation has not yet notified its 
COVID -19-related agricultural export 
restrictions to the WTO Committee on 
Agriculture. When will the Russian 
Federation notify these measures to 
the Committee on Agriculture?  The Russian Federation respects and properly fulfills 
its notification obligations under the Agreement on 
Agriculture and will continue to do so in the fu ture. 
Please note that the measures in question were 
notified on the WTO web page dedicated to enhancing 
transparency of trade -related measures aimed at 
containing and alleviating COVID -19 impacts. 
Domestic support for calendar year 2020 is planned 
to be no tified at the beginning of the next year. The 
delay for the submission of notifications is due to 
specificity of the federal and regional budget 
execution.  
2.4 Investment Regime  
2.4.1 Regulatory framework  
Page 37, Paragraph 2.36  
Question:  
Please provide examples of any 
"regulatory sandbox" mechanisms to 
facilitate digital innovation adopted 
by the Government under Federal 
Law No. 258 -FZ of 21 July 2020 on 
Experimental Legal Regimes in the 
Field of Digital Innovation in the 
Russian Federatio n? Please describe 
the process by which the Government 
evaluates potential "regulatory 
sandbox" mechanisms and how it 
ensures that these mechanisms are 
consistent with the WTO obligations 
of Russia?  "Regulatory sandboxes" instrument entails creation 
of so-called experimental legal regime on a 
temporary basis in respect of limited number of 
participants of the relevant experiment. The purpose 
of Federal Law No 258 -FZ is not to create a special 
regime for the participants of the experiment, it is to 
test new  ways and methods of regulation of a 
particular area. To that extent the Federal Law does 
not regulate particular sectors of economy or certain 
activities but provides a new mechanism for 
developing legislation.   
3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting 
Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, 
valuation, and requirements  
Page 40, paragraph 3.6  
Question:  
If, as the Secretariat's Report 
indicates, "[c]ommercial imports 
deemed to be of low risk are cleared 
solely on the basis of the customs 
declaration…", why does Russia 
maintain the establishment listing 
requirement for low -risk veterinary 
products?  Paragr aph 3.6 of the TPR is devoted to specific issues 
related to the risk management system of the 
Russian Federation in the area of customs 
regulations. This is not relevant for the context of 
application of veterinary (SPS) measures.  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
Page 45, paragraph 3.25:   
Question:  
What steps will Russia take to reduce 
the effective tariff rates that exceed 
Russia's bound rates in the three 
tariff lines mentioned by the 
Secretariat in its Report? In addition, 
what steps will Russia take to ensure 
that t he additional tariff rates in 
seven other tariff lines will not exceed 
Russia's bound rate? Further, in 
paragraph 313 of its Working Party  
According to the Treaty on the EAEU , the reduction of 
applied tariffs is carried out by Eurasian Economic 
Commission.  In the process of reconciling the level of 
duties with the EAEU members and EEC, Russia 
verifies the level of specific parts of combined duties 
based on import data of respective period. New levels 
of duties are reflected in the CCT that is available to 
all WTO Members. Russia will indicate this question 
to the EEC.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Report, Russia committed to 
providing Members the results, on a 
tariff line basis, of its calculations to 
ensure that  for goods subject to a 
combined duty the ad  valorem 
equivalent of the specific duty rate for 
each tariff line, calculated based on 
the average customs value, would be 
no higher than the alternative ad 
valorem duty rate for that tariff line 
in the Schedule  of the Russian 
Federation. Russia has not, to date, 
provided those calculations. When will 
Russia provide those calculations to 
the WTO?  
3.1.4 Other charges affecting 
imports  
Page 48, paragraph 3.31:   
Question:  
Please describe the "systems for 
streamlined control of the turnover 
and movement of goods in the 
[Eurasian Economic] Union" (EAEU) 
described in this paragraph. How will 
these systems affect imports from 
outside the EAEU?  Currently, the system of control is being discussed 
between responsible authorities of the EAEU Member 
states. Russia will inform interested M embers on the 
results of the discussion.  
 
Pages 48 -49, Table 3.7:   
According to the data in this table, in 
2016 all cars paid the same excise 
tax rate, regardless of engine power. 
Beginning in 2021, however, cars 
with larger engines now pay 
increasingly higher excise tax rates.  
Question:  
Please explain why the excise tax 
rates were changed, increasing the 
three highest rates by over 300% 
from the 2016 rate?   
 Until 2018, the rates of excise taxes on cars were 
differentiated depending on engine power (up to 90 
hp; from 90 hp and up to 150 hp; over 150 hp).  
In 2018, a decision was made to differentiate the 
rate of excise taxes on cars with engine power over 
200 hp, which are considered as goods of prestigious 
consumption, with the establish ment of higher excise 
rates for them, while maintaining a stable tax rate on 
personal income.  
Please note that the specified excise rates are equally 
applied to both imported cars and those produced on 
the territory of the Russian Federation.  
Among the car s sold in Russia with an engine power 
of more than 300 hp 9 percent is produced in Russia 
and 91 percent is imported.  
Pages 48 -49, Table 3.7  
Question:  
What percentage of cars sold in 
Russia with engine power over 300 
hp is manufactured in Russia and 
what percentage is imported?    
Pages 48 -49, Table 3.7  
Question:  
Why did Russia decide to apply higher 
excise tax rates based on the car's 
horsepower?  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Pages 50 -51, paragraphs 3.36 -
3.39 Question:  
With regard to Russia's import 
licensing regime for products with 
cryptographic capabilities, does 
Russia still consider this regime to be 
an "interim" system, as described in 
its Working Party Report? Will Russia 
engage with interested Members i n a 
review of the regime to "clarify and 
refine procedures" and expand the 
list of products subject to notification 
rather than import licensing, as 
provided in paragraph 483 of the 
Working Party Report? In addition, 
does Russia plan to update its import 
licensing regime for products with 
cryptographic capabilities to reflect 
recent amendments to the Wassenaar 
Arrange ment which exempted 
numerous encryption products and 
functionalities from control? How 
does Russia explain the inconsistency 
between its treatment of "mass 
market products" and its 
corresponding WTO commitments?  Russia considers import licensing regime for products 
with encryption capabilities as interim as provided for 
by WP Report. If our trading partners will develop 
proposals in respect of this regime they will be 
considered. We do not see inconsistency between the 
treatment of "mass market pr oducts" and Russia's 
corresponding WTO commitments.  
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53, Paragraph 3.45:   
The Secret ariat Report's explains 
that the Russian Federation had 
temporarily banned and then 
imposed a tracking and tracing 
system utili zing identification seals 
on international transit of certain 
cargo through its territory.  Upon 
lifting the transit ban in 2019 the 
Russian Federation left in place 
traceability requirements that 
require importers to enter 
information into its electronic 
notification system (Mercury).  The 
Russian Federation has not provided 
a risk - or science -based justification 
for these traceability requirements.   
Question:  
To what products does the Mercury 
notification system apply?  The Mercury notification system appli es to meat (beef, 
pork, lamb, horse meat, poultry) and fish.  
 
 
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53, Paragraph 3.45:   
Question:  
Does the Mercury notification 
system apply to products from all 
countries?  To both questions.  
The Mercury notification system applies to parties to 
agreements concluded with the Rosselkhoznadzor.  
Such agreements are concluded with interested parties 
upon their request.  
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53, Paragraph 3.45:   
Question:  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 325 - 
 
  If the Mercury notification system 
applies only to products from 
specific countries, please explain 
why Russia has targeted those 
particular countries.  
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53, Paragraph 3.45:   
Question:  
Please explain on what basis the 
Russian Federation justifies these 
traceability requirements that have 
restricted transshipment of U.S. 
poultry products through its 
territory.  These requirements are applied in accordance with the 
Resolution of the Government of the Russian  
Federation as of 27 December 2019 No. 1877.   
3.1.7 Other measures affecting 
imports  
Page 53, Paragraph 3.45:   
Question:  
Please provide the scientific basis for 
the decision to impose this tracking 
system and how the Russian 
Federation ensures its regulation will 
protect human or animal life or 
health under the WTO SPS 
Agreement.  The "Mercury" notification system is designed to 
facilitate trade.  
Pages 53 -54, paragraph 3.46:  
This paragraph describes Russia's 
mandatory labeling regime, also 
known as the "track and trace" 
regime.  
Question:  
Please provide a comprehensive list 
of products subject to its "track and 
trace" regime.  Traceability system is aimed at creating conditions for 
the exclusion of various schemes for evading customs 
and tax payments, as well as for the confirmation the 
legality of the turnover of goods between the 
territories of the Member States of the EAEU.  
 
The traceability system is applied to the refrigerators, 
fork- lift trucks, self - propelled bulldozers, washing 
machines, trucks, baby carriages, child safety sittings.  
 
One of the criteria to include goods in the list of goods 
subject to traceability is the non -application of existing 
state information systems (for example, EGAIS, track 
and trace system) to the products concerned. Thus, 
simultaneous application of two or more traceability 
systems is excluded.   
 
Taxpayers carrying out operations with goods subject 
to traceability are required to submit reports to the tax 
authority on operations with these goods and 
documents containing traceability details. The 
traceabilit y system does not imply the use of 
"physical" identifiers of goods but it is based on 
ensuring the accumulation of information from 
"negotiable" documents, which makes it possible to 
track the commercial turnover of goods.  
 
The traceability system is base d on e -documentation 
by assigning a registration number to a batch of goods 
and reflecting it on an electronic invoice.  Pages 53 -54, paragraph 3.46:  
Question:  
Please describe the newly -imposed 
Traceability Regime, including the 
products currently covered,  and 
Russia's policy for expanding the list 
of covered products, how the 
labeling requirements differ from the 
track and trace regime's 
requirements, and why the regime 
is needed in light of the existing 
track and trace regime.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 54, paragraph 3.47:  
Question:  
According to the Secretariat's 
Report, the Government of Russia 
described a recent World Bank 
report on planned import 
substitution measures as having "a 
forecast character." What steps is 
the Government of Russia taking  to 
meet the desired reduction in import 
shares?  Russia is not imposing any quantitative or other 
similar trade restrictive measures which may limit 
share of imported industrial products in commercial 
part of internal market. In respect of government 
procu rement, minimum level for procurement of 
limited number of products from domestic sources is 
established in order to support domestic industries and 
spend money of Russian taxpayers for strengthening 
national enterprises, increase income of domestic 
worker s and farmers. These topics could be subject for 
discussions during negotiations on accession to GPA.  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting 
Exports  
3.2.1 Customs procedures and 
requirements  
3.2.2 Export taxes, charges, and 
levies  
Page 56, paragraph 3.55:   
Question:  
The Secretariat reports that some of 
the export duties applied by Russia 
"are imposed to ensure greater 
availability of raw materials for the 
domestic industry."  
How are export duties imposed to 
protect domestic supply consistent 
with GATT Artic le XI's prohibition 
against quantitative restrictions?  Russian Federation applies export duties in accordance 
with WTO Agreement, including Protocol on Russia's 
Accession to the WTO.  
 
The floating duty won't be applied to wheat with the 
price under 200 dollars. With the higher price, the 
duty rate will be 70% of the difference between the 
world price and 200 dollars. For barley and corn – the 
threshold is 185 dollars per tonne.  
 
Page 56, paragraph 3.57 and 
3.58:  The Secretariat's Report notes 
that Russia will replace export tariff 
rate quotas with "floating duties, 
calculated using a benchmark 
index."  
Question:  
Please explain how the floating 
duties will be calculated.   
Page 56, paragraph 3.57 and 
3.58 
Question:  
How will Russia ensure that such 
duties remain within Russia's 
bindings?   
Page 56, paragraph 3.57 and 
3.58 
Question:  
According to the Secretariat's 
Report, the export duties will be 
applied only to exports outside the 
EAEU. What percentage of Russian 
exports of wheat, barley, rye, and 
corn are exported outside the EAEU, 
as opposed to shipped within the 
EAEU?  Russian export of wheat, barley and corn outside the 
EAEU equals around 97 percent of total Russian export 
of thes e products (rye – 85 percent).  
Page 56, paragraph 3.57 and 
3.58 
Question:  
Please explain what steps the 
Russian Federation can take to 
increase the transparency of its 
export prohibitions and restrictions 
administration and provide timely The Russian Federation re spects and properly fulfills 
its notification obligations under the Agreement on 
Agriculture and will continue to do so in the future.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 327 - 
 
  written notification to Members in 
the Committee on Agriculture.  
Page 56, Paragraph 3.58:  The 
Secretariat explains that the Russian 
Federation significantly increased its 
export duty f or sunflower seeds and 
soya beans to 30 percent but at 
least EUR 165 per ton from 9 
January to 30 June 2021 and then 
extended the rates to 31 August 
2022. The United States notes that 
in the Working Party Report 
(WT/ACC/RUS/70 – WT/MIN(11)/2), 
Paragraph 63 7 states that the 
Russian Federation undertook 
bilateral tariff negotiation on export 
duties with some Members. These 
concession and commitments are 
contained in Part V of the Schedule, 
which formed Annex 1 of the 
Protocol of Accession. The 
implemented exp ort duties on 
sunflower seeds and soya beans 
appear to be higher than those 
agreed to in the Russian 
Federation's Goods schedule. The 
original export duties or its 
extension have not been notified to 
fellow Members.  
Question:  
Please identify on what basis the 
Russian Federation may increase its 
export duties beyond its WTO 
commitments.  Russian Federation applies export duties in accordance 
with WTO Agreement, including Protocol on Russia's 
Accession to the WTO.  
 
 
Page 56, Paragraph  3.59:   
The Secretariat's  Report  notes  that 
the Russian  Federation  introduced  
temporary  export  duties  for ferrous  
and non-ferrous  metals  lasting  from 
1 August  2021 until 31 December  
2021,  implemented  by Decree  No. 
988 dated  25 July 2021.  These  
temporary  export  duties  apply  a 
15% base tariff rate, with a metal -
specific  minimum  tariff ranging  from 
USD 54/mt  to USD 2,321/mt.  These  
effective  rates exceed  Russia's  
bound  tariff rates.   
 
Question:  
Please  explain  the justification  for 
Russia  exceeding  its bound  export  
tariff rates.   To all three questions.  
Russian Federation applies export duties in accordance 
with WTO Agreement, including Protocol on Russia's 
Accession to the WTO.  
 
Page 56, Paragraph  3.59:   
Question:  
Under  what conditions  or timetable  
will Russia  lift those  export  duties?   
Page 56, Paragraph  3.59:   
Question:  
How do these  temporary  export  
restrictions  ensure  market -based  
outcomes  in the steel industry,  such WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 328 - 
 
  as open and competitive  markets  
and a market -driven  approach  to 
resource  allocation?   
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
 
Page 58, Par agraph 3.65:  The 
Secretariat states that the Eurasian 
Economic Union (EAEU) prohibited 
the exportation of certain 
agricultural goods from 21 April to 1 
July 2020. Since its WTO accession 
the Russian Federation has yet to 
submit any required notification on  
export restrictions for agricultural 
products to the Committee on 
Agriculture.  
 
Question:  
Please explain why Russia has not 
submitted any WTO notifications of 
agricultural export restrictions 
implemented by the EAEU.  Temporary export prohibition on certain food products 
applied by the EAEU from 10 April to 30 June 2020 
was notified on the WTO webpage dedicated to 
enhancing transparency of trade -related measures 
aimed at containing and alleviating COVID -19 impacts. 
The Russian Federation respects and properly fulfills 
its notification obligations under the Agreement on 
Agriculture and will c ontinue to do so in the future.  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
 
Page 58, Paragraph 3.65  
Question:  
Please explain what steps the 
Russian Federation can take to 
increase the transparency of export 
prohibitions implemented by the 
EAEU  and provide timely written 
notification to Members in the 
Committee on Agriculture.   
3.2.4 Export finance, insurance, 
and guarantees  
Page 58, Paragraph 3.68  
Question:  
Which Russian financing entity 
provides support for nuclear 
exports?  
 At the outset, clarity is needed on what exactly is 
considered as "nuclear exports". As we understand, 
such wording can either refer only to sales of nuclear 
materials, or have a wider coverage, including relevant 
equipment, technologies, or even establishing nuclear 
power plants (NPPs) abroad. Instruments of support 
may differ depending on the coverage on "nuclear 
exports".  
For instance, there are no restrictions on support of 
NPPs cons truction. Both EXIAR and Eximbank of 
Russia may consider support for such projects on NSU 
Arrangement terms.   
Pages 59 -60, paragraph 3.76: In 
this paragraph, the Secretariat 
reports that "According to the 
authorities, VEB.RF and related 
companies do not f ollow uniform 
directives on minimum Russian 
content…". Our understanding is 
that Russia has adopted numerous 
measures requiring minimum 
Russian content both in government 
procurement but also in purchases 
by SOEs.  
Question:  There are no such directives.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 329 - 
 
  Please explain what is meant by "do 
not follow uniform directives on 
minimum Russian content."  
Pages 59 -60, paragraph 3.76   
Question:  
Does the Russian Export Center 
(REC) connect Russian exporters 
with Roseximbank and EXIAR?   The REC provides non -financial support to Russian 
registered companies that are interested in expanding 
or creating their export activities. Exporters do not 
need to contact the REC before accessing support from 
EXIAR and Eximbank of Russia. Howeve r, if a company 
needs assistance in organizing and support of export, 
it can reach out to REC contact center.  
Pages 59 -60, paragraph 3.76:  
Question:  
How does REC coordinate with 
Roseximbank and EXIAR? Must 
Russian exporters contact REC first 
to access support from Roseximbank 
and EXIAR?  The Russian Export Center Group incorporates the 
Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment 
Insurance (EXIAR JSC) and Eximbank of Russia JSC 
aiming to offer comprehensive integrated services to 
the export -oriented companies.  
Pages 59 -60, paragraph 3.76:  
Question:  
What are the financial terms and 
conditions of the Roseximbank loans 
(that are reported in para 3.77 as 
increasing) and guarantees? Please 
include information on applicable 
interest rate, tenor, risk  premia, if 
applicable, for foreign buyers of 
Russian goods.   
 The Eximbank of Russia performs its activities based 
on general commercial principles and is subject to 
banking regulation set by the Central Bank of the 
Russian Federation, which means that Eximbank of 
Russia performs standard range of bank market 
operations in order to fund its credit activity.  
Interest rates are set after a thorough consideration, 
including risk analysis, and reflect the major terms of 
the underlying transaction.  
Also, the Eximbank of Russia follows the minimum 
interest rates rules set by the OECD Arrangement in 
order to comply with the requirements of the WTO on 
activities related to official export support. All the 
other financial terms, including maximum tenors, are 
set in accordance with the OECD Arrangement and its 
sectoral understanding rules.  
Page 60, Paragraph 3.77:  
Question:  
Does Roseximbank provide any 
medium -and-long term (MLT) export 
credit support?  Eximbank of Russia provides both short term and 
medium -and-long term export credit support.  
Page 60, Paragraph 3.77:  
Question:  
Does EXIAR cover all loans from 
Roseximbank?  Not necessarily all loans from Roseximbank are 
covered by EXIAR. However, all MLT credits are 
covered by EXIAR.  
3.3 Measures Affecting 
Production and Trade  
3.3.1 Incentives  
Page 64, paragraph 3.94:  
Question:  
If, as described in this paragraph, 
the EAEU rules "prohibit export 
subsidies," please explain how the 
following legal measures are 
consistent with the EAEU rules:  
Government Resolution No. 900 
(6/11/2021) : Subsidies to reimburse 
high-tech exporters for p art of the 
costs associated with after -sales 
services for their exported products. 
The amount of the subsidy is based 
on the company's annual volume of 
exports.  The measures described in Governmental resolution 
900 (11/6/2021) are not covered by export sub sidies 
prohibition in para.9 Appendix N 28 to the Treaty on 
the EAEU (PROTOCOL ON UNIFORM RULES FOR 
PROVIDING INDUSTRIAL SUBSIDIES).  
3.3 Measures Affecting 
Production and Trade  The measures described in Governmental resolution 
No. 931 (6/18/2021) are not covered by export WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 330 - 
 
  3.3.1 Incentives  
Page 64, paragraph 3.94:  
Question:  
If, as described in this paragraph, 
the EAEU rules "prohibit export 
subsidies," please explain how the 
following legal measures are 
consistent with the EAEU rules:  
Government Resolution No. 931 
(6/18/2021) : Subsidies to reimburse 
high-tech exporters for costs 
associated with homo logation of 
products for foreign markets and 
R&D expenses. The amount of the 
subsidy is dependent on the volume 
of the organization's annual exports.   subsidies prohibition in para.9 Appendix N 28 to the 
Treaty on the EAEU.  
3.3 Measures Affecting 
Production and Trade  
3.3.1 Incentives  
Page 64, paragraph 3.94:  
Question:  
If, as described in this paragraph, 
the EAE U rules "prohibit export 
subsidies," please explain how the 
following legal measures are 
consistent with the EAEU rules:  
Government Resolution No. 146 
(2/10/2018) : Subsidy to Russian 
manufacturers to compensate for 
part of the costs associated with the 
release and support of warranty 
obligations for high -performance 
self-propelled and trailed 
equipment. This subsidy is 
contingent on production volumes or 
export volum es.  The measures described in Governmental resolution . 
No. 146 (2/10/2018) are not covered by export 
subsidies prohibition in para.9 Appendix N 28 to the 
Treaty on the EAEU.  
3.3 Measures Affecting 
Production and Trade  
3.3.1 Incentives  
Page 64, paragrap h 3.94:  
Question:  
If, as described in this paragraph, 
the EAEU rules "prohibit export 
subsidies," please explain how the 
following legal measures are 
consistent with the EAEU rules:  
Government Resolution No. 957 
(9/23/2016) : Subsidy to Russian 
agricultural engineering entities for 
export costs associated with 
transportation, homologation, and 
product conformity.  The measures described in Governmental resolution 
No. 957 dated 23.9.2016 are not covered by export 
subsidies prohibition in para.9 Appendix N 28 to  the 
Treaty on the EAEU.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 331 - 
 
  3.3 Measures Affecting 
Production and Trade  
3.3.1 Incentives  
Page 64, paragraph 3.94:  
Question:  
If, as described in this paragraph, 
the EAEU rules "prohibit export 
subsidies," please explain how the 
following legal measures are 
consistent with the EAEU rules:  
Government Resolution No. 566 
(6/8/2015) : Subsidy to 
Roseximbank  to compensate for lost 
income on loans issued to finance 
projects that promote the export of 
high-tech products.  The measures described in Governmental resolution 
No. 566 dated 08.6.2015 are not covered by export 
subsidies prohibition in para.9 Appendix N  28 to the 
Treaty on the EAEU.  
Page 65, paragraph 3.100:   
Question:  
Does the Corporate Competitiveness 
Enhancement Program, or measures 
implementing the Program, contain 
any local content or export 
performance requirements?  Program applies in respect of enterprises established 
in Russia which are producing products in Rus sia or 
abroad for subsequent use by Russian industries in 
foreign countries.  
Export figures are used as one of the criteria to 
evaluate competitiveness of the enterprise 
participating in the program.  
Page 66, Paragraph 3.105:   
The Secretariat states that between 
June 2016 and June 2021, the EEC 
Council adopted 15 EAEU technical 
regulations, and the Russian 
Federation enacted over 7,500 
national standards.   
The United States understands that 
Russia requires products labeled 
"whiskey" (or "whisky ") to be aged a 
minimum of three years. In the 
United States and many other 
whiskey producing economies, there 
is no minimum age requirement for 
whiskey. Due to advances in barrel 
technology, U.S. micro -distillers are 
able to reduce the aging time for 
whisky while maintaining a quality 
product and this, in turn, eliminates 
the need for minimum age 
requirements.  
Question:  
Please explain the rationale for 
requiring a three -year aging period 
for whiskey.  Understanding of the United States is not correct. This 
requirement applies only in respect of moat whiskey 
which should be aged a minimum 6 months (see GOST 
33281 -2015). Other categories of whiskey, i.e. 
blended and grain whiskey, needn't to be aged.  
 
Pages 66 -68, section 3.3.2: 
Standards and other technical 
requirements:  It appears from this 
section that, with the exception of 
the three national -level regulations 
listed in Table 3.14, all other 
technical regulations in effect in 
Russia are EAEU regulati ons.  
Question:  
Could Russia please confirm  our 
understanding?  
  Currently, the work on aligning the provisions of the 
Federal Law and the Technical Regulation of the EAEU 
is being conducted by the competent authorities. The 
relevant amendments to the regulation of alcoholic 
beverages are being developed in manner to ensure 
their consistency with the WTO rules and the Treaty 
on the EAEU.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 332 - 
 
  Pages 66 -68, section 3.3.2: 
Standards and other technical 
requirements  
Question:  
If our understanding is correct, what 
implementing regulations govern 
when Russia has adopted a law but 
no EAEU -wide technical regulation is 
yet in place? For example, in July 
2021, the Russian Federation 
adopted Federal Law No. 345 -FZ 
amending its framework regulating 
the alcoho l and wine industry. Some 
of the provisions included in the law 
changed the regulatory regime 
governing the production of wine. 
The EAEU, however, has not 
adopted corresponding technical 
regulations. An EAEU -level 
Regulatory Impact Analysis rejected 
the im plementing technical 
regulations introduced by Russia to 
implement Federal Law No. 345. In 
such a situation, what technical 
regulations govern?  
Page 67, Paragraph 3.106:   
Between June 2016 and March 
2021, the Russian Federation 
submitted 41 regular notif ications to 
the WTO TBT Committee, all of 
which concerned EAEU -level 
measures. Of those submissions, 
only 21 of them allowed for a 
comment period of 60 days or more.  
Can Russia provide an explanation 
of why it has not followed the 
standard WTO practice of  allowing 
for a 60 -day comment period for the 
majority of its TBT Committee 
notifications?  The Russian Federation fully complies with is 
obligations regarding transparency. Notifications with 
a comment period of less than 60 days were either on 
re-published measures or on provisions that improve 
technical regulations in force.  
Besides, the Russ ian Federation and the Eurasian 
Economic Commission repeatedly allowed and took 
into account the comments  
submitted, inter alia, by the United States , after the 
comment period was finished.  
 
Page 67, Paragraph 3.106:   
Question:  
Is Russia taking any current actions 
to improve the length of time it is 
allowing for comments pertaining to 
technical regulations submitted to 
the TBT Committee?  The Russian Federation is improving the work of its 
institutions on the regular basis, inclu ding those 
involved in fulfilling obligations regarding 
transparency.  
 
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements  
Page 68, paragraph 3.115:  The 
Secretariat report states that 
Russian authorities affirmed that "all 
SPS-related import restrictions were 
duly notified to the WTO" during the 
period of review.  In 2020, the 
Russian Federation enacted revised 
guidance for genetically engineered 
feed registration (Order #160 
signed by the Minister of 
Agriculture) which has negatively 
affected trade and created 
burdensome registration and re -"Methodology for the production of examinations 
(studies) of the biological safety of genetically 
modified organisms used for the production of feed 
and feed additives for animals " (approved by order of 
the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation as 
of March 27, 2020 No. 160) establishes the procedure 
for conducting examinations (studies) of the biological 
safety of genetically modified organisms, used for the 
production o f feed and feed additives for animals.  Due 
to the lack of requirements for specific products in the 
above -mentioned  Methodology, such a document is 
not subject to mandatory notification. Suspension of 
implementation of the Methodology is not planned by 
Russian authorities.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 333 - 
 
  registration requirements.  The 
United States notes that in the 
Working Party Report 
(WT/ACC/RUS/70 – WT/MIN(11)/2 ) 
of the Russian Federation, 
Paragraph 1009, the Russian 
Federation committed to ensuring 
that all of its SPS measures, 
whether adopted by it or the 
competent bodies of the Custom 
Union (now EAEU), would be based 
on international standards, 
guidelines, or recommendations.  To 
date, the Russian Federation has yet 
to notify this measure to the WTO 
despite a request by the United 
States through the SPS inquiry point 
and provide the scientific evidence 
to support how this measure will 
protect human, animal, or p lant life 
or health.  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation intend 
to notify its "Methodological 
Guidelines for Registration of GE 
Feed," to the WTO and to suspend 
implementation to afford Members 
time to comply or find alternative 
solutions to resolve conc erns?   
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements  
Page 68, paragraph 3.115  
Question:  
Please explain the Russian 
Federation's decisions -making 
process for ensuring that all 
regulations are implemented in a 
transparent manner, and in 
accordan ce with WTO commitments.   The Russian Federation submits to the WTO regular 
and emergency notifications on Russian and EAEU SPS 
measures and their drafts. The Ministry of Economic 
Development of the Russian Federation is responsible 
for the timeliness and the correctness of the content of 
the submitted notifications. The competent authorities 
and Eurasian Economic Commission inform MED on 
imposition of SPS measures and consideration of 
drafts of SPS measures. The Russian Federation 
endeavors to provide to t he WTO Members at least 60 
days for comments on the draft of SPS measure. 
Competent authorities and the EEC take into 
consideration all provided comments before making a 
decision on application of such measure.  
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements  
Page 68, paragraph 3.115  
Question:  
Please explain how the Russian 
Federation plans to adjust its 
regulatory practices to align with 
commitments made in the Working 
Party Report to provide scientific 
justification for measures that are 
more strict than international 
standards, guidelines, or 
recommendations before 
implementation of such measures.   The Russian Federation considers its regulatory 
practices to be in compliance with the SPS Agreement 
because the SPS measure s are applied to the extent 
necessary to protect human, animal or plant life and 
health, based on scientific principles; they are based 
on international and regional standards, guidelines and 
recommendations, except as provided for in Article 5 
of the SPS Agreement.  
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements  
Page 68, paragraph 3.115  
Question:  The Russian Federation endeavors to provide to the 
WTO Members at  least 60 days for comments to the 
draft of SPS measure.  
Comments of a WTO Member to an SPS notification 
are considered at the national level or at the level of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Please explain how the Russian 
Federation will ensure that all 
sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures which may have a 
significant effect on trade with other 
Members are notified to the WTO, 
that Members are afforded sufficient 
time to review these measures, and 
that Members' comments are taken 
into consideration before the 
measure is finalized.   the EAEU, depending on if the Russian Federation 
notifies its own SPS measure or a draft of SP S 
measure of the EAEU. The competent authority that 
proposed the measure considers the comments and, if 
justified, takes them into account when preparing a 
legal act establishing a SPS measure.  
A detailed answer for a comment is sent to the WTO 
Member bot h directly by the competent authority and 
through the Permanent Mission of Russia to the WTO.  
3.3.4 Competition policy and 
price controls  
3.3.4.1 Current legal framework, 
recent amendments, and 
development prospects  
Page 69, paragraph 3.120:   
Question:  
How does Russia pursue the pro -
competitive goals of the National 
Plan on the Development of 
Competition Policy in the Russian 
Federation for the years 2018 -2020 
at the same time that it limits 
consumer choice through such 
measures as local conten t 
requirements or software pre -
installation mandates?  
 To implement the National Plan, respective Action plan 
for 2018 -2020 was adopted aimed at promoting 
competition, as well as the transition of certain natural 
monopoly spheres to the state of competiti ve market 
(Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation 
dated 16.08.2018 No. 1697 -r). This Plan affects 
various sectors of the Russian economy, including 
energy, healthcare, social services, agriculture, road 
construction, telecommunications, informa tion 
technologies, utilities, natural monopolies, 
transportation services, industry, financial services.  
 
In 23.08.2021 a Report on the state of competition in 
the Russian Federation 2020 has been published by 
the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russia n 
Federation. The Report describes the implementation 
of the above -mentioned  Action Plan and the respective 
achievements. For instance, according to the Report, 
in 2018 -2020 the share of government participation in 
all competitive markets of Russia that ar e covered by 
the Action plan has been considerably reduced. In this 
respect, according to the Report, at least three 
economic entities operate in each of the economy 
sectors covered by the National Plan (with the 
exception of the military -industrial comple x and the 
spheres of activity of the natural monopolies), at least 
one of which is represented by private business.  
 
Additionally, according to the Report the number of 
antitrust law violations across all sectors of the 
Russian economy has decreased from 7098 in 2017 to 
4293 in 2020. The number of antitrust law violations 
by the government authorities has halved – from 3 725 
in 2017 to 1847 in 2020.  
With the aim of further promoting the achievement of 
pro-competitive goals, the "National Plan for the 
Development of Competition in the Russian Federation 
for 2021 -2025" has been approved by the Decree of 
the Government of th e Russian Federation dated 
2.09.2021 No. 2424-r. 
 
Software pre -installation mandate is not limiting 
consumer choice whatsoever: consumer remains free 
to install or delete any legally obtained program.  
Local content requirement contribute to growth of 
investments, trade and jobs in the country, they are 
not substituting imported product, but rather create 
consumer new opportunities for consumer.  
Page 72, Paragraph 3.132:  
Question:  According to the information of the Federal 
Antimonopoly service the "fifth anti -monopoly 
package" is aimed at expanding the coverage of the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 335 - 
 
  Please describe the changes to 
current law that would result from 
the "fifth anti -monopoly package," 
particularly with regards to the 
digital economy and data circulation. 
Please provide more information on 
the "Anti -Cartel" automated 
information system, i ncluding details 
on how this system incorporates 
artificial intelligence and big data.  Federal law of the Russian Federation dated 
26.07.2006 N 135 -FZ "On the protection of 
competition" to the spheres of the digital economy, 
including marketplaces and aggregators. More 
generally, the "fifth anti -monopoly package" will set 
out new antitrust regulation approaches to the  use of 
modern digital markets and e -commerce.  
 
At the same time, discussions regarding the contents 
of the "fifth anti -monopoly package" are still 
underway. Therefore, it would be possible to provide 
more detailed information regarding the changes to 
the Federal Law "On the protection of competition", 
including with regards to the digital economy and data 
circulation, only once the Package is approved by the 
Government of the Russian Federation.  
 
What concerns the "Anti -Cartel" automated 
information syst em, it is planned that the system will 
start functioning by 2023. It is planned that the 
system will operate on the basis of a distributed 
storage of big data connected into a single cluster. In 
order to enable an automated search for possible 
violations o f antimonopoly legislation, it is planned to 
introduce a screening service based on machine 
learning and artificial intelligence technologies. The 
system will be able to analyze company's websites, 
their profiles on social networks, product catalog ues, 
financial statements, procurement sites, as well as 
data that the government authorities may request 
from companies as part of the implementation of the 
"Anti-Cartel" system.  
 
Similar solutions are already being used by both 
Russian and foreign companies to analyze the actions 
of their competitors in the market.  
3.3.4.4 Price controls  
Page 74, paragraph 3.141:  
Question:  
According to the Secretariat's 
Report, railway transportation prices 
are among the prices regulated by 
the Federal Antimonopoly Service. 
When it joined the WTO, Russia 
committed to publishing regulated 
railway tariffs for transit of goods 
and changes to th ose tariffs prior to 
their entry into force.  
Where does Russia publish that 
information, and how far in advance 
of the entry into force of the new 
prices are the tariffs published?  Tariffs for transit cargo transportation by Russian 
railways are establish ed according to the rules and 
rates of the Tariff Policy of the Railways of the CIS 
Member States for the transportation of goods in 
international traffic for 2021.  
 
The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation is 
a participant of the CIS Tariff Pol icy Mechanism. The 
CIS tariff policy for the next freight year is published 
no later than one month before the beginning of the 
freight year. In the Russian Federation, this is done 
through newspaper "Transport of Russia".  
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned  
enterprises, and privatization  
Page 75, Paragraph 3.143:  As the 
Secretariat's Report indicates, 
"{t}he Russian Federation has not 
made any notifications to the WTO 
on state trading enterprises with the 
meaning of Article XVII of GATT 
1994 and the understanding on the 
interpretation of Article XVII." In In respect of making notifications under the GATT 
Article XVI I the Russian Federation believes that it 
fully complies with its obligations under said Article 
and intends to continue to comply.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 336 - 
 
  fact, th e Russian Federation has 
missed five consecutive notification 
cycles in the Working Party on State 
Trading Enterprises (i.e., over ten 
years).  
Question:  
Please  state when the Russian 
Federation will comply with its 
notification requirement and 
whether the notification will cover 
the entire period over which the 
Russian Federation has failed to 
notify.  
Page 75, Paragraph 3.144  
Question:  
How does the government of Russia 
enforce the constitutional guarantee 
that equal prot ection is provided to 
private and state -owned 
corporations and that state -owned 
enterprises do not benefit from 
unfair competition?   In Russian legal system laws cannot contradict 
Constitution. Respectively, laws which regulate 
different spheres of activit y of enterprises including 
proprietary relations such as Civil code, Land code, 
etc. concord with the Constitution of the Russian 
Federation.  
 
Page 75, Paragraph 3.146 and 
3.147:  The Secretariat's Report 
notes in paragraph 3.146 that many 
unitary enterprises were reorganized 
into JSC's as part of a deliberative 
government policy. In paragraph 
3.147 the Secretariat notes that the 
share of government -invested JSC's 
declined.  
Questi on: 
Is this decline also a result of a 
deliberative government policy?  The Government of the Russian Federation has been 
consistently implementing the policy of reduction of 
the Russian Federation's equity share in companies, 
reorganization of unitary ent erprises into JSC or their 
liquidation.  
 
Page 75, Paragraph 3.146 and 
3.147  
Question:  
If so, please provide additional 
details on the scope of this policy 
and what sectors it encompasses.  The said policy of the Government of the Russian 
Federation appli es to all economic sectors.  
 
Page 75, Paragraph 3.146 and 
3.147  
Question:  
If not, are unitary corporations that 
are reorganized into JSCs 
reorganized with less than 30% 
government ownership?   Please see answer to previous question with regard to 
paragraph 3.146 and 3.147, page 75.  
 
Page 75, Paragraph 3.146 and 
3.147  
Question:  
Please provide a description of the 
type(s) of government funding 
provided to unitary corporations and 
JSCs.  No data available.  
 
Page 75, Paragraph 3.146 and 
3.147  
Question:  
Is the Russian government providing 
new equity contributions to these 
entities?  
Page 75, Paragraph 3.146 and 
3.147  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 337 - 
 
  Question:  
Who are the major holders of debt 
of state -owned JSCs?   
 
Page 75, Paragraph 3.146 and 
3.147  
Question:  
How are the shares of state -
invested JSC's disposed of? Are they 
sold on the private market or is the 
enterprise disbanded?  The state -owned shares of JSC are disposed of in 
accordance with the Federal Law as of 21 December 
2001 No. 178 -FZ "On the Privatization of State and 
Municipal Property". Pursuant to the provisions of the 
above Federal Law the state -owned shares of JSC can  
be sold by tender, by specialized auction, outside the 
territory of the Russian Federation as a security for a 
foreign issuer's securities as well as according to the 
results of trust administration.  
Page 75, Paragraph 3.148:   
Question:  
What functions do the non -profit 
and non -commercial State 
corporations have? Please provide 
examples of the five largest state 
corporations and their role in the 
economy.   Non-profit and non -commercial State corporations are 
established for execution of social and other socially 
beneficial functions. There are the following largest 
state corporations:  
• State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom", 
which is established for effective execution of policies 
in the field of nuclear energy;  
• State Space Corporation "R oscosmos", which is 
established for effective execution of space policies in 
the Russian Federation;   
• Fund for Assistance to Reforming Housing and 
Communal Services, which is established for creating 
safe and favorable conditions of citizens' residence and 
stimulating the reforming of housing and utilities;  
• Deposit Insurance Agency, which is established 
for ensuring the functioning of deposit insurance 
system;  
• State Development Corporation "VEB.RF", which 
is established for maintaining long -term soci al and 
economic development of the Russian Federation and 
improving the quality of life of its citizens.   
Page 76, Paragraph 3.148: 
Footnote 161 refers to Rostech 
(defense and high -tech industries) 
and Rosatom (nuclear energy) as 
state corporations.  
Question:  
Please provide information regarding 
the export credit support schemes of 
these companies, including financial 
terms and conditions of these 
schemes.   In accordance with the Russian legislation, a state 
corporation is a non-commercial, non -profit 
organization established by the Russian Federation on 
the basis of a property contribution and created to 
carry out social, managerial or other socially useful 
functions.  
 
Rostech "is a state corporation created to promote the 
development, production and export of high -tech 
products. The corporation's management loop includes 
more than 700 organizations. These include 15 holding 
companies, 70 direct management organizations and 
10 infrastructure subsidiaries.  
 
State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom" 
(abbreviated name - State Corporation "Rosatom") is 
a Russian state corporation, its management loop 
includes more than 400 enterprises of the nuclear, 
machine building and other industries.  
 
We would appreciate clarification from the  U.S. as 
regards particular Party to export credit support 
schemes that is mentioned in its question.  
Page 76, Paragraph 3.149 : The 
Secretariat listed on Table 3.18 
some key state -owned enterprises 
(SOEs) with various degree of state 
ownership. For the Un ited Grain UGC does not fulfil contractual obligations entered into 
by the Government of the Russian Federation in the 
export sale of agricultural products.  
UGC is a commercial organization that, on its own 
behalf and at its own expense, has the right to carry WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 338 - 
 
  Company and its subsidiaries 
(UGC):  
Question:  
Please provide the total sales and 
export volume of agricultural 
products, net profits, and a current 
description of state ownership and 
role of the Russian government in 
its management as of the pre sent 
day.  out activities aimed at systematic profit, including 
through export operations, carried out on the terms of 
an equal participant in the agricultural market. UGC 
performs trading activities on a commercial basis. The 
information related to financial i ndicators of its 
commercial activities and management could be found 
on company's web site. 
Page 76, Paragraph 3.149 :  
Question:  
Please explain if UGC is used to fulfil 
contractual obligations entered into 
by the government of Russia in the 
export sale of agricultural products. 
If so, please explain how contracts 
are negotiated and what terms are 
provided.  
Page 76, Paragraph 3.150: The 
Secretariat's Report estimates that 
the "State accounts for nearly 40% 
of formal sector activity."  
Question:  
Does the Russian Federation agree 
with that estimate?  
 Estimate of State's participation in the economy, as 
well as in the formal sector activity, can significantly 
vary depending on the methodology used to calculate 
it. Sticking to one particular method can hardly allow 
to make a comprehensive and objective assessment.  
 
In this particular case, the IMF has used  the share of 
public sector in the value added as the key indicator, 
which has been determined on the basis of official 
data on sales or employment, depending on the sector 
of the economy.  
 
If a different methodology was used, it could have 
produced a very  different estimate to the one in the 
Secretariat Report.  
Page 76, Paragraph 3.150:  
Question:  
What percent of the economy does 
the State account for when the 
informal sector is included?  Informal sector of Russian economy, in accordance 
with established methodology, includes people who 
work at enterprises that are not registered as legal 
entities and who are recognized as informally 
employed. This sector includes individual 
entrepreneurs a nd their employees, as well as those 
who work for self -employed and those who help their 
relatives in their own business. Grey economy is not 
considered to be part of the informal sector.  
According to the data from the Federal State Statistics 
Service (Ro sstat), in 2020 the share of informal sector 
in the Russian economy has amounted to 
approximately 20%. Over 2020 due to COVID -19 
economic crisis the number of workers in the informal 
sector has decreased by almost 5% - to 14.1 million 
people.  
Page 76, Paragraph 3.150:  
Question:  
The report also notes that "the size 
of the Russian State has a 
significant impact on competition 
and economic efficiency." Does the 
Russian government agree with this 
statement and if not, why not? What 
steps is the go vernment taking to 
increase efficiency by reducing the 
size and impact of the Russian state 
on the economy?  The Russian Government agrees that State's 
participation in the economy has a significant impact 
on its' efficiency and competition. It may contrib ute to 
efficiency but also may decrease it.  
 
 "National Plan on the Development of Competition 
Policy in the Russian Federation for the years 2018 -
20" has been adopted by the Government of the 
Russian Federation in particular to support 
development of com petition and to limit governmental 
participation in those sectors or companies where it is 
inefficient.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 339 - 
 
   
To implement the National Plan, respective Action plan 
for 2018 -2020 was adopted aimed at promoting 
competition as well as the transition of certain na tural 
monopoly spheres to the state of competitive market 
(Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation 
dated 16.08.2018 No. 1697 -r). The Plan affects 
various sectors of the Russian economy, including 
energy, healthcare, social services, agriculture,  road 
construction, telecommunications, information 
technologies, utilities, natural monopolies, 
transportation services, industry, financial services.  
 
In 23.08.2021 a Report on the state of competition in 
the Russian Federation 2020 has been published by  
the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian 
Federation, which describes the implementation of the 
above -mentioned  Action Plan and the respective 
achievements. According to the Report, in 2018 -2020 
the share of government participation in all 
competiti ve markets of Russia that are covered by the 
Action plan has been considerably reduced. In this 
respect, according to the Report, at least three 
economic entities operate in each of the economy 
sectors covered by the National Plan (with the 
exception of th e military -industrial complex and the 
spheres of activity of the natural monopolies), at least 
one of which is represented by private business.  
"The National Plan for the Development of Competition 
in the Russian Federation for 2021 -2025" approved by 
the Decree of the Government of the Russian 
Federation dated 2.09.2021 No. 2424-r has been 
adopted to further decrease the presence of the state 
in the economy.  
 
Furthermore, privatization has been designated by the 
President of the Russian Federation as the main way 
to achieve the goal of reducing the level of state 
participation in the economy.  
 
