RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE WT/ACC/RUS/23
2December 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-5294)
Original: English Working Party ontheAccession
oftheRussian Federation
ACCESSION OFTHE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Additional Questions andReplies
ThePermanent Mission oftheRussian Federation hassubmitted replies toquestions raised
afterthemeeting oftheWorking Party heldon22-23 July1997, withtherequest thattheybecirculated
totheMembers oftheWorking Party. Thequestions andreplies arereproduced hereunder.
_______________
Domestic Taxation -VAT
Question 1.
Weunderstand thatinthedraft TaxCode, value added tax(VAT) treatment willbeharmonized
sothattreatment isthesame forCISandnon-CIS countries, andthatVAT willbecharged for
imports attheRussian border, irrespective oftheorigin oftheimported goods.
Istheright toclaim back anyoralloftheVAT thatabusiness haspaidonitsinputs when its
products aresold, aright thatisopen toallbusinesses, regardless ofthenationality andform
ofownership ofthebusiness andtheeconomic sector inwhich itoperates?
Answer
According totheRussian Federation LawNo.73-FZ "OnValue Added Tax"of28April 1997,
theVAT amount payable tothebudget shallbedetermined asthedifference between thetaxamounts
received frompurchasers withrespect tothegoods (works, services) soldtothemandthetaxamounts
actually paidtosuppliers fortheinputs (works, services) costofwhich ischargeable totheproduction
andmarketing costs.
Thislegalrulegenerally applies toallenterprises irrespective oftheirnationality andownership
form aswellasthesector inwhich theyoperate.
Inaccordance withcustoms legislation, value added taxpaidtothecustoms authorities upon
theimportation ofproduction-purpose inputs willbecome refundable tothetaxpayer onceitisreflected
initsaccounts.
Thecurrent procedure ofVAT application doesnotprovide fortheset-off (refund) ofVAT
paidtoaservice provider ifsuchprovider hasitsplace ofbusiness inanother stateorpaidbybusiness
entities ofCISmember States onproduction-purpose inputs.
Ithasbeendecided that,intherelationships between theCISmember States, theVAT onany
product willbecollected inthecountry where itisconsumed beginning in2000.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Question 2.
Does thisright existinrelation toallRussian VAT paidonallinputs purchased byanybusiness,
regardless ofwhether theinputs concerned aredomestically produced orimported?
Answer
Seeanswer toQuestion 1herein.
Question 3.
Does anyright toclaim back alloranypartoftheVAT thatabusiness haspaidonitsinputs
when itsproducts aresold,existinrelation toVAT levied oninputs thatareimported from another
country, forexample, VAT levied byanother CIScountry?
Answer
Seeanswer toQuestion 1herein.
Non-Tariff Measures (WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/2/Corr.1/Rev.1)
Question 4.
HSNo.71(SINo.131-151) issubject tonon-automatic licensing (NAL). Could Russia please
provide further information on:
(i) ifNAL covers bothexport andimport licences inthiscase;
(ii) theprecise content ofGovernment Resolution No.35of24/01/94;
(iii) therationale forintroducing andmaintaining NAL forthese products?
Answer
Non-automatic licensing applies tobothimport andexport ofthegoods listed inthequestion
under review.
The textofGovernment Resolution No.35“OntheProcedure ofImport tothe
Russian Federation andExport from theRussian Federation ofGoods Containing Precious Metals,
Precious Stones, Amber andProducts Made From it"dated 24January 1994isavailable forconsultation
intheWTO Secretariat (Accessions Division, Room 1126).
Thereasons fortheintroduction oflicensing forexport andimport ofores, concentrates and
products ofprecious metals andstones havealready beenprovided bytheRussian Federation inthe
answer toQuestion 52(WT/ACC/RUS/17). Itwasspecifically emphasized therein thatactually the
licensing ofsuchimports waseffectively automatic andusedonlytomonitor theflowofimports.
Adraft Government Decree iscurrently being prepared according towhich products
Nos.131-151asperthelistWT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/2/Corr.1/Rev.1willbeimportedfreeofanynon-tariff
regulation measures (including import licensing).WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Duties andSafeguards Regimes
Question 5.
Wewould beinterested onanupdate onwhere matters stand ondevelopment ofanti-dumping,
countervailing andsafeguards legislation.
Answer
Asalready reported, thematters related toanti-dumping, countervailing andsafeguarding
measures aredealtwithinthedraftFederal Law"OnMeasures toProtect theEconomic Interests of
theRussian Federation inForeign Trade inGoods". Thisdraft lawisbased ontheprovisions of
GATT 94Articles VI,XVIandXIXandtherelevant understandings intheWTO Agreements.
The draft lawiscurrently undergoing second reading intheState Duma ofthe
Russian Federation.
Seealsoanswer toQuestion 156ofWT/ACC/RUS/13/Add.1.
Technical Barriers toTrade (WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5)
1. Description ofrelevant laws, regulations, administrative orders, etc.relating to
implementation andadministration oftechnical barriers totrade
Question 6.
According toArticle XoftheGeneral Agreement onTariffs andTrade, governments aretonotify
atanearly appropriate stage regulations which mayaffect trade. Theprinciple ofpreliminary
publication isrecalled intheTBT Agreement alsoforaproposed technical regulation (Articles
5.6-5.9). Theprescribed notification requires thatareasonable timeisforeseen forcomments
made byinterested parties inother Member States. These comments havetobetaken intoaccount.
Finally, areasonable transitory timeshould allow producers inexporting countries toadapt their
products ormethods ofproduction totherequirements oftheimporting country.
Since theRussian Federation isapplying forWTO Membership, weconsider itasnecessary that
anyappropriate information onnewregulations should beprovided atanearly stage andthat
areasonable transitory period isforeseen forreactions.
Forexample, with regard tolabelling requirements forcertain goods tocombat fraud
(stamps/holograms), theRussian delegation stated that(mandatory) standards would beready
within onemonth andenter intoforce on1January 1998. Such requirement should benotified
toWTO Members.
Answer
TheRussian Federation confirms itsacceptance oftheprinciple ofpreliminary publication
(submission ofinformation onnewnormative actsattheearliest stage oftheirpreparation) andthe
needtoprovide foratransitional period (time interval between theadoption/approval ofanormative
actanditseffective date). Theimplementation ofthese principles withrespect tostandards maybe
bypublishing inthemonthly Standard Information Index ofAnnual Programme ofStandards
Development. Starting in1998, announcements ontheprogramme willbesenttotheISO/IEC
Information Centre.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page4
On17July1997,GOSSTANDARTadoptedGOSTR-51074"FoodstuffsProducts.Information
forConsumer. General Requirements" which setsforth theuniform requirements forindicating
information ontheconsumer labels ofRussian andforeign-made foodstuffs.
Atpresent, pursuant toRussian Government Resolution No.1037 “OnMeasures toProvide
Information intheRussian Language forNon-Food Items Brought IntotheTerritory oftheRussian
Federation ”dated 15August 1997, GOSSTANDART isdrafting aGOST Resolution concerning the
general requirements forinformation onnon-food products which aresoldintheRussian Federation.
Concerning regulatory actswhich areadopted atahigher level(laws, andResolutions ofthe
RussianFederationGovernment),theimplementationofthepreliminarypublicationprinciplemayreceive
legalformalization inanewFederal Law"OnTechnical Barriers toTrade", which iscurrently being
drafted.
Question 7.
Wewould consider itveryhelpful ifadistinction could bemade between thelegislation which
contains provisions onthecommercialization ofproducts andthelegislation which regulates market
surveillance activities. Inaddition, adistinction should bemade between theprovisions onthe
certification ofproducts (TBT) andonthecertification ofservices.
Answer
TheRussian delegation notes thedistinction between thelegislation inthefield of
commercialization ofproducts andthatconcerning market surveillance aswellasadistinction between
theregulations onproduct certification (technical barriers totrade) andservice certification.
GOSSTANDART iscurrently preparing proposals inthisregard.
Question 8.
Document WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5 listsaseries oflaws, regulations andadministrative orders
related totheimplementation andadministration oftechnical barriers totrade. Itisour
understanding thatsome oftheabove, though containing requirements which could becovered
byboththeTBTandtheSPSAgreements, should bepartofadescription oftheRussian Federation
sanitary andphytosanitary regime rather thantheTBT one.
Certain lawsandorders listed intheabove mentioned document, suchastheLawNo.4979-1
“OnVeterinary ”,probably initsintegrity, andtheFederal LawNo.157-FZ “OnState Regulation
ofForeign Trade Activity ”aswellastheLawNo.2060-1 “OnEnvironment Protection ”atleast
inpart, should beinfactcovered bytheSPSAgreement.
Inthelight oftheabove, could theRussian Federation clarify onwhich basis theabove were
included intheTBTregime andwhich parameters weretaken intoaccount todraw thelinebetween
thelaws andorders tobeclassified asTBT andtheones tobepossibly covered bytheSPS
Agreement?
Answer
Weagree thattheregulatory actsspecified inQuestion 8maybetter beclassified aspartof
thesanitary andphytosanitary regime rather thantheTBTregime.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Thelistoflawsinitially specified indocument WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5 covered alltechnical
barriers ingeneral, without anyspecific distinction between theagreements onTBTandSPS.
Question 9.
Article IIIoftheGATT (aswellasArticles 2.1and5.1.1 oftheTBT Agreement) prescribes in
general thatnolessfavourable treatment should beaccorded toimported products thantodomestic
likeproducts.
Wewelcome theconfirmation oftheRussian delegation attheWorking Party that the
above-mentioned principle wasrespected intheRussian Federation. However, wewould like
toknow whyspecific legislation wasadopted forimported goods (points 2and32ofSupplement
1,WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5). Wewould liketoknow ifforproducts covered byDecree No.799,
national manufacturers alsohavetosubmit onsitecertification oftheirproducts, thecertification
oftheir quality control system, marking procedure fortheir products andprecontractual
certification.
Answer
Thecertification rulesforfoodstuffs andalimentary rawmaterials include identical procedures
forconfirmation ofconformity withrespect tobothdomestic andimported products.
Russian Federation Government Resolution No.799“OnMeasures toProtect consumer Market
oftheRussian Federation fromLowQuality Imported Goods ”dated 12July1996wasissued toensure
compliance byRussian importers withthelawsoftheRussian Federation.
Question 10.
CanRussia provide anassurance thattaxes andcharges oftheCentral Government andofall
sub-federal governments oftheRussian Federation willbeinfullconformity withArticle IIIof
theGATT 1994 upon accession?
Answer
After theaccession toWTO, theRussian Federation willcomply withitsobligations under
theGATT 1994.
Question 11.
Wewould alsowelcome further clarifications onpoint 2,clause 20(WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5) which
states thatimported products canberestricted if:(i)they donotcomply with Russian
requirements; (ii)donothave acertificate; or(iii)areharmful consumer goods. Wedonot
understand whysuchadistinction ismade. Russian requirements should determine thenecessary
certificates andmarkings. Consequently, aproduct which respects Russian requirements should
innormal circumstances notbeharmful toconsumers.
Answer
Thefollowing clarification isprovided:
- restrictions willbeimposed ifnon-conformity ofanyproduct isdiscovered;WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page6
- restrictions willbeimposed ifaproduct issubject tomandatory certification butthere isno
confirmation ofthefactthatitdoessoconform;
- restrictions willbeimposed withrespect toanyproduct which meets conditions 1and2if,
however, anyfacts ofharm/damage caused toconsumers ortheenvironment are
revealed/identified.
Wedonotdistinguish between imported anddomestic foodstuffs; anyproduct must besafe
fortheconsumerandmeetmaximumpermissiblestandardsprescribedbytheRussianFederationMinistry
ofHealth forcontaminants.
Therequirements prescribed forimported products arethesame asthose fordomestic goods.
Question 12.
According toArticle 5.1.2 oftheTBT Agreement, conformity assessment procedures shall not
create unnecessary obstacles tointernational trade. This means thatconformity assessment
procedures shallnotbemore strict orapplied more strictly thannecessary togivetheimporting
Member adequate confidence thatproducts conform withtheapplicable technical regulation or
standards, taking intoaccount therisks non-conformity would create.
Answer
Theconformity assessment procedure intheGOST RCertification System hasbeenharmonized
withinternationalrulesandstandards.Foodstuffsandalimentaryrawmaterialsaresubjecttocertification
under thissystem.
Considering thesignificant influx oflow-quality imported goods, themeasures being taken
bytheRussian Federation are,intheopinion oftheRussian delegation, notstricter thannecessary.
Asmarket relationships develop, suchmeasures willbecome more routine andeasier.
Question 13.
Wewould liketohavefurther clarification ontheterm "lowquality goods" mentioned inDecree
No.799. Arethese products which donotfulfil Russian health andsecurity requirements, or
arethese lowquality goods asunderstood ingeneral? Iftheaccess totheRussian market for
products ofthefirstcategory should beprevented, thismustnotbenecessarily thecaseforproducts
ofthesecond category.
Answer
Theterm "low-quality goods" defines goods suchasthose which failtocomply withthe
mandatory standards established inRussia, including withrespect tosafety, orwhich arefalsified.
Question 14.
Item 7ofthisLawstates thatconstruction products andmedical equipment aresubmitted to
obligatory certification. Concerning medical equipment inparticular, wewould liketoknow
what typeofconformity assessment procedure applies. Medical equipment ranges from simple
bandages toX-ray machines. Theconformity assessment procedure should therefore beadapted
tothepotential health hazard oftheproduct inquestion.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page7
Answer
Theeffective procedure forassessing theconformity ofmedical equipment includes twostages:
registration withtheRussian Federation Ministry ofPublic Health andcertification withagencies
accredited bytheRussian Federation State Committee forStandards.
Theregistration includes technical andclinical testsaswellasahygienic evaluation.
Thecertification isconducted inorder toapprove thetypeofmeasuring instrument and/or
confirm conformity insafety terms.
Thestandards conformity withwhich istobecertified areharmonized withtheISOandIEC
standards, virtually infull,andtakeintoaccount thedegree ofpotential hazard associated withthe
useofsuchaproduct inmedical practice.
Therecommendation toconsider thepotential hazard ofmedical products inevaluating their
conformity, i.e.make thecomplexity oftheapplicable certification schemes dependent ontheproduct 's
riskgroup isabsolutely correct, andthisprovision willbeconsidered bytheRussian Federation State
Committee forStandards andtheRussian Federation Ministry ofPublic Health inimproving thesystem
ofmedical product admission totheRussian market.
Question 15.
Weconsider thatpre-market certification isanexcessive conformity assessment procedure for
mostcommon products. TheRussian authorities should relymore onmanufacturer 'sdeclaration
ofconformity, thisbeing coupled withareinforcement ofthemanufacturer 'sorimporter 'sliability.
Answer
TheRegulations onCertification ofFoodstuffs andAlimentary RawMaterials incorporate a
certification scheme based onthemanufacturer 'sdeclaration ofconformity. However, the
manufacturer/supplier should meettheminimum requirements tousethisscheme (thereputation of
themanufacturer resting uponanISOSeries 9000standard based quality assurance system implemented
bysuchmanufacturer).
Thelegislation effective todatedoesnotallow using themanufacturer 'sdeclaration asaform
ofcertifying conformity without anevaluation byacertification authority.
Question 16.
Point 31ofdocument WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5 (Decree No.799)foresees obligatory certification
forproducts oftextile andlight industry. Such ameasure would appear disproportionate for
thetypeofproducts listed. Wewould liketoknow if(andwhich) foreign certificates ofconformity
andmarks ofconformity arerecognised bytheRussian Federation.
Answer
Thecertificationsystemforhouseholdtextileandlightindustryproductsdevelopedinaccordance
with Russian Federation Government “OnMeasures toProtect Consumer Market ofthe
Russian Federation from LowQuality Imported Goods ”No.799asof1July1996, isdesigned to
protect Russian consumers andbywayofmandatory requirements, covers onlytheassessment of
formaldehyde content inproducts. Allother requirements arevoluntary.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Thecertification system fortextile andlightindustry products hasnotbeenintroduced asa
mandatory oneyet.Thespecific range ofproducts tobecertified iscurrently under review.
Foreigncertificatesormarksofconformityarenotyetrecognized.Thisissimilartothesituation
inEurope where theEuropean Communities have notyetaccepted Russian Federation marks of
conformity.