In this respect, Decree of the Government of the 
Russian Federation  dated 31.12.2019 No. 3260 -r "On 
approval of the forecast plan for the privatization of 
federal property and privatization of federal property 
for 2020 -2022" has been adopted. In accordance with 
the Government Decree dated 23.08.2021 No. 1401 
"On Amendment s to the Rules for the Development of 
Forecast Plans (Programs) for the Privatization of 
State and Municipal Property", the deadline for the 
implementation of the privatization program 2020 -
2022 has been postponed for two years. Now the 
privatization plan is to be undertaken in the period 
2023-2024.  
 
According to the privatization program it is planned to 
privatize 86 federal state unitary enterprises, most of 
which belong to the following sectors: health (19 
enterprises), research and development (16), 
construction and site maintenance activities (7), crop 
and livestock production, hunting and related services 
(5), wholesale trade, except for motor vehicles and 
motorcycles (5).  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 340 - 
 
  In addition, there are also 186 joint -stock companies, 
which are planned for pri vatization, most of which 
belong to the following sectors: real estate (29 
companies), research and development (23), 
warehousing and transport activities (18), architecture 
and engineering design, technical testing, research 
and analysis (17) crop and liv estock production, 
hunting and related services (14).  
Page 76, Table 3.18:   
Question:  
How does the government of Russia 
determine the level of state 
ownership in a particular enterprise? 
What factors does the government 
consider in determining whether to 
maintain, increase, or decrease its 
ownership of an enterprise? The 
table disaggregates direct versus 
indirect government ownership. Is it 
a common practice for the 
government of Russia to have 
significant indirect equity stakes in 
its state -owned enterprises?   The information contained in the table is based on the 
companies' data, in particular, companies' reporting.  
 
Taking into account the state policy aimed at reducing 
the state property sector, the privatization programs 
include property no t demanded by the state for the 
performance of its functions and not legally restricted 
in circulation.  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
3.3.6.2 Legal framework  
Pages 77 -78, Paragraph 3.156: 
According to the Secretariat's 
Report, one of the three categories 
of procurement is "procurement by 
certain other types of legal entities, 
such as SOEs…".  
Question:  
How does the Government of Russia 
differentiate between SOE 
"procurement" and SOE " purchases " 
for commercial purposes (i.e., 
purchases that are governed by 
Russia's WTO commitments)?  There is no need for such differentiation, since any 
procurement of SOE is governed by the same 
legislation.  
Page 78, Paragraph 3.158:  
According to this p aragraph 
"procurement by SOEs" is governed 
by Federal Law No. 223 -FZ.  
Question:  
Does Federal Law No. 223 -FZ, and 
its subsidiary legislation, govern all 
purchases /procurement by all SOEs?  SOEs can be established in different organizational and 
legal forms. And depending on this, their 
procurements fall either under coverage of Law No. 
223-FZ or under Law No. 44 -FZ. 
Page 78, Paragraph 3.158:   
Question:  
Are any SOEs governed by Federal 
Law No. 223 -FZ not covered by 
Russia's WTO commitments ? Which 
SOEs,  and why?  There are SOEs which by their statute can not engage 
in commercial activities or do not have any relation to 
international trade in a sense of WTO provisions 
relative for SOEs.  
3.3.6.3 General principles and 
buy national requirements  
Page 79, Paragraph 3.162:  The 
Report provides that the Russian 
Federation adopted several federal 
resolutions in 2020 to implement 
certain restrictions on the purchase 
of foreign goods, works, and 
services. The Report states that 
under the res olutions, procurement It depends on terms of the accession to GPA and 
coverage of Russia's future obligations.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 341 - 
 
  of foreign products will be allowed if 
there is no production of like 
domestic goods and services, and 
further, that foreign participation is 
also restricted in some sectors.  
Question:  
Can Russia explain whether such 
restrictions on f oreign goods, works, 
and services would be maintained 
upon Russia's accession to the WTO 
Agreement on Government 
Procurement (GPA)?  
Page 79, Paragraph 3.162  
Question : 
Would Russia need to make 
amendments to Federal Law No. 44 -
FZ to enable foreign supplier 
participation by GPA parties?  Foreign suppliers can participate in procurement under 
current provisions of the Law 44 -FZ, except those who 
are considered as being established in off -shore 
territories.  
Page 79, Paragraph 3.162 -
3.163:  
These  paragraphs recognize the 
"detailed implementing rules" Russia 
has in place "supporting Russian 
Federation producers" – in short, 
local content requirements 
implementing Russia's broad 
strategy of import substitution.  
Question:  
How does Russia justify the 
maintenance of such measures in 
light of its WTO national treatment 
obligations?  The strategy described in mentioned para. concerns 
governmental procurement. WTO national treatment 
obligation do not apply in respect of government 
procurement as described in particular in GATT 
Art.III.8a) and Art.XII.1 GATS.  
 
Page 79, Paragraph 3.162 -
3.163:  
Question:  
How does Russia justify such 
measures in light of its focus on 
increasing competition in the 
interest of fostering economic 
growth?  In Russia`s view such measures contribute to growth 
of its economy and strengthen competitive positions of 
its enterprises and their products as well as lead to 
increase of international trade.  
 
3.3.6.4 Procurement methods 
and procedures  
Page 81, Paragraph 3.173:  The 
Report indicates that in January 
2021, the Russian Federation signed 
into law amendments to existing 
procurement procedures which 
include among others, a new 
requirement allowing only suppliers 
that have successfully implemented 
a state or municipal c ontract within 
the previous three years to 
participate in a procurement for 
contracts with a value over RUB 20 
million.  
Question:  
Can Russia confirm whether this 
requirement applies to foreign 
suppliers as well?  We confirm that new requirements will be app lied to 
all suppliers.  
3.3.6.4 Procurement methods 
and procedures  
Page 81, Paragraph 3.173:   A country joining the GPA negotiates individual 
accession terms wit h the GPA Parties based on the 
mutual interests of the negotiating parties and the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 342 - 
 
  Question:  
Does Russia plan to waive this 
qualification requirement upon 
accession to the WTO Agreement on 
Government Procurement (GPA) for 
procurements covered under its GPA 
market access schedule?  GPA standards. Therefore, we consider that these 
provisions shall be subject to Russia's GPA accession 
negotiations.  
3.3.7 Intellectual property rights  
3.3.7.4 Copyright an d related 
rights  
Page 87, Paragraphs 3.194 -
3.197:   
Question:  
What steps has Russia taken to 
improve its collective management 
regime, specifically to eliminate 
non-contractual management of 
rights, to ensure that rights -holders 
receive remuneration for their 
protected works, consistent with its 
WTO commitments?  The system of extended collective management of 
copyright and related rights through the institution of 
state accreditation organizations (Article 1244 of the 
Civil Code of the Russian Federation) has proven its 
effectiveness in Russia.  
Payments to rights hol ders of remuneration for various 
types of use of their rights since the introduction of 
the institution of state accreditation (i.e. since 2008) 
have significantly increased compared to the period of 
collective management of rights on the basis of direct 
contracts.  
There is an annual steady progress in the activities of 
currently accredited organizations, which is 
manifested, among other things, in the number of 
agreements concluded with international organizations 
for the management of rights, and in the d ynamics of 
the growth in the amount of remuneration paid to 
rightsholder.  
An important circumstance is the absence of claims 
against the institution of state accreditation from 
foreign rightsholders, which confirms the fact that 
Russian accredited organiza tions, on the basis of 
agreements concluded with similar foreign collective 
management organizations, pay remuneration to 
foreign rightsholders in accordance with their interest.  
It should be noted that in order to protect the rights of 
rightsholders, enha nce the transparency of the 
accredited organizations' activities for the 
management of rights on a collective basis, as well as 
in order to strengthen control over the activities of 
such organizations, amendments to the Civil Code of 
the Russian Federation  were adopted in December 
2017, which take into account the interests of both 
rightsholders as much as possible, and users of 
objects of copyright and related rights, and ensured 
the improvement of the system of collective 
management of rights.  
Thus, in th e legislation of the Russian Federation, in 
particular, the following changes were made.  
The duty of accredited organizations was established 
to conduct an audit of accounting (financial) 
statements based on the results of a financial year, 
followed by posting such statements and an audit 
report on the official website on the Internet.  
Administrative liability was established in the Code of 
Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation for 
evading disclosure of annual accounting (financia l) 
statements and an audit report.  
An obligation has been introduced to provide the 
rightsholder with reports on the amount of 
remuneration collected in his favor and on the 
amounts withheld from it. To implement this provision, 
a "personal account" system  has been created for 
each copyright holder, which allows the copyright 
holder to obtain information at any time.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 343 - 
 
  The obligation has been introduced to create a 
supervisory board in accredited organizations with the 
inclusion in it of both representatives of interested 
federal executive bodies, rightsholder, creative unions, 
and users of objects of copyright and related rights. 
The Supervisory Board exercises control over the 
financial and economic activities of the accredited 
organization, its decision to create special funds, as 
well as the spending of these funds.  
Also, by Decree of the Government of the Russian 
Federation No. 831 of July 16, 2018, the standard for 
information disclosure by organizations for the 
management of rights on a collective basis that 
received state accreditation was approved.  
In addition, it should be noted that as part of the 
revision of the system of collective management of 
rights for the exclusion of non -contractual 
management of rights, the analysis of the legislation 
of the Russian Federation showed that for non -
contractual management of rights, only those cases of 
use of objects of copyright and related rights were 
recorded in which a plurality of organizations 
managing one category of rights is not an effective 
means of pro tecting the rights and legitimate interests 
of the copyright holder, since it leads to rivalry 
between such organizations, deliberately lowering 
rates on their part for users who pay remuneration in 
favor of copyright holders, and also creates 
precondition s for abuse by unscrupulous users. The 
non-contractual management of rights on a collective 
basis positively affect the rights of copyright and 
related rights holders and make the system for 
protecting their rights more effective.  
The system of state accre ditation allows the 
rightsholder to exercise effective control over the use 
of works and (or) objects of related rights throughout 
the territory of the Russian Federation and, 
accordingly, receive fair remuneration from the use of 
such objects (no agency o r other intermediary cannot 
maintain such an extensive network of branches and 
representative offices in Russia that a normally 
functioning rights management organization can do).  
Page 87, Paragraph 3.196: The 
Secretariat Report discusses Federal 
Law No. 276-FZ of 29 July 2017 on 
Amendments to the Federal Law on 
Information, Information 
Technologies, and Information 
Protection (FLIITIP) and states that 
the law "prohibits the use of 
information and telecommunications 
networks, information systems, and 
compu ter programs to access 
prohibited information resources on 
the list maintained by the Federal 
Service for Supervision in the 
Sphere of Telecom, Information 
Technologies and Mass 
Communication (Roskomnadzor)."  
Question:  
Besides terminating an internet 
conne ction, what other sanctions To both questions.  
Administrative responsibility is possible in addition to 
restriction of the access to information resources 
where information, prohibited on the territory of the 
Russian Federation, is distributed.  
For example, Article 13.41 of the Administrative 
Offenses  Code of the Russian Federation establishes 
the responsibility of the owner of an information 
resource, a hosting provider or a person who provides 
the placement of an information resource for failure to 
take measures to remove or restrict access to certai n 
types of prohibited information. The administrative 
fine can be up to 8 million rubles.  
At the same time, Article 13.41 of the Administrative 
Offenses Code of the Russian Federation also provides 
an increased administrative fine for repeated failure by 
the indicated persons to take measures to eliminate 
the violation.  
Besides, in case of failure to take measures to 
eliminate the violation by the owner of the information WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  can Russia apply against those who 
violate the rule?  resource, the hosting provider by another person who 
ensures the placement of the information resource on 
the Internet, in addition to restricting acces s to the 
information resource, data on the information resource 
that violates the legislation of the Russian Federation 
is sent to telecom operators to terminate issuing 
information about the domain name and (or) the page 
index of such resource in the sear ch results.  
In accordance with Article 15.6 of the Federal Law No. 
149-FZ it is possible to restrict access to an 
information resource permanently only in relation to 
violations in the field of copyright and (or) related 
rights.  Page 87, Paragraph 3.196:  
Question:  
Is there a different punishment or 
procedure set forth for repeat 
infringers, e.g., those who continue 
to violate the law?   
Page 87, Paragraph 3.197: The 
Secretariat Report states 
"Amendments to Chapter 70 
(Copyright Law) of the CC RF are 
being prepared to bring national 
legislation in line with the provisions 
of the WIPO Marrakesh Treaty to 
Facilitate Access to Published Works 
for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually 
Impaired, or Otherwise Print 
Disabled (Marrakesh VIP Treaty) . . . 
." 
Question:  
Where in the legislative process are 
these amendments to chapter 70 
that implement the WIPO Marrakesh 
Treaty?  To all three questions.  
In order to bring national legislation in line with the 
provisions of the Marrakesh Treaty on Facilitating 
Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, 
Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, a draft 
federal law "On Amendments to Article 1274 part four 
of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation" was 
elaborated. The bill was submitte d to the State Duma 
of the Russian Federation on June 16, 2021 for further 
consideration.  
The bill also takes into account the provisions of the 
Marrakesh Treaty regarding the concept of 
"beneficiary", and expands the circle of persons in 
whose interests c opyright exemptions are applied (not 
only blind and visually impaired persons, but also 
persons who, due to physical disability, are unable to 
hold a book or handle it either to focus the gaze or 
move the eyes to the extent that would normally be 
acceptabl e for reading), provides for the possibility of 
cross-border exchange of works in accessible formats 
by specially authorized bodies, as required by the 
Marrakesh Treaty.  
 
Page 87, Paragraph 3.197:  
Question:  
If the legislative process has not 
started, is there a tentative 
timeframe when implementation will 
be complete?   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 87, Paragraph 3.197:  
Question:  
How will the Marrakesh Treaty be 
implemented, besides expanding the 
scope of copyright exceptions?   
3.3.7.7 Geographical indications  
Page 90, Paragraphs 3.207 and 
3.208:   
The Secretariat's Report notes that 
Federal Law No. 230 -FZ of 26 June 
2019 on Amendments to Part IV of 
the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation introduced geographical 
indication (GI) as a new and 
independent type of intellectu al 
property (IP) and provides and 
establishes a registration procedure 
and the requirements for GI 
protection.  
Question:  
Does Federal Law No. 230 -FZ 
require evidence of use of the GI in 
the Russian Federation at the time 
of application?  To both questions.  
The first certificate of protection was granted to a 
Russian applicant for "ШУЙСКОЕ  МЫЛО " (Shuya 
Soap). During the first year of new regulation, 77 GI 
applications were filed, 73 of them from Russian 
applicants. 11 GIs were registered, including KOREAN 
RED GINSENG, the first foreign GI protected in Russia.  
3.3.7.7 Geographical indications  
Page 90, Paragraphs 3.207 and 
3.208:   
Question:  
Is evidence of use of the GI in the 
Russian Federation required in order 
to maintain a GI registration?   
3.3.7.7 Geographical indications  
Page 90, Paragraphs 3.207 and 
3.208:   
Question:  
Federal Law No. 230-FZ provides for 
invalidation of the GI registration. 
May a GI registration be invalidated 
if there is evidence the GI is 
considered in the Russian Federation 
as the common name for a good?   The law requires that the claimed GI does not 
constitute a gen eric name of goods. In case any 
registration deviates from this requirement, it can be 
used as grounds for invalidation.  
 
3.3.7.7 Geographical indications  
Page 90, Paragraphs 3.207 and 
3.208:   
Question:  
Please describe the process for 
invalidating a GI under such 
circumstances.  Any interested person, including competent bodies and 
consumers, may file a complaint against the GI 
registration, providing the respective evidence. It will 
be considered by Rospatent via the Chamber of Patent 
Disputes and a decision will be made to satis fy or 
reject the complaint. This decision can further be 
challenged in court.  
3.3.7.7 Geographical indications  
Page 90, Paragraphs 3.207 and 
3.208:   
Question:  
Does Federal Law No. 230 -FZ allow 
for a disclaimer of an individual 
generic component that is pa rt of a 
compound name geographical 
indication?  Unlike trademarks, no generic elements are 
established when examining a GI/AO application. The 
claimed name is considered as a whole, with no need 
to disclaim any generic components if the name is 
well-establi shed and distinctive.  
Page 90, Paragraph 3.208:   
According to the Secretariat's 
Report, geographical indication (GI) 
protection is available to any foreign 
applicant, provided that his or her The applicant must provide evidence (documents or 
statements) a) that he has the exclusive rights to the 
name in the country of origin and b) that the GI in 
question meets the requirements to GI stated by the 
Russian law. These requirements ae based on rel ative WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  jurisdiction has the same level of 
protection as under Russian law, but 
appellations of origin (AOs) can be 
prote cted only if they are protected 
as AOs in the country of origin.  
Question:  
Please explain the evaluation 
process as to whether a foreign 
applicant's jurisdiction "has the 
same level of protection as under 
Russian law" for GI protection.   WIPO Treaties and TRIPS Agreement. The application 
will further be examined for compliance with the 
national law by competent bodies which may provide 
objections that will be considered by Rospatent in the 
course of examination.  
Page 90, Paragraph 3 .208:   
Question:  
If a country does not have a sui 
generis  system, will Russia accept 
comparable evidence to justify 
granting a GI, such as a collective 
trademark?  Yes, unlike AOs, a GI applicant has to provide 
evidence of exclusive rights to that name in the 
country of origin, whatever the protection mechanism 
may be. He also has to meet the requirements stated 
above.  
Page 90, Paragraph 3.208:   
Question:  
Please explain what factors go into 
Russia's evaluation of whether a 
foreign applicant's products are 
"protected as AOs in the country of 
origin".   
Unlike GIs, this specific requirement for AOs is formal. 
A name must be protected as a sui generis AO under 
the national law of the country of origin.  
  
Page 90, Paragraph 3.208:   
Question:  
Please explain if a delimited region 
having distinguishing features, a 
name, and a delineated boundary as 
recognized by the relevant national 
authority is sufficient evidence to 
justify granting an AO.   As stated above, the requirement for AOs is well 
defined. A name must be legally protected as a sui 
generis AO under the national law of the country of 
origin. However, these factors could be considered 
when granting a GI.  
Page 90, paragraph 3.209:  
According to this paragraph, 42 
applications for GI pro tection have 
been filed in Russia, but only one 
certificate for GI protection has been 
issued by the Russian Federation.  
Question:  
Was the single certificate of 
protection issued to a Russian 
applicant or a foreign applicant?  To both questions.  
The first certificate of protection was granted to a 
Russian applicant for "ШУЙСКОЕ  МЫЛО " (Shuya 
Soap). During the first year of new regulation, 77 GI 
applications were filed, 73 of them from Russian 
applicants. 11 GIs were registered, including KOREAN 
RED GINSENG, the first foreign GI to be protected in 
Russia.  
Page 90, paragraph 3.209  
Quest ion: 
For what product was the GI 
certificate issued?  
Page 90, paragraph 3.209  
Question:  
How many certificates for 
appellations of origin has Russia 
issued to foreign applicants?  As of September 2021, a total of 43 certificates were 
issued in Russia for foreign AOs.  
Page 90, paragraph 3.209  
On July 2, 2021, Russia adopted a 
law that created two new wine 
categories: "sparkling wine" and 
"Russian Champagne." As a result, 
in the Russian market (i.e., for 
labels in Cyrillic) Russian 
champagne producers can label 
their product as "Russian 
Champagn e" while French There is no formalized procedure for generification of a 
name. The decisions are made by examiners and 
opinions issued by competent bodies on a  case-by-
case basis.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Champagne producers must label 
their product as "sparkling wine." 
Russia has justified this change on 
the grounds that the term "Russian 
Champagne" had fallen into general 
use in Russia.  
Question:  
How does the Russian Federation 
determine that a product's name 
has fallen into general use? Please 
describe the process used to make 
that determination.  
Page 90, paragraph 3.209  
On July 2, 2021, Russia adopted a 
law that created two new wine 
categories: "sparkling wine" and 
"Russian Champagne." As a result, 
in the Russian market (i.e., for 
labels in Cyrillic) Russian 
champagne producers can label 
their product as "Russian 
Champagn e" while French 
Champagne producers must label 
their product as "sparkling wine." 
Russia has justified this change on 
the grounds that the term "Russian 
Champagne" had fallen into general 
use in Russia.  
Question:  
What criteria are applied for this 
determi nation?  The examiners consider how long the name has been 
in use, whether it has been used for specific brands of 
goods or any goods of that type, by region -specific or 
random producers. They also take into account 
whether the name has been used as a gene ric term in 
technical literature such as dictionaries and standards. 
In certain cases, consumer polls may be involved 
assessing whether consumers perceive the name as a 
brand or a generic term.  
Page 90, paragraph 3.209  
On July 2, 2021, Russia adopted a 
law that created two new wine 
categories: "sparkling wine" and 
"Russian Champagne." As a result, 
in the Russian market (i.e., for 
labels in Cyrillic) Russian 
champagne producers can label 
their product as "Russian 
Champagne" while French 
Champagne producers must label 
their product as "sparkling wine." 
Russia has justified this change on 
the grounds that the term "Russian 
Champagne" had fallen into general 
use in Russia.  
Question:  
Is Russia considering whether other 
product names have fallen into 
general use  in Russia?  There is no ongoing process of establishing generic 
names. However, there are other names that are well -
established as generic in Russian, such as КОНЬЯК  
(Cyrillic form of COGNAC) and КАЛЬВАДОС  (Cyrillic 
form of CALVADOS). These names are included as 
technical terms in the EAEU alcohol regulations. 
Notably, the genericness is typically not extended to 
the original Latin names.  
3.3.7.8 IP enforcement  
Page 91, paragraph 3.214:  
According to this paragraph, 
"criminal copyright infringement 
cases decreased significantly" from 
2016 to 2019.  
Question:  
What is the explanation for this 
significant decline in enforcement?  This significant decline is due to the fact that initially 
infringements of copyrights was enforced on 
copyrights contained on physical media. With the 
evolution of the Internet technologies, its speed and 
accessibilities, infringements are committed essentially 
in Internet sites or applications. The share of physica l 
media is declining on the market significantly. Because 
the methodology to combat infringement on physical 
media and in the Internet are different it is difficult to 
show real progress in combating copyright 
infringements using traditional enforcement st atistics. WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 348 - 
 
  Firstly, as it was mentioned in para 3.214 of the 
Secretariat's Report, infringements in Internet de facto 
are registered on Internet sites in the country -code 
top-level domain (ccTLD) other than ".ru" which can 
be enforceable by Russian authorit ies. Secondly, the 
most effective way for combating such crimes in 
modern era is the development of different kind of 
mechanisms restricting access to illegal content. Thus 
in parallel with adoption of specific legislation in Russia 
was developed a coopera tion mechanism between 
Internet companies, copyright holders and 
government enforcement agency in order to have a 
more flexible and fast responses to the problem of 
Internet piracy. This cooperation resulted in the 
Memorandum "On cooperation in the field o f 
protection of exclusive rights in the era of evolving 
digital technologies " signed for the first time in 2018 
and then renewed in 2020. The blocking system 
created by this cooperation already restricts access to 
about 7,309 pirated resources and blocks about 6 
million links to pirated content. All these actions have 
their positiv e effect, according to analytics of the 
company " Group IB", the volume of the pirated 
content market decreased in Russia by 32% in 2020 
compared to 2018.  
Page 92, Paragraph 3.217:   
The Secretariat Report states, "In 
accordance with Article 113 of 
Federal  Law No. 289 -FZ, Russian 
customs authorities are empowered 
to take ex officio actions (i.e., 
without a request from the right 
holder), including measures to 
suspend the release of goods if 
infringing IP signs are detected."  
Question:  
What standards or proc edures are 
used when determining whether 
intellectual property goods are 
infringing?  According to Article 113 of the Federal Law of 
03.08.2018 No 289 -FZ (hereinafter – the Law) 
customs authorities:  
- have detailed information about all trademarks 
(service marks) and appellations of origin of goods 
protected in the Russian Federation and registered by 
Rospatent including information about their right -
holders  as well as licensees (sub -licensees);  
- have the right to request any information  from the 
right holder (his representative), including information 
about the characteristics of his products, the places of 
their customs clearance, organizations that are part of 
his authorized dealer network, and other information 
that would facilitate t he implementation of their 
powers mentioned in the Law provisions (part 2 of 
Article 113 of the Law)  
- have the right to initiate a customs expertise during 
customs control results of which will be taken into 
account when establishing signs of violation th e rights 
of the right holder.  
Page 92, Paragraph 3.217:   
Question:  
Is there an appeals process that 
individuals can use once goods are 
found to be allegedly infringing or 
non-infringing?   Any person can appeal a decision, action (inaction) of 
a customs authority or  
a customs official if such decision, action (inaction) 
according to this person violates his rights, freedom or 
legitimate interests, or there are obstacles to their 
realization, or an obligation is illegally imposed on this 
person, in cluding such violations connected with the 
measures taken to protect the intellectual property 
rights.  
Page 92, Paragraph 3.217:   
Question:  
Is there a process in place for how 
customs authorities, with their ex 
officio power, handle repeat 
infringers?  Russian Legislation prohibits repeated execution of the 
procedure for suspending release of goods containing 
objects of intellectual property, which are not included 
in the customs register.  
The customs authorities are empowered to apply to 
the arbitration court with a claim of liquidation of a 
legal entity in connection with repeated (two or more WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 349 - 
 
  times) or gross violation of intellectual proper ty rights 
and means of individualization.  
Page 92, Paragraph 3.217:   
Question:  
Is there a possibility for the 
destruction of goods for repeat 
infringers?  
 In accordance with the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation goods found to be counterfeit are subject 
to removal from circulation and destruction by court 
order.  
Page 92, Paragraph 3.217:   
Question:  
If there is no process for repeat 
infringers, how are intellectual 
property owners adequately 
protected against infringement?   See ans wer to question above ("Is there a process in 
place for how customs authorities, with their ex officio 
power, handle repeat infringers?")  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and 
Fisheries  
4.1.2 Policies  
4.1.2.1 Border policies  
Page 98, paragraph 4.16:  
Question:  
Please provide an update on all 
export duties imposed by Russia. 
Under what conditions will they be 
removed?   The list of export duties is established by the Decree 
of the Government of the Russian Federation of 30 
Augus t 2013. No. 754. This Decree may be found at 
the link 
http://ips.pravo.gov.ru/?docbody=&link_id=1&nd=10
2167466&intelsearch =. 
According to the Decree of the Government of the 
Russian Federation of March 2013 No. 276 
(http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001
201303300011?index=5&rangeSize=1 ) export duties 
on oil and oil products is determined by the average 
price Urals oil in the world market.  
The rates of export duties on crude oil and oil products 
are pu blished in the web site of Ministry of Economic 
Developments of the Russian Federation 
(https://www.economy.gov.ru ). The rates of export 
duties on crude oil and oil products for the period from 
1 October to 31 October 2021 are the following:  
HS Code  Description  Rate of export duty (USD per 1000  kg) 
2709 00 crude oil  62,8 
2710 12  110 – 2710 12  250 9, 2710 12  900 2, 
2710 12  900 8, ex 2710 20  900 0  straight -run gasoline  34,5 
2710 12  900 1  propylene trimers and tetramers  4,0 
2710 12 310 0, 2710 12  700 0, 2710 19  110 0 
– 2710 19  350 0 ex 2710 20  900 0  light distillates; middle distillates  18,8 
2710 19  421 0 – 2710 19  480 0, 2710 20  110 0 
– 2710 20  190 0  diesel fuel  18,8 
2710 12  411 0 – 2710 12  590 0, ex 2710 
20 900 0  commercial gasolines  18,8 
2902 20  000 0  benzene  18,8 
2902 30  000 0  toluene  18,8 
2902 41  000 0 – 2902 43  000 0  xylenes  18,8 
2710 19  510 1 – 2710 19  680 9, 2710 20  310 1 
– 2710 20  390 9  fuel oil  62,8 
2710 19  710 0 – 2710 19  980 0, ex 2710 
20 900 0  lubricating oils; others  18,8 
2710 91  000 0 – 2710 99  000 0  waste oil products  62,8 
2711 12 – 2711 19 000 0  liquefied petroleum gases  88,0 
2712 petroleum jelly and paraffin, except:  62,8 
2712 90 110 0 raw 0 
2712 90 190 0 others  0 
2713 11 000 0 uncalcined petroleum coke  4,0 
2713 12  000 calcined petroleum coke  0 
2713 20  000 0 – 2713 90  900 0  petroleum bitumen  62,8 
2901 10 000 1 ethane, butane, isobutane  70,4 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  4.1.2.2 Domestic policies  
Page 100, Paragraph 4.23:  
The Secretariat states that one of 
the projects implemented via the 
State Programme is a federal 
project called Export of Agro -
Industrial Products, which aims to 
increase production of agricultural 
products.  
Question:  
Please expl ain the specific measures 
implemented as part of this federal 
project that aim to increase 
production of agricultural products, 
and please provide the specific 
legislation.  The main direction of financial support related to the 
development of production within the federal project 
"Export of Agro -Industrial Products" (hereinafter 
referred to as the federal project) is concessional 
lending, which is effectively used for the development 
of agricultural production and for increasing the 
production of high value -added foodstuffs. In addition, 
within the framework of the federal project, measures 
are being implemented aimed at the development of 
land reclamation as a key factor in increasing 
production of agricultural products, raw materials and 
foods tuffs.  
4.1.2.2 Domestic policies  
Page 100, Paragraph 4.23:  
Question:  
Please identify the criteria for 
producer eligibility under the 
measures outlined above.  This support is provided on condition that the potential 
recipient is an agricultural producer (except 
agricultural credit consumer cooperatives), an 
organizations or individual entrepreneurs engaged in 
the production, primary and (or) subsequent 
(industrial) processing of agricultural products and 
their sale.  
4.1.2.2 Domestic  policies  
Page 100, Paragraph 4.23:  
Question:  
Please explain whether and where 
this project and its subsequent 
measures are notified in the Russian 
Federation's Table DS:1 notification.  Concessional lending and the development of land 
reclamation are inc luded in Supporting Table DS:9, 
while Supporting Table DS:1 reflects measures related 
to the provision of general services such as extension 
and advisory services, inspection services, marketing 
and promotion services.  
4.1.2.2 Domestic policies  
Page 100, Paragraph 4.23:  
Question:  
Please confirm when Russia will be 
submitting the required Table DS:2 
notifications for these new or 
modified measures if they are 
exempt from reduction.   The measures are implemented on an ongoing basis 
and their application is not associated with the 
adoption of the federal project; thus, these measures 
are not new and, accordingly, there is no need to 
notify them in the form of Table DS:2 notification.  
Page 102, Paragraph 4.30:  
According to the Secretariat, the  
Russian Federation has provided two 
domestic transport subsidies in 
recent years, one under Decree No. 
1004 and one under Decree No. 
1595. The Report states subsidies 
are for domestic transport costs but 
that such cargoes could potentially 
subsequently be  exported. 
According to the authorities, no 
information on such amounts is 
available.  
Question:  
Please provide the total subsidy 
amount paid during fiscal year 2020 
and 2021 under Decree No. 1004 
and the total value of agricultural 
and food products cover ed under 
the transport subsidy program.   The data on the amount of subsidy provided for in 
2020 and 2021 is not available yet.  
 
Page 102, Paragraph 4.30:  
Question:  
Please provide a list of agricultural 
and food products, including HS The Decree No. 1104 covers live animals, beef, pork, 
lamb, relevant edible by -products, fish, products of 
animal origin (including milk, cream, butter, cottage 
cheese, cheeses), eggs, honey, live pl ants, WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 351 - 
 
  codes, that benefit ed from Decree 
No. 1004 for each year from 2017 to 
2021.   vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, fats and oils 
(animal, vegetable), confectionery, and prepared food 
products.  
Page 102, Paragraph 4.30:  
Question:  
Please confirm that the scheme 
under Decree No. 1595, was not in 
effect in 2019, 2020, and 2021.  The subsidy for transportation costs applied under the 
Decree No. 1595 was provided only in 2017 and 2018; 
thus, there was no support under the Decree No. 159 5 
in 2019 -2021 
Page 111, Paragraph 4.54: The 
Secretariat's Report states that the 
Russian Federation's "support for 
the fisheries sector is concentrated 
on supporting access to finance 
(subsidies for loan interests) for 
investment into fishing vessels, 
processing infrastructure, storage, 
and the development of aquaculture 
(primarily via interest payments for 
investment loans), as well as 
insurance (for aquaculture)."  
Question:  
How does Russia ensure that its 
fisheries subsidies do not contribute 
to overca pacity and overfishing?  The Russian Federation applies an effective model of 
conservation and management of aquatic biological 
resources, which allows maintaining fish stocks at a 
sustainable level and catching aquatic biological 
resources in scientificall y justified volumes. The 
Russian Federation implements the measures of state 
support in such a way that does not provide for the 
extraction (catch) of aquatic biological resources in 
excess of the established total allowable catches. In 
this regard, the po ssibility of overfishing and creating 
an excessive fishing effort on aquatic biological 
resources through the provision of fisheries subsidies 
is factored out.  
Page 111, Paragraph 4.56: The 
Secretariat's Report notes that the 
Russian Federation "aims to c ombat 
illegal, unreported, and unregulated 
(IUU) fishing."  
Question:  
What steps does Russia take to 
ensure it does not provide subsidies 
to vessels or operators engaged in 
IUU fishing?   The Russian Federation implements a consistent policy 
to combat IUU f ishing and participates in a significant 
number of multilateral and bilateral agreements on 
this issue.  
In addition to the information contained in paragraph 
4.56 of the Secretariat Report, we note that the 
current legislation of the Russian Federation 
establishes liability for violations of the rules and 
requirements governing fishing activities.  
In particular, according to paragraph 2 of Article 8.17 
of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian 
Federation, violation of the rules and requirements  
governing fishing activities in internal sea waters, in 
the territorial sea, on the continental shelf, in the 
exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation or 
on the high seas, shall entail the imposition of an 
administrative fine with or without conf iscation of a 
vessel and other instruments of committing an 
administrative offense.  
According to the resolution of the Plenum of the 
Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of November 
23, 2010 No. 27 "On the practice of considering cases 
of administrativ e offenses related to violation of rules 
and requirements governing fishing activities", 
violations of fishing rules include:  
• catch of aquatic biological resources without 
permits, if their receipt is a necessary 
condition for the implementation of this 
activity (that is, without a permit for catching, 
without an authorization for recreational and 
sport fishing);  
• violation of th e conditions stipulated by the 
permitting document for the catch, in 
particular, non -compliance with the purposes 
specified in the permit for the catch of aquatic 
biological resources (commercial, scientific, 
control, fish breeding); catch in areas not 
defined in the permit, in violation of the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 352 - 
 
  established time limits, with gears or methods 
not specified in the permit, in a larger quantity 
than provided for by the permit;  
• non-observance of the established prohibitions 
(for example, in relation to the period, gears, 
fishing methods, areas of catch for 
recreational and sport fishing);  
• fishing in the absence of special means of 
technical control on the vessel, ensuring 
constant automatic transmission of 
information about the location of the vessel, 
and (o r) other technical means of control, 
when equipping the vessel with such means is 
mandatory;  
• lack of accounting or inadequate accounting of 
aquatic biological resources in a fishing log 
and (or) other reporting documents, provided 
that the legislation est ablishes the obligation 
to maintain such documents.  
Serious violations that are not qualified under 
paragraph 2 of Article 8.17 of the Code of 
Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation fall 
under paragraph 2 of Article 253 (Violation of 
legislation  of the Russian Federation on continental 
shelf and exclusive economic zone of the Russian 
Federation), Articles 256 (Illegal fishing of aquatic 
biological resources) or 258.1 (Illegal extraction and 
trafficking of highly valued wild animals and aquatic 
biological resources for species included in the Red 
Book of the Russian Federation and (or) protected by 
international agreements of the Russian Federation) of 
the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.  
Page 111, Paragraph 4.55: In 
acceding to the WTO, R ussia 
undertook to remove export duties 
on fish and fish products over a four 
year period. However, the 
Secretariat's Report states that the 
Russian Federation "applies export 
tariffs for two tariff lines covering 
tuna fish of 5%."  
Question:  
Please clarif y whether Russia has 
removed all export duties on fish 
and fish products, and if any export 
duties on fish and fish products 
remain, when Russia plans to 
remove them.   The Russian Federation fulfilled its commitments and 
reduced its export duties on fish t o zero in 2016. 
Russia did not undertake any commitments on the 
tariff lines mentioned in paragraph 4.55 of the 
Secretariat Report. Currently the Russian Federation 
does not have plans to remove these export duties.  
 
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.2 Energy  
4.2.2.4 Coal  
Page 117, paragraph 4.77:  
According to the Secretariat's 
Report, "there were 179 enterprises 
active in coal mining."  
Question:  
What percentage, if any, of those 
enterprises are privately owned?  The coal mining industry of the Russian Federation is 
represented by private companies only, operating 
within the market conditions.  
To both questions.  
The Russia's Strategy for Digital Transformation in 
Manufacturing until 2030 does not contain any 
provisions, which are intended to prec lude foreign 
software developers from contributing to the 
development of "smart manufacturing".  
The Federal Law No. 425 -FZ "On amending article 4 of 
the Law of the Russian Federation 'On protection of 
consumer rights" does not impose restrictions on 
foreig n goods, services suppliers or their services. The 4.3 Services  
4.3.2 Telecommunications and 
postal services  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  4.3.2.3 Policy developments  
Page 139, Paragraph 4.159:  
One of the pillars in Russia's 
Strategy for Digital Transformation 
in Manufacturing until 2030 is smart 
manufacturing based on 
domestically produced  software.  
Question:  
Does Russia intend to preclude 
foreign software developers from 
contributing to the development of 
"smart manufacturing"?  Law does not prohibit pre -installation of foreign 
software or requires de -installation of such software. 
The Law equally applies to all producers of technically 
complex goods on the Russian market, includi ng 
Russian producers of such goods.  
4.3 Services  
4.3.2 Telecommunications and 
postal services  
4.3.2.3 Policy developments  
Page 139, Paragraph 4.159:  
Question:  
How would such a policy to exclude 
foreign software comply with 
Russia's national treatment 
obligations?  
Page 140, Paragraph 4.161:   
Please explain how the requirement 
that certain consumer electronic 
products (including computers, 
mobile phon es, and tablets) must 
come pre -installed with Russian 
software, selected by the Russian 
government, is consistent with 
Russia's WTO obligations.  
 
Question:  
Who has the burden of proving that 
a particular Russian software is 
compatible with the underlying 
operating system?   
Page 140, Paragraph 4.161:   
Question:  
Will the Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communications and 
Mass Media force a company to pre -
install software that the company 
finds is incompatible with the 
underlying operating system?  The existing regulation stipulates if the producer finds 
that soft ware is incompatible with the underlying 
operating system, the producer is released from the 
obligation to pre -install it.   
Page 140, Paragraph 4.161:   
Question:  
Is there an appeals process for a 
decision by the Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communica tions and 
Mass Media with regard to the 
software installation mandate?   The software installation mandate is stipulated in the 
Law "On consumer protection". The Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communications and Mass Media is 
responsible for selecting applications regarding 
proposed software for pre -installation. The 
Government approves this list of software. Such 
procedure of selecting can be appealed in accordance 
with the Russian legislation.  
Page 140, Paragraph 4.161:   
Question:  
Please explain how mandating the 
installation of Russian software 
complies with Russia's WTO services 
commitments not to impose national 
treatment limitations on email, 
online information and database 
retrieval, online information and/or The Federal Law does not impose restrictions on 
foreign goods, services suppliers or their services. The 
Law does not prohibit pre -installation of foreign 
software or requires de -installation of such softwa re. 
The Law equally applies to all producers of technically 
complex goods on the Russian market, including 
Russian producers of such goods. The Federal Law 
does not impose national treatment limitations on 
email, online information and database retrieval, WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  data processing, a nd computer and 
related services more generally.  online information and/or data processing. Therefore, 
existed requirements comply with Russia's WTO 
commitments.  
Page 140, Paragraph 4.161:   
Question:  
Has the Russian government 
monitored any changes in usage of 
the services and products associated 
with t he specific Russian software 
selected by the Russian government 
for preinstallation?  Yes, the Government monitors changes in usage of the 
services and products associated with the specific 
software selected for pre -installation. The rating of the 
most demanded software is formed annually.  
Page 140, Paragraph 4.161:   
Question:  
If so, can  you please provide further 
information on such usage?   The rating of the most demanded software is formed 
on the basis of applications that the copyright holders 
of the  software send to the Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communications and Mass Media. The 
rating includes the most popular software with more 
than half a million unique users over the past year. No 
later than August 1 of each year based on the rating 
forme d, the Government approves the list of software 
to be installed for the next calendar year.  
4.3.2.4 Developments in 5G  
Page 140, Paragraph 4.163:   
Question:  
As Russia develops its 5G 
technology, does it plan to open the 
market to foreign investors and/or 
suppliers?  There are no restrictions regarding the participation of 
foreign investors in this sphere.  
4.3.2.5 Other policy changes 
affecting telecommunications 
and postal services  
Page 140, Paragraph 4.165:  
Question:  
Please explain how the requirement 
under Federal Law No. 149 -FZ for 
electronic messenger services to 
locally maintain (i.e., store in 
Russia) information on their users is 
consist ent with the national 
treatment obligations of Russia for 
these services.  The requirements referred to in the questions are 
applied to Russian and foreign services suppliers and 
their services as provided for in these Federal Laws.  
Page 141, Paragraph 4. 166:  
Question:  
Please explain how the requirement 
under Federal Law No. 152 -FZ on 
Personal Data for the storage of, 
and some processing of, Russian 
citizen personal data to be in 
Russian territory, is consistent with 
the national treatment obligations of 
Russia for Computer and Related 
Services (CPC 84)?  The requirements referred to in the questions are 
applied to Russian and foreign services suppliers and 
their services as provided for in these Federal Laws.  
Government Report  
2 TRADE AND ECONOMIC 
OVERVIEW  
2.2 Trade in goods  
Page 4, Paragraph 2.6:  Russia 
describes itself as "an open 
economy."  
Question:  
What steps does Russia take to 
maintain its open economy in light 
of clear policy guidance from senior Russian Government implements clear policy guidance 
from its senior officials, which in fact does not contain 
various legal restrictions on imported goods and 
services, but are aimed at development of open and 
competitive economy. Their instructi ons in particular 
include the following:  
    "....import substitution is not the  most important 
part of  our response to  politically motivated economic 
restrictions (by  the way, they have been imposed only 
for the reason that we exist and  are able to  defend  our WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Russian Government officials 
(including President Putin) to 
develop import substitution 
strategies and various legal 
restrictions on imported goods and 
services?  national interests, there is really nothing else behind 
them). The  most important thing is the  creation 
of a competitive business environment in  our country 
that will help bring in  investment, not only domestic, 
but international as  well."  (Meeting of  President Putin 
with businesses on  measures to  boost investment 
activity 11 March 2021)  
" We realize that our manufacturers have received big 
advantages since January  1, 2021. At  the same time, 
there are some threats as  well. We must monitor 
quality and  prices to  ensure competition 
in the domestic market."  Meeting of President Putin 
with Government members on 28.01.2021)  
"The topic of import substitution  is very important, but 
in no case should it be brought to the point of 
absurdity. It is necessary to replace the most 
important segments of what is critically important to 
produce in our country. This is not about replacing 
everything." Prime -minister Medvedevs meeting with 
the Government, December 2015.  
3 CHALLENGES  
Challenges of the Fourth 
Industrial Revolution  
Page 11, Paragraph 3.13:  The 
report states that "the most 
important challenge for all key 
technology trends, especially for 
digitalization, is the lag of global 
regulatory standards from the pace 
of practical implementation of 
technologies."  
Question:  
Please elaborate on what is meant 
by "global regulatory standards".  Global regulatory standards  entail universally 
recognized rules in respect to e -commerce, as well as 
technology flow, including aimed to ensure non-
discriminatory access to technology.  
6 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 
RIGHTS  
Page 22, Section 6:  
Russia has not provided a 
description of its regime on 
collective management 
organizations, including its system 
for collective copyright levies.  
Question:  
Please provide a fulsome description 
of Russia's collective management 
regime for the collection an d 
distribution of copyright royalties.  Article 1244 of the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation refers for the cases that call for the 
massive use of objects of copyright and related rights 
(for example, in cafes, restaurants, on television or 
radio), whe re an organization for the management of 
rights on a collective basis must obtain a state 
accreditation (issued by the authority represented by 
the Ministry of Culture of Russia). State accreditation 
vests the rights management organization in relations 
with users with the obligation to represent the 
interests of right -holders. At the same time, a 
copyright holder who has not concluded an agreement 
with an accredited organization on the transfer of 
powers to manage rights has the right at any time to 
fully or partially refuse this organization management 
of his rights and start protecting them by himself.  
An organization for the management of rights on a 
collective basis concludes license agreements with 
users on granting them the rights transferred to it f or 
the management of copyright holders for the 
appropriate ways of using objects of copyright and 
related rights and collects remuneration from users for 
the use of these objects.  
Users are obliged, at the request of the organization 
for the management of  rights on a collective basis, to 
submit reports on the use of objects of copyright and 
related rights, as well as other information and 
documents necessary for the collection and WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  distribution of remuneration, the list and terms of 
submission of which are determined in the agreement.  
The organization for the management of rights on a 
collective basis distributes the remuneration for the 
use of objects of copyright and related rights among 
right-holders, as well as pays them the specified 
remuneration.  
Simultaneously with the payment of remuneration, the 
organization for the management of rights on a 
collective basis is obliged to submit to the right -holder 
a report containing information on the use of his 
rights, including the amount of the collected 
remun eration and the amounts withheld from it. In 
order to present such information to the right -holder 
via the Internet, the right -holder is provided with the 
information system "right -holder's personal account" 
through access to which the right -holder can obt ain 
information of interest.  
6 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 
RIGHTS  
Page 22, Section 6:  
Question:  
Please provide a fulsome description 
of the Russian system for collecting 
copyright levies, including a list of 
both the domestically -produced 
products and the imported products 
on which such levies are collected.  Article 1245 of part 4 of the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation establishes that authors, performers, 
producers of phonograms and audiovisual works have 
the right to remuneration for the free reproduction of 
phonograms and audiovisual works exclusively for 
personal purposes. Such remuneration is 
compensatory and is paid to copyright holders at the 
expense of funds that are payable by manufacturers 
and importers of equipment and tangible media used 
for such reproduction.  
In pursuance of this provision, the Government of the 
Russian Federation a dopted Resolution No. 829 of 
October 14, 2010 "On remuneration for the free 
reproduction of phonograms and audiovisual works for 
personal purposes."  
The resolution approved, inter alia, lists of equipment 
and physical carriers used for the free reproducti on of 
phonograms and audiovisual works for personal 
purposes, indicating the amount of funds to be paid by 
both manufacturers and importers of such equipment 
and material carriers. Lists include identical equipment 
and tangible media and have a flat rate f or collecting 
fees. The lists are formed according to a single 
criterion - design features and consumer properties of 
equipment and physical carriers, allowing it to be used 
to reproduce phonograms and audiovisual works for 
personal, family, household and other purposes not 
related to entrepreneurial activities. The list of 
equipment and physical carriers used for the free 
reproduction of phonograms and audiovisual works for 
personal purposes, in respect of which there is an 
obligation to pay funds for the payment of 
remuneration provided for in Article 1245 of the Civil 
Code of the Russian Federation, is the same for both 
importers and manufacturers.  
 