Question 17.
Weknow ofsome foreign conformity assessment bodies which certify fortheRussian market.
Isthere alistavailable andwhat arethecriteria which those bodies havetofulfil inorder tohave
their activities recognized bytheRussian authorities?
Answer
Thecertification authorities operating abroad areaccredited onthesamegrounds astheRussian
ones. Thelisthasbeenpublished, andsome oftheforeign conformity assessment bodies arealready
accredited: DINGOST TUF (Germany), SGS(Switzerland) andMertcontrol (Hungary).
Question 18.
Could Russia please provide detailed information ontheHologram Mark (Resolution 601),
including: (i)theexact procedure onhowtoacquire theholograms; (ii)from whom thehologram
canbeacquired; isitonlypossible topurchase itinRussia andonlyfrom thetwomonopoly
companies Spetznak andKodznak? ifthisisthecase, provide therationale behind thislimitation;
(iii)thecostofeachhologram; (iv)ifthesame ordifferent holograms willbeusedatthecentral
andregional levelrespectively; and(v)alistofproducts covered bythisrequirement.
Answer
Themanufacturer ofhologram marks willbedetermined onacompetitive basis; adetailed
procedure forhologram purchases willbedeveloped bytheendof1997 andwillbeintroduced ason
1January 1999.
Question 19.
Industry ’sexperience shows thatallother attempts tocontrol counterfeiting using thehologram
mark havefailed, partly duetothefactthatthemark itself isveryeasytofalsify. Could Russia
please explain onwhat grounds itbases itsbelief thatthisattempt willnotalsofailandwhat
measures arebeing taken toensure thatthisnewrequirement willbeasuccess.
Answer
Themodernmeansofmarkprotectionpermitustomakefalsificationofsuchmarksconsiderably
more difficult.
Question 20.
Willaproducer selling ontheRussian market havetoaffixboththehologram mark andthenormal
Mark ofConformity toaproduct, orisitenough tochose oneofthemarks? Inthelatter case,
what criteria shall beusedwhen deciding toaffix either ofthetwomarks?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page9
Answer
According toGovernment Resolution No.1193“OnAmending theDecision oftheGovernment
oftheRussian Federation No.601of17May1997 OntheLabelling ofGoods andProducts inthe
Territory oftheRussian Federation withCounterfeit proof Conformity Marks ”of19September 1997
labelling withcounterfeit-protected marks ofconformity ismade foralcoholic beverages (excluding
beer) andaudio-video products. Producers arenotobliged tolabelgoods andproducts withmarks
ofconformity ifthegoods havealready beenlabelled during manufacture.
2(a) Information regarding names ofpublications, ifany,onwork relating todraft technical
regulations orstandards andprocedures
Question 21.
Russia states thatdraft technical norms arepublished inthemonthly journal ofGOSSTANDART,
entitled Standards andQuality. These canbeexamined atthepremises oftheState Committee
oftheRussian Federation forStandardization, Metrology, andCertification.
Itisourunderstanding thatStandards andQuality contains information ondraft technical norms,
standards, andprocedures ofconformity assessment, butthatthepublication doesnotcontain
information ondraft technical regulations. These regulations arepublished onlyafter theyhave
beenadopted inRossiiskie Vesti. Information onproposed orfinaltechnical regulations forspecific
sectorsmaybepublishedinspecialistperiodicalsofindividualministries,suchasGosgortechnadzor
(mining, oilandgasequipment), Ministry ofCommunications, Ministry ofHealth.
HasRussia recently, ordoesRussia inthefuture plantomake Standards andQuality thesole
publication where draft technical regulations arepublished? Will thischange thetype of
information thatispublished inRossiiskie Vesti (e.g.willduplicate publication beeliminated)?
Answer
TheTBTAgreement doesnotspecifically provide forthepublication ofdrafttechnical norms,
standards andprocedures forconformity assessment inperiodicals. ThatiswhytheRussian delegation
hasnotstated thatalldraft technical norms arepublished inthe“Standards andQuality ”journal.
However, themostsignificant draftstandards andprocedures forconformity assessment arecurrently
published inthisjournal forthepurpose ofbroad discussion.
TheRussian Federation willpublish notices ofanytechnical norms proposed where there is
nocorresponding international standard orthecontents ofsuchtechnical norms arenotanalogous to
those ofthecorresponding international standard andwillprovide suchinformation attherequest of
member states (Sections 2.9and10.1.5 oftheTBTAgreement).
Seealsoanswer toQuestion 6herein.
Question 22.
Under current procedures, arepublic comments welcomed onthedraft standards andtechnical
regulations thatarepublished? Hasthisbeencommunicated togovernment agencies vialawor
administrative guidance? How much time dointerested persons have tocomment once the
regulations arepublished?WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Answer
Theterm"public comments" usedinthequestion ismostanalogous tothenotions "comment
onthedraftstandard/normative act"and"coordination" intheRussian practices ofstandardization
and,generally, rule-making.
Within theframework oftheseprocedures thepossibility (butnottheobligation) forareviewing
party toprepare itsproposals andcomments withappropriate supporting information isprovided. As
arule, these comments andproposals arereviewed onabilateral basis, i.e.bythedrafter ofthe
normative actandtheparty presenting itsproposals andcomments. Where different proposals are
received from several parties concerning thesame issue, amultilateral review willbeconducted on
thebasis ofasummary ofcomments.
There currently exists noofficial legaloradministrative procedure forsubmitting comments
(orasummary ofcomments) tothefederal administration, butiftheresolution ofdisputes (including
resolution ofdifferences between parties concerned) fallswithin theauthority ofacertain federal
administration,thedocumentation(comments,summariesofcomments)maybesubmittedtosuchagency.
Thedeadlines forsubmission ofcomments aresetatnolessthan3or4months afterthe
document isdelivered totheconcerned parties forreview.
2(f) Informationregardingmeasuresandarrangementstoensurethatnationalandsub-national
authorities preparing newtechnical regulations orsubstantial amendments toexisting ones,
provide early information ontheir proposals
Question 23.
Russia states thatGOSSTANDART isconcluding agreements which provide thatthebodies in
question “havetoinform domestic enterprises andorganizations, aswellascitizens oftheRussian
Federation andforeign users ofinformation about newtechnical rules orsignificant amendments
tothecurrent rules”.
What isthepurpose ofthese agreements? Willtheagreements stillbenecessary when Russia
becomes aWTO Member? (For example, would future legislation obviate theneed for
GOSSTANDART toconclude agreements inorder toensure thetimely receipt ofinformation?)
Answer
Theestablishment ofaWTO reference andinformation service intheRussian Federation in
accordance withtherequirements oftheTBT Agreement isbeing carried outthrough theFederal
Standards Foundation. TheFoundation 'sstructure includes organizations oftheRussian Federation
StateCommittee forStandards andthestandards information centres setupbyfederal executive bodies
oftheRussian Federation pursuant toRussian Federation Government Resolution No.100“On
Organization ofWork onStandardization, Unity ofMeasurements, Certification ofWorks andServices ”
dated 12February 1994.
Documents approved bythefederal executive bodies oftheRussian Federation aredelivered
totheirrespective standards information centres which process andofficially publish themandprovide
thenecessary information fortheusers concerned.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Agreements arebeing concluded withsuchfederal executive bodies oftheRussian Federation
inorder thatanintegrated service canaccumulate information onallstandards, normative legalacts
andtechnical regulations bothineffect andunder preparation.
After theRussian Federation accedes totheWTO, agovernmental actgoverning allprocedures
forthepreparationofrepliestorequestsofWTOMembercountrieswillbedeveloped.Afteritsapproval,
itwillbeconsidered whether theexisting Agreements should remain ineffect.
Question 24.
Please describe theagreements thatarebeing concluded. Isthere astandard format thatisbeing
used? Ifso,canyouprovide uswithacopy ofthatformat?
Answer
Astandard form ofAgreement isused. Itmaybeprovided onrequest.
Question 25.
With howmany organizations willGOSSTANDART conclude agreements? Canwehave alist
ofthose organizations?
Answer
Agreements willbeconcluded with18federal executive bodies oftheRussian Federation. The
listwillbeprovided induecourse.
Question 26.
What istheimpetus behind GOSSTANDART ’sefforts toconclude these agreements? Isthere
anaspect ofRussian national lawthatrequires thatsuchagreements beconcluded, orisRussia ’s
WTO accession effort thedriving force?
Answer
Inaccordance withArticle 10,Section 3oftheRussian Federation LawNo.5154-1 "On
Standardization"of10June1993,federalexecutivebodiesoftheRussianFederationwhichhaveadopted
normative documents concerning standardization within thescope oftheirauthority mustprovide users
withsuchdocuments anddescriptive information.
Question 27.
Under theterms ofthese agreements, atwhat point isthepublic notified about newrules or
amendments tocurrent rules? Areoriginating agencies required toaccept public comments and
takethem intoaccount before adopting afinal rule?
Answer
Under current Russian procedures, information onanyregulatory documents oramendments
mustbepublished bytheStandards Publishing House 3to4months aftertheiradoption. Thepublication
oftheannual planfornewstandards development isnowmade inthemonthly information index ofWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page12
statestandards. Anynatural orlegalperson maysubmit proposals orcomments concerning suchdraft
standards oramendments.
Question 28.
How farinadvance ofnotification dodrafts oftheproposed rulechanges exist?
Answer
Anotice ofanamendment toanormative actmust generally beprepared incasetheamendment
contains provisions which differ from prevailing international standards ineffect, thefollowing
alternatives arepossible:
- ifsuchdifferences areanticipated notice maybegiven promptly afteradecision toprepare
theamendment; or
- ifthedecision tointroduce suchdifferences tothenormative actismade during thepreparation
oftheamendment rather thananticipated notice mustbegiven promptly aftersuchdecision
ismade.
Concerning Supplement 1andSupplement 2(WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5)
Question 29.
No.1,items 1,2,3,clause 7:
Russia stated that“Products imported intotheterritory oftheRussian Federation must meet
technical, pharmacological, sanitary, veterinary, phytosanitary andecological standards and
requirements determined intheRussian Federation ”.
Willthisdetermination bemade inaccordance withinternational standards? Willthemethods
usedtodetermine ifaproduct isharmful ordefective beconsistent withtheSPSagreement?
Answer
Oneofthemostimportant aspect oftheactivities which areperformed toimprove theRussian
standards istheirharmonization with international norms, including agreater useofISOstandards
withrespect tothemethods foranalysing contaminants infoodstuffs.
Veterinary requirements forproducts imported intoRussia andmethods fordetermining their
harmful orunsound nature willbeestablished onthebasisthattheydonotcause damage tothehealth
ofRussian consumers oranimals through infectious diseases.
TheRussianphytosanitaryrequirementsareconsistentwiththerecommendationsoftheEuropean
Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) andFAO. Thephytosanitary inspection methods stipulated by
theSPSAgreement forthetransitional period willbeharmonized withtheFAO standards.
SeealsoWT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/6.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Question 30.
No.1,items 1,2,3,clause 7(lastsentence):
What arethe"established international andforeign practices" mentioned?
Answer
IntheRussian Federation, theconcept of"established international andforeign practices" is
associatedwiththeCodeofEstablishedPracticesonDevelopment,AdoptionandApplicationofStandards
provided inWTO 'sTBTAgreement.
Question 31.
No.1,part1,clause 8:
Participants ofobligatory certification aretheState Committee forStandards, other governmental
bodies ofadministration oftheRussian Federation thatareauthorized tocarry outjobsdealing
withobligatory certifications, certification bodies, testlaboratories (centres), producers (sellers,
executors) aswellascentral bodies ofcertification systems determined incaseofnecessity to
organize andcoordinate work incertification systems ofsimilar products.
Given thatwehave experienced some problems withtransparency onthisissue inthepast, we
would liketoknow precisely which governmental bodies areresponsible forwhich products and
what certification isrequired; whoaretheaccepted certification bodies andtestlaboratories;
thecriteria andprocedures bywhich they qualify ascompetent toperform theconformity
assessment procedure, etc.
Answer
Inaccordance withArticle 45oftheRussian Federation Law"OnProtection ofConsumer
Rights" of7February 1992, GOSSTANDART isdesignated asthenational certification authority of
theRussian Federation forallaspects ofmandatory certification.
Therequirements forauthorities andlaboratories areprescribed instandards which arefully
consistent withtherequirements ofISOstandards ofSeries EN45000. Theregistered systems of
mandatory certification onadiskette atalaterdate. Thiswillbesubmitted totheWTO Secretariat.
Inaccordance withResolution oftheGovernment No.1418 "OnLicensing ofCertain Types
ofActivities" dated 24December 1994, theRussian Federation Ministry ofHealth isresponsible for
certification ofmedicinal compounds.
Onlytheagencies oftheStatePlantQuarantine Service oftheRussian Federation areauthorized
tocarry outphytosanitary inspection andphytosanitary certification.
Question 32.
How doesRussia ensure thatcertification bodies arenotadding costs which could unnecessarily
burden trade without contributing toproduct integrity andthatdomestic products aresubject
tothesame certification requirements?WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Answer
Theprice ofcertification services offered byRussian authorities ismuch lower thanthose
prevailing.
Itismore appropriate toraiseaquestion about minimizing thecertification expenses which
mayresult inanincreased price ofaproduct. Thecertification rules forfoodstuffs andunprocessed
foodstuffs facilitate certification onthebases ofthemanufacturer 'sapplication-declaration (declaration
ofconformity); where appropriate, certification maybegranted togroups ofproducts. Clearer
specifications ininter-governmental agreements providing formutual recognition oflaboratory test
results bytheparties aswellaswider useofpre-contract certification willalsohelptoreduce costs.
Question 33.
Point No.3.
Wewould welcome information onthestate oftransposition ofinternational standards inthe
Russian Federation.
Answer
About 3,800 ISOandIECstandards havebeenadopted inRussia byusing the"cover" method,
i.e.assigninganationalidentificationsymbol,that,accordingtoRussianGovernmentestimates,accounts
forapproximately 33percentoftheinternational standards applied intheRussian Federation.
Currently, theStandardization Development project isbeing implemented. ThisProject calls
forasignificant acceleration ofharmonization Russian standards withinternational norms.
Forexample, currently 487international ISOstandards apply tofoodproducts, andmore than
100havebeenputintoeffect inRussia.
Question 34.
Point No.8.
What isunderstood bytheterm "Products (works, services)"? Does alistofproducts (works,
services) liable toobligatory certification exist?
Answer
Theterm"goods (works, services) ”asitusedintheRussian Federation isfullyidentical to
theterm"product, process, service" defined inISO/IEC Guide 2.
Thecurrent listofgoods (services) subject tomandatory certification hasbeenpublished in
thejournal “Standards andQuality ”No.7of1994, withtheamendments inNo.9of1997.
Theapproved listofgoods (services) bytheRussian Federation Government Resolution subject
tomandatory certification hasbeenpublished inthefollowing publications:
- the1997 Collection ofLegislation oftheRussian Federation No.33,Article 3899;
- theRussian Gazette No.161(1771) asof21August 1997;
- Standards andQuality No.9asof1997.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page15
Question 35.
Point No.12.
What isthe"international system ofcertification" mentioned?
Answer
Examples ofinternational certification systems are:systems forcertification ofelectronic
components, transport vehicles, weapons, etc.
Question 36.
Point No.14-Federal LawNo.15-FZ “OnCommunications ”,dated 16February 1995:
There isnospecific information inWT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5 onwhat mandatory certification
procedures apply tospecific products orproduct classes. Thus thestatement inpoint No.14
indicates thattelecommunications equipment issubject tomandatory certification:
"Allmeans ofcommunication usedintheinterconnected communication network ofthe
Russian Federation areliable toinspection (certification) forcorrespondence tofixed
standards, other norms andtechnical requirements. Communication services rendered
onthenetwork ingeneral usecanalsobeliable tocertification. Certification ofmeans
ofcommunication intheRussian Federation isconducted bythefederal body ofexecutive
power inthefieldofcommunication (atpresent theMinistry ofCommunication ofthe
Russian Federation) withthehelpofauthorized testcentres (labs) accredited inprescribed
order inthefederal bodies ofexecutive power inthefieldofstandardization, metrology
andcertification."