 
As part of its WTO accession, Russia 
agreed to provide 6 years of 
regulatory data protection. The law 
providing this protection, Federal 
Law No. 61 -FZ, however, was 
superseded by new rules from the The EAEU rules do not provide the protection of data 
exclusivity, as this is the national competence of each 
Member State. 61 -FZ has not suspende d after EAEU 
rules entered into force. We note hereby that the 
provisions of 61 -FZ that are not covered by the EAEU 
rules are valid. Paragraph 18 of Article 18 of the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  EAEU governing registration of new 
medicines.  
Question:  
Do the new EAEU rules provide 6 
years of regulatory data protection 
as provided for in Federal Law No. 
61-FZ?  Federal Law stipulates that it is not allowed to use 
information on the results of precli nical studies of 
medicines and clinical studies of medicines for medical 
use submitted by the applicant for state registration of 
a pharmaceutical product without his authorization 
within six years from the date of state registration of 
the reference pharm aceutical product in the Russian 
Federation.  
 As part of its WTO accession, Russia 
agreed to provide 6 years of 
regulatory data protection. The law 
providing this protection, Federal 
Law No. 61 -FZ, however, was 
superseded by new rules from the 
EAEU govern ing registration of new 
medicines.  
Question:  
If not, how will Russia ensure 6 
years of regulatory data protection 
consistent with its WTO 
commitments?  
Page 22, Section 6: This section 
fails to address either counterfeiting 
or trade secrets.  
Question:  
Please identify any changes to the 
protection and/or enforcement of 
trademarks and trade secrets in the 
Russian Federation.  The reported five -year period only saw minor changes 
in TM protection. For instance, a stronger connection 
between TMs and related GIs/AOs was established, 
whereby a GI/AO -related TM protection may be 
challenged after the GI/AO protection in question 
expires.  
The more drastic changes to TM protection are still 
undergoing in Russia. These include expanding the 
scope of pers ons eligible for TM protection to include 
citizens that operate a business without establishing a 
legal entity. These initiatives will be notified to the 
WTO in due course.  
Page 22, Section 6:  
Question:  
Please provide information on 
Customs seizures since 2019, 
including number of seizures, value 
of goods seized, country of origin of 
the seized goods, and disposition of 
seized goods.  From 2019 to the third quarter of 2021 customs 
authorities of the Russian Federation revealed more 
than 27 mi llion units of counterfeit products, 
prevented damage to the owners of intellectual 
property objects amounting to about 17.6 billion 
rubles.  
Customs authorities are suppressing attempts to 
import counterfeit products from more than 20 
countries, mostly in Southeast and Central Asia.  
During this period clothes and shoes, games (toys), 
perfumes and cosmetics, household appliances and 
tools, car accessories and spare parts were the main 
products subject to counterfeit.  
In accordance with the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation, products found to be counterfeit are 
subject to removal from circulation and destruction by 
court order.  
Page 22, Paragraph 6.2: This 
paragraph states that "the obligation 
to protect the exclusive rights of 
right holders was extended t o a 
wider list of entities."  
Question:  
Please identify the list of entities 
currently obligated to protect the 
exclusive rights of right holders.   In accordance with Article 1243 of the Civil Code of 
the Russian Federation, the exclusive rights of right-
holders can be protected by organizations managing 
rights on a collective basis, as well as other 
associations of right -holders who have been granted 
such a right on the basis of an agreement with the 
right-holder.  
 
Page 22, Paragraph 6.3:  
Question:  
Please identify the aspects of the 
Customs Code of the EAEU "aimed The Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union 
(hereinafter – CC EAEU,  the Union) has developed an 
administrative mechanism for the protection of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 358 - 
 
  at strengthening measures of 
customs protection of intellectual 
property rights."  intellectual property rights implemented by customs 
authorities.  
Thus, the CC EAEU includes provisions governing the 
functioning of the Unified Customs Register of 
Intellectual Pro perty Objects, including the possibility 
of representing the interests of several right holders 
which IP is included in the Unified Register.  
For the first time such notions as "a person 
representing the interests of several right holders " 
(Articles 124, 385, 386 of the CC EAEU) and "identical 
objects of intellectual property in the territories of the 
member states " (para 7 and 9 of Article 385 CC EAEU) 
are mentioned in the EAEU legislation. At the same 
time, it is established that one of t he right holders of 
identical intellectual property objects may act as a 
person representing the interests of several right 
holders as agreed with other right holders.  
Another innovation of the CC EAEU was to empower 
the Eurasian Economic Commission for es tablishing 
uniform procedures in the territory of the Union 
(Adopted by Decision of the Collegium of Eurasian 
Economic Commission dated December, 19, 2017 No 
188 "On issues regarding the release of goods"):  
− registration of decisions on suspension of the 
time limit for release of goods and on 
extension of the time limit for suspending the 
release of goods;  
− notification of the declarant, right holder or a 
person representing his interests or the 
interests of several right holders of such 
decisions;  
registrati on of annulled decision to suspend the 
release of goods.  
7 DEVELOPMENT OF 
COMPETITION  
Page 22, Paragraph 7.1:  In this 
paragraph Russia asserts that the 
promotion of competition is a 
"priority area of policy" and is "an 
important tool that enables 
economic growth."  
Question:  
Please explain how Russia's various 
local content requirements, import 
prohibitions, and single source 
contracts contribute to its strategy 
of using competition to foster 
economic growth.  We are not aware about import prohibitions in areas 
subject to competition rules.  
 
Local content requirements are designed in a way 
which promotes competit ion and investments into 
domestic production, which by itself increases its 
competitive levels. Single source contracts within the 
system of government procurements under current 
legislation are concluded for very limited number of 
reasons, which include p rocurement of certain 
medicines, procurement of goods and services in case 
only one offer was made by single supplier.  
8 EASE OF DOING BUSINESS, 
TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC 
EXPERTISE  
Page 24, Paragraph 8.5: The 
Report refers to the establishment 
of a public online portal containing a 
registry of mandatory requirements.  
Question:  
Please provide the Uniform Resource 
Locator (URL) for this portal.  https://ot.gov.ru/   
Page 24, Paragraph 8.6: The 
Report describes changes made 
since the introduction of a 
"regulatory guillotine" mechanism in According to the Rules for Public Discussions published 
on the official website (regulation.gov.ru) with respect 
to a decision to be made on a draft regulation, which 
shall contain the following:  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  2019. The  Report states that 447 
legislative acts have updated 
requirements and that all the 
replacement acts were discussed 
with stakeholders.  
Question:  
What process was used to consult 
with stakeholders on the 
replacement acts?  − type, name and scheduled effective date of the 
regulation;  
− information on the developer of the  draft 
regulation;  
− rationale for development of the draft regulation;  
− description of the problem to be addressed 
through the proposed regulation;  
− scope of persons to be covered thereby and 
information on whether there is a need to 
establish a transition period;  
− outline of the regulation objective and general 
description of relevant public relations;  
− time limit for the regulator to receive proposals 
related to publication of the notice, which may not 
be less than 10 working days of publication o f the 
notice on the official website, and the most 
convenient way for submission thereof;  
− other information related, from the regulator's 
perspective, to the information on development of 
the draft regulation.  
In case of a positive decision on development of the 
draft regulation, the regulator shall publish the draft 
regulation and a summary report on the official 
website (regulation.gov.ru) for the purposes of public 
discussions.  
The regulator shall set the time limit for public 
discussions subject to the level of regulatory impact of 
the draft regulation, which shall not be less than:  
− 20 working days – for draft regulations containing 
provisions of high regulatory impact;  
− 15 working days – for draft regulations containing 
provisions of medium regulatory impact;  
− 10 working days – for draft regulations containing 
provisions of low regulatory impact.  
The regulator shall review all proposals submitted 
within the set time limit for the purposes of public 
discussions of the draft regulation and the r egulatory 
impact assessment (RIA) summary report, make a 
summary of the proposals with all information on 
registration and rejection thereof, and, not later than 
20 working days of expiry of the public discussions 
period, publish it on the official website  
(regulation.gov.ru).  
Following the public discussions, the regulator shall 
finalize the draft regulation (if necessary) and the 
regulatory impact assessment (RIA) summary report. 
That said, the RIA summary report shall include the 
information on public di scussions of the draft 
regulations, dates of holding thereof, an independent 
anti-corruption expert review of the draft regulation, 
federal government authorities and representatives of 
the business community notified of the public 
discussions as well as s ubmitters of the proposals and 
the regulator's departments responsible for reviewal 
thereof.  
The regulator shall publish the finalized draft 
regulation, summary report and proposal summary on 
the official website together with delivery thereof to 
the Minis try of Economic Development of the Russian 
Federation for the purposes of an Opinion thereon.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 24, Paragraph 8.6:  
Question:  
Were any of the replacement acts 
technical regulations with trade 
impact and so needed to be notified 
to the WTO?  No, there were no such replacement acts.  
10 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT  
10.2 Trade and environmental 
protection  
Page 26, Paragraph 10.6:  Russia 
reports that it believes "each 
country has the right to 
independently choose the optimal 
model for the "green" 
transformation of the economy and 
product processes, as well as the 
pace, mechanisms and tools for 
achieving climate goals."   
Question:  
Please gi ve further detail on Russia's 
planned optimal model, time period 
for transition, and what sort of 
mechanisms and tools it is 
considering.   To all four questions.  
Over 40% of the Russian energy balance is comprised 
of low -emission energy sources, including nuclear 
power.  
For the moment, nuclear power represents a major 
source of green energy in Russia: by the end of 2020, 
NPPs has generated 215.746 bil. kWh of power, which 
is 20.3% of the total power generated in the country.  
All Russian -designed NPPs miti gate the production of 
about 213 mil. tons of CO2 -equivalent per annum.  
At the same time, Russia is developing the production 
of hydrogen energy.  
To achieve the strategic goal of developing hydrogen 
energy, it is necessary to intensify international 
cooperation in this area. This goal can be achieved by 
the conclusion of long -term export contracts for the 
hydrogen supply and energy products based on it, as 
well as by the exports of industrial products for 
hydrogen energy.  
There is also a  great potential for the implementation 
of climate projects aimed at enhancing greenhouse 
gas sink by forests and the other ecosystems. The 
other climate projects may be aimed at improvements 
in energy efficiency, development of energy saving 
measures, imp rovement of industrial processes.  
Russia is also actively developing national climate 
legislation. It includes the Federal Law "On limiting the 
greenhouse gas emissions", a draft federal law "On 
conducting an experiment to establish special 
regulation of e missions and absorption of greenhouse 
gases in certain regions of the Russian Federation", as 
well as a draft "Strategy on the socio -economic 
development of the Russian Federation with a low 
level of greenhouse gas emission until 2050".  
Since 2020, green financing has been developing in 
Russia. The taxonomy has 2 blocks:  
1) Taxonomy of green projects that also includes 
nuclear energy.  
2) Taxonomy of adaptation projects. This 
taxonomy covers projects in oil and gas production, 
coal processing, sustainable infrastructure.  
The Resolution Government of the Russian Federation 
of 14 July 2021 No. 1912 -r establishes the goals and 
main directions on sustainable (including "green") 
development in the Russian Federation. It provides the 
key directions of  state policy for the development of 
investments and the attraction of extra -budgetary 
funds to projects which have a positive impact on the 
environment and other spheres of sustainable 
development.  
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation 
of 21 September 2021 No. 1587 establishes the 
criteria for sustainable (including green) development 
of projects in the Russian Federation, as well as the 
requirements for their the verification.  Page 26, Paragraph 10.6:   
Question:  
What specific range of measures is 
Russia considering to reduce 
emissions?   
Page 26, Paragraph 10.6:   
Question:  
How does Russia plan to increase 
energy efficiency, and what types of 
renewable energy sources and new 
clean technologies are Russia 
developing?   
Page 26, Paragraph 10.6:   
Question:  
Will Russia seek to raise its 
commitments under its Nationally 
Determined Contribution?   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  In order to develop investment activities and attract 
extra-budget ary funds in projects aimed at realizing 
the national development goals, a draft action plan 
("road map") has been developed in order to 
implement measures aimed at financing of sustainable 
(including "green") development in the Russian 
Federation. To incr ease the inflow of capital into 
sustainable development projects, the outlined plan 
provides for the following measures:  
- subsidies to Russian organizations applying BAT to 
reimburse part of the cost of paying coupon income on 
stable bonds and / or to rei mburse part of the cost of 
paying interest on stable loans;  
- consideration of the possibility of applying in the 
practice of financial regulation and supervision of 
measures that stimulate market participants to pursue 
a policy of environmentally responsi ble financing, 
taking into account the impact of such a policy on the 
level of credit and other risks, both in the short and 
long term;  
- application of a tax rate of 0% from 2022 to 2024 in 
relation to coupon yield on stable bonds for this 
period.  
Page 27, Paragraph 10.8:  Please 
provide further detail on Russia's 
carbon regulation , specifically 
Federal Law of 2 July 2021 "On 
limiting greenhouse gas emissions."   
Question:  
How will this law assist Russia with 
reducing greenhouse gas emissions 
to meet its climate commitments?  To both questions.  
Federal Law No. 296 -FZ of July 2, 2021 "On Limiting 
Greenhouse Gas Emissions" lays down the legal basis 
in the sphere of decarboniza tion. This Law provides for 
the following key measures on the regulation of 
greenhouse gas emissions.  
- Mandatory reporting on greenhouse gas emissions 
for largest emitters (with emissions exceeding 150 
thousand tons of CO2 -eq per year until 2025, starting  
from 2025 – with emissions exceeding 50 thousand 
tons of CO2 -eq). The rest of the economic entities will 
be able to submit reports voluntarily on the basis of 
unified rules and procedures. This measure allows 
obtaining information on emissions at the leve l of 
individual enterprises, which is important for preparing 
climate measures, adjusting targets of climate policy.  
- Targets -setting for greenhouse gas emissions for 
sectors of the economy. Targets will be approved by 
the Government of the Russian Federa tion. Sectoral 
targets will allow to differentiate measures in order to 
reduce GHG emissions, taking into account 
technologies, the volume of investments, the sale of 
goods, works, services and budgetary receipts in a 
particular industry.  
- Possibility of implementing voluntary climate 
projects. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to 
implement on a voluntary basis a wide range of 
projects aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 
and increase their absorption. Projects can include 
measures in the field of  energy efficiency, 
modernization of production processes, carbon capture 
and storage, forest climate projects, etc. Both Russian 
companies and foreign partners can invest in climate 
projects in Russia.  
- Circulation of carbon credits resulting of climate 
projects. The market for carbon credits allows ensure 
the reductions of greenhouse gas emissions at the 
lowest cost. This market can offset the investment in 
climate projects.  Page 27, Paragraph 10.8:   
Question:  
What will be the basis for the 
implementati on of voluntary climate 
projects, and would Russia provide 
examples of the types of projects 
implemented?   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Page 27, Paragraph 10.9:   
Question:  
Please provide additional details on 
Russia's experimental special 
regulation on emissions.  It is noted 
that the Sakhalin Region will be the 
first region; will Russia expand this 
experiment to other regions?  Does 
Russia have plans to adopt an 
emissions tra ding system?  A draft federal law "On conducting an experiment to 
establish special regulation of emissions and 
absorption of greenhouse gases in certain regions of 
the Russian Federation" provides for the experimental 
pilot projects aimed at achieving car bon neutrality in 
regions of the Russian Federation.  
The Sakhalin pilot project will be a first regional 
emission trading system in Russia. It provides the 
following elements:  
- monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and 
removals;   
- quotas for greenhouse  gas emissions;  
- mandatory reporting of regulated organizations and 
verification;  
- circulation and offset of carbon credits (issued if the 
actual emissions of the enterprise are below the 
established quota);  
- special economic and financial mechanisms 
stimulating the reduction of greenhouse gas 
emissions.  
It supposes that this pilot project will enhance the 
development of low -carbon solutions in the sectors of 
energy, transportation and industry, and it will allow 
attracting investment in these industries . 
Subsequently, the similar pilot projects may also be 
introduced in the other Russian regions.  
11 RUSSIA IN THE WTO  
11.2 WTO reform  
Page 28, Paragraph 11.5:  Russia 
asserts that it supports 
strengthening notification disciplines 
in the WTO.  
Question:  
How does Russia's failure to provide  
any notifications to the WTO on 
state trading enterprises within the 
meaning of Article XVII of GATT 
1994 and the understanding on the 
interpretation of Article XVII 
comport with its desire to 
strengthen notification disciplines?  In respect of making not ifications under the GATT 
Article XVII the Russian Federation believes that it 
fully complies with its obligations under said Article 
and intends to continue to comply.  
 
12 REGIONAL AND BILATERAL 
INTERACTION  
12.2 Free trade agreements  
Page 31, Paragraph 12.8:  Please 
provide an update on the 
negotiations between the EAEU and 
Iran? From a base of only 502 HS 
codes (EAEU side) and 360 codes 
(Iran side), what percent of tariff 
codes do the parties expect to cover 
in order to eliminate tariffs and 
other restri ctive measures on 
substantially all trade?  The EAEU Member States and Iran are going to hold 
the first round of FTA negotiations this year. The 
future FTA will cover substantially all trade between 
the parties. The definite level of tariff liberalization will 
be discussed with Iran in the course of negotiations.  
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
Para 1.11 (Page 15)  
The decline in the Russian 
Federation's potential economic 
growth has raised concerns about its 
medium -term prospects and the 
risks of stalled convergence in GDP 
per capita with advanced economy  
The mentioned goals will be achieved through 
implementation of national project "Digital Economy" 
and its federal projects, indicated below:  
⎯ "Regulation of Digital Environment":  the 
federal project is aimed at (1) establishing a 
flexible system of digital economy regulation; (2) 
removing the barriers  for the development of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 363 - 
 
  levels. As a result, new national 
goals were announced in 201 8 (see 
below), suggesting that the Russian 
Federation will strive to further 
integrate into global production, 
value, and logistics chains. In this 
regard, special emphasis is put on 
developing modern technologies and 
highly skilled labour. According to 
the World Bank, further integration 
into global value chains (GVCs) 
would be an important step towards 
achieving these new goals. Indeed, 
GVC participation, especially in 
manufacturing, magnifies the effects 
of traditional trade and contributes 
to increased productivity, better 
jobs, and lower poverty.14  
Question:  
Please provide more details on how 
Russia is planning to achieve its goal 
of developing modern technologies 
and highly skilled labor.  modern technologies and entrepreneurship in such 
areas as intellectual property, telecommunication, 
financial technologies, legal proceedings, 
standardization, etc. (3) settling the identification 
issues of subjects of legal relatio ns, electronic 
document management, and collection, storage 
and processing of data.  
⎯ "Information Infrastructure":  the federal 
project is aimed at bridging the digital divide and 
providing citizens with access to modern digital 
services, distance learning a nd telemedicine 
through the development of information 
infrastructure and the increased access to Internet 
in sparsely populated, remote and inaccessible 
areas.  
⎯ "Human resources for Digital Economy":  the 
federal project is aimed at improving the 
education al system through provision of highly 
skilled labor training for the digital economy and 
special programs of complementary education for 
building the necessary digital skills.  
⎯ "Information Security":  the federal project is 
aimed at ensuring the security of  digital 
environment, personal data and at protecting 
citizens from cyber -threats.  
⎯ "Digital Technology":  the federal project is 
aimed at establishing favorable conditions for the 
development and introduction of digital 
technologies and stimulating the dema nd of 
companies for digital solutions in various sectors 
of the economy.  
⎯ "Digital Public Administration":  the federal 
project is aimed at incorporating the public 
services into electronic format and at developing 
the Government Services Portal  
⎯ "Artificial Intelligence":  the federal project is 
aimed at increasing the number of domestic 
innovations in the field of artificial intelligence 
(there are plans to build 6 research facilities in the 
field of advanced artificial intelligence and to 
provide special pro grams of complementary 
education for building the necessary digital skills in 
this field).  
TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
Para 2.23 (Page 33)  
The EAEU Treaty entered into force 
on 1 January 2015 between the 
Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, 
and Belarus, with Armenia joining in 
January 2015 and the Kyrgyz 
Republic in August 2015. The EAEU 
Treaty provides for the free 
movement of goods between its 
Members. The EAEU Treaty contains 
the basic principles of the 
functioning of the EAEU in areas 
such as tariff and customs 
regulation, foreign trade policy, 
technical regulation, SPS measures, Over the period of 2015 -2019 Russian exports of 
goods to the EAEU increased almos t from USD 28.8 
billion in 2015 to USD 39.2 billion in 2019. Russian 
imports from other EAEU members grew from USD 
14.2 billion in 2015 to USD 20.6 billion in 2019. In 
2020, amid the COVID -19 pandemic, mutual trade 
between Russia and the Union decreased and as a 
result the trade turnover amounted to USD 53.3 
billion. According to the estimates, the decrease in 
mutual trade of the EAEU in 2020 amo unted to 11%, 
however, without integration the decrease could have 
been 18.7%.  
 
Amid the reduction of the threat from the pandemic 
spread and the revival of economic activity the growth 
of mutual trade is expected in the mid -term forecast. 
It is estimated by Eurasian Economic Commission and WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 364 - 
 
  and macroeconomic and foreign 
exchange policies. It also comprise s 
various elements of cooperation and 
regulation of financial markets, 
services and investment, 
competition policy and natural 
monopolies, energy, transportation, 
government procurement, IPRs, 
industrial policy, and agriculture, as 
well as the movement of labour.48 
The Agreement was notified on 12 
December 2014 in WTO document 
WT/REG358/N/1, S/C/N/785. 
Further international agreements 
governing free trade in goods are 
concluded by the EAEU together 
with its Member States. Member 
States are eligible to grant  tariff 
preferences in trade with third 
countries unilaterally based on an 
international treaty of the Member 
State with the third country 
concluded before 1 January 2015, or 
an international treaty concluded by 
all Member States.  
Question:  
By how much di d Russia's intra -
EAEU trade (exports and imports) 
grow over the years following entry 
into force of the EAEU Treaty? By 
how much is this expected to grow 
in the coming years?  the IMF that the mutual trade between Russia and the 
EAEU will be USD 49,5- USD 56,1 billion in 2021 and 
USD 58,6-63,3 billion in 2022.  
TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
Para 2.23 (Page 33)  
Question:  
What was the net effect of the FTA 
on Russia's GDP during the years 
following entry into force? What is 
the expected net effect in the 
coming years?  For the period of 2015 -2020, the growth of real 
aggregate GDP of the EAEU members amounted to 
3.7% and about 0.5% of that in crease was due to the 
integration. The EAEU integration is expected to 
contribute 0.14 p.p. to the dynamics of EAEU total 
GDP in 2021.  
Over the period of 2015 -2020, integration's 
contribution for Russia's GDP was 0.24 p.p.  
It was estimated by the IMF that Russia's GDP would 
increase by 4.7% in 2021.   
TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
Para 2.24 (Page 33)  
As part of the EAEU, the Russian 
Federation is part of a free trade 
agreement (FTA) with the Socialist 
Republic of Viet Nam (entered into 
force on 5 October 201 6 and notified 
to the WTO on 4 May 2017 in WTO 
document WT/REG385/N/1, 
S/C/N/889), the Interim Agreement 
leading to the formation of a free 
trade area between the EAEU and 
the Islamic Republic of Iran (entered 
into force on 27 October 2019 and 
notified to the WTO 31 January 
2020 in WTO document 
WT/REG401/N/1), an FTA with 
Singapore (signed on 1 October 
2019, but not yet put into force), We would like to note that the implementation period 
for the reduction of import customs duties provided in 
the FTA with Vietnam has not finished yet. The 
implementation period for the elimination of import 
duties under this agreement is fixed for 2025.  
The turnover between Russia and Vietnam has 
increased by more than 45% since 2015 (the turnover 
in 2015 amounted to 3,9 billion USD compared to 5,7 
billion USD in 2020).  
It also should be noted that Vietnam (compared to 
2015) rose up by 8 positions in Russ ia's top trading 
partners ranking. Now Vietnam is in the 20th place.  
 
The Interim Agreement leading to the formation of a 
free trade area between the EAEU and the Islamic 
Republic of Iran has been in force only for 2 years but 
we can state the increase of mutual trade (both 
exports and imports) despite Covid -pandemic and 
decrease of world trade.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 365 - 
 
  and an FTA with Serbia (signed on 
25 October 2019, but not yet put 
into force). FTAs with Egypt, India, 
and Israel are cur rently under 
negotiation. Joint feasibility studies 
with Mongolia and Indonesia were 
launched in 2020.  
Question:  
By how much did Russia's exports 
and imports to and from Vietnam 
and Iran grow during the years 
following entry into force of the 
FTAs? By how  much are these 
expected to grow in the coming 
years? What was the net effect of 
the FTA on Russia's GDP during the 
years following entry into force? 
What is the expected net effect in 
the coming years?  For 8 months of 2021 the volume of Russian export to 
Iran is 1  752 million dollars and import -657 million 
dollars in comparison with the same time period in 
2019 where the volume of export was 1  116 million 
dollars, import – 360 mill ion dollars. Taking into 
account plans to start the negotiations between the 
EAEU and Iran this year on FTA that will cover 
substantially all trade, we expect even more growth of 
mutual trade in the future.  
 
TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
Para 2.24 (Page 33 ) 
Question:   
Are Vietnam and Iran expected to 
be among Russia's top trading 
partners in the coming years?  To both questions.  
It should be noted that the FTA between the EAEU and 
Singapore hasn't entered into force yet and the FTA 
between the EAEU and Serbi a entered into force  quite 
recently  (10 July 2021).  
According to Singapore's liberalized trade regime on 
the MFN basis we don't expect substantial changes in 
Russian export to this country.  
The Russian Federation and Serbia have already been 
granting each other preferential regime according to 
the Agreement between the Government of the 
Russian Federation and the Federal Government of the 
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on free trade (August 
28, 2000). Certain EAEU Member States also have had 
bilateral agree ments with Serbia. The aim of the 
concluded FTA is to introduce a uniform trade regime 
between EAEU Member States and Serbia. In this 
case, we don't expect substantial changes in mutual 
trade TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
Para 2.24 (Page 33)  
Question:  
By how much are Russia's exports 
and imports to and from Singapore 
and Serbia expected grow during 
the years following entry into force? 
What is the expected net effect of 
the FTA on Russia's GDP during the 
years following entry into force?  
TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
Para 2.24 (Page 33)  
Question:  
Are Singapore and Serbia expected 
to be among Russia's top trading 
partners in the coming years?  Within 2019 -2020 the shares of Vietnam, Iran, Serbia 
and Singapore in Russian export to the world are in 
the range of 0,3 -0,5%, Russian import - 0,2-1,7%. In 
2020, the largest share falls upon Vietnam. We believe 
that concluded FTAs will lead to the increase and 
development of mutual trade with Vietnam, Iran, 
Serbia and Singapore in the coming years.  
TRADE AND INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
Para 2.30 (Page 35)  
Overall, the Russian Federation 
continues to lag in key areas 
affecting the overall investment 
regime, such as legal independence 
and corruption. According to the 
WEF's Global Competitiveness 
Index, business  executives in the 
Russian Federation perceive 
increasing challenges regarding the 
independence of the legal system 
over the reporting period62, while 
the Russian Federation ranked in the 
bottom quartile of the distribution 
for the rule of law in 2019 in t he The Russian Federation is not in a posit ion to comment 
on the statements referred to in question, as the 
Russian Federation finds these statements lacking any 
justification, in particular the sources mentioned in 
relevant paragraphs do not support the conclusions 
made.  
 
At the same time, a Natio nal Anti -corruption plan 
2021-2024 was adopted by Decree of the President of 
the Russian Federation of 16 August 2021 No. 478. 
The Plan contains a list of measures for preventing 
and countering corruption, mitigating and eliminating 
its consequences, and i s divided into 16 areas:  
Anti-corruption standards; (2) conflict of interest; (3) 
anti-corruption verifications; (4) disciplinary liability; 
(5) criminal and administrative liability; (6) protection 
of restricted information; (7) revolving door; (8) anti -WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 366 - 
 
  Worldwide Governance Indicators.63 
The IMF in 2017 stressed the need 
to strengthen property rights and 
contract enforcement to reassure 
investors.64 And perceptions about 
the prevalence of corruption in the 
Russian Federation remain high, 
according to t he Transparency 
International 2020 Corruption 
Perception Index (rank 129 of 180), 
the WEF's 2019 Global 
Competitiveness Index (rank 116 of 
141), and the World Bank's 
Worldwide Governance Indicators on 
the control of corruption (in the 
bottom quartile of th e 
distribution).65 To combat 
corruption, in 2018 the Government 
amended Federal Law No. 273 -FZ of 
25 December 2008 on Combatting 
Corruption to create a publicly 
available registry of persons 
dismissed from office because of a 
loss of confidence due to (per ceived) 
corruption, and strengthen the rules 
preventing conflicts of interests.  
Question:  
Are there any ongoing or proposed 
measures that aim to address the 
lag in key areas affecting the overall 
investment regime?  corruption action in the private sector entities; (9) 
anti-corruption action in the Russian regions; (10) 
fight against corruption in procurement; (11) 
corruption proofing of legislation; (12) education and 
awareness -raising; (13) participation of society; (14) 
international cooperation; (15) systematization of 
anti-corruption legislation; and (16) digital financial 
assets and information technologies.  
Many of the provisions of the Plan are designed to fill 
in the existing legal gaps detected in law enforce ment 
over the previous years: some of them regard specific 
mechanisms, for example, the increase of sources of 
information and the provision of access to them to 
enhance the effectiveness of anti -corruption 
verifications; others concern matters of a more 
conceptual nature, for instance, the revision of the 
norms regulating conflict of interest and 
systematization of anti -corruption legislation.  
 
The information on the budget for the implementation 
of this Plan and related measures is to be reflected in 
the federal's budget. At the moment, the budget for 
2022-2024 is not yet approved.  
TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
Para 3.34 (Page 49)  
The standard VAT rate was raised 
from 18% to 20% as from January 
2019. A reduced rate of 10% 
remains in place for certain items, 
including basic foodstuffs, goods for 
children, medicines, medical 
devices, and certain printed 
publications (Table A3.2). Duri ng 
the review period, the list of eligible 
goods for children was expanded. 
Some supplies, including exports, 
remain zero -rated and are thus 
eligible for a refund of the VAT paid 
on inputs (Table A3.3). Various 
exemptions from VAT also remain in 
place, mai nly for social assistance 
and economic development 
purposes (Table A3.4).  
Question:  
How did the increase in VAT rate 
and the updates in the list of eligible 
goods affect the consumption and 
the overall economic performance of 
Russia?  At the beginning of 2019, inflation accelerated under 
the influence of the VAT rate increase from 18 to 20%. 
However, after reaching a peak of 5.3% in March 
2019, inflation began to slow down and in August 
2019 reached 4.3% in annual terms.  
According to Rosstat d ata, the consumption of 
households of goods and services increased in 2019 
compared to the relevant indicator of 2018 (RUB 
7624,1 billions in 2018 compared to RUB 8335,6 
billions in 2019).  
Para 3.40 (Page 51)  
There were no major changes to the 
legal and i nstitutional framework for 
trade remedies during the review According to the data compiled by the WTO Secretariat 
based on semi -annual reports of the WTO Members, in 
the years 1995 -2020 Russian exporters faced 134 
anti-dumping  measures WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 367 - 
 
  period.28 Being part of the EAEU's 
common external trade regime, 
contingency measures towards third 
parties remain the exclusive 
competence of the EEC. The EAEU 
Treaty (Articles 48 -50 and Annex 8)  
and the relevant EEC decisions 
provide the legal basis for 
application of anti -dumping (AD), 
countervailing (CV), and safeguard 
(SG) measures.29 Recent legislative 
amendments regulated the period 
between publication and entry into 
force of provisional and  certain 
definitive duties30 and implemented 
bilateral emergency action 
provisions of the EAEU -Viet Nam 
FTA.31 
Question:  
Is Russia more of a user or more of 
a target of trade remedy measures? 
Please elaborate.  (https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/adp_e/AD_Me
asuresByExp.pdf ). In the Russian Federation 45 anti -
dumping measures were imposed over the same 
period (since 2010 at  the level of the Customs Union 
of the Eurasian Economic Community and since 2015 
at the level of the Eurasian Economic Union 
(https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/adp_e/AD_ Me
asuresByRepMem.pdf ). As another example, Russian 
exporters faced 1 countervailing measure in the period 
of 1995 -2020 
(https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/scm_e/CV_Me
asuresBy Exp.pdf ), while no countervailing measures 
have been applied in Russia and, correspondingly, 
Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Community 
and the Eurasian Economic Union 
(https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/scm_e/CV_Me
asuresByRepMem.pdf ). It should be noted that, 
although statistics for 2021 are not yet published at 
the WTO website, in 2021 Russian exporters have 
faced new countervailing measures (2 definitive ones 
at the moment), while there are still no countervailing 
measures applied by the Eurasian Economic Union.  
 
Hence, the statistics show that Russian exporters face 
more trade remedy measures in the markets of other 
WTO Members in comparison to the number of trade 
remedy measures of the Eurasian Economic Union 
faced by the exporters of other WTO Members.  
Para 3.56 (Page 56)  
The Russian Federation eliminated 
export duties on 495 lines as part of 
its WTO accession commitments.57 
It also undertook to establish two 
export tariff rate quotas for wood 
products with in -quota export duties 
of 13% and 15%.58 Since 2016, the 
Russian Fe deration removed export 
duties on 235 tariff lines, or 
subdivisions thereof, at the 10 -digit 
level. The export duties were 
reduced on raw hides and skins, 
wood, copper, nickel and aluminum 
waste and scrap, tungsten, cobalt, 
cermet, and articles thereof. Th ere 
was also a gradual reduction of 
export duties on certain energy 
products (Section 4.2.2).  
Question:  
How did the elimination/reduction of 
export duties affect Russia's exports 
and overall economic performance?  The reduction or elimination of export du ties do not 
significantly affect the structure of Russian export.  
HS 
Code  Description  2012  2020  
value, 
thousand USD  value, thousand 
USD 
01-24 Foodstuff and 
agricultural raw 
material  16 770 740,4  29 589 779,9  
25-27 mineral 
products  373 997 701,2  172 856 777,5  
28-40 chemical 
products  32 132 886,7  23 920 445,0  
41-43 raw hides and 
skin 518 299,8  159 561,3  
44-49 wood products  10 191 313,4  12 360 610,7  
50-67 textile  770 135,5  1 481 340,8  
71 pearls, precious 
stones  13 825 061,7  30 360 158,9  
72-83 metals and 
articles thereof  44 430 601,3  34 886 197,5  
84-90 Machinery. 
Equipment. 
Vehicles  26 579 066,0  25 101 256,1  
68-70, 
91-97 Other products  5 552 295,5  6 351 464,8  
 
Para 3.57 (Page 56)  
In January 2021, a Resolution by 
the Prime Minister was signed to 
adjust exports through export tariff 
rate quotas on wheat, barley, rye, 
and corn to stabilize their prices on 
the domestic market. As from 2 
June 2021, this tax was to be 
replaced by floatin g duties, 
calculated using a benchmark index It is expected that the situation with the prices on the 
internal market amid the decreasing rev enues of the 
population as a result of COVID -19 pandemic will be 
stabilized.   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 368 - 
 
  (Section 4.1.3). It covers products 
delivered from the Russian 
Federation outside the EAEU. The 
regulations are expected to reduce 
export volumes and refocus market 
participants from selling agricultural 
raw mat erials abroad to export high 
value -added agricultural products.59  
Question:  
How is this expected to affect 
Russia's exports and overall 
economic performance?  
Para 3.69 (Page 58)  
On 24 December 2018, the 
Presidential Council for Strategic 
Development and National Projects 
announced a new set of measures to 
promote exports and industrial 
development under the International 
Cooperation and Export national 
project (Section 2.2). The k ey aim 
of this project is to double the 
Russian Federation's export of both 
non-energy and non -resource -based 
goods and services by 2025. For this 
purpose, a system of financial and 
non-financial export support was 
established. Financial measures are 
expor t credits with interest rate 
support, insurance, and guarantees 
of export credits, as well as support 
for participation in international 
exhibitions. Non -financial measures 
include consultation services, 
assistance in searching for potential 
partners abroa d, and support for 
ensuring compliance with customs 
procedures in the destination 
country.  
 
Question:  
How did the new measures affect 
Russia's exports and overall 
economic performance?  These measures aim to provide exporters with more 
comfortable and tra nsparent export environment, and 
thus have a positive effect on the total number of 
exporters and the volume of export. Besides, 
measures aimed at improving exporters' capabilities in 
the regions, including through the expansion of 
advisory support service s for exporters in the regions, 
help to enhance regions' involvement in international 
trade and diversify Russia's exports. It must be also 
noted that the negative impact of COVID -19 pandemic 
as well as other external challenges (please refer to 
Government  Report, p. 9 Section "Challenges") facing 
Russian economy over the past two years makes it 
difficult to assess a direct impact of these measures on 
Russia's exports and overall performance.  
Para 3.189 (Page 85)  
Historically, the Russian Federation 
has strong national R&D capacity. 
For example, there were 758,462 
researchers reported in 2018, the 
third highest globally, although this 
number has declined steadily from 
833,654 in 2015.203 According to the 
Global Innovation Index 2020, the 
solid tertiary education system of 
the Russian Federation, ranked 17th 
globally, indicates one of the 
strengths in R&D, whereas the 
regulatory environment, ranked 
95th, may be considered as one of 
the weaknesses.204  
Question:  As from 2022, a new model of management of science 
is being introduced in order to improve scientific, 
scientific -technical and innovative activities – the 
expenditures for science are consol idated under one 
state program – "Scientific and Technological 
Development" – in accordance with the Order of 
President of Russian Federation No. 632 (April 17, 
2021)  
A Commission on Scientific and Technological 
Development of the Russian Federation was 
established for coordinating the federal authorities 
work on enforcement issues of the basic principles of 
state scientific -technical policy formation and its 
implementation in accordance with the Decree of the 
President of the Russian Federation No. 143 "On  
measures to improve the efficiency of state scientific 
and technical policy" (March 15, 2021).  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 369 - 
 
  Has there been any recent effor ts in 
addressing this weakness? If so, 
please provide details.  
 Besides, the Decree of the President of the Russian 
Federation of No. 144 "On some issues of the Council 
for Science and Education under the President of the 
Russian Federation" added several new objectives of 
the mentioned Council under the President of R ussia:  
1. formation of the main directions of state 
scientific and technical policy and coordination of its 
implementation activities;  
2. ensuring interaction between federal authorities, 
executive authorities of Russian Federation entities, 
local govern ment bodies, public associations, 
scientific, educational and other organizations, state 
academies, support funds of scientific and scientific -
technical activities.  
Table 3.23 (Page 86)  
Copyright and related rights - 
Federal Law No. 381 -FZ of 5 
December 2017 on Amendments to 
Article 1293 of Part IV of the CC RF . 
Expand the list of grounds under 
which authors of original works of 
fine art can receive a reward, 
including at each resale of the 
original of such works, in which the 
auction house, gall ery of fine art, art 
salon, or shop participates as an 
intermediary, seller, or buyer.  
Question:  
What rewards are given to the 
authors and at each resale of 
original works of fine art?  The amount of reward paid to the author when 
reselling original works of fine art, author's 
manuscripts (autographs) of literary and musical 
works depends on the resale price of the original work. 
The Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federation No. 285 of the 4th of April 2008 establishes 
the amount of interest de ductions depending on the 
price of resale of the original work.  
 
Fragment from the Resolution of the Government of 
the Russian Federation No. 285 
 
The price of resale of the original work 
of fine art  Reward  
Up to 100 thousand rubles  5 % 
From 100 thousand rubles to 1.7 million 
rubles  5 thousand rubles + 4 % from the amount exceeding 100 thousand rubles  
From 1.7 million rubles to 7 million rubles  69 thousand rubles + 3 % from the amount exceeding 1.7 million rubles  
From 7 million rubles to 12 mill ion rubles  228 thousand rubles + 1 % from the amount exceeding 7 million rubles  
From 12 million rubles to 17.5 million rubles  278 thousand rubles + 0,5 % from the amount exceeding 12 million rubles  
More than 17.500 million rubles  305,5 thousand rubles + 0,25 % from the amount exceeding 17.5 million rubles  
 
Patents. Federal Law No. 262 -FZ of 
31 July 2020 on Amendments to 
Part IV of the CC RF . Introduce 
amendments related to the right of 
duty-free patenting.  
 
Question:  
What is the right of duty-free 
patenting and what are the 
amendments introduced to the said 
right?  According to Russian Legislation, a patent applicant 
may be exempted from paying the patent fees if they 
waive their exclusive rights in favour of the Russian 
Federation. Certai n applicants provided hundreds of 
such applications on a yearly basis. Over the period 
2003-2018, over 70 thousand patent applications were 
filed using this procedure, with only 0.2% of those 
inventions further used, with considerable overall 
budgetary exp enses related to examination. To 
alleviate this issue, the number of applications which 
can be filed under this procedure has been limited to 
10 per applicant per year. Statistically, this is 
expected to decrease patent filings in Russia while 
increasing t he average patent quality.  
Para 3.196 (Page 87)  
Regarding protection of information 
and information technology, Federal 
Law No. 156 -FZ of 1 July 2017 on 
Amendments to the Federal Law on 
Information, Information 
Technologies and Information 
Protection (FLI ITIP) established a 
mechanism allowing the court to 
restrict access to "mirrors", i.e. sites 
that are confusingly similar to the With regard to telecommunications operators:  
 
Article 13.34 of the Administrative Offenses Code of 
Russian Federation establishes administrative liability 
for failure by a communications operator that provides 
access to the Internet to restrict or resume access to 
inform ation, access to which must be restricted or 
resumed on the basis of information received from the 
federal executive body in charge of control and 
oversight in the field of communications, information 
technology and mass communications.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 370 - 
 
  sites to which access was previously 
restricted due to replicative and 
illegal posting of information 
containing copyright item s. This Law 
covers websites that contain 
unauthorized copyright and related 
rights' items or the information 
required to obtain these items. 
Federal Law No. 276 -FZ of 29 July 
2017 on Amendments to the Federal 
Law on Information, Information 
Technologies, a nd Information 
Protection (FLIITIP) prohibits the 
use of information and 
telecommunications networks, 
information systems, and computer 
programs to access prohibited 
information resources on the list 
maintained by the Federal Service 
for Supervision in the  Sphere of 
Telecom, Information Technologies 
and Mass Communication 
(Roskomnadzor). This Law also 
prevents proxy service (e.g. VPNs) 
providers from providing access to 
prohibited information resources in 
the Russian Federation and bans 
search engine operat ors from 
issuing links to such materials.  
Question:  
How are these laws enforced? Is 
there a general monitoring required 
from ISPs to ensure that there is no 
access to mirrors or to prohibited 
information resources?   
As for search engi ne operators:  
Article 13.40 of the Administrative Offenses Code of 
Russian Federation provides for administrative liability 
for search engine operator's failure to perform its 
duties:  
 
-to connect to the federal state information system of 
information reso urces, information and 
telecommunications networks, access to which is 
restricted in the territory of the Russian Federation in 
accordance with the legislation of the Russian 
Federation on information, information technologies 
and the protection of informa tion; 
 
- to terminate demonstration of information in the 
territory of the Russian Federation to the users of 
information resources, information and 
telecommunication networks, access to which is 
restricted in the territory of the Russian Federation in 
accordance with the legislation of the Russian 
Federation on information, information technology and 
information protection;  
 
As for anonymizers:  
Roskomnadzor, at the request of authorized federal 
executive bodies, identifies working "anonymizers", 
and then i n the manner prescribed by law sends them 
requirements to connect to FGIS - the Federal State 
Information System containing the register of 
prohibited sites. Connection to this system implies 
further prohibition for "anonymizers" to give users 
access to si tes that have been banned in Russia.  
If the owner of an "anonymizer" fails to follow the 
requirements, it will be blocked within 30 days after 
receiving a request from Roskomnadzor.  
Para 3.207 (Page 90)  
Federal Law No. 230 -FZ of 26 June 
2019 on Amendment s to Part IV of 
the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation introduced geographical 
indication (GI) as a new and 
independent type of IP with an aim 
to attract foreign investment and 
promote domestic brands. The Law 
establishes a registration procedure 
and req uirements for GI protection. 
Under the Law, GI is defined as a 
designation used to identify a 
product as originating from a 
specific geographical territory, 
where certain quality, reputation, 
and other characteristics are 
attributable to its origin. The te rm of 
protection of GIs is 10 years with 
the possibility of unlimited renewals. 
In addition, GIs can be registered by 
one or several individuals, legal 
entities, or associations of persons 
who manufacture or commercialize 
the product.  
Question:  GI protection in Russia follows the same basic 
principles as other types of intellectual property, 
including appellations of origin. Under the Russian 
legislation, legal protection is provided for GIs and AOs 
registered by Rospatent as well as in other cases 
provided by an international agreement. It should be 
noted, however, that there have been no practical 
cases of agreement -based GI/AO protection. The 
existing agreements, such as the Russia -Switzerland 
GI/AO agreement, foster GI protection, but do not 
substitute the national registration procedure. Also, 
any GI/AO -related FTA provisions will likely be subject 
to approval by other Member States of the Eur asian 
Economic Union.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 371 - 
 
  Does the new law allow GI 
protection in view of a free trade 
agreement? If so, what are the 
requirements?  
Para 4.14 (Page 97)  
Agricultural support is provided 
through border policies that 
continue to play an important role, 
as well as domestic support that is 
primarily spelled out in the State 
Programme for Development of 
Agriculture ado pted in 2012 and 
revised to include a second phase in 
2019.  
Question:  
What were the border policies and 
domestic support granted by the 
government to its agricultural 
sector?  The Russian Federation implements its border policies 
through customs tariff reg ulation (tariffs, tariff rate 
quotas) within the terms of Russia's accession to the 
WTO.  
Domestic support in agriculture has programme -based 
structure aiming at supporting crop and animal 
husbandry sectors. One of the key targets of 
government agrarian policy is technologic 
modernization of agricultural production; the system 
of concessional lending is the main driver for such 
modernization. Special attention is paid to sustainable 
development of rural areas, which contributes to 
increasing welf are of rural population, flow -in of 
highly -qualified personnel, as well as growing business 
activity in the agricultural sector.  
Para  4.16,  last 2 sentences 
(Page  98) 
…In 2020, the EAEU introduced a 
temporary ban on the exports of 
some products including  onions, 
garlic, turnips, rye, rice, 
buckwheat, millet, cereals, whole 
meal flour, and cereal  granules  and 
other  products.  According  to the 
authorities,  it was in place from 1 
April to 30 June 2020 as a response  
to the adverse  effect  of the COVID -
19 pandemic.  
Question:  
What were the implications of these 
trade policies on Russia's 
agricultural trade and economic 
performance (e.g., prices, 
production, consumption)?  These were part of measures undertaken in order to 
address the shortage and st abilize prices on the 
internal market.  
 