Please provide information regarding what hazards arecovered -safety, interoperability, etc.
-inthecertification process fortelecommunications equipment.
Answer
When certification testing oftelecommunications equipment iscarried out,compliance with
thefollowing testing criteria isconsidered:
- electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);
- functional characteristics;
- electrical safety; and
- equipmentmaintenance(confirmationofthebasiccharacteristicsoftheequipmentandavailability
ofadequate maintenance andservice).
Question 37.
Please provide information regarding whatprocedures willbeusedforcertification -typeapproval,
quality system verification, manufacturer self-declaration, etc.
Answer
Forthepurpose ofcertification testing oftelecommunications equipment, thetesting laboratory,
inconjunction withtheapplicant, prepares orclarifies anumber ofbasic documents:WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page16
- listofequipment submitted forcertification;
- communications flowscheme;
- decision oftheState Commission forRadio Frequencies (SCRF);
- listandschedule ofcertification testing activities;
- technical requirements;
- technical conditions; and
- programme andprocedure ofplant (orbench) andin-line tests.
Inpreparing these documents thefollowing normative framework must beconsidered:
- specifications oftheintegrated communications network (ICN);
- GOSTs andothernormative documents defining therequirements fortheequipment 'stechnical
characteristics andparameters;
- SCRF standards andother normative documents defining theElectro Magnetic Compatibility
(the“EMC”)specifications ofradio equipment;
- recommendations oftheInternational Telecommunications Union (IOU), ETSI standards;
- EMC specifications oftheRussian Federation State Committee forCommunications;
- certification testprogrammes; and
- certification testprocedures.
Theforegoing isestablished bytherelevant procedure formandatory certification ofproducts
andservices intheRussian Federation.
TheTelecommunications Certification System usesstandard approval aswellasquality system
verification attheinspection control level. Thenormative actsdonotprovide forcertification onthe
basis ofthemanufacturer 'sself-assessment.
Question 38.
Inaddition, Supplement 2inWT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5 contains noreference totheregulations
giving authority totheMinistry ofCommunications.
Weunderstand thatthisMinistry isresponsible forapproval forattachment tothenetwork, and
thatGOSSTANDART isapparently responsible forsafety -electrical, EMC -certification. Is
ourunderstanding correct?
Answer
Thelegislative actwhich authorizes intheRussian Federation State Committee for
Communications tocarry outcertification istheFederal LawNo.15-FZ "OnCommunications" of
February 16,1995, Article 16,aswellastheCertificate ofRegistration ofthe“Telecommunications ”
Certification System intheState Register dated 2November 1994.
Within the“Telecommunications ”Certification System, communications equipment iscertified
forconformity withtherequirements ofRussian communications networks, including safety andEMC
requirements, which certification issetoutunder theheading “Decision ofcertification authority ”in
allcertificates issued bytheRussian Federation State Committee forCommunications.
Concurrently, certification testing oftelecommunications equipment isconducted intesting
centres andlaboratories accredited byGOSSTANDART forsafety andEMC testing. Acertificate of
conformity fromGOSSTANDART iscurrently required onlywithrespect toterminal communicationsWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page17
equipment(intercomsystems,telephones,telephoneswithautomaticnumberidentification,faxmachines,
modems, auto-answering machines).
Question 39.
Supplement 2alsofailstoprovide details oncertification formedical devices. There isnoindication
ofriskassessment, identification ofdifferent classes, certification processes applicable inspecific
cases, etc.However, weareaware thattheMinistry ofHealth isresponsible forbiocompatibility
testing, certification, andregistration ofmedical devices, while GOSSTANDART isresponsible
for“safety ”certification. There isnoinformation astohowthese responsibilities aredivided,
andnowritten procedure forcertification (and registration) ofmedical devices thatwecould
identify.
Please provide uswithinformation regarding certification formedical devices.
Answer
Inthefirstquarter of1998, theRussian Federation Ministry ofHealth andGOSSTANDART
willprepare detailed information describing theprocedure forregistration andcertification ofmedical
products.
SeealsoAnswer 14herein.
Question 40.
Point No.18-Federal LawNo.153-FZ OnFederal Railway Transport, dated 25August 1995:
Russia states that“Saleofethyl alcohol fortheneeds ofthecorresponding subject ofthe
Russian Federation isallowed toorganizations which annual capacity interms ofabsolute alcohol
doesnotexceed 0.2million decalitres within thelimits ofamounts allocated tothegiven subject
oftheRussian Federation andwhich have certificates ofcorrespondence issued bylaboratories
ofthebodies ofsanitary andepidemiological inspection accredited bytheCommittee oftheRussian
Federation forStandardization, Metrology andCertification ”.
What arethecriteria forlaboratory accreditation? Can foreign-based entities apply for
accreditation? Areforeign accreditations recognized asequivalent?
Answer
Thecriteria forlaboratory accreditation withGOSSTANDART aresetoutinthestandards
GOST R51000.3-96 andGOST 51000.4-96. Foreign organizations mayapply forsuchaccreditation.
Aforeign accreditation maybedeclared equivalent.
Question 41.
Point No.22-Federal Law No.86-FZ OnState Control intheField ofGene- Engineering
Activities, dated 5July1996:
Russia explains that “products and services produced and rendered with theuseof
gene-engineered-modified organisms liable toobligatory certification inaccordance withfederal
lawsmust have thequality certificate andthecorrespondence signissued orrecognized bythe
authorized body”.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page18
What isthepurpose ofthecertification?
Answer
Thepurpose ofsuchcertification istoassess conformity withthesafety standards ofthefinished
products.
Question 42.
Please explain what ismeant by“thecorrespondence signissued orrecognized bytheauthorized
body”.
Answer
Amark ofconformity isadulyregistered mark which, under therules prescribed inagiven
certification system, confirms theconformity oftheproducts bearing themark withtheapplicable
requirements.
Therulesofapplication ofsuchmarks ofconformity aredetermined ineachareabyspecific
certification systems, i.e.bythedulyauthorized governmental agency, incompliance withtheRussian
legislative acts.
Question 43.
Point No.25-Federal LawNo.123-FZ OnPedigree Cattle-Breeding, dated 8August 1995:
Certification ofpedigree product (material) iscarried outbycorresponding bodies oftheState
pedigree service with participation ofthetesting stations ofcattle-breeding, hippodromes,
laboratories ofselection control ofquality ofmilk, wool and laboratories ofimmune-gene
examination.
What aretheimporting requirements ofthestate pedigree service forgenetics andarethey
consistent withtesting required ondomestic pedigree product?
Answer
Thecertification ofpedigree product iscarried outbytheRussian Federation Ministry of
Agriculture andFoodstuffs.
TheState Pedigree Service oftheRussian Federation oftheMinistry ofAgriculture and
Foodstuffs imposes thefollowing requirements onallimported pedigree material/products:
- theimported breed/cross must register withtheState Register forBreeding Achievements,
Permitted Use;
- apermit from thepatentee, ifany,must bepresented;
- quality mustbeconfirmed byacertificate from theexporting country andrecognized bythe
Department ofAnimal Breeding andPedigree Operations oftheRussian Federation ofthe
Ministry ofAgriculture andFoodstuffs; andWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page19
- animport permit must beobtained from theDepartment ofAnimal Breeding andPedigree
Operations oftheRussian Federation Ministry ofAgriculture andFoodstuffs (nofeesare
charged, thepermit iseffective asatthetimeofimportation ofthespecific shipment ofanimals).
Question 44.
Point No.29-Forest Code oftheRussian Federation No.22-FZ, dated 1January 1997:
TheRussian Forest Code oftheRussian Federation No.22-FZ states thatan,“obligatory
certification isenvisaged forstanding timber andsecond timber resources. Theobligatory
certification isorganized andconducted bythefederal body oftimber industry administration
intheorder fixed bytheGovernment oftheRussian Federation ”.
What isthenature andpurpose ofthecertification? How willitbeapplied toimported wood
products, ifatall?
Answer
Thepurpose ofintroducing mandatory certification ofstanding timber andsecondary forest
resources istoensure state regulation offorest resources inaccordance withArticle 71ofthe
Russian Federation Forest Code dated 29January 1997.
TheStateForestryAgencyiscurrentlydevelopingaMandatoryCertificationSystemforstanding
timber andsecondary forest resources which callsforassessing theconformity ofanysources offorest
resources withthestandards andother regulatory documents defining theterms andconditions ofsound
forest useinterms offorest ecosystems andrecovery ofwood andshrub vegetation afterfelling in
accordance withtheprinciple ofnon-exhaustive, continuous andsustainable forest useandpreservation
ofthebiological diversity associated withtheforest stock.
ThedraftofthesaidSystem doesnotcover imported forest products.
Question 45.
Point No.45-Regulations fortheMinistry ofForeign-Economic Relations andTrade ofthe
Russian Federation No.402,dated 7April 1997:
Decree No.402andDecree No.799(No.32,WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5) appear toaddress thesame
issue ofprotecting theconsumer market against penetration oflowquality imported goods.
HowisGovernment oftheRussian Federation Decree No.402(dated April 1997) different from
theGovernment Decree No.799(dated July1996)?
Answer
Russian Federation Government Resolution No.799"OnMeasures toProtect theConsumer
Market oftheRussian Federation Against Influx ofLow-Quality Imports" dated 12July1996, directed
theRussian Federation Committee forTrade anditssubdivisions toenhance statecontrols inorder
toprotect thedomestic market against influx oflow-quality imports.
Russian Federation Presidential Edict No.1177 "OntheStructure ofFederal Executive
Authorities"dated14August1996,dissolvedtheRussianFederationCommitteeforTradeandtransferred
itsfunctions totheRussian Ministry ofForeign Economic Relations.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page20
Russian Federation Government Resolution No.402"OnApproving theRegulations onthe
Russian Federation Ministry ofForeign Economic Relations andTrade" dated 7April 1997, directed
theRussian Federation Ministry ofForeign Economic Relations tocoordinate theactivities related
toconsumer market protection against low-quality imports andpreparation ofappropriate normative
acts(Sections 17and63).
Question 46.
InSupplement 2toWT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5, wecould findnoreference tolabelling regulations
recently putintoeffect.
This document should contain information onregulations covering labelling andmarking
requirements. There areindications thatthese regulations, nowbeing putintoeffect, arecausing
significant difficulty forimporters.
Answer
GOST R51074-97 isfullyconsistent withtherequirements oftheCodex Alimentarius standard
(General Standard ofPackaged Food Marking Code 1-1985, revised 1-1991, ECDirective 79/112),
therefore itsenactment should notcause anydifficulties forimporters.
SeealsoAnswer 6herein.
Question 47.
InSupplement 2toWT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5, Russia mentions theResolution ofGOSSTANDART
dated 25July1996 No.15,“OnAdoption ofAmendments No.1ofthe"Order ofCertification
ofProductsintheRussianFederation",Published:"RossiiskieVesti",No.147dated8August1996,
"Bulletin ofNormative ActsofFederal Bodies ofExecutive Power", No.51996 (included in
WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/5).
This document provides for10different certification schemes -including typeapproval and
suppliers declaration. However, there isnoindication ofwhen specific procedures apply. Another
partofthislegislation indicates thatthemanufacturer canrecommend aparticular certification
procedure totheresponsible certification body. Thefinal decision belongs tothecertification
entity andmay vary according towhether theapplicant isconsidered tobea“reputable ”
manufacturer.
Thus under thelaw,onemanufacturer ofasyringe maybeallowed toself-declare conformity
torequirements, while another (lessreputable) willberequired toundergo thirdparty certification,
forthesame product. Thispractice could easily beadministered inadiscriminatory manner.
How willRussia beabletomeet itsobligations toprovide non-discriminatory treatment?
Answer
Pending.
Question 48.
Would asupplier have togothrough acertification body tobeabletoprovide asupplier ’s
declaration? What incentive would acertification body havetoallow amanufacturer tousethis
option?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page21
Answer
Asupplier must gothrough acertification body toprovide adeclaration because product
conformity isestablished bymeans ofacertificate ofconformity.
Where acertificate isprovided onthebasis ofasupplier ’sdeclaration, thecertification body
maynevertheless investigate thesupplier inaccordance withthecertification arrangements.
Question 49.
CantheRussian Federation explain whyitrecognizes CEN standards asinternational standards
when Articles 3.2.2 and4.4.2 ofISOGuide 2clearly distinguishes international from regional
standards? Inthisregard, could theRussian Federation describe theextent ofitsparticipation
inthedevelopment ofCEN standards? IstheRussian Federation aCEN affiliated member and
isthere anybilateral agreement between GOSSTANDART andCEN which facilitates theadoption
ofCEN standards asnational standards oftheRussian Federation?
Answer
TheRussian Federation doesnotofficially recognize CENstandards asinternational standards.
TheRussian Federation doesnotparticipate inthedevelopment ofCEN standards norisit
aCEN member. There isnobilateral agreement between GOSSTANDART andCEN which would
promote theadoption ofCEN standards asnational standards fortheRussian Federation.
Question 50.
Arethere anyregional standards, aside from CEN standards, thattheRussian Federation
recognizes asinternational standards, andtowhat extent doestheRussian Federation participate
inthedevelopment ofsuchstandards?
Answer
TheRussianFederation,representedbyGOSSTANDART,isamemberoftheInterstateCouncil
forStandardization, Metrology andCertification recognized byISOasaregional standardization
organization.
ThestandardsoftheCouncilapplyintheRussianFederationasstatestandardsforRussiawithout
domestic ratification.
Question 51.
Itisourunderstanding thatatthebeginning ofthisyear, thatRussia either chaired orheldthe
secretariat ofatleast 7ISOtechnical committees and24ISOsub-committees andparticipated
asconvenors on13ISOworking groups. Within thelimit ofitsexisting resources, what isthe
current status ofRussia 'sparticipation onISOtechnical committees, sub-committees andworking
groups?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page22
Answer
TheRussian Federation continues tochair secretariats ofTC(technical committees) andPC
(subcommittees) ofISOandcurrently isthemember “P”ofapproximately 500TC(technical
committees), PC(subcommittees), WP(working parties) ofISO.
Question 52.
Could theRussian Federation describe thecurrent scope ofstandards activities andprocedures
ofsub-federal government bodies which areoutside ofthefederal jurisdiction ofGOSSTANDART?
What sectors ofactivity andspecific products aresubject totheregulatory authority oflocal
governments?
Answer
Nostandards aredeveloped bylocalauthorities intheRussian Federation.
Question 53.
What specific measures hastheRussian Federation undertaken toensure thatlocal government
andnon-government bodies comply withArticle 2oftheWTO Agreement onTechnical Barriers
toTrade?
Answer
Special measures arenotrequired because Statestandards areapplied throughout theterritory
oftheRussian Federation.
Question 54.
Itisourunderstanding thattheRussian Ministry ofConstruction plans tointroduce mandatory
standards forcertain construction materials andproducts sometime thissummer. What legitimate
objectives werethebasisforthisdecision, notwithstanding thatsuchproducts, which wereformerly
subject tovoluntary standards, hadtofullysatisfy prescribed national requirements forhygiene,
health, safety andfire? Hasalistsetting outproducts, thatwillbesubject tomandatory standards,
beenpublished? When istheeffective dateofthisnewregulation andwhat notice hasbeengiven?
Answer
TheFederal Law"OnProtection ofConsumer Rights" of7February 1992, provides thebasis
forintroducing mandatory certification ofbuilding materials, products andstructures inthe
Russian Federation.
Also, theRussian Federation Government, byitsResolution No.799"OnMeasures toProtect
theConsumer Market oftheRussian Federation against Influx ofLow-Quality Imported Materials",
dated 12July1996, directed theRussian Federation Ministry Construction of(GOSSTROY) toprepare
andimplement before 1January 1997, inconjunction withother agencies, mandatory certification of
materials, products andstructures forconstruction purposes which areimported into the
Russian Federation followed byinspection ofsuchproducts afterimportation.
Thelistofproducts subject tomandatory certification waspublished byRussian Federation
GovernmentResolutionNo.1013"OnApprovingtheListofProductsSubjecttoMandatoryCertificationWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page23
andtheListofWorksandServicesSubjecttoMandatoryCertification"dated13August1997.According
tothatlist,theRussian Federation State Committee forStandards, theRussian Federation State
Committee forConstruction andtheRussian Federation Ministry ofHealth will,intheimmediate future,
publish aspecific listsubject tomandatory certification.