Para 4.58 (Page 113)  
Many of the non -energy mineral 
companies are privately owned, but 
the industry is characterized by a 
high degree of concentration.95  
Question:  
Are there any existing or proposed 
regulatory measures within the 
industry? Please provide more 
information.  To make mining -production -sale chain process within 
non-energy industry more transparent as well as to 
promote improvements in governance efficiency, for 
example in tax regulation the following steps are 
planned: - taking into account international practice, 
according to which a threshold for non -energy mineral 
resources mining taxes for foreign companies account 
for approximately 3 -5% of revenue generated, while a 
thresh old for mining tax for revenue generated by 
Russian companies before 2021 did not exceed 0,2 -
0,5%.At present, government policy is aimed at 
bringing tax threshold up to international indicators by 
implementing a multiplier to an applied mining tax 
rate. 
Para 4.100 (Page 122)  
The amendments adopted in August 
2018, and which became effective in 
January 2019, provided for a 
reduction in phases of export duties 
on oil, gas condensate, and 
petroleum products until their 
elimination in 2024, accompanied by The objective of the amendments adopted in August 
2018, so -called "Tax Maneuver", was not to create 
new sources of budgetary income. Tax Maneuver was 
developed in order to substantively reform the 
taxation system in the sphere of extraction and 
exports of oil and petroleum products. It provides for 
the shift of the fiscal burden from the exports of oil to 
the extraction of oil by virtue of phased out decrease WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 372 - 
 
  an eq uivalent increase in the Mineral 
Resources Extraction Tax (MRET) for 
oil and gas condensate. The 
amendments also included 
provisions allowing for the 
application of a temporary, a 
protective increase in the amount of 
export duties on crude oil and 
petroleu m products, and increases 
in the rates of excise taxes on 
petroleum products.166 The 
reduction of export duties on crude 
oil and petroleum products was 
accompanied by the adoption of 
special tax deductions to oil 
refineries and a "reverse excise tax" 
on pe troleum feedstock to 
compensate them for the increased 
cost of feedstock.167 It has been 
observed that the measures taken 
to compensate refineries have made 
the system too complex and that, by 
restoring subsidies to refining and 
consumption, these measures  have 
compromised the objective of 
creating a level playing field 
between domestic and export 
markets. However, the Russian 
authorities have pointed out in this 
connection that subsidies for 
refining and domestic consumption 
have been significantly reduced .168  
Question:  
Are there any existing or proposed 
measures to address the gap in 
between the tax program's 
objectives and implementation?   in the exports duty rates for oil and petroleum 
products with simultaneous increase of the tax rate  for 
extraction of natural resources in respect of oil and 
gas condensate, reduction of excise for petroleum 
products with provision of certain measures of support 
for the producers in order to adapt to the transition to 
the new system. This reform was lau nched in line with 
the policy of the Government of the Russian 
Federation aimed at phasing out of the export duties 
for oil and petroleum products. At the same time the 
Tax Maneuver is still in the process of its 
implementation. The Government reviews the 
effectiveness of its implementation and at this 
moment no specific proposals were put forward that 
would substantively modify this mechanism.  
Para 4.149 (Page 136)  
The Russian Federation's 
telecommunications market is 
competitive and characterized by 
high rates of mobile penetration, 
relatively low market concentration, 
and, according to the International 
Telecommunication Union (ITU), 
affordable prices for standardi zed 
mobile and data baskets (Table 
4.14). Access to fixed broadband is 
also very competitive, with the 
Russian Federation ranked 8th in 
the ITU's 2020 information and 
communication technology (ICT) 
price trends (Table 4.15).  
Question:  
What percentage of R ussia's GDP is 
attributed to telecommunications?  According to experts' assessments, the share of the 
information and communication technology (ICT) 
sector in Russia's GDP in 2020 reached a record at the 
rate of 3.1%.  
Para 2.4 (Page 4)  
According to the O ECD data, the 
anticipated growth rate of the 
Russian economy will amount to 
3.5% and 2.8% in 2021 and 2022 
respectively…  In 2021, the  driving forces for economic growth are 
manufacturing (+14,3); wholesale and retail trade 
(+11,3%); mining and quarrying (+10,6%); real 
estate activities (+8,8%); public administration 
(+6,5%); transportation and storage (+5,7%); WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 373 - 
 
  Question:  
Which sector/s are seen as the 
driving force/s for economic growth 
in 2021, 2022 and onwards? Please 
explain.  
 construction (+4,8%); and financial and insurance 
activities (+4,4%)  
In 2022, the driving forces for economic growth are 
manufacturing (+14,2); wholesale and retail trade 
(+11,3%); mining and quarrying (+10,4%); real 
estate activities (+8,7%); public administration 
(+6,5%); transpo rtation and storage (+5,8%); 
construction (+4,9%); and financial and insurance 
activities (+4,5%); and professional, scientific and 
technical activities (+4,1%).  
In onwards, the driving forces for economic growth are 
manufacturing; wholesale and retail tra de; mining and 
quarrying; real estate activities; public administration; 
transportation and storage; construction; and financial 
and insurance activities; and professional, scientific 
and technical activities.  
Para 2.20 (Page 7)  
During 2016 -2019, foreign direct 
investment flows abroad ranged 
from USD 22 billion to USD 37 
billion per year, and in 2020 it fell to 
USD 5.3 billion.  
Question:  
To which sectors did Russia infuse 
its FDI flows abroad?   
The Bank of Russia does not compile statistics on 
direct investment across countries' industries. The 
industries that attract most Russian FDIs would 
depend on each country of destination.  
Para 2. 20 (Page 7)  
Question:  
What is the reason behind the sharp 
decline in the value of FDI?    
Direct investment from the Russian Federation 
declined from USD 22 –37 billion recorded in 2016 –
2019 to USD 6 billion in 2020 predominantly due to a 
decrease in income reinvestment abroad. The latter 
resulted from the worsening of the economic 
environment caused by the coronavirus pandemic, 
which affected companies' profitability. Nonetheless, 
there is a recovery observed. In the first half of 2021, 
direct investm ent from the Russian Federation total ed 
USD 17 billion  
Para 2.22 (Page 8)  
Inward FDI has come mainly from 
the EU, and in some years, there 
were high investment rates from 
countries and territories such as 
Singapore; Hong Kong, China; 
Jersey, etc. In term s of the volume 
of inward FDI stock in the Russian 
Federation as of the end of 2020, 
Cyprus has been the leader (USD 
153.4 billion, or 28.6% of the total). 
Bermuda Islands and the 
Netherlands have also demonstrated 
significant results (USD 48.0 billion, 
or 8.9% and USD 46.7 billion, or 
8.7%, respectively).  
Question:  
Please provide similar information 
on FDI outflows. Which countries 
are the top recipients of FDI from 
Russia?    
As of the end of 2020, the following countries were the 
leaders by the amounts of accumulated direct 
investment from the Russian Federation:  
− Cyprus (200.5 billion US dollars);  
− Netherlands (33.7 billion US dollars);  
− Austria (29.7 billion US dollars);  
− UK (2 5.1 billion US dollars); and  
Switzerland (22.0 billion US dollars).  
Para 3.9 (Page 10)  
The tendency of evening out the 
natural competitive advantage of 
countries, that have cheap factors of 
production, in particular – natural Russia diversifies its economy and works towards 
economic upgrading through GVCs, which is being 
achieved through the implementation of a wide range 
of measures and policies aimed at, among others, 
improving the business environment and investmen t WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 374 - 
 
  resources, persists. New forms of 
discrimination are emerging.  
Question:  
What steps have Russia taken to 
address thi s issue?  climate, developing international trade and economic 
cooperation, promoting technological modernization, 
and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises 
(MSMEs).  
Para 3.11 (Page 10)  
Climate change is a global challenge 
that requires joint efforts at an 
international level. This problem is 
interdisciplinary in nature and 
affects many areas, including trade 
and economy. Recently, the "green 
economy" concept has been widely 
transforming into concrete action 
programmes that have a practical 
dimension from  the economic point 
of view. Measures (including 
unilateral measures) affecting 
market conditions are being 
introduced under the pretext of 
protecting the environment. There is 
a growing number of examples of 
Article 3 of the UNFCCC violations 
when measure s to combat climate 
change are being used to restrict 
international trade. At the same 
time, the multiplication of such 
practices (including through the 
imposition of certain approaches on 
the other countries) entails a 
restructuring of the industrial 
production system, significant 
changes in traditional trade. Russia's 
policy is based on the presumption 
that climate change mitigation 
efforts should not restrict 
competition in world trade, or lead 
to inequality, introduction of 
discriminatory practices, and  trade 
barriers.  
Question:  
Please provide more information on 
the measures (including unilateral 
measures) affecting market 
conditions being introduced under 
the pretext of protecting the 
environment.  The Russian Federation is concerned with the EU 
Green  Deal. The realization of the Green Deal may 
lead to the establishment of the trade related 
restrictions. For example, currently WTO Members, 
including Russia, raise specific trade concerns with 
regard to the certain elements of the Green Deal. Such 
concer ns include the carbon border adjustment 
mechanism, the draft EU batteries regulation notified 
in document G/TBT/N/EU/775, the EU Chemical 
Strategy for Sustainability.  
Para 4.15 (Page 13)  
Measures to reduce the time 
required to perform customs 
operations and improve the 
conditions for doing business are 
also being implemented. The 
undertaken work has made it 
possible to ensure a reduction in the 
time required for undergoing 
customs clearanc e procedure of 
goods that are not identified as risky 
deliveries, to 1 hour 18 minutes 
upon their importation and up to 49 
minutes upon their exportation.  
Question:  During the period of 2017 -2020 customs 
administrative reforms were made by the FCS, that 
were aimed at inter alia:  
− establishment the priority to electronic form of 
goods declaration;  
− automatic registration of declarations and 
automatic release of goods;  
− implementation of "remote payment" 
technology for customs payments;  
− improving the work of customs authorities with 
the payment of customs duties by providing a 
financial guarantee in electronic form;  
− transfer to the technology of paperless 
electronic docume nt flow;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 375 - 
 
  Please provide more information on 
the measures being undertaken to 
address the issue.  − -avoiding duplication of electronic documents 
with paper documents and reduce the number 
of documents required for goods crossing the 
Russian border;  
− implementation of a subject -oriented model of 
the risk management system that allows 
reducing the  number of control procedures 
(including inspections) with respect to low risk 
traders.  
 
Such reforms leads to automation and optimization of 
customs operations, reducing the time for customs 
operations and state control at checkpoints, while 
maintaining a n appropriate level of control.  
 
Also one of the main goals of the FCS development 
until 2030 is to ensure a high level of operability of 
electronic services that allow the participants of 
foreign economic activity to submit information in 
electronic form.  
In 2020, 98% of all submitted declaration are 
concentrated in electronic declaration centres, while 
the share of automatically registered electronic export 
and import declarations were 99,1% and 99,3%, 
respectively.  Para 4.15 (Page 13)  
Question:  
Please describe efforts to allow e -
copies of necessary documents for 
customs clearance procedure of 
goods?  
Para 10.6 (Page 26)  
Russia supports efforts to reduce 
global greenhouse gas emissions. At 
the same time, in accordance with 
the fundamental princi ples of the 
UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, 
each country has the right to 
independently choose the optimal 
model for the "green" 
transformation of the economy and 
production processes, as well as the 
pace, mechanisms and tools for 
achieving the climate goa ls. Russia 
advocates for the use of a wide 
range of measures to reduce 
emissions and reduce anthropogenic 
impact on the climate, such as 
increasing energy efficiency and 
energy saving measures, 
improvement of production 
processes, developing energy with 
low greenhouse gas emissions 
including renewable energy sources, 
increasing the efficiency of using 
ecosystems (including increasing 
their absorptive capacity), 
introducing new clean technologies, 
as well as the introduction of 
technologies for carbon captur e, 
storage and removal from the 
atmosphere.  
Question:  
With its latest carbon emission 
target pronouncement, is the 
country inclined towards decreasing 
its investments in coal, oil and gas?  Currently, the Russian Federation adheres to 
decarbonization in energy sector, inter alia, by co -
generation that implies development of new energy 
sources (low carbon) together with maintaining 
production of traditional ones. The Russian climate 
targets are to be reached with the use of green 
technol ogies and standards. We believe that we will 
not face decline of investments in any traditional and 
significant sector.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Para 10.6 (Page 26)  
Question:  
Please share Russia's plans to 
increase the share of renewable 
energy in its electricity mix.   Among th e world largest economies, the energy 
balance of the Russian Federation is one of the most 
environmentally friendly (low -carbon) - more than a 
third of electricity generation is accounted by nuclear 
energy, hydropower and other renewable energy 
sources, ab out half - by natural gas  
 Electricity generation by hydroelectric power plants 
increased by 15.8 percent from 2008 to 2018.  The 
share of hydroelectric power plants.  The hydropower 
potential of the Russian Federation is about 9 percent 
of the global potent ial and provides large -scale 
opportunities for the development of hydropower.  
The installed capacity of solar power plants in the 
Unified Energy System of Russia in 2018 reached 
0.834 GW, wind power plants - 0.184 GW.  The total 
capacity of small hydropower  plants exceeds 1.2 GW.  
The mechanism of state support for the promotion of 
renewable energy sources in the electricity wholesale 
market of the Russian Federation made it possible to 
increase the investment attractiveness of renewable 
energy sources.  The production of high -tech 
innovative equipment and the market of engineering 
services for the creation of solar energy and wind 
energy facilities of various capacities and complexity 
have been created and are developing.  
The main problems and ri sk factors for the 
development of hydropower are long construction 
periods for its facilities, the unsettled legal status of 
reservoirs for hydropower purposes, growing costs of 
ensuring the safety of hydraulic structures and the 
lack of a mechanism to ret urn investments in the 
construction of new hydropower facilities.  
Para 10.8 (Page 27)  
Formation of carbon regulation is 
considered to be an important area 
of work within the framework of 
achieving low –carbon development. 
In this regard, the Federal Law of  2 
July 2021 No. 296 -FZ "On limiting 
greenhouse gas emissions" was 
adopted. This regulatory act has 
introduced a requirement for the 
economic entities to provide 
mandatory reporting in the case of 
the annual gross emissions 
exceeding 150 thousand tons of C O2 
e.q., up until 2025, and 50 thousand 
tons of CO2 e.q., starting from 
2025. In addition, a basis for the 
implementation of voluntary climate 
projects and the respective 
circulation of carbon credits issued 
based on the results of such 
projects, is also b eing created.  
Question:  
On the draft Federal Law No. 296 -
FZ, how will the government ensure 
that the companies truly report their 
carbon emissions?  To both questions.  
Federal Law No. 296 -FZ of 2.07.2021 "On Limiting 
Greenhouse Gas Emissions" lays down the legal basis 
in the sphere of decarbonization. This Law provides for 
the following key measures on the regulation of 
greenhouse gas emissions.  
- Mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions for 
largest emitters (with emissions exceeding 150 
thousand tons of CO2 -eq per year until 2025, starting 
from 2025 – with emissions exceeding 50 thousand 
tons of CO2 -eq). The rest of the economic entities will 
be able to submit reports voluntarily on the basis of 
unified rules and procedures. This measure allo ws 
obtaining information on emissions at the level of 
individual enterprises, which is important for preparing 
climate measures, adjusting targets of climate policy.  
− Target -setting for greenhouse gas emissions for 
sectors of the economy. Targets will be ap proved 
by the Government of the Russian Federation. 
Sectoral targets will allow to differentiate 
measures in order to reduce GHG emissions, 
taking into account technologies, the volume of 
investments, the sale of goods, works, services 
and budgetary receip ts in a particular industry.  
− Possibility of implementing voluntary climate 
projects. Stakeholders will have the opportunity 
to implement on a voluntary basis a wide range 
of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas 
emissions and increasing their absorptio n. 
Projects can include measures in the field of Para 10.8 (Page 27 ) 
Question:  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 377 - 
 
  How will the government ensure 
that the companies who exceed the 
required carbon emissions level are 
made accountable?  energy efficiency, modernization of production 
processes, carbon capture and storage, forest 
climate projects, etc. Both Russian companies 
and foreign partners can invest in climate 
projects in Russia.  
− Circulation of carbon credits resulting from 
executing climate projects. The market for 
carbon credits allows to ensure the reductions of 
greenhouse gas emissions at the lowest cost. 
This market can offset the investment in climate 
projects.  
Para 10.9 (Page 27)  
A draft federal law "On the 
establishment of the experimental 
special regulation on emissions and 
absorption in certain Subjects of the 
Russian Federation" is currently 
awaiting approval from the 
Government of the Russian 
Federation. The Sakhalin Region will 
be the first region to conduct this 
experiment. The experiment 
provides for the g reenhouse gas 
emission quotas at the enterprise 
level. The goal is to achieve carbon 
neutrality in the region by the end 
of 2025.  
Question:  
Russia has targeted carbon 
neutrality by the end of 2025 in the 
Sakhalin Region. At the national 
level, is there inc lination for more 
ambitious target, specifically a 
target timeline to achieve carbon 
neutrality?  A draft federal law "On conducting an experiment to 
establish special regulation of emissions and 
absorption of greenhouse gases in certain regions of 
the Rus sian Federation" provides for the experimental 
pilot projects aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in 
regions of the Russian Federation.  
The Sakhalin pilot project will be a first regional 
emission trading system in Russia. It provides for the 
following e lements:  
− monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and 
removals;   
− quotas for greenhouse gas emissions;  
− mandatory reporting of regulated organizations 
and verification;  
− circulation and offset of carbon credits (issued if 
the actual emissions of the enterprise are below 
the established quota);  
− special economic and financial mechanisms 
stimulating the reduction of greenhouse gas 
emissions.  
It is expected that this pilot project will enhance the 
development of low -carbon solutions in the sectors of 
energy, transpo rtation and industry, as well as allow 
attracting investment in these industries.  
Subsequently, the similar pilot projects may also be 
introduced in the other Russian regions.  
9 INCLUSIVE ECONOMY  
9.1 Micro, small, and medium -
sized enterprises  
9.2 Promoting women's 
entrepreneurship  
Paragraph 9.6, page 25  
"As part of the business 
environment simplification efforts, 
MSMEs make active use of the 
"Transformation of the business 
climate" mechanism."  
Question :  
In paragraph 9.6, it is indicated that 
"As part of the business 
environment simplification efforts, 
MSMEs make active use of the 
"Transformation of the business 
climate" mechanism ". In this regard, 
Chile would be grateful if Russian 
Federation provides more 
information about the 
"Transformation of t he business 
climate" mechanism.  
 The "Transformation of the business climate" is a 
mechanism for managing systemic changes in the 
business environment. It is a tool which allows 
government departments to respond promptly to 
queries from the business community. It facilitates the 
removal of existing barriers to doing business. This 
mechanism strengthens the role of entrepreneurs at 
every stage: from setting up initiatives to monitoring 
their implementation. The mechanism envisages 
additional o pportunities for businesses to highlight 
existing challenges and barriers, provide their views 
on respective improvements of legislation, as well 
assess government's respective work on addressing 
such challenges. The mechanism is focused on 16 
areas, inclu ding, among other, customs, international 
trade and exports, urban development and territorial 
planning, environment, development of 
entrepreneurship in tourism and agriculture, etc. The 
review of respective measures is undertaken twice a 
year. (please als o see Government report section 8 
"Ease of Doing Business, Transparency and Public 
Expertise").  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Paragraph 9.7, page 25  
"In accordance with the national 
project "Small and Medium -sized 
Entrepreneurship and Support for 
Individual Entrepreneurship 
Initiative", a "Digital MSME 
Platform" is being developed in 
order to support MSMEs in 
complying with new regulatory and 
legislative requirements. The 
platform consolidates information on 
all support measures for MSMEs and 
allows them to i dentify applicable 
programmes and receive such 
support remotely."  
Question : Paragraph 9.7 mentions 
the develop of the "Digital MSME 
Platform" to support MSMEs in 
complying with new regulatory and 
legislative requirements. In this 
regard, Chile would apprec iate if the 
Russian Federation can give more 
details on which public agencies are 
participating in the development of 
this platform.  The Ministry of Economic Development together with 
the Federal Corporation for the Development of Small 
and Medium -sized E nterprises are participating in the 
development of the "Digital MSME Platform".  
Paragraph 9.10, page 25  
"Significant progress in promoting 
women empowerment has been 
achieved through the 
implementation of the 2017 -2022 
National Strategy for Action for 
Women".  
Question : In paragraph 9.19, it is 
highlighted the significant progress 
in promoting women empowerment 
through the implementation of the 
2017-2022 National Strategy for 
Action for Women. In this regard, 
Chile would be grateful if Russian 
Federation provides more d etails 
about the National Strategy for 
Action for Women, and the progress 
referred to it in this paragraph.  
 The National Strategy for Women for 2017 –2022 is 
the main document for gender policy in Russia. It 
defines key directions of state policy with rega rd to 
women empowerment. It is aimed at creating 
conditions for full and equal participation of women in 
the political, economic, social and cultural spheres of 
society.  
 
Priorities for economic empowerment include:  
− creation of conditions for women to receive 
professional education in the most advanced areas 
of the economy, providing ample employment 
opportunities for high -paying jobs;  
− reduction of the wage gap between men and 
women;  
− increasing the competitiveness of women in the 
labour market;  
− expandin g women's employment opportunities in 
small and medium business;  
− increasing the social responsibility of employers in 
relation to women with family responsibilities;  
− increasing social protection of women.  
 
The following measures contribute to the solution of 
the above -mentioned  tasks:  
− organization of vocational training for women and 
the formation of new competencies and 
qualifications for women, including in the field of 
entrepreneurial activity;  
− creation of specialized forms of grant support and 
conductin g professional competitions for women 
innovators in order to stimulate the participation 
of women in high -tech industries and innovation;  
− development and implementation of measures 
aimed at reducing the pay gap between men and 
women;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 379 - 
 
  − ensuring women's parti cipation in the development 
of infrastructure of social entrepreneurship;  
− reduction in the number of jobs with harmful and 
(or) dangerous working conditions on which 
women work;  
− ensuring competitiveness and relevance in the 
labour market of women raising minor children, 
including through vocational training and 
additional vocational education of women on 
maternity leave until kids reach the age of 3 
years, as well as women in need of advanced 
training and retraining in connection with the need 
for the form ation of relevant competencies and 
qualifications;  
− expanding the scope and application of flexible 
work arrangements, contributing to the 
combination of work with family responsibilities;  
− development of a system for the provision of 
services for the superv ision and care of children 
and disabled family members.  
 
The progress achieved so far is confirmed by Russia's 
increased positions in the respective international 
rankings. For instance, according to the World 
Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2021,  
Russia achieved top scores (ranked 1st) in two out of 
four sub -categories, namely Educational Attainment 
and Health and Survival, ranking 25nd (compared to 
32th in the previous year) in the Economic 
Participation and Opportunity category and 133nd in 
Political Empowerment.  
Paragraph 9.11, page 25  
"Over the past 5 years, a number of 
measures have been taken in this 
area. The number of professions in 
which female labour is prohibited 
has been reduced by 4 times. 
Support for women -led MSMEs and 
women's entrepreneurship was 
strengthened. Increased 
competitiveness of women in the 
labour market was ensured through 
the organization of vocational 
training for women on parental 
leave. A gradual increase in wages 
was introduced in the public sectors 
of the economy, in which women 
are predominantly employed (for 
example, in education, science, 
health care, culture and social 
protection). Measures were 
introduced to create favourable 
conditions for combining work with 
family responsibilities such as the 
bringing up of children, including 
those with disabilities and children 
with health limitations. Regulations 
applicable to remote (distance) work 
were improved"  
Question : In paragraph 9.11, it is 
indicated that the support for 
women -led MSMEs that has been One of the programs implemented within the 
framework of the national project "SMEs and Support 
for Individual Entrepreneurial Initiatives" is 
"Development of the Women Entrepreneurship". This 
program envisages measures aimed to help 
strengthen and promote women entrepreneurship.  
Such measures include, among others, financial 
support (lower interest rates; special credits and 
loans, including preferential loans for mothers -
entrepreneurs), specialized fo rms of grant support, 
advisory support, capacity building and education.  
 
Russia's legislation does not provide definition of a 
"women -led MSME". In practice, an MSME is defined 
as "women -led" if one of the following is true:  
− it has only one owner, who is a woman;  
− there are several owners, and the number of 
women owners makes up 50 per cent or more of 
the total;  
− - the head of the company or the main decision -
maker is a woman.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 380 - 
 
  strengthened. In this regard, Chile 
would appreciate if the Russian 
Federation can give more details on 
what public policies and programs 
have been implemented to promote 
women's entrepreneurship. 
Additionally, we would be interested 
in knowing what is the Russian 
Federation's definition of a "women -
led MSME".   
12 REGIONAL AND BILATERAL 
INTERACTION  
12.4 International Economic 
Cooperation in other Fora  
12.4.2 APEC  
Párrafo 12.18, Página 32  
"During Russia's 2012 APEC 
presidency, more than 60 Russian 
proposal aimed at trade and 
investment liberalization, support 
for innovative growth, and 
strengthening food and energy 
security were  approved. In recent 
years, Russia's agenda in APEC has 
expanded to include the tasks of 
improving transparency, increasing 
the sustainability and efficiency of 
global value chains, supporting 
MSMEs, developing the digital 
economy, as well as eliminating 
socio-economic imbalances, 
including uneven development of 
remote and rural areas. Russia also 
promotes its own initiatives in APEC, 
including those aimed at enhancing 
trade policy transparency, in 
particular, tariff policy, seeking to 
increase the predicta bility and 
transparency of the trading 
environment for economic 
operators."  
 
Pregunta : En el párrafo 12.18, se 
indica que " Russia's agenda in APEC 
has expanded to include the tasks of 
improving transparency, increasing 
the sustainability and efficiency of 
global value chains, supporting 
MSMEs, developing the digital 
economy, as well as eliminating 
socio-economic imbalances, 
including uneven development of 
remote and rural areas ". Al respecto 
Chile agradecería si el Gobierno de 
la Federación de Rusia puede 
comentar sobre:  
 
¿Qué visión tiene La Federación de 
Rusia del papel que desempeñan las 
Cadenas Globales y Regionales de 
Valor, así como los 
encadenamientos productivos, en Currently Russia mainly holds the position of a raw 
material supplier both in global production and the 
GVCs. Russia is working towards repositioning and 
further integration into GVCs, as well as regional value 
chains at more advanced stages, as well as increasing 
of added value in the non -commodity sectors and 
increasing the depth of processing and integration into 
the expanding productio n chains in global production. 
This implies steadily diversification of Russia's 
production and exports, as well as deepening global 
cooperative ties, including with Latin America 
countries.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 381 - 
 
  sus relaciones con el mundo en 
desarrollo, para restablecer el 
funcionamiento de esta s cadenas 
globales de valor, de las cadenas de 
proveedurías de bienes, servicios y 
tecnologías?  
 
Párrafo 12.18, Página 32  
¿Qué experiencias registra su país 
en la participación en cadenas 
globales de valor, así como en 
cadenas de proveedurías de bienes, 
servicios y tecnologías, tanto en su 
territorio, como en el exterior, 
particularmente en América Latina?   
3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting 
Production and Trade  
3.3.4 Competition policy and 
price controls  
3.3.4.2 Enforcement of anti -
monopoly regulation  
Paragraph 3.133, page 72 y 73  
"The FAS and its territorial 
branches, operating directly under 
the authority of the Government, 
are re sponsible for administering 
and enforcing anti -monopoly 
regulation. The FAS has a mandate 
that includes price regulation, public 
and defense procurement and 
procurement by specific types of 
legal entities, compliance with the 
Law on Advertising, and foreig n 
investments in strategic industries."  
 
Question : In paragraph 3.133, it is 
mentioned about the mandate of 
FAS to include defense procurement 
within enforcing anti -monopoly 
regulation. In this regard, Chile 
would appreciate if Russian 
Federation could provide further 
information on the mandate of FAS 
regarding public and defense 
procurement? Would FAS coordinate 
with other relevant government 
agencies? If so, which?  The mandate of the FAS regarding public and defense 
procurement is defined by the Government Resolution 
No. 331 of June 30, 2004 as well as  respective legal 
acts governing these types of procurement. In respect 
to defense procurement, the main area of work of the 
FAS is ensuring compliance with the law of state 
defense procurement (in the part of pricing).  
 
In respect to public procurement, the Ministry of 
Finance is designated as the public procurement 
agency, with the powers to elaborate relevant policies 
and to regulate the area. The FAS, as well as the 
Treasury, and internal state financial control bodies 
exercises the function of control  over procurement 
transactions.  
 
Paragraph 3.134, page 73  
"In the exercise of its competition 
policy functions, the FAS, besides 
conducting an investigation (fact -
finding) and deciding on a case at 
first instance, also proposes draft 
laws, adopts acts of secondary 
legislation, and is vested with other 
powers rela ted to the regulation of 
competition policy. As a first 
instance of hearing a case, the FAS 
can adopt: (i) conclusions on the 
facts of the case; (ii) warnings; (iii) According to Article 52 of the Federal Law of 
26.07.2006 No. 135 -FZ "On Protection of Competition" 
cases on appeal against decisions and (or) instructions 
of the antimonopoly body are subject to jurisdiction of 
arbitration court. Decisions and (or) instructions of the 
antimonopoly authority may be appealed to arbitration 
court within three months from the date of a decision 
or issuance of an instruction. Decisions and (or) 
instructions of a territorial antimonopoly body may 
also be appealed to the collegial body of the federal 
antimonopoly body.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 382 - 
 
  decisions; and (iv) instructions. FAS 
decisions and instructions may be 
appealed before a court within three 
months of their adoption. Decisions 
and/or instructions of FAS territorial 
branches can be appealed to the 
collegial body of the FAS."  
 
Question : Paragraph. 3.134 
indicates that "FAS decisions and 
instructions may be appealed before 
a court". In this Regard, Chile would 
appreciate if Russian Federation 
could clarify if these courts would be 
specialized courts or would be 
general courts?  
Paragraph 3.135, page 73  
"Violations of Federal Law No. 135 -
FZ are subject to administrative and 
criminal penalties, depending on the 
nature and gravity of the offence. 
Administrative fines may be 
imposed on legal entities and 
individual officers; in certain cases, 
officers may also be disqualified 
from exercising their functions for 
up to three years. The Code of 
Administrative Offences establishes 
a detailed mechanism for the 
calculation of fines, including all 
mitigating and aggravating 
circumstances. The legal entity or 
the individual officer can appeal the 
administrative fine in а court. 
Criminal liability provisions are in 
place for any competition -restricting 
agreement (cartels) that caused 
major damages (exceeding RUB 10 
million) to physical persons, 
organizations, or the State, or 
brought the perpetrators ma jor 
earnings (exceeding RUB 50 
million). Criminal penalties include 
fines (RUB 300,000 -RUB 1 million), 
disqualification to hold certain 
positions or engage in certain 
activities, and prison terms of up to 
seven years."  
 
Question : Paragraph 3.135 
specifies that criminal penalties 
could include prison terms. In this 
regard, Chile would appreciate if 
Russian Federation can explain if is 
there any examples that Russian 
Federation can provide, where the 
breach of the relevant law resu lted 
in imprisonment as a penalty?  As examples of some cases, following the results of 
consideration of which the courts imposed a sentence 
of imprisonment, the following can be cited:  
1. LLC "Company FITO" (manager M.) and LLC "Tera" 
(manager K.) entered into and implemented a cartel 
agreement at 437 auctions, as a result of which they 
gained income on an especially large scale in the 
amount of 426,274,506 rubles. In August 2020, K. 
and M. were found guilty under part 2 of Article 178 of 
the Crimin al Code of the Russian Federation and each 
of them was sentenced to 2 years of conditional 
imprisonment with a probation period of 2 years and a 
fine of 500 thousand rubles.  
2. In 2019, the Samara District Court of Samara found  
Shatilo S.F., Sankeyev A.Yu. , Bondarenok A.I., 
Navasardyan A.S., Kolobova M.V., Seredavina N.Yu., 
Lvovoy E.N. guilty for the crime under part 2 of Article 
178 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, 
committed in the course of electronic auctions. It was 
established that the p articipants in the cartel 
agreement intended to extract income on an especially 
large scale of more than 768 million rubles. In 
particular, Shatilo S.F. was sentenced to 3 years 6 
months in prison. However, the sentence was 
appealed to the Samara Regional Court and cancel led. 
The Judicial Collegium of the Samara Regional Court 
changed the sentence to conditional imprisonment 
with a probation period of 3 years 6 months.  
As follows from the above examples, the courts 
usually impose a penalty on convicted pers ons in the 
form of a fine or conditional imprisonment with a 
probation period.  
 
3.3.4.4 Price controls  
Paragraph 3.142, page 74 y 75  
"Most of the markets subject to 
price controls are deemed to To ensure the implementation and enforcement of 
competition law both at federal and sub -federal level, 
the FAS (both  directly and through its territorial 
bodies) reviews applications for violations of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 383 - 
 
  operate under natural monopoly 
conditions, with the monopoly 
holders being subject to additional 
regulation (including information 
disclosure requirements) and 
supervision pursuant to the Law on 
Natural Monopolies. The FAS 
maintains a register of natural 
monopolies that is updated regularly 
(Table 3.17). In  2019, the FAS 
submitted to the Government a 
draft Law on the Basics of State 
Regulation of Prices (Tariffs). The 
main aim is to consolidate the legal 
bases for price regulation in the 
Russian Federation in different 
areas, as well as to implement 
unified principles and approaches. 
According to the authorities, the 
draft Law is currently being 
finalized."  
Question : Chile would appreciate if 
Russian Federation can provide 
further information on which 
authority or authorities are 
responsible for all the 
disciplines/requirements provided in 
the Law on Natural Monopolies 
mentioned in paragraph. 3.142, and 
what role would FAS have in this 
context?  antimonopoly legislation, initiates and considers cases 
on such violations, as well as makes decision thereon, 
issues obligatory guidelines for authorities and 
economic en tities, as well as exercises control over 
economic concentration. Before the initiation of an 
antimonopoly case, FAS Russia may apply preventive 
measures by conducting scheduled/unscheduled 
inspections and may request the documents and 
information from the  entities.  
3.3.7 Intellectual property rights  
3.3.7.3 IP Legislation  
Párrafo 3.192, Página 85  
"The Russian Federation has a long -
established IP system and houses 
one of the world's top 10 IP offices 
in terms of IP filing activities. Since 
2015, the Russian Federation has 
made several amendments to Part 
IV of the CC RF (Table 3.23), the 
main source of substantive IP 
legislation, which entered into force 
on 1 January 2008, showing the 
continuing public interest in 
strengthening and refining the IP 
legislative framework in support of 
innovation.  According to the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, 
performances are considered as related rights. The 
director is recognized as a performer.  
The author  of the performance holds the exclusive 
right to the performance, copyright, right to a name, 
the right to inviolability of a performance, including 
staging, - the right to protect a performance from any 
distortion.  
At the same time, before the entry into force of 
Federal Law No. 43-FZ of March 28, 2017, 
performances were recognized as objects of related 
rights if those performances are expressed in a form 
that allows their reproduction and distribution using 
technical means.  
However, the result of the dire ctor's activity is 
expressed in the form of a live performance, and not 
with the help of technical means.  
Therefore, this law introduced an amendment to the 
Civil Code, according to which the production of the 
director will remain an object related to related rights, 
but must be expressed in a form that allows its 
repeated public performance while maintaining the 
recognition by the audience.  
Besides, the director is authorized for the inviolability 
of the production, i.e. the right to protect one's 
production from any distortion, changes leading to a 
distortion of the meaning or violation of the integrity 
of the perception of the production, both during its 
public performance and in the form of recording.  
The Federal Law No. 319-FZ and No.. 381-FZ relate to 
the collective management organizations and the right WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 384 - 
 
   
 
Pregunta:  En el párrafo 3.192 se 
destaca que la Federación de Rusia 
desde el año 2015 ha realizado 
varias modificaciones a la legislación 
sobre propiedad intelectual, 
específicamente a la parte IV del 
"Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation (CC RF) ". Junto con ello, 
en el cuadro 3.23 sobre " Copyright 
and related rights " se señalan las 
leyes N°43 -FZ, de 28 de marzo de 
2017, N°319 -FZ, de 14 de 
noviembre de 2017, y N°381 -FZ, de 
5 de diciembre de 2017. Al respecto, 
Chile agradecería a Rusia si pudiera 
informar:  
¿Cuáles so n los derechos de los 
directores de producciones teatrales 
y cuáles sus excepciones y 
limitaciones?   of the author for remuneration for resale of the 
original, in which a legal entity or individual 
entrepreneur participates as an intermediary, buyer or 
seller (in particular, an auction house, a gallery of fine 
art, an art salon, a store) (right of succession).  
 
Párrafo 3.192, Página 85  
¿Cuáles son las medidas de control 
y fiscalización que pueden 
imponerse a las organizaciones de 
gestión colectiva?   
 In article 1244 of the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation, cases are highlighted that provide for the 
massive use of objects of copyright and related rig hts 
(for example, in cafes, restaurants, on television, 
radio), for the management of rights in which an 
organization for the management of rights on a 
collective basis must obtain state accreditation (issued 
by the authority represented by the Ministry of  Culture 
of Russia). State accreditation vests the rights 
management organization with the obligation to 
represent in relations with users the interests of 
rightsholder with whom it has concluded agreements 
on the transfer of powers to manage rights, as we ll as 
rightsholder with whom it has not concluded such 
agreements. At the same time, a copyright holder who 
has not concluded an agreement with an accredited 
organization on the transfer of powers to manage 
rights has the right at any time to fully or part ially 
refuse to manage his/her rights by this organization 
and to protect them independently.  
An organization for the management of rights on a 
collective basis concludes license agreements with 
users on granting them the rights transferred to it for 
WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 385 - 
 
  the m anagement of copyright holders for the 
appropriate ways of using objects of copyright and 
related rights and collects remuneration from users for 
the use of these objects.  
Users are obliged, at the request of the organization 
for the management of rights o n a collective basis, to 
submit to it reports on the use of objects of copyright 
and related rights, as well as other information and 
documents necessary for the collection and 
distribution of remuneration, the list and terms of 
submission of which are det ermined in the agreement.  
The organization for the management of rights on a 
collective basis distributes the remuneration for the 
use of objects of copyright and related rights among 
rightsholder, and also pays them the specified 
remuneration.  
Simultaneou sly with the payment of remuneration, the 
organization for the management of rights on a 
collective basis is obliged to submit to the right -holder  
a report containing information on the use of his/her 
rights, including the amount of the collected 
remuneration and the amounts withheld from it. In 
order to present such information to the right -holder  
via the Internet, the right -holder  is provided with  the 
functioning of the information system "right -holder 's 
personal account" through access to which the right -
holder  can obtain information of interest to him/her.  
Párrafo 3.192, Página 85  
¿Cómo opera el derecho de 
participación en las reventas?   
 The amount of reward paid to the author when 
reselling original works of fine art, author's 
manuscripts (autographs) of literary and musical 
works depends on the resale price of the original work. 
The Resolution of the Government of the Russian 
Federation No. 285 of the 4th of April 2008 establishes 
the amount of interest deductions depending on the 
price of resale of the original work.  
 
Passage from the Resolution of the Government of the 
Russian Federation No. 285 
Reward  
 
The price of resale of the original work of 
fine art  Reward  
Up to 100 thousand rubles  5 % 
From 100 thousand rubles to 1.7 million rubles  5 thousand rubles + 4 % from the amount exceeding 100 thousand rubles  
From 1.7 million rubles to 7 million rubles  69 thousand rubles + 3 % from the amount exceeding 1.7 million rubles  
From 7 million rubles to 12 million rubles  228 thousand rubles + 1 % from the amount exceeding 7 million rubles  
From 12 million rubles to 17.5 million rubles  278 thousand rubles + 0,5 % from the amount exceeding 12 million rubles  
More than  17.500 million rubles  305,5 thousand rubles + 0,25 % fro m the amount exceeding 17.5 million rubles  
 
3.3.7.7 Geographical Indications  
Párrafos 3.207 a 3.210, Página 
90 
 "3.207. Federal Law No. 
230-FZ of 26 June 2019 on 
Amendments to Part IV of 
the Civil Code of the Russian 
Federation introduced 
geographical indication (GI) 
as a new and independent 
type of IP with an aim to 
attract foreign investment The law does not specifically allow or prohib it 
homonymy. The general rule is that no use of 
indications may mislead the consumer of the actual 
quality and origin of the goods.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 386 - 
 
  and promote domestic 
brands. The Law establishes 
a registration procedure and 
requirements for GI 
protection. Under the Law, 
GI is defined as a 
designation used to identify 
a product as originating 
from a specific geographical 
territory, where certain 
quality, reputation, and 
other characteristics are 
attributable to its origin. The 
term of protection of GIs is 
10 years with the possibility 
of unlimited renewals. In 
addition, GIs can be 
registered by one or several 
individuals, legal entities, or 
associations of persons who 
manu facture or 
commercialize the product.  
 3.208. Although a 
geographical designation 
can be protected as an 
appellation of origin (AO) 
under existing Articles 1516 -
1537 of the CC RF, GI 
protection has several 
advantages compared to AO 
protection. Notably, a GI  can 
be applied as long as the 
applicant can prove that one 
stage of the production 
chain takes place in the 
geographical location of 
which the name is being 
registered, whereas for an 
AO applicant, all production 
stages must take place 
within the geograph ical 
location. Additionally, GI 
protection is available to any 
foreign applicant, provided 
that his or her jurisdiction 
has the same level of 
protection as under Russian 
law, but AOs can be 
protected only if they are 
protected as AOs in the 
country of orig in.  
 3.209. Applications for GIs 
began on 27 July 2020. As 
at 31 December 2020, a 
total of 44 GI applications 
were filed, 42 of which were 
from Russian applicants and 
2 from foreign applicants. 
Among them, one certificate 
of protection for GI was 
issued.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 387 - 
 
   3.210. The number of AO 
applications doubled from 
2016 to 2019, with a 
significant drop in 2020 due 
to the introduction of GI 
protection (Table 3.28). 
Among 157 AO certificates, 
145 were granted to 
residents, showing the 
domination of domestic 
applicants i n this field. As at 
31 December 2020, there 
were 250 appellations of 
origin in force."  
  
Pregunta:  En los párrafos 3.207 a 
3.210 se destacan los aspectos 
relevantes de la legislación de la 
Federación de Rusia sobre 
"Geographical indication (GI)". Al 
respect o, Chile agradecería si la 
Federación de Rusia pudiera 
informar si dicha legislación 
contempla la posibilidad de 
homonimia, es decir, la posibilidad 
de que coexistan 2 o más 
indicaciones geográficas 
homónimas.   
4.3 Services  
4.3.1 Financial services  
4.3.1.2 Banking  
Paragraph 4.118. page 126  
"The Bank of Russia continued its 
efforts to strengthen the financial 
system and ensure regulatory 
compliance. As a result, the number 
of banks and non -bank credit 
institutions declined from 623 at the 
end of 2016 to 442 in early 2020 
(see Table 4.11). Dur ing 2020, the 
number of credit institutions fell 
further, to 406, according to the 
authorities. Among them were 12 
systemically important banks that 
accounted for nearly 76% of the 
total assets of the banking 
sector.186 From 2016 to April 2021, 
the Bank of  Russia revoked licenses 
from 264 credit institutions, almost 
half of them due to non -compliance 
with anti -money laundering laws, 
according to the authorities. Over 
the reporting period, 58 
restructurings took place.187 
Between 2017 and 2021, the Bank 
of Russia applied insolvency 
prevention measures regarding nine 
banks. In 2018, the Bank of Russia 
also created a non -core asset bank 
(NAB) established under the 
auspices of NB Trust (PJSC) in a 
process that also included a number Revocation of a license to carry out banking activities 
is the result of control and supervisory activities of the 
Bank of Russia in all areas of work of a  credit 
institution. It is considered an extreme measure when 
all other measures against a credit institution have 
been exhausted, and is applied in strict compliance 
with the legislation. Violation of anti -money laundering 
and anti -terrorism financing leg islation may be one of 
the grounds for revocation of license. In particular, in 
accordance with the requirements of the Federal Law 
"On Banks and Banking Activities", the grounds for 
revoking a banking license are also repeated 
violations, which is within one year, of the 
requirements stipulated by the Federal Law "On 
Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing" 
(the AML/CFT Law) and (or) repeated violations, 
within one year, of the requirements of the Bank of 
Russia regulations issued in accordance with the 
AML/CFT Law.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 388 - 
 
  of asset transfers and merger s with 
(parts of) other banks participating 
in bankruptcy prevention measures. 
The NAB receives non -core and toxic 
assets in line with Bank of Russia 
participation plans in their 
interventions."  
 
Question : Paragraph 4.118 As 
result of the Bank of Russia 
restructuration, the number of 
banks and non -bank credit 
institutions were declined from 623 
at the end to 2016 to 442 in early 
2020. This process is associated to 
the non -compliance with anti -money 
laundering laws. In this regard, 
Chile would be grateful if  the 
Federation of Russia could provide 
more information on the measures 
related to this new policy  
Paragraph 4.123. pages 128 y 
123 
"Access to banking services has 
improved over the past years, with 
76% of the population older than 15 
years having an account in 
2017200, the number of accounts 
per capita increasing to 1.8 at the 
beginning of 2020, and the number 
of investment accounts also 
increasing nearly tenfold between 
2017 and 2020.201 Online banking 
is becoming increasingly 
widespread, and 86.5% of accounts 
had remote access in 2020202 while 
the number of physical branches pe r 
100,000 adults continued to decline 
from 30.1 in 2016 to 25.6 in 
2019.203 While the Russian 
Federation had a generally dense 
network infrastructure for financial 
services, geographic and 
demographic characteristics affect 
the provision of financial servi ces to 
certain population groups, according 
to the authorities. As part of the 
implementation of the Strategy for 
Increasing Financial Inclusion for the 
period 2018 -20 (and 2021), 
priorities are to provide equal access 
for residents in remote and sparsely 
populated areas, SMEs, people with 
disabilities, the elderly, and other 
less mobile citizens. The Bank of 
Russia also prepared a Roadmap for 
the Development of Funding for 
Small and Medium -sized Enterprises 
(SMEs) in 2021 -2022 that focuses 
primarily on dev eloping new areas 
of financing. It includes broadening 
access to financing for SMEs through Please, fi nd the Roadmap attached.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 389 - 
 
  crowd -investing platforms, bond 
issuance, increasing the use of 
factoring, or faster payment 
systems."  
 
Question : In paragraph 4.123. 
Russian Federation declares that it is 
having the implementation of the 
Strategy for Increasing Financial 
Inclusion for the SMES. In this 
framework is also prepared a 
Roadmap for the Development of 
Founding for Small and Medium -
sized Ente rprises (SMEs) in 2021 -
2022 that focuses primarily on the 
developing new areas of financing. 
In this regard, Chile would be 
grateful if the Federation of Russia 
could provide the Roadmap, just to 
know more about the structure and 
the programme.   
4.3.2 Telecommunications and 
postal services  
4.3.2.2 Regulatory framework 
and changes  
Paragraph 4.153. page 153  
"Federal Law No. 126 -FZ of 7 July 
2003 on Communications (last 
amended 30 April 2021) continues 
to set the general legal framework 
for the provision of communication 
services, and there have been no 
major changes to the framework 
while some important revisions were 
introduced. Amendments to Federal 
Law No. 126 -FZ and to Federal Law 
No. 149 -FZ of 27 July 2006 on  
Information, Information 
Technologies and Information 
Security in 2019 aimed to increase 
the resilience and security of the 
Internet and to enhance the security 
of user information, according to the 
authorities.258 The Russian 
Federation also adopted Fede ral Law 
No. 187 -FZ of 26 July 2017 on the 
Security of the Critical Information 
Infrastructure of the Russian 
Federation, which aims to ensure 
the security of the critical 
information infrastructure and its 
protection against computer 
attacks"  
 
Question : In Paragraph 4.153 it is 
states that the regulatory 
framework on communications has 
been amended and revised recently, 
including amendments to increase 
the resilience and security of the 
Internet and to enhance the security 
of user information and to ensure We share Chile's view that the global Internet is a 
platform for global e -commerce. Therefore, it is crucial 
to maintain its safe functioning. Digital economy of 
Russia began to actively dev elop over the past 5 -10 
years. During this period, we were developing our 
legal framework in this sphere and continue the 
relevant legislative initiatives with the view to balance 
the benefits and challenges that this area presents.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 390 - 
 
  the security of the critical 
information infrastructure and its 
protection against computer attacks. 
In this regard, Chile would be 
grateful if more information could be 
provided by Russia regarding the 
measures taken and how these 
could impact on the glob al Internet 
that serves as a platform for global 
digital trade.  
 
Paragraph 4.154. page  153 
"The telecommunications sector is 
regulated by the Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communications, and 
Mass Media with the Federal Service 
for Supervision of Communications, 
Information Technology, and Mass 
Media (Roskomnadzor) in charge of 
licensing , personal data protection, 
and the regulation of information 
dissemination, including through the 
Internet. Radio spectrum is 
auctioned by the State Commission 
on Radio Spectrum, an 
interdepartmental coordinating body 
operating under the Ministry of 
Digital Development, 
Communications and Mass Media. 
Roskomnadzor issues and controls 
licenses covering 20 types of specific 
telecommunications and postal 
services, each with limited 
geographical validity, and monitors 
compliance with the mandatory 
certification  of certain 
telecommunications facilities."  
 
Question : Paragraph 4.154 
explains that the 
telecommunications sector is 
regulated by the Ministry of Digital 
Development, Communications, and 
Mass Media with the Federal Service 
for Supervision of Communications, 
Information Technology, and Mass 
Media (Roskomnadzo r) and that this 
Ministry oversees personal data 
protection, and the regulation of 
information dissemination, including 
through the Internet. In this regard, 
Chile would be grateful if more 
information could be provided by 
Russian Federation regarding the 
regulation of information 
dissemination and how Russia 
ensures this is done, particularly on 
the Internet, in a non -discriminatory 
manner.  We would like to clarify this paragraph of the 
Secretariat's report. The Federal Law No. 149 -FZ of 27 
July 2006 on I nformation, Information Technologies 
and Information Security defines different types of 
information (publicly available, confidential, etc.) and 
rules of its dissemination on non -discrimanatory basis. 
Therefore, the Law only stipulates the rules in the 
information sphere, and Roskomnadzor is responsible 
for supervision in this sphere  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  SWITZERLAND  
  
Secretariat Report   
Chapter 2.1 General Framework  
Para 2.1  
Question:  
The revised Constitution introduced 
certain limits to the enforcement of 
decisions of interstate bodies 
established under international 
treaties. What are these "interstate 
bodies"? What are the limits to the 
enforcement of their decisions?  Interstate bodies are the bodies (institutions, 
organizations, etc.) that are established in 
accordance with international arrangements 
between two or more States or international 
organizations. The enforcement of decisions of 
interstate bodies can be prev ented by a decision 
of the Constitutional Court of the Russian 
Federation if it comes to the conclusion that 
these decisions are based on the interpretation 
of international treaties of the Russian 
Federation that contradict the Constitution of the 
Russian  Federation.  
Chapter 2.1 General Framework  
Para 2.9  
Question:  
The Secretariat's report, para. 2.9, 
indicates that pursuant to two 
amendments to the Constitution, the 
Constitutional Court is allowed to 
prevent enforcement of supranational 
decisions where they are based on 
the interpretation of international 
treaties that contradict the 
Constitution or public policy. Could 
the Russian Federation elaborate on 
the relevance of these amendments in 
relation to trade agreements? Has the 
Constitutional Court alre ady made use 
of this competence in the area of 
trade?   It should be noted that the Constitution of the 
Russian Federation, as amended mentions, in its 
relevant parts (in particular Article 79 of the 
Constitution of the Russian Federation), only 
interpretat ion of the international treaties and 
does not refer to public policy.  
 
Before the amendments to the Constitution of 
the Russian Federation were adopted for 
submission to the referendum the Constitutional 
Court of the Russian Federation has issued its 
Conclusions in respect of consistency of the draft 
law intended for introduction of amendments to 
the Constitution of the Russian Federation with 
Chapters 1, 2 and 9 of the Constitution of the 
Russian Federation. Among other provisions 
Chapter 1 of the Constit ution of the Russian 
Federation contains Article 15. In accordance 
with paragraph 4 of the said Article international 
treaties of the Russian Federation along with the 
generally recognized principles and norms of the 
international law constitute part of le gal system 
of the Russian Federation. In accordance with 
the same paragraph in case of conflict between 
an international treaty of the Russian 
Federation, the international treaty applies.  
 
In its Conclusions when examining the 
consistency of the proposed amendment to 
Article 79 of the Constitution of the Russian 
Federation with the provisions of Article 15 of 
the Constitution of the Russian Federation the 
Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation 
specifically noted that the suggested (as later 
adopted ) amendments to Article 79 of the 
Constitution of the Russian Federation are not 
intended to be and are not designed as a waiver 
or abandonment by the Russian Federation of its 
international obligations. The new mechanisms 
(as introduced by the amendments)  are 
designed to provide for possibility to develop a 
constitutionally -acceptable manner of 
implementation of decisions of interstate bodies 
in question by the Russian Federation while 
maintaining the highest power of the 
Constitution of the Russian Federa tion in the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 392 - 
 
  Russian legal system, which in particular 
includes international treaties of the Russian 
Federation as its part.  
 
The Constitutional Court of the Russian 
Federation has not made use of this competence 
in the area of trade yet.  
Para 2.14  
Questi on: 
How does RF ensure the industrial 
policy it pursues remains compatible 
with WTO obligations, in particular on 
subsidies?  Russian authorities elaborate relevant policy 
measures, including on subsidies, in accordance 
with Russia's WTO obligations. When a  measure 
is drafted, while its parameters are being 
discussed, Russian authorities consider the 
potential for inconsistencies of a proposed 
measures with the provisions of the WTO 
Agreements, including the SCM Agreement. If 
such potential is identified the  measure is 
modified in order to remove such 
inconsistencies.  
In addition, in accordance with Article 25 of the 
ASM Agreement the Russian Federation notifies 
its subsidies, which gives WTO Members 
opportunities to review them.  
Chapter 3.1.2 Rules of Origin  
Question:  
In para 3.15, it is mentioned that the 
origin is conferred on the basis of a 
list of criteria which have been 
determined in the EAEU Treaty. What 
kind of non -preferential origin 
certificates of are required for 
consignments that may be sub ject to 
trade remedies ?  Rules of origin for goods imported into the 
customs territory of the Eurasian Economic 
Union (non -preferential rules of origin) is 
approved by the Decision of the Council of the 
Eurasian Economic Commission dated July, 13, 
2018 No 49 (hereinafter – the Rules) and do not 
establish the mandatory form of the certificate 
for confirmation of goods origin in non -
preferential trading. Thus, any certificate issued 
in the exporting country can be used.  
However, the Rules establish a minim um set of 
requirements for the certificate of origin and its 
content. The requirements to the certificate of 
origin are listed in the annex to the Rules.  
Chapter 3.1.2 Rules of Origin  
Question:  
What authority shall attest these non -
preferential origin cer tificate ?  The certificate of origin must be stamped and 
signed by an authority which is authorized by a 
third party to issue such certificates.  
Chapter 3.1.2 Rules of Origin  
Question:  
In case these origin certificates was 
established by an authority of t he 
exporting country, will FCS recognize 
these origin certificates ?  In accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 31 of 
the EAEU Customs Code certificate of origin may 
be issued in the country of origin or in the 
exporting country.  
 
However, if the certifica te of origin is issued by 
the exporting country it must contain details of 
the document issued by authority of country of 
origin.  
 
For example, if German goods are exported 
from Switzerland with the certificate issued by 
Swiss authorized body such certific ate must 
contain details of the document issued by 
German authorities.  
Chapter 3.1.2 Rules of Origin  
Question:  
Does FCS accept non -preferential 
origin certificates based on the 
national legislation of the exporting 
country ?  The certificate of origin must comply with the 
requirement of the Eurasian Economic Union.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Chapter 3.1.3 Tariffs  
Question:  
Para 3.25: According to para. 3.25 
some tariff lines carry MFN applied 
rates that are higher than the 
corresponding bound rates. Could 
Russia explain w hich mechanisms are 
in place that guarantee that the duty 
paid at the border is corresponding to 
the level of the bound rate and is not 
higher?  Para. 3.24 of the report states that 
"comparisons between the Russian Federation's 
bound and applied tariffs (ba sed on HS07 and 
HS17, respectively) are prone to imprecision". 
In its turn, para. 3.25 stipulates that for "three 
tariff lines, the MFN rates applied in 2021 are 
somewhat higher than the corresponding 
bindings" but without the references to any 
concrete ta riff lines or products.  
We believe that this suggestion can be based on 
incorrect data due to differences in the HS 
nomenclatures of Russia's WTO commitments 
and applied tariff.  
Chapter 3.1.5 Import prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Question:  
Para. 3.37 of the report states that 
many non -tariff measures in place 
implement obligations undertaken 
under international conventions, like 
the CITES.  
As the latest available notification on 
quantitative restrictions covers only 
the period 2018 -2020 and as all WTO 
members have the obligation to 
submit a revised notification every 
two years (G/L/59/Rev.1), could the 
Russian Federation indicate when it 
intends to submit its new QR 
notification?  The relevant notification was provided in 
document G/MA/QR/N/RUS/5.  
Chapter 3.2.2 Export taxes, 
charges, and levies  
Question:  
Para. 3.59 states that temporary 
export duties introduced on ferrous 
and major base metals will be in 
effect through the end of December 
2021. Could the Russian Federation 
confirm that the measure will be 
terminated at the end of December 
2021?  The extension of export duties on ferrous and 
major base metals is not currently under 
consideration.  
Chapter 3.3.4 Competition  
Question:  
Para 3.120: the national plan set s out 
key indicators of competition 
development and expected results to 
be achieved by the end of 2020. Were 
the expected results achieved?  The expected results set out by the respective 
key indicators of competition development by 
the end of 2020 were ach ieved.  
 
Chapter 3.3.4 Competition  
Question:  
Para. 3. 121. presents a list of 
industries from the national plan, in 
which competition should be 
promoted. These industries include 
the healthcare sector, the 
telecommunications, public utilities 
and transpor t services. Why does the 
plan place a focus on, or even refer 
only to, these industries?  According to the National Plan 2018 -2020, 
measures to develop a competition were 
planned in 13 areas (industries). In addition to 
areas mentioned in the question, the National 
Plan also covers other, such as social services, 
the agro -industrial complex, road construction, 
information technology, gas supply, oil and oil 
products, the sphere of natural monopolies, 
industry, and financial markets. These areas  are 
included in the National Plan since they are 
important for the national economy, business 
development and the well -being of citizens.  
Chapter 3.3.4 Competition  
Question:  Russian legislation provides for a number of 
additional requirements in the field of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 394 - 
 
  Para 3.123: Competition in cross -
border markets within the EAEU is 
regulated by unified provisions of the 
EAEU Treaty. EAEU member States 
are allowed to establish additional 
prohibitions in their legislation, as well 
as additional requirements and 
limitations regarding prohibitions. Did 
the Russian Federation make use of 
this possibil ity? What are these 
additional prohibitions, requirements 
or limitations?  antimonopoly regulation in comparison with 
those provided for by the Treaty on the Eurasian 
Econo mic Union of 29 May 2014 (hereinafter 
referred to as the Treaty on the Union).  
 
The Treaty on the Union provides for the so -
called general principles and rules of competition 
(Section XVIII of the Treaty on the Union, 
hereinafter referred to as the Genera l Principles 
and Rules), which provide for the following 
prohibitions:  
- prohibition on abuse of dominant position by 
economic entities;  
- prohibition of unfair competition;  
- a ban on anti -competitive  agreements between 
business entities.  
 
Federal Law No. 135 -FZ of 26 July 2006 "On 
Protection of Competition" (hereinafter referred 
to as the Law on Protection of Competition) also 
contains the indicated prohibitions.  
 
At the same time, in terms of abuse of dominant 
position, the Law on the Pro tection of 
Competition, in addition to the types of actions 
that are named in the General Principles and 
Rules recognized as abuse of dominant position, 
also includes the establishment by a financial 
institution of an unreasonably high or 
unreasonably low price of financial services, 
violation of the established regulatory legal acts 
of the pricing procedure, price manipulation in 
the wholesale and (or) retail electricity markets.  
 
As regards the prohibition of anti -competitive 
agreements, the Law on the P rotection of 
Competition provides for a separate prohibition 
on agreements between economic entities 
participating in the wholesale and (or) retail 
electricity (capacity) markets, commercial 
infrastructure organizations, technological 
infrastructure organi zations, grid organizations, 
if such agreements lead to price manipulation in 
the wholesale and (or) retail electricity 
(capacity) markets.  
The Law on Protection of Competition and the 
General Principles and Rules contain open lists 
of actions recognized as unfair competition, 
however, the Law on Protection of Competition 
contains a wider list of such actions and their 
more detailed description. Thus, the types of 
unfair competition named in the Law on 
Protection of Competition include the acquisition 
and use of the exclusive right to the means of 
individualization of a legal entity, goods, works 
and services, the use of the results of 
intellectual activity, creation of confusion, illegal 
acquisition, use, disclosure of information 
constituting a commercial  or any other secret 
protected by law.  
 
Also, the Law on the Protection of Competition WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 395 - 
 
  contains antimonopoly requirements for bidding, 
requests for price quotations for goods, request 
for proposals, the specifics of concluding 
agreements with financial or ganizations, the 
procedure for concluding agreements in relation 
to state and municipal property, the procedure 
for considering complaints by the antimonopoly 
body for violations of the bidding procedure and 
the procedure for concluding agreements , the 
order of implementation of the procedures 
included in the exhaustive lists of procedures in 
the field of construction.  
 
General principles and rules also provide for the 
establishment in the national legislation of the 
EAEU member states of bans on agreements 
between authorities and the provision of state or 
municipal preferences, except for cases provided 
for in the legislation of the member states and 
taking into account the specifics provided for by 
the Treaty on the Union and (or) other 
internati onal treaties of the EAEU member 
states. In addition, effective control over 
economic concentration should be ensured at 
the national level. The Law on Protection of 
Competition, taking into account the specified 
requirements, establishes appropriate 
prohibitions and requirements.  
Chapter 3.3.4 Competition  
Question:  
Para. 3.126. states that the time -
periods between inspections by the 
FAS can be increased from three to 
five years if companies apply an 
internal act on anti -monopoly 
compliance in accordance w ith the 
FAS. It could seem that an extended 
time-period of immunity from 
investigations is counter -productive, 
as it may incentivize certain 
corporations to act in an anti -
competitive way within this time -
period. Has this concern been taken 
into account in  the determination of 
the time period of immunity?  This measure stimulates business entities to 
introduce an anti -monopoly compliance system 
as an effective mechanism for the prevention of 
violations of anti -monopoly legislation. The 
increase in the timing  of inspections is provided 
only for scheduled inspections; this provision 
does not apply to unscheduled inspections. The 
FAS retains the ability to conduct unscheduled 
inspections in relation to such economic entities 
in cases provided by Federal law No. 135-FZ (for 
example, upon receipt of information indicating 
signs of violation of the anti -monopoly 
legislation).  
 
This eliminates the risks associated with creating 
an opportunity for economic entities to act in an 
anti-competitive manner. The existence o f an 
antimonopoly compliance system is not a 
circumstance that excludes the possibility of 
initiating inspection on compliance with the 
requirements of the anti -monopoly legislation 
and does not cancel administrative liability of 
persons for violations of anti-monopoly 
legislation.  
Chapter 3.3.5 State trading, state -
owned enterprises, and 
privatization  
Question:  
In para. 3.150 it is stated that 
Russian authorities point out that the 
data used in the IMF Report are 
outdated. Are there any recent 
statistics on the share and footprint of 
SOEs in the economy?    
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 396 - Distribution of the charter capital (fund) of legal entities among shareholders (owners) in the Russian Federation at the end of 2020  
(Million RUB ) 
Description  
Total  
Federal executive 
authorities  
Sub-central 
government 
agencies  
Local government 
agencies  
Commercial 
organizations 
(except finan cial 
and credit 
organizations)  
Small and 
medium -sized 
enterprises  
Financial and 
credit 
organizations  
Non-commercial 
organizations  
Total for organizations (legal entities) - million RUB  30 237 838  5 846 839  1 753 212  491 887  17 751 241  568 228  1 295 926  1 744 784  
From them (by the main activity)          
Agriculture, forestry, hunting, fisheries  567 984  7 707  34 090  3 523  441 244  19 284  1 006  11 935  
Extraction of minerals  1 384 606  2 349  62 558  3772 1 261 111  10 024  21 441  7 690  
Manufacturing  4 450 623  402 289  38 258  2 563  3 565 079  68 338  123 095  123 429  
Energy supply, gas and steam; air conditioning  4 390 170  808 560  310 297  134 792  2 427 774  6 389  544 335  127 340  
Water supply; water discharge, waste collection and recycling, 
pollution elimination  534 018  60 611  334 152  120 548  16 392  896 1 725 
Construction  616 499  12 600  43 106  12 219  421 645  13 208  2 464  31 940  
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and 
motorcycles  1 328 463  62 571  48 211  3 426  1 075 033  21 827  45 291  8 698  
Transportation and storage  4 842 619  2 919 359  165 996  146 959  1 556 082  133 488  9 335  28 583  
Hotels and food services  204 858  1 607  60 808  2 878  122 132  10 749  3 924  8 907  
Information and communications  1 673 113  126 618  15 464  5 917  502 146  5 222  20 164  988 059  
Real estate property operations  3 276 268  58 966  381 157  35 172  2 315 920  132 206  307 351  43 822  
Professional, scientific and technical activities  5 644 239  1 293 680  125 460  6 513  3 014 678  131 614  200 857  341 632  
Administrative activities and related supplementary services  924 108  72 934  56 295  4 756  767 423  1 731  14 046  305 
State administration and military security; social security  10 539  3 288  1 896  19 4 460  141 825 1 
Education  3 050  0 22 8 1 888  15 0 1 084  
Health and social services  216 910  87 13 475  331 195 393  9 906  115 3 129  
Culture, sport, leisure and entertainment activities  131 563  13 404  32 123  5 217  58 513  3 015  1 512  17 442  
Other services  38 205  208 29 843  3 273  4 324  177 165 65 
Source:  Rosstat . WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 397 - 
 
    
Chapter 3.3.5 State trading, state -
owned enterprises, and 
privatization  
Question:  
Para 3.152: which sectors are the 
most concerned by the privatization 
plan?  According to the Decree of the Government of 
the Russian Federation dated 31.12.2019 No. 
3260-r the following sectors are the most 
concerned by privatization plan in 2020 – 2022: 
agriculture, construction, publishing and 
polygraphing activities, scientific research and 
development, transport.  
 
It is planned to privatize federal state unitary 
enterprises, most of which operate in the 
following sectors: health, research and 
development, construction and site maintenance 
activities, crop and livestock production, hunting 
and related services, wholesale trade, except for 
motor vehicles and motorcycles.  
 
In addition, according to the Decree No. 3260 -r 
there are joint -stock companies, which are 
planned for privatization in 2020 – 2022. Most of 
these companies operate in the following 
sectors: real estate, research and development, 
warehousing and transport activities, 
architecture and engineering design, technical 
testing, research and analysis crop and livestock 
production, hunti ng and related services.  
Chapter 3.3.5 State trading, state -
owned enterprises, and 
privatization  
Question:  
Para 3.153 mentions that a multitude 
of SOEs have been identified for 
privatization over the period 2020 -22. 
What is the status of these 
privatizati ons? Has the privatization 
been halted during the pandemic? 
Does a long-term privatization plan 
exist? If yes, what are the ultimate 
goals of the strategy.  During the pandemic privatization was carried 
out as planned and in accordance with 
privatization pl an for 2020 -2022 adopted by the 
Government of the Russian Federation. At the 
end of 2020, shares in charter capital of 50 
commercial companies, 9 federal unitary state 
enterprises, 315 other objects in state property 
were privatized.  
 
In accordance with th e Decree of the 
Government of the Russian Federation dated 
23.08.2021 No. 1401 "On Amendments to the 
Rules for the Development of Forecast Plans 
(Programs) for the Privatization of State and 
Municipal Property", the deadline for the 
implementation of the p rivatization program 
2020-2022 has been postponed for two years. 
Now the privatization plan is to be undertaken in 
the period 2023 -2024.  
The goal of this initiative is to synchronize the 
timing of the privatization plan with the timing 
of the budgetary pr ocess. Currently, the Ministry 
of Finance is preparing a draft federal budget for 
2022 and a planned period of 2023 -2024.  
 
Accordingly, it is not planned to approve new 
privatization programs in the next two years: 
the current version of the document, whi ch has 
been extended for 2 years, will, if necessary, be 
amended to include new privatization objects.  
 
The privatization process is mainly aimed at 
reduction of state property sector, optimization 
of the composition and structure of state 
property.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 398 - 
 
  Chap ter 3.3.6 Government 
Procurement  
Question:  
para. 3.155: In relation to the GPA 
accession process initiated by the 
Russian Federation in 2016, which 
Switzerland supports, could the 
Russian Federation provide any 
indication on its priorities and next 
steps to advance and bring the 
negotiation process to a successful 
conclusion within a reasonable 
period?  We would like to express our appreciation to 
Switzerland for its support of Russia's accession 
to the GPA.  
 
The relevant revision to the initial offe r of Russia 
may be provided only after internal analysis and 
discussions with the stakeholders, which is 
conducted at this moment. There are no specific 
timeframes for this process due to its complexity 
and involvement of many parties domestically.   
Chapt er 3.3.6 Government 
Procurement  
Question:  
Para 3.161 and Para 3.162: Although 
par 3.161 specifies that the federal 
law No 44 -FZ governing procurement 
at federal and municipal level 
provides that all procurements should 
be conducted under the principles 
among others of openness, 
transparency and competition, par 
3.162 states that the government is 
allowed to impose restrictions on the 
purchase of foreign goods, works and 
services, to support i.a. the 
development of the national economy 
and Russian Federation  producers. 
Switzerland would appreciate if the 
Russian Federation could clarify how it 
intends to address the question of 
such restrictions to foreign bidders to 
make sure that the government 
procurement legal framework is fully 
aligned with the WTO GPA s tandards.  Russia is ready to engage into discussions on 
this matter within the framework of accession 
negotiations process.  
Chapter 3.3.7 Intellectual 
Property  
Question:  
Switzerland took note of the fact that 
the reports do not contain any 
information on the subject of test 
data protection. Switzerland would 
like to address the following issue: 
During the accession of the Russian 
Federation to the World Trade 
Organization, the county's 
representative confirmed that the 
Russian Federation had  enacted 
legislation and would adopt 
regulations on the protection of 
undisclosed information and test data 
for a period of at least six years2. 
However, according to article 18 para 
20 of the Russian law 61 -FZ "On 
Circulation of Medicines ", applications 
for state registrations of generic 
medicinal products for medical use 
can be filed after four years. Against Paragraph 20 of this A rticle describes one of the 
variant of application for registration and not a 
condition for a registration itself. Russian 
Federation in accordance with its obligations 
under accession to WTO had introduced 
amendments to the Federal Law 61 -FZ "On 
Circulati on of Medicines " in paragraph 18 of 
Article 18. The paragraph stipulates that it is not 
allowed to use information on the results of 
preclinical studies of medicines and clinical 
studies of medicines for medical use submitted 
by the applicant for state reg istration of a 
pharmaceutical product without his authorization 
within six years from the date of state 
registration of the reference pharmaceutical 
product in the Russian Federation.  
 
2 WT/ACC/RUS/70 WT/MIN (11)2 pages 330 -331 §1295 and §1296.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 399 - 
 
  this background, Switzerland would 
like to inquire, how the Russian 
Federation ensures a test data 
protection of six years.  
Chapter 3.3.7 Intellectual 
Property  
Question:  
Par 3.182 states that the  State Duma 
adopted a bill on expanding the 
grounds for granting compulsory 
licenses, including in emergency use 
related to protecting the life and 
health of citizens. Could the Russian 
Federation please specify under which 
circumstances such an emergency 
exists?   
In accordance with amended Article 1360 of the 
Civil Code of the Russian Federation the 
Government of the Russian Federation is 
empowered to allow for the use of the subject 
matter of a patent without authorization of the 
right holder in terms of his notification and 
paying him an adequate compensation in case of 
emergency related to ensuring the defense and 
national security as well as protection of health 
and lives.  
As for circumstances of emergency, Russia notes 
hereby that in accordanc e with point (c) of 
paragraph 5 of the Declaration on the TRIPS 
agreement and public health (DOHA WTO 
MINISTERIAL 2001: TRIPS WT/MIN(01)/DEC/2 
20 November 2001) each member of the WTO 
has the right to determine what constitutes a 
national emergency or othe r circumstances of 
extreme urgency.  
Chapter 4.1 Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries  
Question:  
Para 4.16: Export duties on a number 
of products that were implemented in 
response to the pandemic in 2020 
have not yet been lifter, or, as e.g., in 
the case of sunflower seeds and soya 
beans were extended in July 2021. 
With regards to those export duties,  
can Russia please  
(1) elaborate on the rationale behind 
this extension,  
(2) when it plans to suspend those 
duties and  
(3) explain what is being done in 
order for those export restricting 
measures to not negatively impact 
the food security of importing 
countries?  The extension of export duties on sunflower 
seeds and soybeans is due to food security 
governance. These duties will be applied till 31 
August 2022. The extension of export duties 
does not prevent the realization of Russia's 
export potential of pro ducts concerned. For 
example, the export of soybeans in the first 
half-year 2021 amounted to 835,3 thousand 
tonnes compared to 556,7 thousand tonnes in 
2020 and 347,3 thousand tonnes in 2019. In 
addition, the export duties do not apply to the 
humanitarian supplies.  
Chapter 4.1 Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries  
Question:  
Para 4.29: We would ask Russia to 
clarify how its support to exporters, in 
the form of partial reimbursement of 
certification costs, is compatible with 
the 2015 Nairobi Decision on the 
prohibition of export subsidies.  Government support to legal entities for the 
partial compensation of costs on the certification 
of agro -industrial products is not an export 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 9.1 (d) of 
the Agreement on Agriculture and is not subject 
to the provisions of the Nairobi Decision on 
prohibition of export subsidies.  
In order to receive the subsidy applicants must 
meet general economic criteria that do not 
relate to trade and exports (such as being an 
entity registered in the Russian Federation; the 
applicant  should not be in the process of 
bankruptcy, etc.). The applicant shall provide 
documents verifying incurred costs associated 
with the certification of agricultural products. 
The subsidy covers costs related to test 
samples. The support is aimed at providi ng WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  quality and safety control of agricultural 
products and facilitate product certification.  
Chapter 5.3 Improving the 
investment climate  
Question:  
Para 5.43: The Report by the Russian 
Federation mentions (para. 5.43) that 
in 2018, the Government approved an 
Action Plan to accelerate the capital 
investments growth rate of and 
increase their share in GDP up to 25% 
for the period from 2018 to 2024 , 
providing for measures aimed, inter 
alia, at the improvement of the 
efficiency of state -owned companies. 
Could the Russian Federation 
elaborate on the measures that were 
taken in that regard?  The Federal Law dated 27.12.2019 N 485 -FZ 
"On Amendments to the Fed eral Law "On State 
and Municipal Unitary Enterprises" and the 
Federal Law "On Protection of Competition" 
came into force, which provides for the 
liquidation or reorganization of the existing 
unitary enterprises. The Federal Law also 
prohibits the creation of new state and municipal 
unitary enterprises.  
In this respect, unitary enterprises that were 
created before the entry into force of the law 
and that are operating in competitive product 
markets, will be liquidated or reorganized by 
January 1, 2025.  
The F ederal Law also provides for the following 
exceptions: when the creation of unitary 
enterprises is stipulated by federal law, an act of 
the President of the Russian Federation or the 
government of the Russian Federation.  
 
Decree of the President of the Ru ssian 
Federation of 21 December 2017 No. 618 "On 
the main directions of state policy in the 
development of competition "sets the goal of 
reducing the share of economic entities 
established or controlled by state or 
municipalities.  
National Plan for the Dev elopment of 
Competition in  
Of the Russian Federation for 2018 - 2019 
(hereinafter - the National Plan) contained the 
following measures, which are aimed at reducing 
the share of the public sector:  
1) limitation of the creation of unitary 
enterprises in com petitive commodity markets;  
2) a ban on the acquisition by the state of 
shares and stakes in organizations carrying out 
activity on commodity markets in a competitive 
environment.  
One of the key indicators of the National Plan 
was to ensure in all sectors  of the economy 
presence of at least three business entities, at 
least one of which – from private business.  
Chapter 11.3 WTO negotiations  
Question:  
Para 11.13: Russia is an active 
participant and supporter of the 
Informal Group on MSMEs. This para 
further states that Russia considers it 
important to advance further WTO 
work with a view to minimizing 
barriers that hinder a successful 
integration of MSM Es into 
international trade. Switzerland 
welcomes this commitment. At the 
same time, we note the local content 
requirements as well as the potential 
discrimination against companies not 
established in Russia with regard to 
public procurement processes (see  We believe that government procur ement 
regulation is not considered to be a potential 
barrier for a successful integration of MSMEs 
into international trade, that understanding was, 
in particular, shared by the participants during 
the meetings of the Informal Group on MSMEs.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  law 44 -FZ and its implementing rules, 
described in para 3.162 and 3.163 of 
the Secretariat report). How do these 
measures contribute to the stated 
goal of the Russian authorities to 
integrate MSMEs in international 
trade?  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  JAPAN  
  
Secretariat Report   
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and 
Arrangements  
2.3.2 Regional and preferential 
agreements  
Paragraph 2.23. (page. 33)  
Question:  
Japan would like to request Russia to 
provide with the details regarding the 
expansion of participation in FTAs in 
the future, and the area plans: 
Regions that are desirable for the 
country.  With regard to FTAs on trade in goods the EAEU is 
currently under negotiations with Egypt, India, and 
Israel. In 2020 two joint feasibility studies (JFS) with 
Mongolia and Indonesia were launched and are now 
in the active phase. As the JFSs are finished, 
relevant FTA negotiations could be launched. There 
is no desirable region for negotiating an FTAs, the 
decisions on launchi ng the feasibility process are 
based on the relevant assessment after the receipt 
of a request of partner to the Eurasian Economic 
Commission. Decision for launching a joint feasibility 
study with a third country can be made only by 
consensus of all EAEU M ember States. Generally, the 
decision to launch FTA negotiations is based on the 
study of trade turnover and structure with an 
applicant country, potential benefits and risks from 
liberalizing the trade regime, opportunities for 
diversification of trade, p otential spheres of 
cooperation and others.  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production 
and Trade  
3.3.7 Intellectual property rights  
Paragraph 3.215. (page 99)  
Question:  
It is recognized that counterfeit goods 
have become a problem at customs. 
Japan would like to request Russia 
how Russia is going to strengthen the 
measures against counterfeit products 
at customs.   The Federal Customs Service of Russia in its anti -
counterfeiting activities uses the tools provided by 
TRIPS (declarative principle of protection of 
intellectual property rights, suspension of release of 
goods, ex -officio powers).  
The main direction for the development of these 
tools is their digitalization which is implemented 
through electronic interactio n between the right 
holder and the customs authorities through a 
Personal Office for traders:  
• with the FCS of Russia in maintaining the 
customs register of intellectual property 
objects (hereinafter - the Customs Register);  
• with territorial customs authori ties when 
suspending the release of goods.  
The new Federal Law on Customs Regulation No. 
289-FZ has made it possible for right holders to 
submit an application for inclusion of intellectual 
property objects in the Customs Register 
electronically through th e Personal Office for traders 
(on the Internet).  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.1 Minerals  
Paragraph 4.57. (page 112 -113)  
Question:  
It is our understanding that the 
"temporary export duties on ferrous 
and non -ferrous metals" were 
introduced to protect the domestic 
market. In this regard, will these 
export duties continue after the 
increase in the mineral extraction tax 
(MET), which is planned to be 
introduced in 2022? (Source: 
https:/ /tass.ru/ekonomika/12547937 ) Currently, there are no discussions related to the 
extension of these duties.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Paragraph 4.57. (page 112 -113)  
Question:  
Since the increase in the MET is a 
taxation measure on revenue, will it 
have an impact on export prices?  The change in the taxation of MET does not have a 
significant impact on the price level, since the pricing 
depends primarily on the supply and demand 
balance in the world market.  
 
Paragraph 4.57. (page 112 -113)  
Question:  
It has been reported that  there are 
discussions to exclude rare earth ores 
from the list of minerals subject to 
the increase in the MET. Are there 
any minerals that are exempted from 
the increase in the MET?  This issue is still under internal discussion.  
 
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.2 Energy  
4.2.2.6 Institutional framework, 
regulatory changes, and 
developments in energy strategy 
and policies  
4.2.2.6.2 Regulatory changes  
4.2.2.6.2.5 Import substitution 
and technological development  
Paragraph 4.2.2.6.2.5 (page. 124)  
Vessels engaging the international 
transportation of natural resources 
produced from the northern sea area 
need to be built in Russia, according 
to the Merchant Shipping Code.  
Question:  
Japan would like to request the 
Russian Federation to provide the 
following it ems in detail regarding the 
Merchant Shipping Code.  
 
The scope of transportation which the 
duty of using Russian -built vessels 
applies (for example, the scope 
applies to the LNG vessels which will 
engage in the Russian LNG project in 
the northern sea area)   
 
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.2 Energy  
4.2.2.6 Institutional framework, 
regulatory changes, and 
developments in energy strategy 
and policies  
4.2.2.6.2 Regulatory changes  
4.2.2.6.2.5 Import substitution 
and technological development  
Paragraph 4.2.2.6.2.5 (page. 124)  
Vessels engaging the international 
transportation of natural resources 
produced from the northern sea area 
need to be built in Russia, according 
to the Merchant Shipping Code.  
Question:  
Japan would like to request the 
Russian Federa tion to provide the 
following items in detail regarding the 
Merchant Shipping Code.  
The specific conditions of being To both questions . 
In accordance with paragraph 4 of Article 4 of the 
Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian Federation 
the Government of the Russian Federation is entitled 
to adopt an act to allow ships flying the flag of a 
foreign State to perform maritime transportation of 
the natural gas, including in the liquefied state, and 
gas condensate extracted within the territory of the 
Russian Federation and loaded on the vessels within 
the area of North Maritime Route up to the first point 
of unloading or transshipment.  
In acco rdance with paragraph 4.1 of said Article 4 
the Government of the Russian Federation is also 
entitled to adopt an act to allow only the ships flying 
the flag of Russia and built in the territory of Russia 
to perform said actions.  
 
 
To this date, the Gover nment of the Russian 
Federation has not taken a decision pursuant to 
paragraph 4.1 of the Merchant Shipping Code of the 
Russian Federation  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Russian -built vessels engaging the 
international transportation of natural 
resources produced from the northern 
sea area.  
4.3 Services  
4.3.2.3 Policy developments  
Paragraph 4.161 (page. 140)  
Question:  
The Russia's software pre installation 
mandate may hamper the entry of 
foreign companies into the Russian 
market and violate the national 
treatment obligation of Article 17 of 
GATS depending on the specific 
details of regulation and the manner 
in which they are administered. We 
would like to know what the Russian 
government's position is on this point.  The Federal Law No. 425 -FZ "On amending article 4 
of the Law of the Russian Federation 'On protection 
of consumer rights" does not impose restrictions on 
foreign goods, services suppl iers or their services. 
The Law does not prohibit pre -installation of foreign 
software or requires de -installation of such software. 
The Law equally applies to all producers of 
technically complex goods on the Russian market, 
including Russian producers of  such goods. 
Therefore, requirements in question are consistent 
with Russia's WTO commitments.  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT  
5.3 Improving the investment 
climate  
Question:  
As for the special investment 
contracts (SPIC) which has been 
renewed in 2019, we would like you 
to clarify the content of preferential 
treatment, such as tax exemption 
(ex. corporate tax, asset tax), public 
procurement and other subvention 
support from Russian Federation. We 
would also like to know wh at kind of 
fields/industries are eligible for latest 
regulations of SPIC.  The so called "SPIC 2.0" is aimed at attracting the 
investors who are going to develop and implement 
modern technology to enable Russian products to 
become  globally competitive. Unde r SPIC 2.0, 
stability of conditions of business operation is 
ensured to an investor by the Russian Federation 
and/or by the region of the Russian Federation, and 
other support measures are provided to an investor 
under SPIC 2.0 in accordance with the legis lation of 
the Russian Federation.  
There are no limitations on industries eligible for 
SPIC 2.0. SPIC 2.0 limits investor's activities by the 
modern technologies. The list of modern 
technologies for SPICs is laid down by the 
Government of the Russian Feder ation in accordance 
with the Resolution of the Government of the 
Russian Federation of 28 November 2020 No. 3143 -
r. 
Secretariat Report   
3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting 
Exports  
3.2.3. Export prohibitions, 
restrictions, and licensing  
Paragraph 3.61 (Page 57)  
We recognize that, in September 
2020, Russian President declared that 
the export prohibition of logs will be 
introduced from January 2022. Is this 
prohibition implemented from January 
2022 as declared?  
If so, please provide the objective 
and the details of this prohibition, as 
well as the rationales for its 
consistency with the GATT Article XI 
on General Elimination of Quantitative 
Restrictions.  Currently, there is no legislative initiative to 
introduce an export ban on timber products.  
 
 
 
 
Paragraph 3.63 (Page 57)  
The para 3.63 of the report states 
that "temporary bans or export 
restrictions can be put in place", and 
"The products include ... wood.... 
Since 2016, the list has been WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  supplemen ted by certain wood 
products (HS4401, 4403, 4404, 4406, 
and 4407)."  
Please clarify the objectives and 
details of this restriction on wood.  
Paragraph 3.63 (Page 57)  
Has this restriction on wood been 
ever implemented in the past? If so, 
please provide the background and 
details of the past experiences.  
Paragraph 3.63 (Page 57)  
Please provide the rationales for the 
consistency of this restriction with 
the GATT Article XI on General 
Elimination of Quantitative 
Restrictions.  
Paragraph 3.63 (Pag e 57)  
The para 3.63 of the report states 
that "temporary bans or export 
restrictions can be put in place", and 
"The products include meat, milk, 
grains, flour, beans, oilseeds, 
vegetable oil and oilcakes, animal 
feed...."  
Please clarify the objectives and 
details of this restriction on these 
agricultural products.  At the start of a pandemic (in March -April 2020) 
quantitative restrictions on export of certain medical 
and agricultural products were established. These 
quantitative restrictions were abolished i n summer 
and autumn 2020.  
The Russian Federation constantly submits its 
measures affecting trade in goods in the context of 
the fight against COVID -19 to the Secretariat. Their 
list can be found on the WTO COVID -19 webpage.  
 