Thislistwillbeimplemented6monthsafterthedateofpublicationofthesaidRussianFederation
GovernmentDecree(No.1013of13August1997)forRussianmanufacturersand1yearafterpublication
forforeign manufacturers.
Question 55.
Article 3oftheRussian Law No.5151-1 “OntheCertification ofProducts andServices ”of
10June 1993 stipulates thatifaninternational agreement towhich theRussian Federation isa
party establishes other rules thanthose setforth inRussian legislation oncertification, therules
oftheinternational agreement prevail. Itisourunderstanding thattheRussian Federation has
concluded andisintheprocess ofconcluding bilateral agreements involving conformity assessment
bodies incertain western andeastern European countries. What bilateral agreements havebeen
concluded andaretheypublished oravailable fortheinformation ofWTO Members?
Answer
Theagreements entered intowithCIS,Eastern European andWestern countries primarily set
outaframework andtheintention torecognize theresults oftestsconducted atmutually accredited
laboratories. There arecurrently nomutually accredited laboratories pursuant tobilateral partnership
andcooperation agreements.
Only theAgreement between theRussian Federation andEuropean Communities andtheir
Member States OnPartnership andCooperation, Article 60of24June1994, fallswithin thescope
ofArticle3ofFederalLawNo.5151-1"OnCertificationofProductsandServices"of10January1993.
Question 56.
What foreign testlaboratories, other thanSGS, havebeenaccredited byGOSSTANDART? Does
GOSSTANDART maintain offices andtestfacilities outside oftheRussian Federation?
Answer
GOSSTANDART hasalready accredited about 40testing laboratories intheCzech Republic,
Hungary, France, Canada, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Japan, theUnited States andCIScountries.
Thefollowing aretherepresentative offices ofGOSSTANDART:
- Information andCertification Centre ofCertification ofGosstandart, Prague;
- GOST-ASIA Products Office ofCertification, Singapore.
Question 57.
What partofGOSSTANDART 'selectronic database onRussian national standards isavailable
forsaleandwhat isitsprice? Itisourunderstanding thatthecomplete database willbeavailable
onCDROM bytheendof1997. What willbeitsprice?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page24
Answer
Starting inthe2ndQuarter of1998, theprices ofdocumentation inelectronic orpaper version
willbefixed atthesame level asinGermany, France, theUnited Kingdom, theUnited States and
other foreign countries. Theprices willbepublished monthly intheStandards Information Indexes.
Question 58.
Theprinciple ofequivalence isthebasic principle oftheSPSAgreement, which provides, inter
alia,forequivalence between inspection andcertification systems. What steps isRussia taking
toapply theprinciple ofequivalence toitsSPSsystem?
Answer
AllRussian sanitary andphytosanitary rules, standards andhygienic standards arebased on
theprinciple ofavoidance ofharm tohuman health andtakeintoaccount national andinternational
experience. Harmonization ofnational andinternational measures iscarried outbased onprinciple
ofequivalence.
TheRussian requirements andmeasures areidentical withrespect tobothdomestic andforeign
products, regardless ofthemanufacturer, exporter orimporter.
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 6herein.
Question 59.
What stepsisRussia taking tobring itsstandards system intolinewiththetransparency provisions
oftheSPSandTBT Agreements andtherequirements ofArticle XoftheGATT 1994?
Answer
Information onallstandards ineffect aswellasthose under development, andapplicable
procedures forconformity assessment willbedelivered totheSecretariat asprescribed intheTBT
andSPSAgreements.
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 6herein.
Question 60.
Does Russia have apreshipment arrangement forstandards withSGSoranyother body? If
so,wewould appreciate details ofanyarrangements.
Answer
TheRussian Federation hasnolegalrequirement forpre-shipment inspection forallimported
products. However, foreign suppliers mayenterintoanagreement withSGSforpre-shipment inspection
oftheirproducts iftheywish. Such anarrangement doesnotinvolve GOSSTANDARTWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page25
Question 61.
Arethere onlytwonon-Russian laboratories which have received accreditation forperforming
work fortheSanepidnazor certification? Could Russia provide details ofthemechanism for
laboratory accreditation?
Answer
Eleven foreign laboratories arecurrently accredited forcertification testing bythe
Russian Federation StateService ofSanitary andEpidemiological Supervision. Thedetailed procedure
forlaboratory accreditation issetoutinthedocument "Accreditation System forLaboratories/Centres
oftheStateSanitaryandEpidemiologicalServiceoftheRussianFederation"approvedbyJointResolution
No.13/11 oftheRussian Federation Chief StateSanitarian andGOSSTANDART dated 23June1997.
Question 62.
What isthebasis fortheapproval oflaboratories? Isthisthesame inRussia? What continuing
checks areused?
Answer
Based onapplications bylegal entities toGOSSTANDART andtheircompliance withthe
accreditation requirements inaccordance withGOST R51000.3-96 andGOST R51000.4-96, theSeries
EN45000 European standards, ISO/IEC, thedocuments oftheInternational Laboratory Accreditation
Conference (ILAC).
1. Inspection control:
- annual;
- unscheduled (ifnegative information isreceived); and
- testquality check (comparative tests).
2. Internal audit forcompliance withthelaboratory 'sownquality systems.
Selection foraccreditation ismade onthebasisofapplications frombothnational andforeign
laboratories. Accredited laboratories must beinspected atleastonceeachyear.
Question 63.
Cancertification onthebasis ofinternational standards andmethods beaccepted?
Answer
ProductsarecertifiedforconformitywithRussianstandardsandsafetynorms.Russianstandards
forinspection methods aregenerally consistent withinternational standards.
Question 64.
Isthere adefined mechanism thatdetermines thataparticular shipment ofaparticular product
willbetested foraparticular attribute?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page26
Answer
Yes, there is.Thecertification procedures foruniform product groups provides specific
requirements setoutinnormative documents.
Question 65.
Istheuseofmarks ofconformity obligatory?
Answer
Amark ofconformity ismandatorily applied topackage foodstuffs.
Question 66.
Aretheholographic marks ofconformity tobeapplied inaddition totheexisting marks of
conformity, oraretheyintended asreplacements totheexisting marks?
Answer
Seetheanswers toQuestion 18and20herein.
Question 67.
Russia 'stesting procedure foranthrax inimported wool, hides orskins hasasuccess ratethat
istoolowtojustify itsuseasaroutine monitoring toolfortrade flows. Itappears thatitisapplied
toevery consignment ofimported wool, hides andskins thatenters Russia 'scustoms territory.
Answer
TheRussian Veterinary Service currently recognizes guarantees ofstateveterinary bodies of
exporting countries, andrawmaterials originating fromslaughter houses arenotsubject toanyfurther
examination. Importation maybepermitted foranymaterials ofanimal origin (skins, wool, fur,down,
feathers, endocrine andintestinal materials, blood, bones andothermaterials) which, before importation
intoRussia, havebeenthoroughly examined forquality andsafety. Such examination isguaranteed
bythestateveterinary service oftheexporting country intheformofanentry inthecertificate attached
tothecargo, provided thattheareaofthecargo'sorigin issatisfactory withrespect toanthrax, etc.
Question 68.
IsRussia prepared toconsider recognition ofappropriate assurances issued byanaccredited body
inthesource country thattheproduct concerned isnotsourced from anthrax-infected animals
orareas.
Answer
Yes,Russia isready todoso.
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 67herein.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page27
Question 69.
Inanswers toquestions 41and250(WT/ACC/RUS/17), Russia states thatitcurrently recognizes
certificates ofconformity from countries withwhom Russia hasareciprocal agreement.
Once Russia accedes totheWTO, willitrecognize certificates from countries which areMembers
oftheWTO? Orwillitstillonlyrecognize certificates where there isaspecific reciprocal bilateral
agreement?
What arethecriteria andterms forentering intothese agreements?
Answer
Yes,itwill.Inparticular, Russia recognizes certificates ofallofthose countries thatguarantee
thecompliance withRussian veterinary requirements. Atpresent, Russia hasinitial pieces ofveterinary
certificates onalltypes ofstockraising cargoes withState veterinary services ofallbasic exporting
countries.