 
Paragraph 3.63 (Page 57)  
Have these restrictions on 
agricultural product been ever 
implemented in the past?  If so, 
please notify these measures to the 
WTO Committee on Agriculture and 
provide the background and details 
of the past experiences.  
Paragraph 3.63 (Page 57)  
Please pr ovide the rationales for the 
consistency of this restriction with 
the GATT Article XI on General 
Elimination of Quantitative 
Restrictions and Agreement on 
Agriculture Article XII.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and 
Fisheries  
4.1.5 Forestry  
Paragraph 4.46 (page. 108)  
The para 4.46 of the report states 
that "The government aims to 
address these issues (i.e. illegal 
logging)."  
Please explain the details of the 
measures taken by the government 
to address the illegal logg ing issue 
and their effects.  
 The creation of the exchange mechanisms for timber 
trade is being discussed as part of internal efforts to 
establish transparent, reasonable and corresponding 
to market conditions for trade in timber and 
prevention of illegal timber cut and trafficking.  
The other course of internal discussions on the 
matter of prevention of illegal timber cut and 
trafficking is a potential mechanism for the 
termination of operations and exclusion from the 
unified state register of legal entiti es of lessees and 
buyers of forest range, who were found violating 
timber logging, circulation and export legal 
requirements.  
The possibility to submit the incomplete customs 
declaration in respect of timber products was 
abolished starting form 1 August 20 21 in order to 
improve customs control with the view of preventing 
illegal timber exports.  
At the same time the exporters can submit a 
declaration in electronic form, which make it possible WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  to provide the exact volume of exported timber and 
its customs va lue simultaneously with its loading.  
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.2 Energy  
4.2.2.6 Institutional framework, 
regulatory changes, and 
developments in energy strategy 
and policies  
4.2.2.6.2 Regulatory changes  
4.2.2.6.2.5 Import substitution 
and technological de velopment  
Paragraph 4.2.2.6.2.5 (page. 124)  
Japan would like to ask the Russian 
Federation whether LNG vessels, 
which will be operated within the 
territory of the Russian Federation in 
the Russian LNG project by future 
contracts, are subject to the 
obligation of Russian -built LNG 
vessels by the Merchant shipping 
Code of the Russian Federation or 
not.  
The Code provides for the possibility of imposing 
such requirements. However, such requirements 
have not been adopted.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 407 - 
 
  THAILAND  
Secretariat Report   
Para 2.37 Page 37  
It would be appreciated if Russia could 
provide more information on the 
following;  
What kinds of foreign investment are 
required to undergo the foreign 
investment screening mechanism?  The mechanism established by the Federal Law № 
57-FZ of 29 April 2008 "On the Procedure for 
Approval Foreign Investment in Legal Entities 
Having Strategic  Importance for National Defense 
and State Security". The investments in the capital 
of such strategic enterprises, which may result in 
the acquisition of control over such enterprises by a 
foreign person, are subject to the screening 
mechanism established  by said Law. An enterprise 
is considered to be of strategic impoertance if it is 
engaged in one of the activities listed in Article 6 of 
the said Law.  
Para 2.37 Page 37  
Please provide more details on the 
procedure of the foreign investment 
screening and how long does it usually 
take for completing the procedure?   A foreign investor intending to obtain control over 
an enterprise having strategic importance is 
required to receive a prior approval by submiting 
an application to FAS. FAS in cooperation with 
other competent authorities, including the Ministry 
of Defence, the Federal Security Service and other 
agencies, if needed, reviews the application 
evaluating the implications for national security and 
defense. Based on such assessment FAS submits 
the appli cation to the Governmental Commission 
for final decision. The Governmental Commission 
can (1) approve the transaction, (2) approve the 
transaction with conditions and additional 
obligations or (3) reject the transaction. The 
procedure usually takes 30 days  to complete.  
Para 2.37 Page 37  
In 2020, the Russian Federation 
expanded FDI screening procedures for 
the acquisitions of voting stakes in 
strategic enterprises  by foreign investors 
to also include temporary acquisitions. 
What kinds of enterprise are covered 
under the scope of the strategic 
enterprise?  Strategic enterprises mean legal entities established in 
the Russian Federation and engaged in at least one 
type of activity which is of strategic importance for 
national defense and state security, specified in Article 
6 of the Federal Law № 57 -FZ.  
 
Para 2.41 Page 38  
What are the main elements of the new 
rules used by Russia to prioritize and 
negotiate the intern ational agreements 
on the promotion and protection of 
investments? What are key changes 
from the previous rules?   In 2016 new regulation on the conclusion of 
investment treaties was adopted by the Resolution 
of the Government of the Russian Federation № 
992 of 30 September 2016 (The Resolution № 
992). The Resolution № 992 sets down general 
criteria for when Russia sho uld negotiate and 
conclude investment treaty with another State. 
These criteria focus primarily on outgoing 
investments, i.e. the interests of Russian investors 
abroad, barriers faced by Russian investors on 
foreign markets and potential of reducing such 
barriers and overall improve conditions for 
operation of Russian investors on foreign markets 
through an international treaty with the foreign 
State. The potential of such treaty to promote 
investment from a relevant foreign State to the 
Russian market is a lso examined.  
The key change introduced by Resolution 992 was 
a shift from a "model BIT" to individual approach to 
each of the partner market. The Guidelines adopted 
by the Resolution provide general directions for the 
treaty to be concluded but is not a model text that 
Russia adheres to.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  Para 3.198 Page 87  
To what extent do patent examiners 
use and rely on the preliminary 
information search and the 
patentability assessment conducted by 
the institutions accredited  
by Rospatent?   
 The results of the preli minary search and the 
patentability assessment provided by the 
accredited institutions will be taken into account by 
examiners when conducting substantive 
examination. However, these assessments and 
information do not predetermine the outcome of 
the examin ation by the accredited institutions. We 
have no information on practical experience in this 
matter yet.  
Para 3.198 Page 87  
Does the Rospatent have the criteria or 
requirements for selecting the 
institutions accredited by Rospatent?   
 Accreditation procedure is set out in the Resolution 
of the Government of the Russian Federation № 
1202. Requirements for institutions to be 
accredited are listed in paragraph III of the 
Resolution and include:  
- institutions must be legal entities and tax 
residents of the Russian Federation;  
- Scientific and technical activity of the 
institutions should be carried out in the 
field covered by the indexes of the 
International Patent Classification and 
Cooperative Patent Classification.  
Institutions should employ  not less than two 
workers and one of them should have academic 
degree and three -year experience in the field of 
scientific work.  
Para 3.198 Page 87  
How many institutions are accredited 
by Rospatent?   According to paragraph 4 of the Government 
Resolution № 1202, accreditation mechanism will 
enter into force on 1 March 2022. Such date of 
entry into force is required by the Federal Law of 
the Russian Federation on mandatory 
requirements. According to the provisions of the 
Federal Law mandatory requirements e nter into 
force on 1 March or 1 September of the 
corresponding year but not earlier than 90 days 
after the entry into force of mandatory 
requirements. Henceforth, no institutions have 
been accredited yet.  
Para 3.198 Page 87  
Could Russia provide more info rmation 
about the working mechanism in 
practice between Rospatent and the 
accredited institutions?  The mechanism introduces the procedure of 
preliminary assessment of patentability by 
accredited institutions. In particular, such 
institutions can be organi zations of the Russian 
Academy of Sciences, research institutes, leading 
universities.  
The following spheres have been defined as pilots:  
- pharmacy;  
- biotechnologies;  
- IT; 
- supercomputer technologies;  
- space technologies.  
The mechanism is supposed to facilitate the 
procedures of IP registration and to improve 
scientific expertise of new inventions.  
Para 4.2.2.6.2.2 Page 120  
What could be the future opportunities 
for Thai investors to jointly invest in 
energy sector in Russia? (especially in 
the oil and gas industry)   Russia stands for a balanced approach to the 
development of clean and conventional energy, the 
latter remains the basis of generation. Hence 
Russia will continue to create conditions for 
companies to invest in this industry, and welcomes  
dialogue between responsible agencies of Russia 
and Thailand.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 409 - 
 
  Para 4.2.2.6.2.6 Page 124  
Are there any specific supporting 
schemes or measures /incentives for 
promoting clean energy investments in 
Russia?  
This could be mutually beneficial for 
both countr ies to learn from each 
other's experiences in order to promote 
green investment between the two 
countries.  Russia is completing the preparation of a regulatory 
framework for launching a system of concessional 
financing of green projects and initiatives in the 
field of sustainable development. The selection 
criteria for such projects were approved by the 
Governm ental resolution N1587 dated 21.09.2021.  
 
The document contains specific parameters, upon 
reaching which it is possible to attract concessional 
financing through special bonds or loans for the 
implementation of a green or adaptation project. 
Green project s must comply with the goals of 
international instruments in the field of climate and 
sustainable development. There are no such 
requirements for transitional projects. However, 
they should not contradict Russia's environmental 
priorities.  
 
The green proje ct can be launched in the following 
areas: waste management, energy, construction, 
industry, transport, water supply, agriculture, 
biodiversity and environmental conservation. 
Specific qualitative and quantitative criteria have 
been developed for each area . For example, 
products made from biodegradable materials 
should not lead to the formation of microplastics, 
and new street lighting systems are supposed to 
consume 20% less electricity.  
There are five areas for transitional projects: 
infrastructure, energ y, industry, transport, 
agriculture. Among the criteria are restrictions on 
CO2 emissions from gas production, standards for 
the restoration of the acid -base balance of soils, 
the use of technologies for capturing and storing 
greenhouse gases, the use of f luoride technologies 
in the extraction of rare earth metals.  
 
The same resolution approves the requirements for 
the verification system of sustainable development 
projects. It prescribes the procedures necessary for 
the correct assessment of a particular p roject, a list 
of documents to be verified, requirements for 
companies (verifiers) preparing conclusions.  
 
The adopted resolution will help to establish 
uniform criteria for green and adaptation projects, 
and will create economic incentives for the 
transit ion to advanced environmental standards.  
 
Type and size of support instruments currently 
applied vary from sector to sector. For example, 
last year, 60% of the total commissioning of 
generating capacities in Russia fell on the sun and 
wind. These were 100%  private investments, and 
the state provided support and stimulated the 
attraction of investments in this sector through the 
mechanism of guaranteed return on profitability.  
Para 4.116 Page 126  
If the establishment of the single 
market for financial services among 
EAEU is achieved by 2025 as planned,  
we would like to know the followings;  The Concept of formation of a common financial 
market of the EAEU (approved by the Decision of 
the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council of 
01.10.2019 № 20) (Concept of common financial 
market) envisage the main directions, within which WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 410 - 
 
  How financial and insurance sectors of 
EAEU will significantly be changed?  
What legislations are to be newly  
enacted or amended?   the sectoral international agreements should be 
prepared.  
The creation of a common EAEU financial market is 
expected to result in increased accessibility, quality 
and range of financial services for companies and 
citizens, and increased efficiency of the financial 
sector of EAEU member states. The common 
financia l market of the EAEU is to cover the 
banking sector, the securities market sector and 
the insurance sector of each member state, as well 
as the set of relations regulating the interaction 
between the financial market sectors.  
When creating the Common Fina ncial Market the 
EAEU Member States aim at:  
- harmonized requirements for regulation and 
supervision in the financial markets of Member 
states based on the best international standards;  
- mutual recognition of licenses in the banking 
sector, insurance sect or, securities market services 
sector, issued by authorized bodies of one member 
state in the territories of other member states;  
- carrying out activities to provide financial services 
throughout the territory of the EAEU without 
additional establishment as a legal entity;  
- administrative cooperation between authorized 
bodies of member states.  
In addition, the level of financial stability is 
expected to be increased by minimizing regulatory 
involvement and improving the interaction of 
financial regulators , including through the 
exchange of information.  
Para 4.116 Page 126  
Will the single market lead to the single 
currency among EAEU members?   The creation of a currency union within the EAEU is 
considered as a long-term goal. Such a process is 
expected to be accompanied by a long preparatory 
work. It will require a detailed analysis of the 
countries' readiness to form a currency union, 
comparing the effect of deeper integration and 
losses from the refusal of the national  currency.  
Para 4.116 Page 126  
What aspects would foreign investors 
possibly be affected from the single 
market?  
 Single market will not raise the overall level of 
barriers to trade in services for Members outside 
EAEU. To the contrary, it is expected to  provide 
better conditions for foreign participation due to the 
expansion of the market scale from the level of 
individual national markets to one larger single 
market.  
Para 4.166 Page 141  
As personal data collected on Russian 
citizens  
have to be stored in the Russian 
Federation, according to the Federal 
Law No. 152 -FZ on Personal Data, is 
financial data subjected to the above 
law and, if so, to what extent?  In accordance with clause 1 of Article 3 of the 
Federal Law "On Personal Data" personal data is 
any information relating to a directly or indirectly 
identifiable or determinable individual.  
Thus, if financial data can be attributed to a specific 
or identifiable individual, the processin g of these 
data is subject to all the requirements of the 
Federal Law "On Personal Data".  
Para 4.166 Page 141  
What are the requirements for an 
eligible country to set -up parallel 
servers?  
 The provisions of Part 5 Article 18 of the Federal 
Law "On Persona l Data" are applicable to the 
processing of personal data on Russian users. 
Therefore, a foreign company that collects personal 
data on Russian users must ensure that databases 
of Russian users are localized in the Russian 
Federation.  
In this case, if ther e is a parallel database located 
in a foreign country, the operator shall ensure WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 411 - 
 
  compliance with the requirements of Art. 12 of the 
Federal Law "On Personal Data" regarding cross -
border transfer of personal data and organize the 
initial update of data in t he database located in the 
Russian Federation.  
Para 4.14 Page 13  
Please clarify the criteria for 
categorizing the "likelihood of violation" 
of foreign economic participants into 
each risk level?  
 The risk management system while selecting the 
object of c ustoms control takes into account 
different characteristics of goods and conditions 
and circumstances of their movement as well as 
the characteristics of the person who declares the 
goods. All declarants of goods are classified into 
low-, medium - or high -risk categories depending 
on the likelihood of their violating customs laws. 
Such classification is carried out automatically by a 
special software based on the results of the 
analysis of declarants' activities for 2 previous 
years on the basis of 31 criter ia characterizing 
various aspects of persons carrying out customs 
operations.  
Customs control measures within the management 
system are applied differentially to each risk level 
category. Customs control measures with regard to 
low-risk entities are applied at the minimum level, 
shifting the main scope to the stage after the 
release of goods. With regard to the medium level 
of risk, customs control is carried out in accordance 
with the generally established procedure. High -risk 
declarants are subject to enhanced customs 
control.  
In determining the risk level category there is a 
wide range of different parameters: the presence of 
customs laws violations in the previous shipments, 
the degree of loading of the vehicle in comparison 
with the average values  of the load, the nature of 
the type of packaging used in the movement of 
goods, etc.  
Various sources of information and advanced 
information technology are used during the risk 
assessment. Such sources and technologies ensure 
the quality of analytical act ivities and allow to 
identify objects of control more precisely and also 
to increase the effectiveness of measures to 
minimize the risks.  
Para 5.34 Page 16 -17 
Regarding the use of QR code in the 
Russian payment system, is it widely 
adopted relative to the other means of 
payment, such as cash, credit card, 
and debit card.   The Russian Federation applies national standard 
GOST 56042 -2014 (approved on 11 June 2014) for 
generating payment QR codes 'Standards of 
financial transactions. Two -dimens ional barcode 
symbols for payments by individuals'. Nonetheless, 
this standard is not mandatory and service 
providers are allowed to develop their own QR 
codes depending on the conditions of operation of 
their payment systems.  
 Para 5.34 Page 16 -17 
Curren tly, are there any common 
standards or policy guidelines for the 
QR code payment, or whether service 
providers are allowed to develop their 
own QR code payment independently?  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 412 - 
 
  Para 5.63 Page 20  
and WT/TPR/S/416 Para 4.126 Page 
130 
Are there any incentive and/or 
government support for foreign start -
ups or financial technology companies 
that do businesses in the Russian 
Federation?  In order to incentivise start ups and financial 
technology companies in the Russian Federation 
the inst rument of regulatory sandboxes was 
launched. The regulatory sandbox addresses the 
following tasks:  
piloting of innovative financial platforms without 
the risks of violating Russian laws;  
analysis of risks inherent in innovative financial 
platforms and the  elaboration of approaches to 
mitigating these risks;  
exploring the reasonableness of deploying 
innovative financial platforms and the development 
of the relevant legal framework.  
The Bank of Russia's regulatory sandbox has no 
specialization, that is, any bank or organization 
wishing to launch new financial technologies that 
would require changes to the related regulation 
may apply for the piloting of such technologies in 
the regulatory sandbox (the form of the application 
is available on the Bank of Russia  website).  
Piloting in the regulatory sandbox comprises four 
stages: the receipt of the application, assessment 
of the reasonableness of considering this 
application, piloting, and making a decision on 
usefulness.  
In the case of successful piloting in the regulatory 
sandbox, services and technologies may be either 
approved for implementation with the subsequent 
development of an adequate legal framework, or 
recognized to be unreasonable.  
Upon an applicant's consent, the Bank of Russia 
publis hes the information on successful piloting on 
its website (https://www.cbr.ru/fintech/news/), 
providing a brief description of a piloted project and 
the name of the applicant company.  
Para 5.63 Page 20  
and WT/TPR/S/416 Para 4.126 Page 
130 
Are foreign start -ups or financial 
technology companies required to enter 
the "Regulatory Sandboxes"?  Foreign start -ups or financial technology companies 
are not required to enter the "Regulatory Sandboxes"  
 
 
Para 2.38 Page  36 
As mentioned in the Trade P olicy 
Review, the restrictions of FDI in the 
Russian Federation are among the 
highest of all OECD economies, is there 
any plan to review these restrictions to 
make the investment more liberalized?  
If so, when would the review take 
place?  The Russian Federation acknowledges the 
importance of the FDI for national development. 
The relevant legislation is periodically reviewed 
with the objective of stimulating the increase in 
investments, domestic and foreign.  
 
Para 2.45 Page  39 
On 1 January  2019, the de minimis for 
small cross -border shipments was set 
at EUR 500 and/or 25 kilograms, later 
on 1 January 2020 the new shipments 
threshold was set to be further 
decreased to EUR 200 but no weight 
threshold was specified. Are there any 
weight thresh old requirements for 
small cross -border shipments of EUR 
200? And if the minimum threshold is 
exceeded, how will it be  regulated?  From 1 January 2020 the de minimis for small 
cross-border shipments was set at 200 euros, and 
(or) 31 kg. If the minimum thres hold is exceeded, 
it is needed to pay a customs duty in the amount of 
15% of the cost, but not less than 2 euros per 1 kg 
of weight in terms of exceeding the cost and (or) 
weight norms.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 413 - 
 
  Para 4.24 Page  100 
According to the table 4.4, what is the 
criteria for budget allocation?  The allocation of resources for agricultural domestic 
support is carried out in accordance with the 
structure of financing of activities that are provided 
for by the programme within the specified period of 
its implementatio n. In addition, during the financial 
year, some adjustment (redistribution) of resources 
is possible due to the dynamics of achieving target 
indicators and (or) additional reasons that affect 
the effectiveness of the programme.  
Para 4.24 Page  100 
Could th e Russian Federation explain 
how the program is important to the 
Russian agricultural sector and 
agricultural trade?  The program covers the key factors of sustainable 
development of the industry in the long term, 
taking into account the current challenges in the 
field of food security. In addition, the use of 
advanced technologies of agricultural production 
will help to improve the quality of relevant products 
and to reduce the degree of technogenic impact on 
the environment.  
Para 2.5 Page  4-5 
Are foreign workers working for foreign 
companies in the Russian Federation 
eligible for support measures provided 
by the government during the COVID -
19 pandemic? If so, please elaborate.  The measures aimed at support of employers of 
companies established in Russia by foreign persons 
during pandemic were mainly focused on (1) 
extension of the validity of such documents as 
visas, work permits, work patents and 
authorizations to employ foreign workers;  (2) 
simplification of the procedures to obtain a work 
permits and work patents. Foreign natural persons 
residing in the Russian Federation are also granted 
access to vaccination against COVID -19. 
Para 3.4 Page  9-10 
Will some of the COVID -19 alleviation 
measures, such as the duty -free 
regime for certain products, become 
permanent measures? If not, when will 
the measures be reviewed?  The duty -free regime for the importation of certain 
medical products and personal prot ective 
equipment is established till 2022.  
 
Para 5.63 Page  20 
Please  share and elaborate on the 
practical guideline for "Regulatory 
Sandboxes" in the field of digital 
innovation and how it is implemented.  The "digital regulatory sandboxes" envisaged by 
the Federal Law No. 258 -FZ of 31 July 2020 on 
Experimental Legal Regimes in the Field of Digital 
Innovation in the Russian Federation aim to 
facilitate commercialization and implementation of 
new digital technologies, especially in the financial 
sector. "Re gulatory sandboxes" provide an 
opportunity to test a new software in order to 
ensure that it is effective and useful, and then, on 
the basis of the test results, to decide whether to 
change the current legislation to implement such 
innovation or not.  
 
The key elements of the "regulatory sandbox" 
mechanism are as follows:  
- piloting in a test environment as a necessary 
element of support from the regulator but not a 
sufficient one. It is useful for companies that are 
not ready to invest significant resourc es in setting 
up a pilot project in real conditions. At the same 
time, for companies that have the necessary 
resources for a pilot in a real environment, it is 
necessary to create such an opportunity, because it 
allows for more insight into the demand for new 
products, their risks and the viability of their idea;  
- removal of regulatory barriers tend to make the 
sandbox more oriented towards large and medium -
sized businesses. In addition to regulatory barriers 
small businesses and startups usually face WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 414 - 
 
  constraints related to their business model in 
general (for example, market entry costs, strong 
compliance requirements, etc.).  
 
Thus, besides removing the legal restrictions and 
consultation assistance from the regulator, the 
sandbox should also have at its d isposal a set of 
tools to support different groups of participants: 
large businesses, small and medium -sized 
enterprises and startups at different stages.  
Para 5.65 Page  21 
How does the Russia Federation 
implement the equal tax regimes to 
companies, particularly companies 
outside the territory?  To the same extent as in case of Russian 
companies, VAT is payable by foreign companies 
either through their commercial presence in Russia 
or, in case such presence was not established, 
through a tax  agent.  
Para 3.5 Page  40 
Considering that the submission of 
declarations prior to the arrival of good 
is obligatory, is there any penalties for 
importers who fail to comply with the 
pre-arrival submission?  Currently, sanctions for failure to provide 
preliminary information are not established.  
 
Para 4.8 Page  12 
Could you clarify the automatic 
customs operations without customs 
officials' participation regarding the 
electronic customs declaration system?  The obligatory electronic declaration of goods 
together with the implementation of customs 
technologies has ensured the gradual introduction 
of technologies for performing customs operations 
without the direct participation of customs officials.  
Currently, the technologies of automatic 
registrati on of goods declarations and automatic 
release of goods are applied at all customs posts 
authorized to perform customs operations related 
to the registration of goods declarations. Legal 
regulation of the application of these technologies 
is based on the p rovisions of the EAEU Customs 
Code and the legislation of the Russian Federation 
on customs regulation.  
The procedure for customs authorities to perform 
customs operations related to the release of goods 
through the information system of the customs 
author ity without the participation of a customs 
official is determined by the Decision of the 
Eurasian Economic Commission of December 19, 
2017 № 188 "On some issues related to the release 
of goods".  
The application of technologies based on fully 
automatic deci sion-making processes allows to 
reduce significantly the time for customs clearance, 
as well as to reduce logistic costs and create a 
favorable conditions for the further development of 
business.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 415 - 
 
  TURKEY  
Government Report   
3. Challenges, Rising global protectionism 
and discrimination , pg. 10, 3.7  
It is stated in the Government Report that 
"Thus, Russia, being one of the leading steel 
producers, continues to face serious problems 
caused by excess global steelmaking capacity. 
Despite some progress made in reducing the 
global overcapacity during the Global 
Overcapacity Forum in 2016 -2019, capacity 
growth has resumed in 2020, even shortly 
before the pandemic in 2020, steel demand 
decreased by 1.7%. According to the OECD  
estimates, in the long term the demand for 
steel will amount to about 1% annually. At the 
same time, the growth of restrictions on the 
imports of steel products has remained. 
According to data from the WTO report on the 
G20 trade measures for October 2020  - May 
2021, the steel sector has still accounted for 
the most of the initiated anti -dumping 
investigations (118 out of 176 in 2019). In the 
recent years, the introduction of the unilateral 
measures by the individual WTO Members with 
the purpose of closing  their markets from the 
import of these products has exacerbated the 
problem. "  
 
Question:  Could Russia provide with 
information about termination date of its export 
taxes on both ferrous scrap and ferro -alloys 
products?  The temporary export duties for fer rous 
metals and ferro -alloys products will be 
applied till 31 December 2021.  
4. Liberalization and Facilitation of Trade 
in Goods, 4.2 Improving customs 
administration, pg. 12, 4.7  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that 
"During the reporting period, a consistent work 
has been carried out, taking into consideration 
the TFA pro visions, to simplify customs 
procedures, reduce the time required for 
customs operations, eliminate unnecessary 
barriers in the field of customs regulation with 
the aim to promote favourable conduct of 
foreign trade activities, as well as to automate 
custo ms operations and reduce the time for the 
release of goods. "  
 
Question: Could Russian Side further explain 
that what steps have taken to reduce the long 
queues and waiting times at the Russian -
Georgian Federation custom gate where the 
Turkish carriers con tinuously reported for 
excessively long waiting times?  The design capacity of the checkpoint is 
170 freight vehicles per day.  
As a result of the measures taken by the 
customs service in order to speed up the 
passage of trucks, the actual workload of 
the ch eckpoint for freight transport in 
2021 averages 966 vehicles per day. 
During peak periods, the number of trucks 
exceeds 1 ,200 vehicles per day.  
Therefore, at the moment, the average 
design capacity of the checkpoint for 
freight transport has been exceeded  by 
more than 5 times.  
In order to increase the throughput of the 
checkpoint, its reconstruction is underway 
the completion of which is planned for the 
end of 2022.  
After the reconstruction, the design 
capacity of the checkpoint will be 2560 
vehicles per  day, including cargo - up to 
600 units.  
 
4. Liberalization and Facilitation of Trade 
in Goods, 4.2 Improving customs 
administration, pg. 13, 4.14  
It is stated in the Government Report that 
"Since 2017, a subject -oriented model of the 
risk management sys tem has been The classification of persons performing 
customs operations (including exporters) is 
carried out in accordance with the order of 
the Ministry of Finance of the Russian 
Federation dated February 21, 2020 No. 
29n, which approve s the criteria WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 416 - 
 
  implemented by the customs authorities of the 
Russian Federation. It provides the distribution 
of foreign economic activity participants into the 
categories of low, medium, and high -risk levels, 
depending on the likelihood of violation by them  
of customs legislation together with an 
appropriate differentiated application of 
customs control measures in respect of such 
participants. "  
 
Question: Could the Russian Side further 
explain that what are the exact criteria for 
being into different risk categories for the 
exporters?  characterizing the activities of persons 
performing customs operations. On the 
basis of these criteria, the activities of 
persons performing customs operations 
are assessed and their risk levels are 
assigned.  
The specified order can be found on the 
official website of the FCS of Russia at the 
link below 
https://customs.gov.ru/storage/document/
document_file/2020 -
06/29/%D0%9F%D0%A0%D0%98%D0%
9A%D0%90%D0%9729.pdf  
 
5. Economic Diversification, Promoting 
Trade and Investment, 5.1 Sectoral 
Policies, 5.1.1 Industrial policy, pg. 14, 
5.15 
 
It is stated in the Gov ernment Report that 
"Industrial parks, industrial technopolises and 
industrial clusters are being developed with the 
aim of promoting territorial development of 
Russia's industry. By the end of 2020, 258 
industrial parks and 73 industrial technopolises 
have been created and are now successfully 
operating. " 
 
Question:  Could the Russian Federation further 
explain the industrial creation plan? What are 
the initial impacts of these techno -polices on 
Russia's industry?  
 In general, the growth of Russian 
technolo gy parks' number is caused by 
private technology parks created by 
commercial structures . In this regard, the 
main trend in the development of 
technology parks is the increasing number 
of highly specialized technology parks 
compared to technology parks wit h 
multiple specializations. In addition, an 
increasing number of Russian regions 
provide their own support measures to 
managing companies and residents of 
technology parks showing the growth of 
interest of regional authorities in the 
development of this ki nd of infrastructure 
at local level.  
The creation and development of 
technology parks positively affects the 
socio-economic development of the 
regions. New jobs are created in resident 
companies and the volume of tax 
deductions is growing. Also, technology  
parks' formation increases the number of 
SMEs provided with preferential access to 
production facilities. They are created to 
transform scientific developments into new 
technologies, experimental and serial 
samples of products and to develop high -
tech ind ustries.  
5. Economic Diversification, Promoting 
Trade and Investment, 5.3 Improving the 
investment climate, pg. 17, 5.57  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that " The 
Foreign Investment Advisory Council in Russia 
(FIAC). In order to attract foreign direct 
investments and to create favourable conditions 
for doing business in Russia, one of the most 
reputable business associations, the FIAC, has 
been working for 26 ye ars. FIAC Members are 
implementing the major commercial projects in 
many sectors of the economy. In addition, 
every year, with the active participation of 
FIAC, measures are implemented to improve 
the legal framework and enforcement of rules 
governing busi ness environment. "  
 Members of FIAC are rotated under the 
"Regulation on FIAC Member Rotation", 
which establishes th e principles of FIAC 
membership and the procedure for 
accepting and removing members. FIAC 
membership is open to the companies that 
do business in priority areas for 
investment in the Russian economy, are 
active on the Russian market and take an 
active par t in Russian economic reforms.  
The procedure is as follows:  
− a head of foreign company that 
invests in the Russian economy or 
international or other organizations 
eager to apply for the FIAC 
membership has to submit an 
application along with the 
informatio n on the activities to the WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 417 - 
 
  Question: Could Russian Side provide with 
detailed information about the requirements, 
application processes and selection criteria to 
become a member of this Council?  
 rotation group along with the 
information on their activities.  
− a foreign company has to fulfil at 
least 3 out of the folowing criteria: 
total investments in Russian 
economy should amount to at least 
RUB 10 billion, at least 500 jobs 
should be created, technology 
imported into the Russian 
Federation, production in the 
Russian Federation with at least 
30% local content, high ratings 
from international rating agencies 
(e.g. Moody's, S&P), at least 5 -
year operation in Russia, market 
and industry leadership, 
contribution to improving of the 
investment climate in Russia.  
− the Chairman of FIAC's Executive 
Committee decides whether to 
admit a new member at its 
discretion even in case of rejection 
of the application by the Rotation 
group.  
5. Economic Diversification, Promoting 
Trade and Investment, 5.5 Digital 
economy, pg. 20 -21, 5.65  
 
On page 20 -21 of The Government Report, it is 
stated that " The importance of the harmonious 
development of electronic commerce is stressed 
in the Strategy for the Development of the 
Information Society in the Russian Federation 
for 2017 -2030, approved by the Decree of the 
President of the Russian Federation as of 9 May 
2017 No. 203. To implement the national 
interests of the state when creating a di gital 
economy, the strategy provides for the use of 
mechanisms aimed at protecting citizens from 
counterfeit products, developing legislation to 
protect competition, implementing equal tax 
regime to companies, creating a payments and 
logistics infrastructu re for e -commerce, 
transparency of cross -border payments, 
ensuring the protection of consumer rights in 
the information and communication network of 
Internet " 
 
Question:  Could Russian Federation kindly 
elaborate on the use of mechanisms which 
aimed at prot ecting citizens from counterfeit 
products, developing legislation to protect 
competition, implementing equal tax regime to 
companies, creating a payments and logistics 
infrastructure for e -commerce, transparency of 
cross-border payments in the Strategy for  the 
Development of the Information Society in the 
Russian Federation for 2017 -2030?  
 The Strategy for the Development of the 
Information Society in the Russian 
Federation for 2017 -2030 is a framework 
document, which stipulates the main goals 
and task for development of the 
Information Society in Russia. The most of 
the tasks are implemented through the 
National Program "Digital Economy of the 
Russian Federation".  
The National Program "Digital Economy of 
the Russian Federation" includes six 
federal project s with a period of 
implementation from October 2018 to 
2024:  
− "Normative regulation of the digital 
environment". In the framework of 
this project a flexible system of 
normative regulation of the digital 
economy should be created; and 
as a consequence, barriers to the 
development of modern 
technologies and business conduct, 
in such areas as civil circulation, 
financial technology, intellectual 
property, telecommunications, 
legal proceedings and notaries, 
and standardization should be 
removed ; 
− "Information Infrastructure". The 
main idea of this project that the 
development of communication 
infrastructure and the expansion of 
access to the Internet in sparsely 
populated, remote and hard -to-
reach locations will help overcome 
the digital divide a nd provide 
citizens with access to modern WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 418 - 
 
  digital services, distance education 
and telemedicine;  
− "Human Resources for the Digital 
Economy". In the framework of 
this project the improvements of 
education system will ensure the 
training of qualified personne l for 
the digital economy, and citizens 
will receive new opportunities and 
motivation to master digital 
competencies;  
− "Information Security". The main 
goals of this project are ensuring 
the security of the digital space, 
the protection of personal data, 
and the protection against cyber 
threats;  
− "Digital technologies". In the 
framework of this project 
technological conditions for the 
development of "end -to-end" 
digital technologies, mainly based 
on domestic developments should 
be created;  
− - "Digital public a dministration". 
Due to this project digital 
technologies and platform 
solutions should be implemented in 
the areas of public administration 
and the supply of public services 
that improved the quality of life of 
citizens, made it as easy as 
possible for the m to receive 
various services, provided a 
convenient format for interaction 
with the state and changed 
processes within the authorities 
themselves.  
9. Inclusive Economy, 9.1 Micro, small and 
medium -sized enterprises, pg. 24, 9.2  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that 
"Micro, small and medium -sized enterprises 
(MSMEs) play an important role in the economy 
of the Russian Federation. By the end of 2020, 
there were over 5.7 million MSMEs. They 
accounted for 20.8% of the country's GDP, 
17.2% of non -resource exports, as well as 
32.5% of the total employed population or 22.8 
million people. About 27% of MSME are 
managed by female entrepreneurs. "  
 
Question:  Could the Russian Federation 
provide with detailed information about the 
sectoral distribution of  new MSMEs?  
 The number of micro, small and medium -
sized enterprises (MSMEs) and their 
industry classification are important factors 
for the regional policy formation in the 
Russian Federation. Currently, the total 
number of enterprises is 5.7 million (887 0 
types of products).Wholesale and retail 
trade, as well as repair of vehicles and 
motorcycles comprise the bulk of MSMEs 
(41%) in Russia.  
Information about the sectoral distribution 
of the others MSMEs:  
− transportation and storage – 10%;  
− building construct ion – 9%; 
− professional, scientific and technical 
activities – 8%; 
− real estate activities – 7%; 
− manufacturing activity – 7%; 
− administrative activities and related 
additional services – 4%; 
− agriculture and forest sector, hunting 
and fishing – 3%; 
− information  and communication – 3%; 
− hotel and catering business – 3%; WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 419 - 
 
  − health care and social services – 1%; 
− activities in the field of culture, sports, 
leisure and entertainment – 1%; 
− provision of the other services – 1%; 
− education – 1%; 
− water supply; water disposal, waste 
collection and disposal, elimination of 
pollution – 1%. 
Nowadays there is a number of 
government support programs MSMEs, the 
purpose of which is a promotion of 
entrepreneurship. Further improvement of 
the system's government support for 
entrepreneurs is also necessary in order to 
create more favorable conditions for doing 
business. It can also attract investments, 
represent an opportunity for GDP growth 
and an increase in employment.  
 
In addition, the creation of MSMEs is 
important  from t he point of view of the 
transition to a non -resource economy 
model.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 420 - 
 
  3. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure, 
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports, 
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and 
requirements, pg. 41, 3.11  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat R eport that " The 
authorities affirm that the transaction value of 
the goods is mostly used for customs valuation 
purposes (88% of all cases). Whenever this 
method cannot be used, recourse to other 
methods follows the hierarchy set out in the 
WTO Customs Val uation Agreement. The 
dutiable value of imports is the sum of the 
purchase cost and the expenses incurred up to 
the point of entry into the customs territory of 
the EAEU. Consignments can be released under 
bond prior to the final determination. "  
 
Question : Could Russian Side provide with 
detailed information about the situations when 
the transaction value cannot be used for the 
calculation of customs valuation?  
 The transaction value is acceptable for 
determining the customs value, provided 
that there are no following restrictions 
established by Article 39 of the EAEU 
Customs Code:  
- restrictions on the rights of the buyer to 
use and dispose of the goods;  
- dependence of the sale of goods or their 
price on any conditions or obligations, the 
impact of wh ich on the price of goods 
cannot be quantified;  
- transfer by the buyer directly or 
indirectly to the seller of goods of part of 
the income or proceeds from the 
subsequent sale, disposal in another way 
or use of goods;  
- the presence of a relationship betw een 
the seller and the buyer of goods that 
affected the value of the transaction.  
Also, in accordance with the general 
requirements of the EAEU Customs Code, 
the customs value of goods and 
information related to its determination 
should be based on reliable, quantifiable 
and documented information (paragraph 
10 of Article 38 of the EAEU Customs 
Code).  
In case of non -compliance with the 
requirements established by customs 
legislation, including the absence of 
documentary confirmation of the declared 
information about the customs value and 
the value of the transaction, as well as 
information about additional charges to the 
transaction price in accordance with Article 
40 of the EAEU Customs Code, the 
transaction value is not acceptable for 
determining th e customs value of imported 
goods.  
In this case, the applied methods are 
consistently used methods 2 -6 of 
determination of the customs value of 
goods in accordance with the provisions of 
Chapter 5 of the EAEU Customs Code.  
3. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure, 
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports, 
3.1.4 Other charges affecting imports, pg. 
47, 3.29 and 3.30  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that " The 
EAEU Customs Code sets out a list of customs 
payments including import and export duties, 
VAT, excise tax, and customs fees. The Code 
also stipulates that the amount of customs fees 
charged may not exceed the estimated cost 
incurred by the customs authorities for the 
services rendered ."  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that " The 
same pri nciple is enshrined in the Russian 
Federation's national legislation, which sets out 
customs fees for clearance -related operations, In accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 
47 of the EAEU Customs Code, the types 
and rates of customs fees are established 
by the legislation of th e EAEU Member 
States.  
As established by Article 46 of the Federal 
Law of 03.08.2018 No. 289 -FZ "On 
Customs Regulation in the Russian 
Federation and on Amendments to Certain 
Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation", 
the rates and basis for calculating c ustoms 
fees are established by the Government of 
the Russian Federation.  
From August 1, 2020, the rates of customs 
fees for customs operations related to the 
release of goods and the basis for their 
calculation are determined by the Decree WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 421 - 
 
  customs escort, and storage. The customs fees' 
calculation bases and rates are updated 
periodically by government resolution s. The 
latest update for customs escort and storage 
fees dates from 2018, whereas customs 
clearance fees were last revised (mostly 
upwards) in 2020 (Table 3.6). " 
 
Question: Could Russia provide with detailed 
information about the legal basis of last 
upward s revise for customs clearance fees and 
inform whether and when this implementation 
will be ceased to apply?  of the Governme nt of the Russian 
Federation of March 26, 2020 No. 342.  
 
3. Trade policies and practices by measure, 
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports, 
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and 
licensing, pg. 51, 3.39  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that " In 
December 2015, the Russian Federation also 
banned on national security grounds, the 
importation of certain products of Turkish 
origin. The list of prohibited imports was 
subsequently narrowed down, through four 
revisions, to fresh or chille d tomatoes (HS 0702 
00 000) with effect from November 2017. "  
 
Question: Could the Russian Side provide with 
detailed information about the revision 
processes of prohibited import product list from 
Turkey?  The measures were established by the 
Government Resolution No. 1296 of 30 
November 2015. The  Resolution  was 
amended  7 times  in 2016-2019.  
3. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure, 
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports, 
3.1.7 Other measures affecting imports, 
pg. 54, 3.47  
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that "The 
Russian Federation develops import substitution 
programmes through various instruments. 
These include the regulation of public 
procurement under Federal Law No. 44 -FZ and 
Federal Law No. 223 -FZ of 18 July 201139 
(Section 3. 3.6). Foreign data storage systems 
were prohibited by Decree No. 1746 of 21 
December 2019 in procurement for 
governmental purposes. The Russian authorities 
observe in this Review that since 2016 there 
have been no priority sectors for import 
substitution. With respect to a recent World 
Bank report that identifies planned decreases in 
import shares in certain industries, the 
authorities note that these indexes for import 
substitution in certain sectors have a forecast 
character."  
 
Question: Could Russia pro vide with detailed 
information about the legal basis of the import 
substitution programmes and any bans on 
imported components within import substitution 
and inform whether and when this 
implementation will be ceased to apply?  There is no legal acts which establishes 
horizontal approaches  in respect of import 
substitution.  Effects of import substitution 
may be caused by implementation of 
Common customs tariff of the EAEU, other 
EAEU instruments which have effect on 
importation, federal laws which limi t 
access of foreign goods and services 
to governmental procurement, 
implementation of dozens of sectorial 
programs operated by the Ministry of 
Industry and Trade which aim at 
promotion of investment projects in 
Russia,  programs of food security,  etc. All 
measures implemented within these 
frameworks  are WTO compatible. All 
measures subject  to WTO notification 
requirements are and will continue to be 
duly notified in line with respective WTO 
requirements. The relevant programs will 
be completed when  their tar gets will be 
reached.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  3. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure, 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports, 
3.2.2 Export taxes, charges, and levies, pg. 
56, 3.58  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that 
"Regarding sunflower seeds (HS 120600), the 
export duty was significantly increased for the 
period from 9 January to 30 June 2021 to 30% 
but at least EUR 165 per tonne. Also, export 
duties on soya beans were introduced for the 
period February -June 2021. Both export duties 
have been extended at highe r rates from 1 July 
2021 to 31 August 2022 (Section 4.1.3.2). " 
 
Question: Could Russia provide with detailed 
information about the legal basis of export 
duties on sunflower seeds and soya beans and 
inform whether and when this implementation 
will be ceased  to apply?  The export duties are established by the 
Government of the Russian Federation in 
accordance with Article 3 of the Federal 
law N 5003 -1 of 21 May 1993 "On 
Customs Tariff".  
Due to the Resolution of the Government 
of the Russian Federation № 547 of  6 April 
2021, the export duties on sunflower 
seeds and soya beans will be applied till 31 
August 2022.  
According to the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation № 
803 of 27 May 2021 the export duties on 
soya beans should be applied till 31 
August 2022.  
 
3. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure, 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports, 
3.2.2 Export taxes, charges, and levies, pg. 
56, 3.59  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that " As 
from 1 August 2021, temporary export duties 
were intro duced on ferrous and major base 
metals ranging from USD 54/mt to USD 
2,321/mt and will be in effect through the end 
of December 2021. The new duties system will 
take 15% as a base and involve a metal -
specific rate. The Ministry of Economic 
Development (MED ) estimates that these 
export duties will add revenues for about RUB 
110-RUB 115 billion for ferrous metals and 
some RUB 50 billion for non -ferrous metals. " 
Question: Could Russia provide with detailed 
information about the legal basis of export 
duties on ferrous metals (HS 7204) and major 
base metals and inform whether and when this 
implementation will be ceased to apply?  As in the case with "sunflower seeds and 
soya beans" export duties on ferrous 
metals are established by the Government 
of the Russian Fe deration in accordance 
with Article 3 of the Federal law N 5003 -1 
of 21 May 1993 "On Customs Tariff"  
As per the Resolution of the Government 
of the Russian Federation № 977 of 23 
June 2021 the temporary export duties 
should be applied till 31  
3. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure, 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade,  3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements, pg. 68, 3.115  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that " As at 
March 2021, common phytosanitary controls on 
imports from third countries applied to 128 
product groups. The corresponding figures for 
common veterinary and sanitary -
epidemiological controls were 110 product 
groups and 19 product groups, respectively.120 
Goods marketed within the EAEU were subject 
to 106 phytosanitary requirements, and a range 
of veterinary and sanitary -epidemiological 
requirements. The bulk of these requirements 
were set out in more than 25 EAEU technical 
regulations. The authorities affirm that no 
export restrictions or prohibitions  were 
introduced for SPS reasons  during the review There is a temporary ban on imports of 
products manufactured at the Sutas Sut 
Urunleri A.S. enterprise. The restriction 
was introduced due to detection of 
prohibited and harmful substance s in milk 
powder.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 423 - 
 
  period, and all SPS -related import restrictions 
were duly notified to the WTO. " 
 
Question: Could Russia provide with detailed 
information about if there is any import 
restrictions or prohibitions on milk p owder on 
the basis of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) 
requirements?  
3. Trade policies and practices by measure, 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade, 3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements, pg. 69, 3.117  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that " The 
institutional framework for SPS measures within 
the Russian Federation remains broadly 
unchanged since the previous Review.122 The 
Federal Service for Veterinary and 
Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) 
under the Ministry of Agriculture remains 
responsible for implementing and e nforcing 
EAEU and domestic measures related to plant 
and animal health. The remit of 
Rosselkhoznadzor also comprises drugs for 
veterinary use, pesticides and agrochemicals, 
animal feed, genetically modified organisms, 
diseases common to humans and animals,  and 
food safety at the border. According to the 
authorities, Rosselkhoznadzor operates 10 
electronic information systems aimed at 
facilitating the admission of imports subject to 
SPS controls. These systems also serve as the 
backbone for a rapid alert sys tem, operated in 
conformity with the relevant provisions of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation. " 
Question:  Could Russian Side further explain 
the procedure of the implementation of 10 
electronic information systems aimed at 
facilitating the admission of i mports subject to 
SPS controls? How do companies benefit from 
this system to accelerate the SPS control 
processes?  
 
 The Rosselkhoznadzor has developed and 
implemented 10 state electronic 
information systems that contribute, inter 
alia, to the facilitacion  of the admission of 
imported products: "Argus/Argus Fito ", 
"Mercury ", "Vesta ", "Irena ", "Assol", 
"Hermes ", "Cerberus ", "Cyrano ", "Vetis", 
"Passport ", "Dumas ".  
The "Argus " system is intended for 
electronic processing of import permits of 
controlled goods, their exports from the 
Russian Federation and their transit 
through the Russian Federation, 
submission and receipt of information on 
the implementation of veterinary contr ol at 
checkpoints across the State Border of the 
Russian Federation.  
The "Mercury " system is developed for 
registration of the results of veterinary and 
sanitary examination of controlled goods 
and registration of accompanying 
veterinary documents in elect ronic form, 
storage and processing of information 
about them.  
The "Vesta " system is designed to register 
laboratory tests of controlled goods, store 
and process information about them.  
The "Irena " system is designed to 
automate the process of submitting a nd 
receiving information on the registration of 
medicines for veterinary use.  
The "Assol" system is designed to collect 
reports in electronic form from institutions 
accountable to the Rosselkhoznadzor, such 
as laboratories, regional offices of the 
Rosselk hoznadzor, etc., as well as 
aggregation of the data obtained with the 
possibility of further analysis by employees 
of the Central Office.  
The "Hermes " system is developed to 
automate the licensing process for 
pharmaceutical activities and the 
production of  medicines for animals.  
The "Cerberus " system is designed to 
maintain, save and process data about the 
objects related to animal husbandry, 
production, processing, storage, 
transportation and distribution of 
controlled goods, disposal of biological 
waste, used for entrepreneurial activities. 
The "Cerberus " system is also used for 
establishment and cancellation of 
restrictive measures (quarantine).  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 424 - 
 
  The "Cyrano " system is designed for 
creation of an effective early warning 
system on identification of unsafe, non-
compliant controlled cargo.  
The "Passport " system is intended for 
maintaining, storing and processing data 
about registered users of the State 
Information System in the field of 
veterinary. It is used for granting access 
rights to them, as well as man aging the 
list of users.  
The "Dumas " system is designed to 
automate the process of generating official 
letters and instructions of the 
Rosselkhoznadzor and sending these 
letters to the list of recipients.  
The electronic systems developed and 
implemented b y the Rosselkhoznadzor are 
designed for interaction only with 
competent authorities of third countries.  
3. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure, 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade,  3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements, pg. 69, 3.119  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that " The 
Russian Scientific and Technical Centre for 
Information on Standardization, Metrology and 
Conformity Assessment (Standartinform) is the 
national enquiry point, whereas the MED is the 
notification authority u nder the SPS Agreement. 
The Russian Federation submitted 39 regular 
and 49 emergency notifications to the WTO 
between June 2016 and March 2021. SPS 
measures adopted at the EAEU level were the 
subject of nearly half of the regular 
notifications. Approximate ly 87% of the 
measures announced in regular notifications 
and 92% of emergency measures were based 
on international standards. During the same 
period, the Russian Federation was asked to 
respond to six specific trade concerns raised by 
several Members at t he Committee on Sanitary 
and Phytosanitary Measures. The Russian 
Federation also raised four specific trade 
concerns and supported six concerns raised by 
other Members. " 
 
Question: Could Russia provide with detailed 
information about the legal basis of the 
notifications of SPS measures which are not 
based on international standards and inform 
whether and when this implementation of SPS 
measures which are not based on international 
standards will be ceased to apply?  In the review period Russian Federation 
also submitted to the WTO notifications on 
SPS measures that facilitated trade and 
withdrew several notifications, all the 
measures deviating from the international 
standards appearin g to be more stringent 
that provided by the standards of 
international standard -setting 
organizations (WHO, OIE, IPPC) have their 
scientific justification based on the risk 
assessment developed according with the 
international standards.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 425 - 
 
  4. Trade Policies by Sector, 4.1 Agriculture, 
Forestry, and Fisheries, 4.1.2 Policies, 
4.1.2.1 Border policies, pg. 98, 4.16  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that 
"Temporary introduction and suspension of 
import and export duties and tariff rate qu otas 
are also used to stabilize domestic prices, 
including when domestic price interventions are 
used. In addition, as a response to the 
pandemic in 2020, the Government temporarily 
introduced export quotas on wheat, meslin, 
barley, rye, and maize. In Dece mber 2020, the 
Russian Federation established a temporary 
export tariff rate quota on certain grains for 
most of the first half of 2021, with in -quota 
export duties initially set at 0% for rye, barley, 
and corn, and at EUR 25 per ton for wheat and 
meslin. Out-of-quota duties were set at 50% 
but at least EUR 100 per ton. In early 2021, the 
Government adjusted export duties on wheat, 
barley, and corn within this export quota to 
stabilize domestic market prices. Following 
additional changes, as from 2 June 202 1 these 
duties were to be replaced by floating duties, 
calculated using a benchmark index.  According 
to the authorities, the export duty on sunflower 
seeds was also significantly increased for the 
period from 9 January to 30 June 2021 (to 30% 
but at least EUR 165 per tonne), and the 
authorities introduced export duties on soya 
beans for the period February -June 2021. Both 
export duties have been extended at higher 
rates from 1 July 2021 to 31 August 2022.26 In 
2020, the EAEU introduced a temporary ban on 
the exports of some products including onions, 
garlic, turnips, rye, rice, buckwheat, millet, 
cereals, wholemeal flour, and cereal granules 
and other products.27 According to the 
authorities, it was in place from 1 April to 30 
June 2020 as a response to the adverse effect 
of the COVID -19 pandemic. "  
 
Question:  It has been stated by Kommersant 
(a nationally distributed daily newspaper 
published in Russia) that the Ministry of 
Agriculture of Russia will start to apply a 
separate quota on wheat exports within th e 
general grain export limit as of February 15, 
2022. Kommersant based its reporting on a 
speech by Deputy Minister Oksana Lut at a 
meeting held with the members of the Grain 
Exporters' Association on September 30.  
 
Russian Federation produced 74.4 millio n tons 
and exported 31.8 million tons of wheat in 
2019. Moreover, Russia produced 85.9 million 
tons and exported 37.3 million tons of wheat in 
2020. Consequently, Russia has concluded to 
spare 40 -45 million tons of wheat for domestic 
use.  
 Given the difficult situation associated with 
the evolvement of COVID -19 pandemic, 
the Russian Federation is elaborating 
various scenarios in the context of 
ensuring national food security. Discussing 
possible scenarios with industry 
representatives is a standard practice at 
the stage of developing appropriate 
solutions. However, it is premature to 
consider the issue of the implementation 
of the quota at this stage.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 426 - 
 
  On the other ha nd, Ministry of Agriculture of 
Russia forecasts wheat production and exports 
81 million tons and 31.5 million tons 
respectively in 2021. These forecasts indicate 
that Russia will have more than 45 million tons 
of wheat for domestic use. Thus, it is forcast ed 
that domestic supply is sufficient to stabilize 
domestic prices.  
Given all these data, could Russia provide with 
detailed information about the rationale behind 
the implementation of export quota on wheat?  
4. Trade Policies by Sector, 4.1 Agriculture, 
Forestry, and Fisheries, 4.1.2 Policies, 
4.1.2.1 Border policies, pg. 98 -99, 4.17  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that, " The 
Russian Federation applies tariff rate quotas on 
the import of fresh, chilled, and frozen beef and 
poultry, as well as (modified) whey (Table 3.4). 
In line with its commitments upon accession, 
the Russian Federation eliminated the tariff 
quotas on fresh, chilled, and frozen pork and 
pork trimming as of 1 January 2020, replacing 
it with an ad valorem duty of 25%, less than 
half of the over -quota tariff rate previously 
applied. Quota allocations to i ndividuals or 
companies are based on historical import 
performance.28 Since 2014, the Russian 
Federation prohibits the import of certain 
agricultural goods from a list of countries on 
national security grounds. The ban was recently 
extended to the end of 2 021. Fresh and chilled 
tomatoes from Turkey are also banned from 
importation (Section 3.1.5). "  
 
Question: Could Russian Side provide with 
detailed information about  the list of countries 
and products  that the Russian Side prohibits the 
import of certain agricultural goods on national 
security grounds?  The ban on specific products was 
introduced in accordance with the Federal 
Law of 30 December 2006 No 281 -FZ "On 
Special Economic Measures and Measures 
of Cohesion" and the Federal Law of 28 
December  2010 No 390 -FZ "On Security".  
The basis for inclusion of certain countries 
into the list is set forth in the Decree of 
the President of the Russian Federation 
No. 560 of 6 August 2014 "On Application 
of Special Economic Measures to Ensure 
the Security of the Russian Federation".  
Any amendments to the list of agricultural 
products applied in the context of Russia's 
special economic measures depend on the 
removing of the reasons for their 
acceptance, i.e. on the reciprocity basis.  
4. Trade Polic ies by Sector, 4.1 Agriculture, 
Forestry, and Fisheries, 4.1.2 Policies, 
4.1.2.1 Border policies, pg. 98 -99, 4.17  
 
Question: Could Russia provide with detailed 
information about the legal basis of the import 
quota on imports of fresh and chilled tomatoes 
from Turkey and inform whether and when this 
implementation will be ceased to apply?  The measure was established by the 
Government Resolution No. 1296 of 30 
November 2015.  
4. Trade Policies by Sector, 4.1 Agriculture, 
Forestry, and Fisheries, 4.1.2 Polic ies, 
4.1.2.2 Domestic policies, pg. 101, 4.28  
 
It is stated in the Secretariat Report that 
"According to data provided for 2019 by the 
authorities, product -specific support other than 
market price interventions was directed 
primarily at the milk sector, wi th the largest 
share of non -product -specific support spent on 
interest rate subsidies on short -term credits 
and investment loans and other interest rate 
subsidies, jointly accounting for 50.9% of total Domestic support for agriculture is carried 
out in accordance with the State 
Programme for the Development of 
Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural 
Products, Raw Materials and Food Markets, 
approved by the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian F ederation of 
July 14, 2012 No. 717, which is 
implemented in the context of the national 
food security doctrine approved by the 
Decree of the President of the Russian 
Federation of January 21, 2020 No. 20.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 427 - 
 
  non-product -specific aggregate measure of 
support (AMS ). The second -largest area of 
support was for investments in production 
capital (USD 545 million), followed by subsidies 
for pedigree livestock (USD 250 million). Costs 
for land reclamation accounted for USD 181 
million, while support for perennial plantat ions 
accounted for USD 117 million in 2019. " 
Question: Could Russia provide with detailed 
information about the legal basis of the State 
Programme on support that achieve higher 
domestic production levels and decrease import 
dependence for agriculture and whether it is 
compatible with WTO rules and also whether 
and when this implementation will be ceased to 
apply?  The State Programme is aimed, inter alia, 
at ensur ing national food security, and is 
WTO consistent.  
The approach for the assessment of food 
security is widely used in international 
practice, including the Food and 
Agriculture Organization of the United 
Nations (FAO). The corresponding values 
are enshrined in the national food security 
doctrine and serve as the main indicators 
of state agricultural policy.  
 
4. Trade Policies by Sector, 4.1 Agriculture, 
Forestry, and Fisheries, 4.1.2 Policies, 
4.1.2.2 Domestic policies, pg. 101 -102, 
4.29 
 
It is sta ted in the Secretariat Report that " Since 
late 2019, firms have been able to receive 
support to offset some of the costs associated 
with the certification process of agricultural 
products in foreign markets. Domestic 
companies are eligible to receive a par tial 
reimbursement of actual certification costs 
incurred and documented. The project is 
implemented by the Russian Export Center, 
based on an agreement with the Ministry of 
Agriculture. According to the authorities, no 
subsidies were provided in 2019, and  data for 
2020 are not yet available. The general 
compatibility of this support with commitments 
on export subsidies by the Russian Federation 
has been discussed repeatedly in the 
Committee on Agriculture with questions raised 
and answers provided. " 
 
Quest ion: Could Russia provide with detailed 
information about the legal basis of the State 
Programme on support for agriculture and 
whether it is compatible with WTO rules, and 
also inform whether and when this 
implementation will be ceased to apply?  Governmen t support to legal entities for 
compensation of part of costs on 
certification of agro -industrial products 
provided under the Government Resolution 
No. 1816 of 25 December 2019 is not an 
export subsidy within the meaning of 
Article 9.1 (d) of the Agreement  on 
Agriculture and not subject to provisions of 
the Nairobi Decision on prohibition of 
export subsidies. In order to receive the 
subsidy applicants must meet general 
economic criteria that do not relate to 
trade (such as being an entity registered in 
the Russian Federation; the applicant 
should not be in the process of 
bankruptcy, etc.). The applicant shall 
provide documents verifying incurred costs 
associated with certification of agricultural 
products. The subsidy covers costs related 
to test samples. Th e support is aimed at 
providing quality and safety control of 
agricultural products and facilitate product 
certification.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 428 - 
 
  ECUADOR  
Secretariat Report   
De conformidad con la página 53, párrafo 3.29, 
en relación a: "El Código también estipula que 
la cuantía de los derechos de aduana percibidos 
no debe rebasar el costo estimado sufragado 
por las autoridades aduaneras para prestar los 
servicios".  
 
Párrafo 3 .30. "Este mismo principio está 
consagrado en la legislación nacional de la 
Federación de Rusa, que establece las tasas por 
operaciones relacionadas con el despacho de 
aduana, la escolta aduanera y el 
almacenamiento".  
  
Al respecto, podría indicarnos la Fe deración 
Rusa, cómo el valor de aduana del envío, que 
se utiliza como base para fijar el rubro del 
servicio, se ajusta al compromiso de percibir 
una tasa que se ajuste al servicio prestado. 
¿Qué justificaciones existen para utilizar esa 
metodología, consid erando la disposición del 
GATT de 1994 sobre esta temática?  
 Article VIII of the GATT has already been 
implemented in the the EAEU  Customs 
Code and the Federal Law No. 289 -FZ of 3 
August 2018.  
According to paragraph 3 of Article 47 of 
the EAEU  Customs Code  "The rates of 
customs fees shall not exceed roughly the 
costs incurred by customs bodies to 
commit the actions in connection with 
which the customs fees are established. " 
 
Paragraph 2 of Article 46 of the Federal 
Law No. 289 -FZ of 3 August 2018 also 
states that "the amount of customs fees 
for customs operations shall be limited by 
the approximate price of customs bodies' 
services [...]".  
 
The Government Resolution No. 342 of 26 
March 2020 establishes flat rates of fees 
for eleven categories of customs 
declarations, which depend on the value of 
goods declared in a single declaration. The 
fees for small consignments of goods, i.e., 
where the customs declaration, list goods 
up to Rub 200,000 in declared value, were 
collected at a minimum rate of Rub 775. 
The maximum rate, provided for in the 
Government Resolution is Rub 30,000 per 
customs declaration. Under the current 
regime, this amount is levied only for 
customs clearance of consignments of 
goods where the customs declaration lists 
goods, exceeding Rub 100, 000 in declared 
value. Such consignments are normally 
exceptionally large and required additional 
attention in the customs clearance 
process. Customs clearance fees are 
applied at equal rates to imports from all 
origins and destinations.  
De conformidad co n la página 54, párrafo 3.32, 
respecto a: "En la Federación de Rusia, las 
bases para el cálculo de los impuestos 
especiales pueden ser específicas, ad valorem  o 
compuestas, según la mercancía de que se 
trate. En general, los tipos de los impuestos 
especial es se revisan anualmente y son 
idénticos para las importaciones y los productos 
nacionales".  
  
Basado en la libre circulación de mercancías 
que se produce en una Unión Económica, podría 
indicarnos la Federación Rusa, ¿en qué 
momento, cuando se traten de bi enes que se 
incorporan a procesos productivos para la 
elaboración de un producto final, se cobran los 
impuestos especiales? ¿cómo en ese caso, se 
prevé el principio de trato nacional respecto de 
mercancías importadas similares o Taxpayers of excise taxes are 
organizations and individual entrepreneurs 
that carry out taxable transactions with 
excisable goods.  Mostly, such transactions 
are the sale (transfer) of excisable goods 
produced by this taxpayer, as well as the 
import of these goods into the territory of 
the Russian Federation, including from the 
EAEU member states.  
In this case, the paid amounts of excise 
duties are included by the manufacturer or 
importer in the cost of  excisable goods 
sold by them.  
The amounts of excise tax presented and 
paid by sellers/the taxpayer when 
purchasing excisable goods or when 
importing excisable goods into the territory 
of the Russian Federation used as raw 
materials for the production of e xcisable WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 429 - 
 
  directamente competidoras e n relación a la 
producción nacional?  
 
¿Rusia mantiene un régimen especial de 
devolución condicionada para productos que 
están sujetos a impuestos especiales, qué 
porcentaje o valor se reintegra, de ser el caso? 
¿En virtud a qué variables, se revisan los 
valores de los impuestos especiales?  
 
 goods by the taxpayer are subject to tax 
deductions.  
When transferring excisable goods made 
from tolling raw materials (materials), if 
the tolling raw materials (materials) are 
excisable goods, deductions are, in 
particular, excise duties paid of the 
purchased, imported and produced tolling 
raw materials (materials).  
The transfer within one organization of 
excisable goods produced by it for the 
production of non -excisable goods is not 
subject to excise duty.  
Thus, the legislation of the Russian 
Federation on taxes and fees establishes a 
one-time taxation of domestic and 
imported excisable goods, including those 
used in the production of new goods, 
including excisable ones.  
De conformidad con la página 56, párrafo 3.38, 
podría ampliarnos la Federaci ón Rusa las 
motivaciones expuestas para prohibir las 
importaciones de productos agropecuarios por 
razones de seguridad nacional, y su relación 
con la normativa multilateral?  
 
 The ban on specific products in question 
was introduced in accordance with the 
Federal Law of 30 December 2006 No 281 -
FZ "On Special Economic Measures and 
Measures of Cohersion" and Federal Law of 
28 December 2010 No 390 -FZ "On 
Security". In accordance with the Decree 
of the President of the Russian Federation 
№ 560 of 6 August 2014 R ussian state 
bodies, legal entities and individuals under 
Russian jurisdiction shall respect 
restrictions in respect of imports to Russia 
of certain types of agricultural products, 
raw materials and foodstuffs originating in 
countries that took a decision to impose 
economic sanctions on Russian legal 
entities and/or individuals, or have joined 
to such decisions. These measures are 
fully consistent with Russia's obligations 
under the WTO Agreement.  
De conformidad con la página 60, párrafo 3.46, 
en relación al sistema de "rastreo y trazabilidad 
en toda la Unión para el marcado de 
determinadas mercancías con medios de 
identificación (legibles por máquina), y el 
proyecto piloto para el marcado de produc tos 
de peletería con etiquetas de identificación por 
radiofrecuencia".  
Tomando en cuenta lo expuesto en la nota al 
pie 36, podría indicarnos la Federación Rusa 
bajo qué disposición de la normativa 
multilateral se justificaría la medida de sistema 
de marca do. 
¿La medida puede considerarse como una 
Reglamentación Técnica?, de ser así, podría 
informarnos si se notificó y dónde se 
encuentran los requisitos que se deben cumplir?  
¿Qué medidas ha tomado la Federación de 
Rusia para preservar el trato nacional, 
considerando que la medida podría afectar la 
venta y distribución del bien importado 
mediante una disposición normativa, en 
referencia a bienes importados similares o To all 3 questions.  
Traceability system is aimed at creating 
conditions for the exclusion of various 
schemes for evading customs and tax 
payments, as well as for the confirmation 
the legality of the turnover of goods 
between the territories of the Member 
States of the EAEU.  
Taxpayers carrying out operations with 
goods subject to traceability are required 
to submit reports to the tax authority on 
operation with these goods and documents 
containing traceability details. The 
traceability system does not imply the use 
of "physical" identifiers of goods but it is 
based on ensuring the accumulation of 
information f rom "negotiable" documents, 
which makes it possible to track the 
commercial turnover of goods.  
The traceability system is based on e -
documentation by assigning a registration 
number to a batch of goods and reflecting 
it on an electronic invoice.  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
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  directamente competidores a los de la 
producción nacional?  
¿Cuáles serían esos principios a considerar, en 
el caso de que "los Estados miembros pueden 
establecer prescripciones en materia de 
marcado con arreglo a la legislación nacional"?  The trace ability system cannot be 
considered as a technical regulation.  
 
De conformidad con la página 61, párrafo 3.48, 
podría indicarnos la Federación Rusa ¿cómo se 
definen los productos que bajo la política de 
localización?  
 
 In accordance with the Resolution of the 
Government of the Russian Federation of 
17 June 2015 No. 719 the requirements 
for industrial products to be treated as 
products manufactured in the territory of 
the Russian Federation was established. 
According to them industrial products  are 
treated as manufactured in the territory of 
the Russian Federation, if certain 
conditions are met. Such conditions 
include, inter alia, the following:  
- legal persons of the EAEU countries must 
have the rights for design and construction 
documentation s, 
- legal persons of the EAEU countries must 
have necessary industrial equipment,  
- certain technological operations must be 
implemented in the territory of the Russian 
Federation.  
Although conditions may slightly differ 
depending on the product.  
Según la nota al pie 44, podría indicarnos la 
Federación Rusa ¿por qué razón la medida no 
se aplica si no existe en la Federación Rusa un 
producto equivalente de fabricación nacional? 
¿cúal sería la motivación?  
  According to footnote 44, "The localization  
requirements do not apply if a foreign 
product has no domestic analogue in the 
Russian Federation". This means that if a 
certain product is not produced in Russia, 
there is nothing to identify as 
manufactured in the territory of the 
Russian Federation.  
De conformidad con la página 110, párrafo 
4.16, respecto a: "También se utilizan la 
introducción y suspensión temporal de derechos 
de importación y exportación y de contingentes 
arancelarios para estabilizar los precios 
internos, a veces coincidiendo con la  
intervención de los precios internos".  
  
Al respecto, ¿podría informarnos la Federación 
de Rusia cuáles son esas medidas de 
intervención de los precios internos?, ¿cómo se 
aplican, quizás los precios internos deben 
ajustarse a los precios importados si se  reducen 
los derechos de importación (por la suspensión 
temporal de derechos de aduana)? ¿Cómo se 
alcanza ese ajuste?  
 
¿Qué criterios se evaluarían para definir la 
inclusión de productos adicionales al sistema de 
marcado?  
 The Government of the Russian Fe deration 
uses grain procurement (commodity) 
interventions in order to stabilize internal 
prices. Government procurement 
interventions are carried out when prices 
for agricultural products are below the 
minimum calculated prices, while 
government commodity interventions are 
carried out when prices for agricultural 
products are above the maximum 
calculated prices. These price levels for 
interventions are set annually by the 
Ministry of Agriculture, taking into account 
the average monthly producer prices in th e 
previous year.  
Government procurement (commodity) 
interventions are applied with respect to 
wheat, rye, barley and corn. The import 
duties on these products are set at 5 %. 
Currently, there is no intention to decrease 
these duties.  
Sección 4.1 Política aduanera y arancelaria  
Los principales objetivos de la política 
aduanera y arancelaria de Rusia son estimular  
la entrada de inversión extranjera directa en la 
economía rusa.  According to the general directions of 
Customs and Tariff Regulation for 2021 
and for the planned period of 20 22 and 
2023, the adjustment of customs duties is 
based on the principle of tariff escalation 
with a focus on reducing costs of imported WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 431 - 
 
  Consulta:  ¿Cuáles  son los mecanismos,  
medidas  establecidas  e incentivos,  
respecto  a la política  aduanera  y 
arancelaria  establecida  en la Federación  
Rusa,  que contribuyen a estimular la 
entrada de inversión?  intermediate products and equipment 
involved in value chains in Russia.  
 
 
Sección 4.1 Política aduanera y arancelaria  
Desde  el primer  examen  de las políticas  
comerciales
 , el promedio  ponderado  de los 
tipos arancelarios  aplicables  a las 
importaciones  se redujo  del 5,22%  en 2016 
al 4,49% en 2020.  
La finalización  de la aplicación  de los 
compromisos  arancelarios  en la OMC 
contribuyó  a reducir  el promedio  ponderado  
de los tipos de derecho  de importación.  
Desde 2016, como parte del cumplimiento de 
los compromisos arancelarios, los derechos  de 
importación se han reducido respecto de más 
de 2.700 líneas arancelarias
  
Consulta: ¿Cuál  ha sido la reducción  del 
promedio  ponderado  de los tipos  
arancelarios clasificados por capítulo del 
arancel para 2016 y 2020?   
 HS Code  Trade weighted average  
rate of import customs duty in %  
2016  2020  
01-24 6,3 6,03 
25-27 4,4 4,4 
28-40 4,9 4,1 
41-43 12,2 11,85  
44-49 6,1 5,57 
50-67 7,8 7,07 
71-83 6,8 6,68 
84-90 4,0 3,18 
68-70 
91-97 10,5 9,7 
A raíz de la adopción del Código de Aduanas 
de la UEEA, el plazo para el levante  de las 
mercancías se ha reducido a cuatro horas 
desde el momento del registro de la  
declaración en aduana, siempre que después 
de controlar la declaración no sea necesario  
solicitar  documentos  adicionales  sobre  la base 
de los cuales  se haya completado  la 
declaración, o llevar a c abo métodos de 
control aduanero relacionados con la 
verificación  de las mercancías.  
Consulta: ¿Cuánto es el tiempo de trámite 
cuando es necesario solicitar documentos  
adicionales sobre la base de los cuales se haya 
completado la declaración? Así  mismo, 
¿cuánto es el tiempo de trámite cuando se 
debe realizar la verificación de  mercancías?  
Del total de trámites  ingresados  ¿qué 
porcentaje  se ha demorado  4 horas en 
tramitarse?  There are different variants depending on 
the circumstances, but the maximu m 
processing time is up to 10 working days. 
Around 90% of the goods are released in 
4 hours.  
 
 
Durante el período objeto de examen se 
produjo una mejora fundamental de la  figura 
del operador económico autorizado. En 
particular, se ha ampliado la gama de  medidas  
de apoyo  especiales.  En la actualidad,  casi 
todos  los participantes  en la cadena  de 
suministro  de mercancías  (transportistas,  
transitarios,  propietarios  de almacenes,  
representantes  aduaneros)  pueden  obtener  la 
condición  de operador  económico  autorizado.  
Consulta: ¿Cuál es la normativa legal con 
la cual se ha modificado la figura del  
operador  económico  autorizado?  Y 
¿podrían  compartir  para conocimiento  en 
Ecuador de dichas regulaciones?  
 The Customs Code of EAEU provides for 
three typ es of AEO certificates. Each type 
of certificate provides for relevant 
simplifications.  
 
A certificate of Type I entitles to the 
following:  
1) the arrival and departure of goods and 
their release on a priority basis;  
2) not providing security for payments of 
customs duties and taxes for transit 
goods;  
3) not providing security for payments of 
customs duties and taxes in the course of 
customs documents checks;  
4) release of goods before the declaration 
is submitted;  
5) priority customs control ;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 432 - 
 
  6) recognition of AEO seals by customs 
authorities as means of identification;  
7) priority participation in pilot projects 
and experiments conducted by customs 
authorities;  
8) unloading, reloading (transshipment) 
and other cargo operations with goods that 
are under customs control and are 
exported from the customs territory of the 
Union (except for goods transported 
(transported) under the customs 
procedure of customs transit), as well as 
replacement of means of international 
transportation carrying such goods  with 
other means of transportation, including 
removal of the affixed seals and stamps, 
without permission of the customs 
authority.  
A certificate of Type II entitles to the 
following:  
1) temporary storage of goods on AEO's 
own sites;  
2) delivery of goods to AEO's own sites, 
completing the customs transit procedure;  
3) conducting customs control at AEO 
sites;  
4) performance of customs operations 
related to customs declaration and release 
of goods in the customs authority different 
from the customs authority  in the region of 
which the goods are located (remote 
release of goods);  
5) priority customs control, if it is 
appointed in the form of customs 
examination or customs search ;  
6) not providing security for payments of 
customs duties and taxes in the course  of 
customs documents checks;  
7) release of goods before the filing of the 
declaration;  
8) not providing security for the 
obligations on payment of import customs 
duties when deferring payment of import 
customs duties.  
 
A certificate of Type III provides f or all of 
the simplifications listed above.  
Gobierno  (
) la creación  de un conjunto  de 
instrumentos  flexibles  de ayuda  a la 
exportación (para 2021)  
Consulta: ¿La Federación de Rusia cuenta 
ya con estos instrumentos? ¿Cómo y  
cuáles instrumentos flexibles para las 
exportaciones se han definido?  
 
 
 To both questions  
 
According to the Decree of the President of 
Russia #204 when developing the national 
program in the field of international 
cooperation and export following priorities 
should be address ed: 
- achievement of the international 
competitiveness of Russian goods, works 
and services,  
- reducing administrative procedures 
and barriers to trade, including the 
abolition of excessive requirements for 
export licensing and currency control,  (
) La introducción de este nuevo objetivo de 
incremento de las exportaciones  distintas de 
los productos básicos fue acompañada de un 
aumento sustancial de los fondos  asignados  a 
los proyectos  federales  relativos  a las WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 433 - 
 
  exportaciones  industriales  y las exportaciones 
de productos agropecuarios.  
Consulta: ¿Cuáles  fueron  los mecanismos  
y parámetros  contemplados  en los 
proyectos, desarrollados en el marco de 
lo establecido por la OMC en el ámbito de  
las subvenciones?  
 - creati ng a comfortable logistics 
environment, including measures for the 
construction of new and modernization of 
existing checkpoints across the state 
border of Russia.  
In addition, the Decree provides for the 
creation of a unified system of export 
promotion in stitution, which at this 
moment includes the Russian Export 
Centre, Eximbak and Exiar, regional export 
consulting agencies as well as the network 
of Russian trade missions abroad, and 
completion of the formation within the 
framework of the Eurasian Economi c Union 
of common markets for goods, services, 
capital and labor.  
 
Besides these programs, Russia is actively 
involved in other export development 
projects. As a member of EAEU, Russia 
participates in a number of free trade 
agreements and in negotiations o n others, 
including with Egypt, Iran, Israel, which 
will provide for additional opportunities for 
Russian exporters.  
 
 
Las autoridades han indicado que se está 
trabajando en la creación de un sistema de  
ventanilla  única  nacional,  con arreglo  a un 
plan de acción  adoptado  por el Consejo  
Económico Supremo Euroasiático en 2015, 
una resolución adoptada por el Gobierno en  
2017 y una descripción del modelo de 
referencia aprobada por el Consejo 
Interestatal  Euroasiático en 2019.  
Consulta: ¿Cuál es la fecha estimada para 
el funcionamiento de la ventanilla única?  
Sería bueno conocerla para tener 
previsibilidad en la mejora de las 
condiciones de  ingreso de las 
exportaciones de Ecuador a la Federación 
de Rusia.  The deadlines for full implementation of 
the national "single window " mechanism 
have not been established yet.  
 
 
El Código de Aduanas de la UEEA actualizó el 
régimen preexistente para simplificar  las 
formalidades aduaneras en un régimen de 
operadores económicos autorizados (OEA)  de 
la Unión. El nuevo régimen, al que pueden 
acogerse tanto los importadores como los  
exportadores,  prevé  tres tipos de OEA, cada 
uno con requisitos  de admisibilidad  y ventajas 
específicos.  
Consulta: ¿Qué tiempo le toma a un 
importador calificarse como OEA y cuáles 
son los requisitos establecidos?  
 The time frame for considering an 
application for obtaining AEO status is 120 
days.  
During this period, the FCS of Russia 
conducts verification of an applicant for 
the AEO status and makes a decision on 
assigning the organization with the A EO 
status or on refusing the assignment.  
The applicants for inclusion in the register 
of authorized economic operators can only 
be legal entities created in accordance with 
the legislation of the Russian Federation.  
The general requirements for applicant s 
for inclusion in the register of authorized 
economic operators inter alia are:  
1) a legal entity should not be at the stage 
of reorganization (except for 
reorganization in the form of 
transformation), liquidation or bankruptcy;  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 434 - 
 
  2) non -application by a legal entity of the 
simplified taxation system;  
3) a legal entity is not:  
a) a state -owned enterprise;  
b) an organization or state unitary 
enterprise of customs authorities;  
c) an organization, a participant (member) 
of which is directly or indirectly an 
organization or a state unitary enterprise 
under the jurisdiction of the FCS of Russia;  
4) the head of the legal entity and its chief 
accountant have no previous convictions 
for committing crimes provided for by a 
number of articles of the Criminal Code of 
the Russian Federation.  
The terms for inclusion of a legal entity in 
the register of AEO are depends on type of 
AEO certificates (first, second or third) and 
are reflected i n Article 433 of the EAEU 
Customs Code.  
Los resultados  de un estudio  de diciembre  de 
2020 muestran  que el tiempo  máximo  de 
levante de los envíos que no entrañan riesgo 
es de 78 minutos para las importaciones  (12 
minutos para las realizadas por vía marítima) 
y de 40 minutos para las exportaciones.  
Consulta: ¿Qué tipo de importaciones son 
consideradas libres de riesgo o según qué  
parámetros se realiza la clasificación? 
¿Qué porcentaje de las importaciones 
están  clasificadas como libres de riesgo?  
 The customs authorities of the Russian 
Federation determine the level of risk 
based on the results of risk assessment by 
assigning it to a low, average or high level 
of risk, depending on the likelihood of 
violation of legislation and the frequenc y of 
such an event.  
Risk-free supplies are the ones which do 
not need application of risk mitigation 
measures.  
Currently, the share of consignments for 
which the customs inspection is carried 
out, from their total number, while 
importing is about 3%.  
La mayoría de las líneas restantes está sujeta a 
derechos mixtos que consisten en un tipo ad 
valorem con un derecho específico mínimo 
expresado en euros por unidad, salvo en el caso 
del azúcar (SA 1701), en el que se expresa en 
dólares EE.UU.  
Consulta: ¿Qué t ipo de mercancías pagan 
derechos mixtos?  The majority mixed duties are applied to 
agricultural products (for example, meat, 
certain fruits and vegetables, sunfllower 
oil, processed food products and ect). As 
industrial products the mixed duties are 
applied  ,in particular, to clothes, footwear, 
vehicles.  
 
La dispersión arancelaria global sigue siendo 
significativa, con tipos (incluidos los  
equivalentes ad valorem  (EAV)) que oscilan 
entre el 0% y el 284,6%  
Consulta: ¿Cuáles son las líneas 
arancelarias con EAV de 284,6% o más 
del 100%  que implementa la Federación 
de Rusia y existen recomendaciones u 
observaciones  de la OMC respecto a las 
mismas?  The analysis of MFN tariff rates is provided 
in the Table A3.1 of the Secretariat Report. 
The Rus sian Federation applies its tariff 
rates in accordance with its WTO Schedule 
of Tariff Commitments. We have not 
received any specific recommendations on 
this issue.  
 
 
La última actualización de las tasas por escolta 
aduanera y almacenamiento data de  2018,  
mientras que las tasas de despacho de aduana 
se revisaron por última vez (en su  mayor 
parte al alza) en 2020.  
Consulta: ¿Cuál fue el principal 
fundamento para revisar al alza las tasas, 
en qué  porcentaje  se incrementaron?  
¿Las tasas  son aplicadas  a todas  
transacciones  de comercio exterior desde In accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 
47 of the EAEU Customs Code, the types 
and rates of customs fees are established 
by the legislation of the Member States.  
As established by Article 46 of the Federal 
Law of 03.08.2018 No. 289 -FZ "On 
Customs Regula tion in the Russian 
Federation and on Amendments to Certain 
Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation", 
the rates and basis for calculating customs WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 435 - 
 
  cualquier origen? ¿Cuáles han sido los 
efectos  en los flujos  comerciales ? 
 
 fees are established by the Government of 
the Russian Federation.  
From August 1, 2020, the rates of customs 
fees for customs operations and the basis 
for their calculation are determined by the 
Decree of the Government of the Russian 
Federation of March 26, 2020 No. 342.  
Paragraph 2 of Article 46 of the Federal 
Law No. 289 -FZ of 3 August 2018 also 
states  that "the amount of customs fees 
for customs operations shall be limited by 
the approximate price of customs bodies' 
services [...]".  
On average, the rates of fees for customs 
operations in 2020 increased by 55%.  
Fee rates do not depend on the country o f 
origin of the goods.  
Cuadro  3.8 Productos  abarcados  por la 
Resolución  Nº 778 del Gobierno,  de 7 de 
agosto  de 2014  
(modificada) – prohibición de importación  
Consulta: ¿Alguno de los países que 
fueron afectados por la Resolución 
presentaron  algún tipo de retaliación o 
solicitud de eliminación de la restricción?  
 The basis for inclusion of certain 
countries into the list is set forth in the 
Decree of the President of the Russian 
Federation No. 560 of 6 August 2014 
"About application of special economic 
measures for the purposes of protection 
of its essential security interest". 
According to paragraph 1 of the Decree 
special economic measures are applied in 
respect of the products originating from 
the countries applying economic 
sanctions to the Russian pe rsons or 
entities.  
"
 el Consejo Interestatal Euroasiático 
estableció en febrero de 2018 un sistema de  
"rastreo y trazabilidad" en toda la Unión para 
el marcado de determinadas mercancías con  
medios de identificación (legibles por 
máquina), que entró en vigor el 29 de marzo 
de 2019. A partir de esa fecha, se prohíbe el 
transporte, la compra y la venta de productos 
de peletería en la UEEA si no están marcados.  
Consulta: ¿Este  marcado  de mercancías  
aplica  también  para aquellos  productos  
importados?  Si fuera  el caso,  ¿qué  costo  
tiene  el marcado  de productos,  ha 
provocado  efectos  en los flujos  
comerciales,  sobre  qué líneas  
arancelarias  se implementa?  
 Track and Trace System of the EAEU 
applies to both domestic and imported 
products in order to combat counterfeiting 
and smuggling. The price of one Track and 
Trace code is established by the national 
legislation of the EAEU Member States. In 
Russian Federation this price is 0.5 rubles 
(0, 0070 US dollars). Track and Trace of 
the EAEU appli es to shoes, textiles, 
cameras, tyres and perfumes.  
Imports of covered products remained 
stable after implementation of Track and 
Trace System.  
Customs authority does not detect any 
delays during the customs procedures due 
to track and trace in respect of  imported 
products.  
La VEB.RF  ofrece  a sus clientes  los 
siguientes  productos  de financiación  de las 
exportaciones:  
• préstamos  a la exportación:  
financiación  de créditos  comerciales  a 
los exportadores,  
financiación  del comercio  con 
compradores  extranjeros,  créditos  
directos  a compradores  extranjeros y 
créditos a bancos de compradores 
extranjeros; y  
• apoyo  en materia  de garantías:  
licitaciones,  devolución  de VEB.RF is a development institution. The 
areas of activities of VEB.RF are 
determined by provisions of Russian 
Federation Federal Law On State 
Development Corporation VEB.RF.  
The development institution provides 
various types of medium - and long -term 
financial assistance to businesses in the 
form of loans, underwriting, investment 
and guarantee operations, and 
promotional activities.  
Among VEB.RF products are buyer's 
credits (via the Bank of the Buyer), loan to 
the buyer (via letter of credit), export 
finance, etc. Standard banking procedures WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 436 - 
 
  adelantos,  pagos  y 
cumplimiento de las obligaciones 
estipuladas en contratos de exportación.  
Consulta: ¿Cuáles  son y cómo  funcionan  
los mecanismos  que se ofrecen  para 
acceder a los créditos a bancos y 
compradores extranjeros?  
 are used. As to the question of export 
finance provided by VEB.RF , it should be 
noted that export credits and guarantee 
support are naturally relevant to export 
performance. However, under the WTO 
rules export credits and guarantee may be 
provided subject to certain conditions. 
Such kind of support is provided in a WTO -
consistent way.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 437 - 
 
  URUGUAY  
Secretariat Report:  
Párrafos 3.26 y 4.17  
Los párrafos citados del Informe de la 
Secretaría hacen referencia a los 
cuatro contingentes arancelarios 
incluidos en la Lista de Concesiones de 
la Federación de Rusia  en la OMC, y a 
la eliminación, a partir del 1° de enero 
de 2020, del  contingente arance lario 
para la importación de carne de 
porcino  y su sustitución  por un tipo ad 
valorem  del 25%.  
A fines de 2020, trascendió 
información relativa a la intención de la 
Federación de Rusia de eliminar, a 
partir de 2022, los contingentes 
arancelarios para la im portación de 
carne de bovino consolidados en su 
Lista de Concesiones de la OMC. Este 
asunto habría sido tratado, asimismo, 
a nivel de la Comisión Económica 
Euroasiática.  
¿Podría la Federación de Rusia informar 
sobre las razones por las que se 
encuentra con siderando eliminar sus 
contingentes arancelarios para la 
importación de carne de bovino, y los 
objetivos que perseguiría a través de 
dicha acción?  Currently, in the WTO we have two initiatives on 
transparency. One is suggested by Australia, 
Canada and Braz il in the framework of the 
Committee on Agriculture, and the other one – by 
Russia in the framework of the Committee on 
Agriculture and Committee on Market Access. At 
the moment we are exploring the possible ways of 
merging the two initiatives.  
 
Párrafos  3.26 y 4.17  
¿Podría la Federación de Rusia brindar 
una actualización sobre el estado de 
situación al respecto, incluyendo los 
marcos temporales previstos para la 
aprobación y entrada en vigor de las 
modificaciones previstas en sus 
contingentes arancelario s para la 
importación de carne de bovino?  
Government Report:  
Párrafo 11.5.  
La Federación de Rusia hace 
referencia, en su informe, a la iniciativa 
promovida por su delegación orientada 
a mejorar  las normas de la OMC en 
términos de facilitación de 
información  fiable y oportuna  sobre las 
modificaciones de los tipos arancelarios 
aplicados, aumentando de esta forma 
la transparencia y la previsibilidad.  
¿Cuáles son los próximos pasos a 
seguir con respecto a esta iniciativa? 
¿Espera la Fe deración de Rusia realizar 
avances concretos al respecto en la 
CM12?  Currently, in the WTO there are two initiatives on 
transparency. One is suggested by Australia, 
Canada and Brazil in the framework of the 
Committee on Agriculture, and the other one – by 
Russia in the framework of the Committee on 
Agriculture and Committee on Market Access. At 
the moment we are exploring the possible ways of 
merging the two initiatives.  
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 438 - 
 
  Párrafo  11.8. 
La Federación de Rusia alude, en su 
informe, a  la iniciativa destinada a 
aumentar la transparencia de la 
aplicación de contingentes 
arancelarios.  
¿Cuáles son los próximos pasos a 
seguir con respecto a esta iniciativa? 
¿Espera la Federación de Rusia realizar 
avances concretos al respecto en la 
CM12?  The Russian Feder ation is expecting to continue to 
work on this initiative with the interested Members 
after MC12.  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 439 - 
 
  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS  
UNITED KINGDOM   
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and 
Trade  
3.3.1  Incentives  
Paragraph 3.96 (Latest Subsidy 
Notification)  
UK Question : The Secretariat Report states that, 
"in its latest notification to the WTO, the Russian 
Federation submitted information regarding 
subsidies granted at the federal and sub -federal 
levels for 2017 an d 2018 ". Could the Russian 
Federation please confirm whether it has 
submitted its new and full subsidy notification 
covering years 2019 and 2020 as per its 
obligations under the SCM Agreement and if not, 
provide an update on when it plans to do?        
Russian Federation Response  
The 2019 -2020 new and full subsidy notification 
of the Russian Federation is being prepared and 
will be submitted in due course.  
 
UK Follow Up Question : We thank the Russian 
Federation for clarifying that it plans to submit 
its 2019 -2020 new and full subsidy notification 
in due course. Could the Russian Federation 
please confirm whether its 2019 -2020 new and 
full subsidy notification will also include subsidies 
provided by all its sub -federal administrations?  The Russian Federation c onfirms that all 
provided subsidy notifications include 
subsidies administrated by the sub -
federal authorities and that its 2019 -2020 
new and full subsidy notification will 
include sub -federal subsidies also.  
5 ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, 
PROMOTING TRADE AN D INVESTMENT  
5.3 Improving the investment climate  
Paragraph       5.43.  
UK Question : The Report states that, " in 2018, 
the Government of the Russian Federation 
approved an Action Plan to accelerate the capital 
investments growth rate of and increase their 
share in GDP up to 25% for the period from 
2018 to 2024.... The plan provides for a set of 
systemic and sectoral measures. These 
measures are aimed, inter alia…at the 
development of the competitive environment 
and improvement of the efficien cy of companies 
with state participation; at the reduction of the 
share of government participation in competitive 
markets. A set of regulatory changes in various 
sectors of the economy has been also 
established to increase the attractiveness of 
investment s, including in oil and gas and 
transport industries, in geology and subsoil use, 
electricity, industry, agriculture, housing 
construction, heating, water supply and 
sanitation, as well as in renovation and 
modernization of public utilities and energy 
infrastructure ".  The Action Plan envisages implementation 
of concrete measures within each of the 
goals set therein for the improvement of 
the investment climate. An example of a 
systemic measure for the improvement 
the business environment is to ensure a 
rapid response of  government agencies to 
the requests of the business community 
via the creation of mechanism 
"Transformation of the business climate" 
intended to remove legislative barriers to 
doing business. Another example is the 
measures undertaken for the 
improvement of the quality of RF 
jurisdiction is the establishment of special 
administrative regions on Russky Island 
and Oktyabrsky Island with the possibility 
of redomiciliation of foreign investors. In 
2020, new areas and working groups 
were formed, in particular o n intellectual 
property, and work is underway to adjust 
the composition of working groups and 
roadmaps for previously approved areas. 
The measures are realized: by setting the 
expected result, deadline and the 
responsible agency in the roadmaps, by WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 440 - 
 
  Could the Russian Federation provide 
information in relation to reduction of the share 
of government participation in competitive 
markets: what markets, how much of a 
reduction and over what period of time?  
 
Russian Federation Response  
Action  plan for 2018 -2020 aimed at promoting 
competition in the sectors of the Russian 
economy, as well as the transition of certain 
natural monopoly spheres to the state of 
competitive market (Decree of the Government 
of the Russian Federation dated 16.08.2018 No. 
1697-r) covers the following markets: energy 
market, healthcare, social services, agriculture, 
road construction, telecommunications, 
information technologies, utilities, natural 
monopolies, transportation services, industry 
and financial markets.    
In 23.08.2021 a Report on the state of 
competition in the Russian Federation 2020 has 
been published by the Federal Antimonopoly 
Service of the Russian Federation, which 
describes the implementation of the 
abovementioned Action Plan and the respective 
achiev ements. According to the Report, in 2018 -
2020 the share of government participation in all 
competitive markets of Russia that are covered 
by the Action plan has been considerably 
reduced.  
With the aim of further decreasing the presence 
of the state in the  economy, the “National Plan 
for the Development of Competition in the 
Russian Federation for 2021 -2025” has been 
approved by the Decree of the Government of 
the Russian Federation dated 2.09.2021 № 
2424-r.  
Furthermore, privatization has been designated 
by the President of the Russian Federation as the 
main way to achieve the goal of reducing the 
level of state participation in the economy.  
In this respect, Decree of the Government of the 
Russian Federation dated 31.12.2019 No. 3260 -r 
“On approval of the forecast plan for the 
privatization of federal property and privatization 
of federal property for 2020 -2022” has been 
adopted.   In accordance with the Government 
Decree dated 23.08.2021 No. 1401 "On 
Amendments to the Rules for the Development 
of Forecast P lans (Programs) for the Privatization 
of State and Municipal Property", the deadline 
for the implementation of the privatization 
program 2020 -2022 has been postponed for two 
years. Now the privatization plan is to be 
undertaken in the period 2023 -2024.  
According to the privatization program it is 
planned to privatize, inter alia, 86 federal state 
unitary enterprises, 186 joint -stock companies.  making changes in the legislation 
providing for a legal framework for the 
implementation of such measures. The 
progress of implementation of the 
measures is monitored through the 
reports of the responsible agencies on the 
fulfilment of their key performance 
indicators stipulated in the roadmaps and 
other strategic documents.   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 441 - 
 
  UK Follow Up Question:  Referrin g back to the 
following language in the report: “ in 2018, the 
Government of the Rus sian Federation approved 
an Action Plan to accelerate the capital 
investments growth rate of and increase their 
share in GDP up to 25% for the period from 
2018 to 2024. The plan provides for a set of 
systemic and sectoral measures ”, and that these 
measures  are aimed " at the development of the 
competitive environment and improvement of 
the efficiency of companies with state 
participation; at the reduction of the share of 
government participation in competitive 
markets; at the improvement of the efficiency of  
state-owned companies ”.  
Could the Russian Federation please provide 
further detail on what these systematic and 
sectoral measures will involve, and explain how 
it plans to implement these measures and 
monitor the progress of these measures towards 
their proposed objectives?  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 442 - 
 
  COSTA RICA   
Página 42, párrafo 3.15  
3.15. The EAEU non -preferential rules of origin 
apply to MFN imports and are used for the 
purposes specified in Article 37 of the Treaty on 
the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU Treaty), 
including non -tariff measures, trade remedies, 
marking requirements, publ ic procurement, and 
trade statistics. As from 12 January 2019, origin 
is conferred on the basis of a list of criteria for 
wholly obtained products, a change in HS 
classification at the 4 -digit level, or a maximum 
threshold for non -originating inputs (50% o f 
value -added).13 Basic operations, such as 
preparation for sale, labelling, freezing, colouring, 
or packaging, do not confer origin. A certificate of 
origin is required for consignments worth more 
than USD 150 that may be subject to trade 
remedies dependi ng on their origin.  
Question:  
Si, de conformidad con la última oración del 
párrafo 3.15 del Informe de la Secretaría sobre 
reglas de origen no preferenciales de la Unión 
Económica Euroasiática, se requiere la 
presentación de un certificado de origen sólo para 
cargamentos con valor monetario superior a los 
USD 150 y que además puedan estar sujetos a 
medidas comerciales correctivas dependiendo del 
origen, ¿es correcto asumir que los cargamentos 
que no cumplan estas dos condiciones no están 
obligados a p resentar un certificado de origen? Si 
la respuesta es afirmativa, ¿cuál sería en ese 
caso el mecanismo de verificación del 
cumplimiento de reglas de origen no 
preferenciales que requerirían las autoridades 
rusas?  
RF Answer  
In case of application of domesti c market 
protection, origin of like products imported into 
the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic 
Union from one sender to one recipient under one 
transport (carriage) document and the total 
customs value of which exceeds the amount 
equivalent to U SD 150 should be confirmed by a 
certificate of origin.  
In case the products are not alike, their origin 
can be confirmed by a declaration of origin.  
It has to be taken into account that if the 
information declared in the declaration of origin is 
inaccurate , the customs authority of the Union 
member state has the right to request a 
certificate of origin.  
 
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:  
We appreciate the response of the delegation of 
the Russian Federation.  
  
Based on the response provided by Russia, we 
understand that  only a certificate of origin will be 
required at the time of exporting to the Eurasian 
Economic Union (EEU) in the following cases:  The domestic market protection refers to 
trade remedies  (anti-dumping, 
countervailing or safeguard measures).  
The non -preferential rul es of origin are 
applied to imports subject to non -tariff 
measures, including trade remedies, 
quantitative restrictions.  
The Decision of the Council of the 
Eurasian Economic Commission dated 13 
July 2018 No 49 (hereinafter – the Rules) 
do not establish th e mandatory form of 
the certificate for confirmation of goods 
origin in non -preferential trade. Thus, 
any certificate issued in the exporting 
country can be used.  
However, the Rules establish a minimum 
set of requirements for the certificate of 
origin and its content. The requirements 
to the certificate of origin are listed in 
the annex to the Rules.  
The certificate of origin must be stamped 
and signed by an authority which is 
authorized by a third party to issue such 
certificates.  
The certificate shall be made on A4 
sheets of paper using the means that 
provide protection against falsification by 
a mechanical or chemical method.  
The certificate is filled out in English, 
French or Russian.  
The certificate can be issued before or 
after the shipment of goods.    WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 443 - 
 
  a. When exporting similar products to which a 
national market protection measure is being 
applied from a sender to a recipi ent with a single 
transport document whose value is greater than 
USD $ 150.  
b. In cases where the customs authority 
considers that the information declared in a 
declaration of origin is not accurate.  
In this context, we would appreciate further 
clarificati on on:  
1. What measures are considered as domestic 
market protection measures? Does it refer to 
trade remedies, namely anti -dumping, 
countervailing or safeguard measures?  
2. In general, in which cases is it mandatory to 
submit a declaration/certificate of origin?  
3. Is it mandatory to present a declaration of 
origin for exports of goods from Costa Rica to the 
EEU market for which no national market 
protection measure is being applied?  
4. What is the format or text that Costa Rican 
exporters must use to issue the certificate of 
origin?  
5. Is it possible to present a certificate of origin 
after the importation of the goods?  
Página 42, párrafo 3.15  
3.15. The EAEU non -preferential rules of origin 
apply to MFN imports and are used for the 
purposes specified in Article 37 of the Treaty on 
the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU Treaty), 
including non -tariff measures, trade remedies , 
marking requirements, public procurement, and 
trade statistics. As from 12 January 2019, origin 
is conferred on the basis of a list of criteria for 
wholly obtained products, a change in HS 
classification at the 4 -digit level, or a maximum 
threshold for n on-originating inputs (50% of 
value -added).13 Basic operations, such as 
preparation for sale, labelling, freezing, colouring, 
or packaging, do not confer origin. A certificate of 
origin is required for consignments worth more 
than USD 150 that may be subje ct to trade 
remedies depending on their origin.  
Question:  
¿Cuáles serían las implicaciones o consecuencias 
prácticas en el mercado ruso, que podrían tener 
los cargamentos que no aporten una prueba de 
origen al momento de importación? Por ejemplo, 
¿podría la no presentación de un certificado de 
origen dar lugar a que se deniegue el ingreso de 
la mercancía a territorio aduanero ruso?  
RF Answer  
It depends on the category of goods and the 
measures that can be applied to it. If the origin of 
goods is unknown or is considered as 
unconfirmed, then:  
1) import customs duties are calculated based on 
the rates established by the Common Customs 
Tariff of the Eurasian Economic Union,  
2) special, antidumping, countervailing duties will 
be calculated on the basis of the highest rates of 
special, antidumping, countervailing duties Yes, the tariff that the EEU will apply is 
the MFN tariff.   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 444 - 
 
  established in relation to goods classified under 
the same HS code;  
3) other measures of customs and tariff 
regulation, prohibitions and restrictions, trade 
remedies will apply to goods in cases where the 
application of such measures depends on the 
goods origin.  
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:  
We appreciate the response of the delegation of 
the Russian Federation.  
Taking in to account that Costa Rica ceased to be 
a beneficiary of the Generalized System of 
Preferences of the UEE, as of October 12, 2021, if 
exports are made from Costa Rica to EEU 
countries of:  
a. Products that are not subject to trade remedy 
measures, and  
b. Products that are not subject to other 
measures of customs and tariff regulation, 
prohibitions or restrictions, and  
c. Products exported from Costa Rica that are not 
accompanied by a declaration of origin or 
certificate of origin;  
Is the tariff that the EEU will apply the MFN tariff?  
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 445 - 
 
  ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION  
 
WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION  
 
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
Page 75, para 3.147 :  
According to the Russian authorities, the number of joint -stock companies with the State’s share 
above 30% decreased by nearly a third between 2016 an d 2019.  
 
EU Question No. 91:  Could the Russian authorities provide comparable data (if available, up to 
2020) in terms of total sales, assets and workforce of State -owned JSCs?  
 
Page 76, para 3.149  
 
EU Question No. 92 : Could  the Russian authorities provide a list of all large joint -stock companies 
(with annual sales above RUB 5  billion), where the State – directly or indirectly – owns more than 
50% share and which operate in sectors not designated as natural monopolies (i.e. where such 
State -owned JSCs compete with other businesses)?  
 
Page 76, para 3.150 :  
According to the Russian authorities, the assessment of the State’s footprint in the Russian 
economy, made by the International Monetary Fund in 2018, is too old for the cur rent review.  
 
EU Question No. 93:  Could the Russian authorities provide their estimates of the public sector in 
Russia, as a share of total value added and total employment?   
 
RESPONSE  
Distribution of the charter capital (fund) of legal entities among sh areholders (owners) in the 
Russian Federation at the end of 2020, million RUB   
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 446 - Description  
Total  
Federal 
executive 
authorities  
Sub-central 
government 
agencies  
Local 
government 
agencies  
Commercial 
organizations 
(except financial 
and credit 
organizations)  
Small and 
medium -sized 
enterprises  
Financial and 
credit 
organizations  
Non-commercial 
organizations  
Total for organizations (legal 
entities) - million RUB  30 237 838  5 846 839  1 753 212  491 887  17 751 241  568 228  1 295 926  1 744 784  
From them (by the main activity)       
          
Agriculture, forestry, hunting, 
fisheries  567 984  7 707  34 090  3 523  441 244  19 284  1 006  11 935  
Extraction of minerals  1 384 606  2 349  62 558  3772 1 261 111  10 024  21 441  7 690  
Manufacturing  4 450 623  402 289  38 258  2 563  3 565 079  68 338  123 095  123 429  
Energy supply, gas and steam; air 
conditioning  4 390 170  808 560  310 297  134 792  2 427 774  6 389  544 335  127 340  
Water supply; water discharge, 
waste collection and recycling, 
pollution elimination  534 018  60 611  334 152  120 548  16 392  896 1 725 
Construction  616 499  12 600  43 106  12 219  421 645  13 208  2 464  31 940  
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of 
motor vehicles and motorcycles  1 328 463  62 571  48 211  3 426  1 075 033  21 827  45 291  8 698  
Transportation and storage  4 842 619  2 919 359  165 996  146 959  1 556 082  133 488  9 335  28 583  
Hotels and food services  204 858  1 607  60 808  2 878  122 132  10 749  3 924  8 907  
Information and communications  1 673 113  126 618  15 464  5 917  502 146  5 222  20 164  988 059  
Real estate property operations  3 276 268  58 966  381 157  35 172  2 315 920  132 206  307 351  43 822  
Professional, scientific and technical 
activities  5 644 239  1 293 680  125 460  6 513  3 014 678  131 614  200 857  341 632  
Administrative activities and related 
supplementary services  924 108  72 934  56 295  4 756  767 423  1 731  14 046  305 
State administration and military 
security; social security  10 539  3 288  1 896  19 4 460  141 825 1 
Education  3 050  0 22 8 1 888  15 0 1 084  
Health and social services  216 910  87 13 475  331 195 393  9 906  115 3 129  
Culture, sport, leisure and 
entertainment activities  131 563  13 404  32 123  5 217  58 513  3 015  1 512  17 442  
Other services  38 205  208 29 843  3 273  4 324  177 165 65 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 447 - 
 
  Average number of employees of joint stock companies, whose shares are in federal ownership  
of the Russian Federation  persons  
 
  2019  2020  
Total number for joint stock companies, whose shares  
are in federal ownership:  1 755 623 1 978 139  
− Joint-stock companies with a share in federal ownership over 25% 
and up to 50%  245 254 238 098 
− Joint-stock companies with a share in federal ownership over 50%  855 403 1 096 708 
− Joint-stock companies in respect of which the Russian Federation h 
special right to participate in management ("golden share")  91 040 86 861 
 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 448 - 
 
  ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS FROM HONG KONG, CHINA  
WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM HONG KONG, CHINA  
 
Trade Policies and Practices by Measure  
State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
(WT/TPR/S/416: Page 10, para 20; Page 76, para 3.150)  
An IMF report published in 2018 finds that the Russian State "leaves a deep footprint in the 
economy". The st ate represented about one third of Russia's value added (VA) in 2016, accounted 
for nearly 40% of formal sector activity and 50% of formal sector employment. The State's share is 
large in sectors considered to be strategic, natural monopolies and public se rvices, in the financial 
sector and, naturally, in public administration, defence, health, and education. The size of the 
Russian State has a significant impact on competition and economic efficiency. The Report finds that 
SOEs appear to underperform relat ive to non -state firms in a variety of economic activities. The 
Russian authorities point out that the data used in the IMF report are too old to be used in this 
Review. There was a substantial decline during the review period in the number of SOEs in the form 
of unitary enterprises and joint stock companies in which the State holds more than 30% of the 
shares.  
Question:  
Would the Russian Federation share more up -to-date data on the share of the State, state trading 
enterprises and state -owned enterprises i n different sectors in terms of sector activity, employment, 
and market concentration?  
 
RESPONSE  
Distribution of the charter capital (fund) of legal entities among shareholders (owners) in the Russian 
Federation at the end of 2020, million RU B 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 449 - Description  
Total  
Federal 
executive 
authorities  
Sub-central 
government 
agencies  
Local 
government 
agencies  
Commercial 
organizations 
(except financial 
and credit 
organizations)  
Small and 
medium -sized 
enterprises  
Financial and 
credit 
organizations  
Non-commercial 
organizations  
Total for organizations (legal 
entities) - million RUB  30 237 838  5 846 839  1 753 212  491 887  17 751 241  568 228  1 295 926  1 744 784 
From them (by the main activity)       
          
Agriculture, forestry, hunting, 
fisheries  567 984  7 707  34 090  3 523  441 244  19 284  1 006  11 935  
Extraction of minerals  1 384 606  2 349  62 558  3772 1 261 111  10 024  21 441  7 690  
Manufacturing  4 450 623  402 289  38 258  2 563  3 565 079  68 338  123 095  123 429  
Energy supply, gas and steam; air 
conditioning  4 390 170  808 560  310 297  134 792  2 427 774  6 389  544 335  127 340  
Water supply; water discharge, 
waste collection and recycling, 
pollution elimination  534 018  60 611  334 152  120 548  16 392  896 1 725 
Construction  616 499  12 600  43 106  12 219  421 645  13 208  2 464  31 940  
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of 
motor vehicles and motorcycles  1 328 463  62 571  48 211  3 426  1 075 033  21 827  45 291  8 698  
Transportation and storage  4 842 619  2 919 359  165 996  146 959  1 556 082  133 488  9 335  28 583  
Hotels and food services  204 858  1 607  60 808  2 878  122 132  10 749  3 924  8 907  
Information and communications  1 673 113  126 618  15 464  5 917  502 146  5 222  20 164  988 059  
Real estate property operations  3 276 268  58 966  381 157  35 172  2 315 920  132 206  307 351  43 822  
Professional, scientific and technical 
activities  5 644 239  1 293 680  125 460  6 513  3 014 678  131 614  200 857  341 632  
Administrative activities and related 
supplementary services  924 108  72 934  56 295  4 756  767 423  1 731  14 046  305 
State administration and military 
security; social security  10 539  3 288  1 896  19 4 460  141 825 1 
Education  3 050  0 22 8 1 888  15 0 1 084  
Health and social services  216 910  87 13 475  331 195 393  9 906  115 3 129  
Culture, sport, leisure and 
entertainment activities  131 563  13 404  32 123  5 217  58 513  3 015  1 512  17 442  
Other services  38 205  208 29 843  3 273  4 324  177 165 65 
 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 450 - 
 
  Average number of employees of joint stock companies,  whose shares are in federal ownership  
of the Russian Federation  persons  
  
2019  2020  
Total number for joint stock companies, whose shares  
are in federal ownership:  1 755 623 1 978 139  
− Joint-stock companies with a share in federal ownership over 25% and 
up to 50%  245 254 238 098 
− Joint-stock companies with a share in federal ownership over 50%  855 403 1 096 708 
− Joint-stock companies in respect of which the Russian Federation has a 
special right to participate in management ("golden share")  91 040 86 861 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 451 - 
 
  ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS FROM SWITZERLAND  
WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM SWITZERLAND  
 
Chapter 3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
Question:  
In para. 3.150 it is stated that Russian authorities point out that the data used in the IMF Report 
are outdated. Are there any recent statistics on the share and footprint of SOEs in the economy?  
 
RESPONSE  
Distribution of the charter capital (fund) of legal entities among shareholders (owners) in the 
Russian Federation at the end of 2020, mill ion RU B. 
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 452 - Description  
Total  
Federal 
executive 
authorities  
Sub-central 
government 
agencies  
Local 
government 
agencies  
Commercial 
organizations 
(except financial 
and credit 
organizations)  
Small and 
medium -sized 
enterprises  
Financial and 
credit 
organizations  
Non-commercial 
organizations  
Total for organizations (legal 
entities) - million RUB  30 237 838  5 846 839  1 753 212  491 887  17 751 241  568 228  1 295 926  1 744 784  
From them (by the main activity)       
          
Agriculture, forestry, hunting, 
fisheries  567 984  7 707  34 090  3 523  441 244  19 284  1 006  11 935  
Extraction of minerals  1 384 606  2 349  62 558  3772 1 261 111  10 024  21 441  7 690  
Manufacturing  4 450 623  402 289  38 258  2 563  3 565 079  68 338  123 095  123 429  
Energy supply, gas and steam; 
air conditioning  4 390 170  808 560  310 297  134 792  2 427 774  6 389  544 335  127 340  
Water supply; water discharge, 
waste collection and recycling, 
pollution elimination  534 018  60 611  334 152  120 548  16 392  896 1 725 
Construction  616 499  12 600  43 106  12 219  421 645  13 208  2 464  31 940  
Wholesale and retail trade; repair 
of motor vehicles and 
motorcycles  1 328 463  62 571  48 211  3 426  1 075 033  21 827  45 291  8 698  
Transportation and storage  4 842 619  2 919 359  165 996  146 959  1 556 082  133 488  9 335  28 583  
Hotels and food services  204 858  1 607  60 808  2 878  122 132  10 749  3 924  8 907  
Information and communications  1 673 113  126 618  15 464  5 917  502 146  5 222  20 164  988 059  
Real estate property operations  3 276 268  58 966  381 157  35 172  2 315 920  132 206  307 351  43 822  
Professional, scientific and 
technical activities  5 644 239  1 293 680  125 460  6 513  3 014 678  131 614  200 857  341 632  
Administrative activities and 
related supplementary services  924 108  72 934  56 295  4 756  767 423  1 731  14 046  305 
State administration and 
military security; social security  10 539  3 288  1 896  19 4 460  141 825 1 
Education  3 050  0 22 8 1 888  15 0 1 084  
Health and social services  216 910  87 13 475  331 195 393  9 906  115 3 129  
Culture, sport, leisure and 
entertainment activities  131 563  13 404  32 123  5 217  58 513  3 015  1 512  17 442  
Other services  38 205  208 29 843  3 273  4 324  177 165 65 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 453 - 
 
  ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM  
5.2 Development of Trade in Services  
Paragraph  5.38  
UK Question:  Could the Russian Federation provide more information on UK universities included 
in the list of international ratings together with their ratings?  
 
UK universities included in the list of international ratings together with their ratings   
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 454 - Academic Ranking of World 
Universities  
(source: 
https://www.mastersportal.com/ran
kings/2/academic -ranking -of-world -
universities -shanghai -jiao-tong-
university.html ) QS World Un iversity Rankings  
(source: 
https://www.topuniversities.c
om/university -
rankings/world -university -
rankings/2021 ) The Times Higher Education 
World University Ra nkings  
(source: 
https://www.timeshighereducat
ion.com/world -university -
rankings/2021/world -
ranki ng#!/page/0/length/ -
1/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc
/cols/stats ) U.S. News Best Global Universities 
(source: 
https://www.usnews.com/educatio
n/best -global -
universities/search?region=europe
&country=united -kingdom ) Moscow 
International 
Rankings of 
Universities "Three 
Missions of 
Universities" 
(source: 
https://mosiur.org/
ranking/ ) 
University of Cambridge (3)  University of Oxford (5)  University of Oxford (1)  University of Oxford (5)  University of 
Cambridge (3)  
University of Oxford (7)  University of Cambridge (7)  University of Cambridge (6)  University of Cambridge (9)  University of Oxford 
(4) 
University College London (17)  Imperial College London (8)  Imperial College London (11)  University College London (19)  University College 
London (5)  
Imperial College London (25)  University College London (10)  University College London (16)  Imperial College London (20)  University of 
Edinburgh (21)  
University of Manchester ( 35) University of Edinburgh (20)  London School of Economics and 
Political Science (27)  University of Edinburgh (30)  Imperial College 
London (24)  
University of Edinburgh ( 38) University of Manchester (27)  University of Edinburgh (30)  King's College London (34)  University of 
Manchester (48)  
King's College London (47)  King's College London (31)  King's College London (35)  University of Manchester (64)  University of Warwick 
(50) 
University of Bristol (78)  The London School of Economics 
and Political Science  (49) University of Manchester (51)  University of Bristol (86)  King's College London 
(60) 
University of Sheffield (101 -150) University of Bristol  
(58) University of Warwick (77)  University of Birmingham (92)  University of Bristol 
(61) 
University of Birmingham (101 -150) University of Warwick (62)  University of Bristol (91)  University of Southampton (97)  University of Glasgow 
(69) 
University of Leeds (101 -150) University of Glasgow (77)  
 University of Glasgow (92)  London School of Hygiene & Tropical 
Medicine (114)  University of Leeds 
(90) 
University of Liverpool (101 -150) Durham University (86)  University of Birmingham (107)  Queen Mary, University of London (114)  London School of 
Economics and 
Political Science (95)  
University of Nottingham (101 -150) University of Birmingham (87)  Queen Mary University of London 
(110)  University of Sheffield (133)  University o f 
Birmingham (106)  
University of Warwick (101 -150) University of Southampton (90)  University of Sheffield (121)  University of Warwick (135)  University of 
Nottingham (114)  
Cardiff University (151 -200) University of Leeds (91)  University of Southampton (127)  University of Nottingham (142)  Queen Mary University 
of London (121)  
London School of Economics and Political 
Science (151 -200) University of Sheffield (93)  University of York (133)  University of Liverpool (146)  University of Sheffield 
(127)  
University of Glasgow (151 -200) University of St Andrews (96)  Lancaster University (136)  University of Leeds (152)  University of 
Southampton (138)  
University of Southampton (151 -200) University of Nottingham (99)  Durham University (149)  University of Sussex (152)  Cardiff University 
(140)  
University of Sussex (151 -200) Queen Mary University of London 
(114)  University of Nottingham (158)  University of Exeter (164)  University of Liverpool 
(143)  
London School of Hygiene & Tropical 
Medicine (201 -300) Lancaster University (135)  University of Leeds (160)  Newcastle University (166)  University of York 
(162)   
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 455 - Academic Ranking of World 
Universities  
(source: 
https://www.mastersportal.com/ran
kings/2/academic -ranking -of-world -
universities -shanghai -jiao-tong-
university.html ) QS World Un iversity Rankings  
(source: 
https://www.topuniversities.c
om/university -
rankings/world -university -
rankings/2021 ) The Times Higher Education 
World University Ra nkings  
(source: 
https://www.timeshighereducat
ion.com/world -university -
rankings/2021/world -
ranki ng#!/page/0/length/ -
1/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc
/cols/stats ) U.S. News Best Global Universities 
(source: 
https://www.usnews.com/educatio
n/best -global -
universities/search?region=europe
&country=united -kingdom ) Moscow 
International 
Rankings of 
Universities "Three 
Missions of 
Universities" 
(source: 
https://mosiur.org/
ranking/ ) 
Newcastle University (201 -300) University of York (150)  University of Sussex (160)  Cardiff University (168)  University of East 
Anglia (166)  
Queen Mary University of London (201 -
300) Newcastle University (152)  University of Liverpool (163)  Lancaster University (177)  Lancaster University 
(171)  
University of Aberdeen (201 -300) Cardiff University (159)  University of Leicester (170)  University of Leicester (232)  Newcastle University 
(179)  
University of East Anglia (201 -300) University of Exeter (164)  University of Exeter (174)  Durham University (238)  Durham University 
(206)  
Durham University (301 -400) University of Bath (173)  University of Aberdeen (178)  University of Aberdeen (238)  University of Reading 
(209)  
Lancaster University (301 -400) University of Liverpool (181)  Newcastle University (178)  London School of Economics and 
Political Science (244)  University of Exeter 
(211)  
University of Dundee (301 -400) University of Reading (205)  Cardiff University (191)  University of York (264)  University of Sussex 
(227)  
University of Reading (301 -400) University of Aberdeen (207)  University of East Anglia (200)  University of St. Andrews (292)  University of St 
Andrews (239)  
University of Bath (301 -400) Queen's University Belfast (209)  Queen's University Belfast (200)  Queen's University Belfast (306)  University of Leicester 
(243)  
University of Leicester  (301-400) Loughborough University (226)  University of Bath (201 -250) University of East Anglia (306)  University of Aberdeen 
(250)  
University of St Andrews  (301-400) University of Leicester (242)  University of Dundee  (201-250) University of Dundee (312)  University of Dundee 
(281)  
University of Surrey  (301-400) University of Sussex (246)  University of Reading  (201-250) University of Reading (327)  Loughborough 
University (301 -350) 
Queen's University Belfast (401 -500) University of Surrey (267)  St George's, University of London 
(201-250) Royal Holloway, University of Lonond 
(RHUL) (378)  Queen's University 
Belfast (301 -350) 
Swansea University (401 -500) University of Strathclyde (300)  University of St Andrews  (201-250) University of Strathclyde (406)  University of Bath 
(301-350) 
University of Essex (401 -500) Heriot -Watt University (301)  Brighton and Sussex Medical School 
(251-300) University of Bath (427)  University of 
Strathclyde (301 -350) 
University of Strathclyde (401 -500) Royal Holloway University of 
London (308)  University of Surrey (251 -300) St George's University of London (434)  SOAS, University of 
London (351 -400) 
University of York (401 -500) University of Dundee (319)  Swansea University (251 -300) University of Surrey (447)  University of Essex 
(351-400) 
 University of East Anglia (UEA) 
(333)  Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) 
(301-350) Brunel University (453)  University of Surrey 
(351-400) 
 Birkbeck, University of London 
(344)  University of Essex (301 -350) Swansea University (474)  Heriot -Watt University 
(401-450) 
 SOAS University of London (346)  University of Kent (301 -350) Liverpool John Moores University 
(LJMU) (475)  Royal Holloway, 
University of London 
(401-450) 
 City, University of London (350)  Royal Holloway, University of 
London (301 -350)  University of Kent 
(401-450)  
  WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 456 - Academic Ranking of World 
Universities  
(source: 
https://www.mastersportal.com/ran
kings/2/academic -ranking -of-world -
universities -shanghai -jiao-tong-
university.html ) QS World Un iversity Rankings  
(source: 
https://www.topuniversities.c
om/university -
rankings/world -university -
rankings/2021 ) The Times Higher Education 
World University Ra nkings  
(source: 
https://www.timeshighereducat
ion.com/world -university -
rankings/2021/world -
ranki ng#!/page/0/length/ -
1/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc
/cols/stats ) U.S. News Best Global Universities 
(source: 
https://www.usnews.com/educatio
n/best -global -
universities/search?region=europe
&country=united -kingdom ) Moscow 
International 
Rankings of 
Universities "Three 
Missions of 
Universities" 
(source: 
https://mosiur.org/
ranking/ ) 
 Brunel University London (368)  University of Stirling  (301-350)  Bangor University 
(451-500) 
 University of Kent (380)  Birkbeck, University of London (351 -
400)  Goldsmiths, University 
of London (451 -500) 
 Oxford Brookes University (383)  Brunel University London (351 -400)   
 Essex, University of (411)  City, University of London (351 -400)   
 Goldsmiths, University of London 
(416)  Heriot -Watt University (351 -400)   
 Swansea University (474)  Loughborough University (351 -400)   
 Aberystwyth University (485)  Northumbria University (351 -400)   
 University of Stirling (485)  Aberystwyth University (401 -500)   
  Aston University (401 -500)   
  Bangor University (401 -500)   
  Bournemouth University (401 -500)   
  Goldsmiths, University of London 
(401-500)   
  Liverpool John Moores University 
(401-500)   
  Middlesex University (401 -500)   
  University of Plymouth (401 -500)   
  Royal Veterinary College (401 -500)   
  SRUC (Scotland's Rural College) 
(401-500)   
  University of Strathclyde (401 -500)   
  University of the West of England 
(401-500)   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 457 - 
 
  ANNEX TO THE QUESTIONS BY CHILE  
Non-official translation  
 
Bank of Russia's Roadmap to Develop Funding for Small and Medium -sized Enterprises  (2018 –2020)  
 
Existing problem  No. Measure  Expected result  Implementation 
deadline  
1 2 3 4 5 
High cost of 
lending for SMEs 
compared to 
other segments  1 Development of bank 
lending for SMEs  Reduction of bank 
operating costs and 
growth of SME loan 
portfolio due to the 
development of 
incentive -based 
regulation   
Measures implemented by the Bank of Russia   
1.1.1.  Amendments to Article 
72.1 of Federal Law No. 
86-FZ, dated 10 July 2002, 
'On the Central Bank of 
the Russian Federation 
(Bank of Russia)' to 
extend its effect to the 
models for quantifying 
expected credit losses for 
the purposes of creating 
prudential prov isions and 
the specifics of organizing  
control and supervision 
over the proper use of 
these models by banks, 
including the provision of 
specialized  reporting      More accurate and 
efficient assessment of 
expected losses from the 
materialization  of credit 
risk using modern 
advanced economic and 
statistical methods and 
models  2019 
1.1.2 Based on the fulfilment of 
subparagraph 1.1.1, the 
development and 
implementation of a 
normative act of the Bank 
of Russia establishing 
regulatory requirements 
for internal banking 
methodologies of credit 
risk management and 
models for quantitative 
assessment of credit risk 
(including the quality of 
data used in these models) 
used to assess expected 
credit losses in order to 
create prudential 
provisions for portfolios of 
homo geneous SME loans 
in terms of segments of 
credit claims for which the 
bank received permission 
from the Bank of Russia to 
apply an internal ratings -
based approach (Basel II)  2019 
1.2 Optimization  of the 
approach to provisioning 
for SME loans (within the Increasing the 
attractiveness of SME 
lending for banks, 
reducing rates for SMEs  During 2019 -2021 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 458 - 
 
  framework of amendments 
to Regulation No. 590 -P3) 
1.2.1 Preparation of clarifications 
on the application of 
Clause 3.14 of Regulation 
No. 590 -P in terms of the 
maximum depth of third 
party verification  Reducing the costs of 
banks to monitor the 
fulfilment of loan 
obligations by SME 
borrowers, improving the 
efficiency of the banking 
lending process  2019 
1.2.2 Increasing for credit 
institutions with a basic 
licence the threshold value 
of the amount of loans 
(aggregate of loans) 
provided to one borrower 
to be included in the 
portfolio of homogeneous 
loans fro m 0.5 to 1.5 per 
cent of the amount of 
equity of credit institutions  Reducing the costs of 
banks, improving the 
efficiency of the banking 
lending process, 
increasing the level of 
approved SME loan 
applications  2019 
High cost of 
lending for SMEs 
compared to 
other segments  1.2.3 The size of loans granted 
to SMEs is increased from 
5 to 10 million rubles; 
these loans, given the 
average financial position 
of a borrower, can be 
included in a portfolio of 
homogeneous loans  2019 
1.2.4 Supplementing the list of 
information that, in 
addition to statutory 
reporting, can be used to 
analy ze the financial 
position of an SME 
borrower  2019 
1.2.5 Expansion of the perimeter 
of application of the 
exceptions in Clause 2 of 
Annex 4 to Regulation No. 
590-P, namely, the 
establishment of the fact 
that the absence in the 
borrower's staff of the 
position of chief 
accountant or employees 
other than the head and 
chief accountant or the 
absence of payment of 
wages for more than three 
months shall not cons titute 
sufficient grounds for 
assessing the actual status 
of activities of not only 
small but also medium -
sized businesses  2019 
1.2.6 Сredit institutions are 
allowed not to recogni ze a 
loan as restructured in the 
event of a decrease in the 
interest rate  under the  2019 
  
  
 
3 Bank of Russia , Regulation No. 590 -P, dated 28 June 2017 "On the Procedure for Credit Institutions to 
Make Loss Provisions for Loans, Loan and Similar Debts ". WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 459 - 
 
   agreement when assessing 
the financial position of a 
borrower as good or 
average, if the assessment 
of the financial position of 
the borrower does not 
deteriorate   
  
  
  
1.2.7 Inclusion of independent 
guarantees and sureties of 
JSC Russian Small and 
Medium Business 
Corporation in the list of 
collateral for loans of 
quality category I, 
complying with the 
standards established in 
accordance with parts 11.4 
and 11.5 of Article 25 of 
Federal Law  No. 209 -FZ, 
dated 24 July 2007, 'On 
the Development of Small 
and Medium -sized 
Businesses in the Russian 
Federation'  2019 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1.2.8 Increase in the amount of 
a loan included in a 
portfolio of homogeneous 
SME loans, to which a 
reduced risk ratio of 75% 
can be applied, – to 70 
million rubles (according to 
Instruction No. 180 -I, 
dated 28 June 2017, 'On 
Banks' Required Ratios')   2019 
   
   
   
   
 Decrease in interest rates 
of SME loans and increase 
in lending to SMEs   
1.2.9 Establishment of a 
separate procedure for the 
formation of a portfolio of 
homogeneous SME loans, 
providing for the possibility 
of using intrabank 
assessments of borrowers' 
solvency   2019 
   
   
   
   
1.2.10  Development and 
experimental 
implementation of 
outsourcing for the 
assessment and credit risk 
monitoring of SME 
borrowers to be conducted 
by reliable external 
organizations , whose 
models were approved by 
the Bank of Russia  External outsourcing for 
banks of  a number of 
credit risk management 
functions: assessment of 
a borrower's 
creditworthiness, 
determination of its 
reliability category 
(including portfolio 
rating) and minimum 
provisions for possible 
losses (including on a 
portfolio basis), and 
monitoring o f a 
borrower's financial 
position over time  During 2019 -2021 
  
  
  
  
  
High cost of 
lending for SMEs Measures implemented with the involvement of the Bank 
of Russia   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 460 - 
 
  compared to 
other segments  1.3 Conduct of measures 
required to ensure the 
participation of credit 
institutions with a basic 
licence in the Programme 
for Encouraging Lending to 
Small and Medium -sized 
Enterprises in 2019  Increase in the volume of 
SME lending  2018 
   
   
   
   
   
1.4 Expansion of banks' access 
to participation in 
government SME support 
programmes by 
streamlining their selection 
criteria  Increase in the 
accessibility of 
government programmes 
for a bigger number of 
SMEs, including in the 
regions  2019 
Insufficient use 
of the leasing 
instrument by 
SMEs  2 Development of leasing 
instruments for  Increase in the 
availability of leasing 
for SMEs,   
 SMEs  growth of leasing 
volumes, and closing 
the gap between 
leasing and banking 
rates  
Measures implemented with the involvement of the Bank 
of Russia   
2.1. Introduction of 
amendments to the 
legislation of the Russian 
Federation on leasing, 
ensuring the transparency 
of leasing activities, 
necessary to maintain the 
effectiveness of measures 
of financial support for 
SMEs  Conditions for the 
regulation and 
supervision of the sector 
have been created, 
reliability and 
transparency have been 
ensured for the recipients 
of financial support 
measures  2019 
  
Low availability 
of borrowed 
funds for start -up 
entrepreneurs  3 Development of 
microfinancing  Development of 
alternative financing 
markets for 
microenterprises, 
growth of the 
microloan portfolio of 
SMEs, and increase in 
financial inclusion for 
SMEs   
  
  
  
Measures implemented by the Bank of Russia   
3.1 Development of proposals 
for incentive regulation of 
entrepreneurial financing 
for MFOs  Proposals have been 
identified for the 
development of incentive  2019 
 regulation of MFOs for 
SME financing   
 Measures implemented with the involvement of the Bank 
of Russia   
Low availabilitry 
of borrowed 
funds for start -up 
entrepreneurs, 
the need for 
alternative 4 Development of 
consumer  Growth in financing of 
micro and small 
businesses   
 credit cooperatives  by consumer credit 
cooperatives, 
development of WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 461 - 
 
  sources of 
financing  alternative sources of 
financing for SMEs  
Measures implemented by the Bank of Russia   
4.1. Development of proposals 
for incentive regulation for 
consumer credit 
cooperatives  Identification of proposals 
for the development of 
incentive regulation for 
consumer credit 
cooperatives in order to 
increase the volume of 
support for micro and 
small businesses by 
consumer credit 
cooperatives  2019 
  
The problem of 
access of small 
enterprises 
(start -ups) to 
traditional 
sources of 
financing, the 
need to provide 
alternative 
sources of 
financing for such 
companies  5 Development of 
investment platforms  Alternative sources of 
financing, 
improvement of 
accessibility of 
financial res ources for 
SMEs   
Measures implemented with the involvement of the Bank 
of Russia   
5.1 Participation in preparing 
the draft federal law 'On 
Investment Raising Using 
Investment Platforms'  Stimulating investment 
using investment 
platforms  2019 
Low involvement 
of SMEs in 
purchases from 
top customers  6 Development of the 
factoring mechanism  Increasing the 
accessibility and 
efficiency of the 
factoring mechanism 
for SMEs   
Measures implemented with the involvement of the Bank 
of Russia   
6.1 Development of proposals 
to expand the practice of 
using factoring in 
settlements between 
customers (state -owned 
companies) and SMEs  Increase in the volume of 
factoring in settlements 
between customers 
(state -owned companies) 
and SMEs  2019 
6.2 Development of proposals 
to impose enhanced 
penalties for state -owned 
corporations for failure to 
fulfil obligations to SMEs  Ensuring the timely 
receipt of financing by 
SMEs  2019 
6.3 Development of a guide 
(handbook) on factoring 
for small and medium -
sized enterprises  Raising awareness among 
SMEs about the 
possibilities of factoring 
to finance accounts 
receivable  2019 
Low speed of 
decision -making, 
high operating 
costs associated 
with SME lending  7 Implementation of the 
concept of a digital 
client for SMEs  Increase in the 
accessibility of 
financial services for 
SMEs, including in the 
Internet segment; 
reduction in the cost of 
servicing and interest 
rates; increase in 
lending volumes   
Measures implemented by the Bank of Russia   WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 462 - 
 
  7.1 Ensuring the possibility of 
remote identification of the 
representative of an SME 
client  Increase in the speed of 
service, in the level of 
satisfaction with the 
quality of financial 
services among SMEs  2019 
7.2 Conversion of several 
fields of the card with 
sample signatures and seal 
imprint into electronic 
form Reduction in operating 
expenses of banks, 
reduction of time for 
servicing clients  2018 
7.3 Ensuring the option to 
check information about 
SME clients and their 
constituent documents in 
electronic fo rm Reduction of time needed 
to open customer 
accounts and conduct 
other operations 
(introduction of 
amendments, lending 
operations), reduction of 
banks' operating costs 
associated with SME 
lending  2019 
7.4 Ensuring the possibility of 
providing the bank w ith 
the SME's consent signed 
with an electronic 
signature to have his 
personal data processed  Simplification of bank -
client interaction, 
increase in the speed of 
service, reduction in 
transaction costs  2019 
Long terms of 
consideration of 
SME loan 
applications, a 
high percentage 
of banks' refusals 
due to 
insufficient 
information 
about SMEs  8 Streamlining of the 
process and timing of 
obtaining data from 
CHBs and the Federal 
Tax Service (FTS) by 
banks  Increase in the 
accessibility of 
financing for SME s due 
to more efficient 
models for assessing 
banks based on data 
received from CHBs 
and the FTS   
Measures implemented by the Bank of Russia   
8.1 A considerable (up to 12 
months) increased in the 
validity period of the 
consent of an SME entity 
(determined in accordance 
with Article 4 of Federal 
Law No. 209 -FZ, dated 24 
July 2007, 'On the 
Development of Small and 
Medium -sized Businesses 
in the Russian Federation') 
for the provision of 
information from a CHB  Increase in the 
accessibility of financ ing 
for SMEs due to more 
efficient models for 
assessing banks based on 
data received from CHBs  2019 
8.2 Expansion of the list of 
data provided from the 
informational part of the 
CHB with regard to legal 
entities, as well as 
provision of additional 
information about 90+ 
overdue debt  2019 
Measures implemented with the involvement of the Bank 
of Russia   
 8.3 Organi zation of interaction 
with the FTS of Russia in 
terms of the provision to 
banks and MFOs (subject Increase in the speed of 
considering loan 
applications, r educing the 
costs of banks and MFOs  2019 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 463 - 
 
  to borrowers' consent) of 
up-to-date accounting and 
tax reporting, data on cash 
transactions of SMEs  
Insufficient use 
of exchange 
instruments for 
SME financing  9 Development of stock 
market instruments for 
SMEs    
Measures implemented by the Bank of Russia   
9.1 Improvement of legislative 
regulation of the following 
instruments: convertible 
bonds and non -voting 
preferred shares  Increase in the 
accessibility of stock 
market instruments for 
SMEs to obtain financing  2018 
9.2 Support for the 
development of 
securitisation of SME loan 
portfolios, including on a 
multi-originator basis  Growth in SME lending 
due to the release of 
bank funds (source of 
funding for SME lending)  2018 
Measures implemented with the involvement of the Bank 
of Russia   
9.3 Formation of special 
market instruments and 
state stimulus measures 
for SMEs  Increase in the 
accessibility of stock 
market instruments for 
SMEs to obtain financing  2019 
9.4 - guarantee support of 
development institutions in 
terms of access to the 
stock market  2019 
9.5 - study of the feasibility of 
introducing special 
exchange tariffs for SME 
issuers  2019 
9.6 - participation of 
development institutions 
as 'anchor' investors in 
securities issues of SMEs  2019 
9.7 - stimulating the entry of 
small - and mid -cap 
companies into the stock 
market, including through 
the provision of state 
support to them  2019 
9.8 - development of SME 
financing using a 
crowdinvesting platform  During 2019 –
2021 
9.9 - in 2019, occasional 
analytical studies of the 
issuers of the Growth 
Sector were carried out, 
with the findings of the 
study presented to the 
investment community  Increasing transparency 
of the Growth Sector for 
potential issuers and 
investors  2019 
 9.10 - creation of the Growth 
Sector index in 2020   2020 
9.11 - creation of an 
information and analytical 2020 WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1  
 
- 464 - 
 
  portal for investors and 
businesses in 2020  
Low financial 
literacy of SMEs; 
low awareness of 
SMEs about 
modern financial 
products / 
services  10 Enhancing the financial 
literacy of SMEs, 
including with a special 
accent on involving the 
youth and women in 
entrepreneurship  Improving the 
efficiency of SME 
financing through 
effective interaction of 
SMEs with financial 
service providers   
Measures implemented by the Bank of Russia   
10.1 Development of a plan of 
training events and 
conducting at least one 
cycle of webinars  Enhancing the level of 
financial literacy of SMEs 
as a necessary factor 
underlying the 
development of SME 
financing  2019 
10.2 Development of a plan of 
training classes and 
conducting at least one 
cycle of training classes  2019 
10.3 Development of a plan of, 
and conducting, an all-
Russian  online test in 
financial literacy for SMEs  2019 
10.4 Coordination of the 
work of Bank of Russia 
regional divisions in 
terms of interaction 
with public 
organi zations, credit 
institutions, local 
authorities for the 
purpose of promoting 
the development of 
financing for SMEs, as 
well as enhancing the 
level of financial 
literacy among SMEs  Increase in the 
accessibility of 
financial services for 
SMEs in Russian 
regions  On an ongoin g 
basis since 
2019  
 
__________