Question 70.
Intheanswer toquestion 244(WT/ACC/RUS/17), Russia states thatcomposition offoodstuffs
isdetermined bytraditional national cuisine andthisnecessitates establishing more stringent
requirements regarding thecontents ofundesirable ingredients incountries withdifferent dietary
preferences.
Theterm“undesirable ingredients ”appears torefer todietary preferences andnottoanyhealth,
safety ortechnical standards. Article 2.4oftheTBT Agreement doesnotjustify imposing such
restrictions forsuch reasons. What criteria areused todetermine what are“undesirable
ingredients ”?
Answer
IntheRussianFederation,theterm“undesirableingredients”meansharmfulsubstances,harmful
topeople ’slifeandhealth, asdetermined byMinistry ofHealth State standards andsanitary norms
andrules.
Preserving thetraditions andrecipes ofnational cuisine oftheRussian peoples willincrease
confidence insuchproducts thatwillpromote further salesofsuchproducts. Another variant ofmore
stringent requirements concerning "undesirable ingredients" deals withbabyanddietary foods where
theexclusion ofcertain formulas orstrictlimitations onsalt,sugar, sodium nitrite, etc.arereasonable.
Thequantity ofsuchproducts issmall inrelation totheaggregate andwillnothaveasignificant impact
onoverall product sales.
Insuchcases, restrictions cannot beconsidered astrade barriers.
Question 71.
Intheanswer toquestion 246(WT/ACC/RUS/17) onretaining pre-market certification, Russia
states thatinorder toremove technical barriers totrade, certification iscarried out,asarule,
before aproduct isintroduced tothemarket andduring itscirculation onthemarket.
Please explain howpre-market certification iscarried out.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page28
Answer
Pre-market certification ofimported products isconducted withrespect tolong-term contracts
ormajor wholesale purchases bysending representatives ofthecertifying authority tothe
manufacturer/supplier 'senterprise inlinewiththepractice inother international certification systems,
including those covering motor vehicles, electrical equipment, electronic equipment andelectronic
components, etc.
Question 72.
TheRussian Government issued aDecree on27December 1996 outlining rules forlabelling
imported foodproducts. These labelling requirements became mandatory on1May1997, although
theyareapparently notbeing enforced consistently. Foreign manufacturers andtheir importers
havefound itdifficult, ifnotimpossible, toobtain guidance onthespecific information thatmust
beprovided onlabels, when labels must beapplied (andthedistribution orattheretail level),
etc.
Three additional government decrees stipulating additional labelling requirements havebeenissued
since April, further complicating thesituation. Thefirst, dated 23April 1997, requires thatlabels
onfood additives andproducts containing these additives provide extensive information on
contraindications fordifferent diseases; thisdecree goesfarbeyond current international practice.
Thesecond, Resolution No.720“OntheApproval oftheListofDurable Goods, Including the
Components (Parts, Unites, Assemblies) Which Upon theExpiry ofaCertain Period MayBecome
Hazardous totheLifeandHealth oftheConsumer, Cause Damage tohisProperty ortothe
Environment andwhich Upon Expiry oftheApplication Time Shall beDeemed tobeUnfit to
beused fortheir Property Purpose ”,dated 16June 1997, requires thatalllisted products be
labelled withinformation regarding theirservice life(orlifespan). Thelistincludes toys,furniture,
household electronics, sporting goods, etc.Resolution No.1037 “OnMeasures Providing the
Availability ofInformation inRussian onNon-food Stuffs Imported intheTerritory oftheRussian
Federation ”,waspublished 15August 1997withaneffective dateof1July1998. Thelanguage
ofthisResolution mirrors thatofResolution No.1575“OntheApproval ofRegulations toEnsure
thePresenceonFoodProductstobeImportedintheRussianFederationofInformationinRussian”
of27December 1996, asamended, onfoodlabelling. Itmaypresent evenmore difficulties for
exporters because ofitsbroad coverage. Thecreation ofaState Standard establishing general
labelling requirements forallproduct covered willbeparticularly difficult.
There hasbeen much confusion surrounding recent Russian Government efforts toinstitute
mandatory labelling forimported foodproducts, however. Wewould liketowork withRussian
officials onthis,toensure thatmanufacturers andimporters have thenecessary information to
enable them tocomply withthelawinthisarea. Thisinformation isnotcurrently available.
Answer
Inaccordance with theRussian Federation "OnProtection ofConsumer Rights" of
7February 1992, theRussian Government adopted Resolutions No.1575 "OnApproval ofthe
Regulations Ensuring thePresence ofInformation inRussian onFoodstuffs Imported intotheRussian
Federation", dated 27December 1996; No.481"OnApproval oftheListofProduct Information Which
Shall Contain Contraindications forUsewithCertain Diseases", dated 23April 1997; andNo.720
"OnApprovaloftheListofDurableProducts,IncludingComponents(Parts,Units,Assemblies),Which,
ontheExpiration ofaSpecified Period, CanThreaten theLifeandHealth ofConsumers, Damage
Their Property ortheEnvironment andforWhich theManufacturer Must State Their Service LifeWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page29
andtheListofProducts Which Shall BeDeemed Unsuitable forTheir Intended Purpose upon the
Expiration ofTheir Shelf Life", dated 16June1997.
Pursuant tothoseResolutions, theStateStandard GOST R51074-97 "Food Products. Consumer
Information. General Requirements" hasbeenadopted inRussia.
ThisstandardisharmonizedwiththegeneralstandardofCodexAlimentarius11991forlabelling
ofpackaged foodstuffs andDirective 79/112/EEC "OnConvergence oftheMember Countries '
Legislation Concerning Labelling, Design andAdvertising ofFoodstuffs Intended forSaletoEnd
Consumers" dated 18December 1978.
SeealsoAnswers 6and46herein andalsoAnswer 73herein concerning purchasing the
GOST R51074-97.
Inaddition, information onapproving andimplementing thestandard above wasprovided in
aLetter ofGOSSTANDART oftheRussian Federation No.520-14/437 asof26August 1997. The
letter wassenttothetradeoffices oftheRussian Federation inforeign countries aswellastothetrade
offices offoreign countries inMoscow.
Question 73.
Weunderstand thatGOSSTANDART issued aState standard inAugust which stipulates labelling
requirements fordifferent types offoodstuffs. Canyouprovide acopy ofthisstandard?
Answer
GOST R51074-97 canbepurchased fromthe“INTERSTANDART ”Company (9Leninsky
Prospect, Moscow 117049, Russian Federation) orthe“Standarty ”store(8,Donskaya Street, Moscow
117961, Russian Federation).
Question 74.
Wewould appreciate itiftheRussian Government could make available assoonaspossible copies
ofalldocuments andstandards relating totheplanned implementation oflabelling requirements
forbothfoodandnon-food items. TheRussian Government should indicate itswillingness to
consider comments orsuggestions forrevision todraft standards relating tonon-food labelling,
toproblems similar tothose encountered inthefoodlabelling area.
Answer
Asconcerns foodlabelling, ananswer isgiven inQuestions 6,46and73herein.
Withrespect tonon-food products, therelevant standard willbeprepared bytheendof1997.
Question 75.
Inaddition, weunderstand thatatleasttwomore Government Decrees have been issued inthe
past three months stipulating additional labelling requirements covering health warnings
(contra-indications) forfoodstuffs andfoodadditives ontheonehand, andservice lifeinformation
forabroad range ofconsumer products ontheother hand.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page30
Both ofthese decrees were issued pursuant totheRussian Federation Law OnProtection of
Consumer Rights. Nospecific information hasbeenprovided astowhat health risks arebeing
addressed, however. CantheRussian Government provide information onthis?
Answer
Government Resolution No.720“OnApproval oftheListofDurable Products, Including
Components (Parts, Units, Assemblies), Which, ontheExpiration ofaSpecified Period, CanThreaten
theLifeandHealth ofConsumers, Damage Their Property ortheEnvironment andforWhich the
Manufacturer MustStateTheir Service LifeandtheListofProducts Which ShallBeDeemed Unsuitable
forTheir Intended Purpose upon theExpiration ofTheir Shelf Life" dated 16June1997 listed the
products forwhich anexpiry datemaybefixed bythemanufacturer. GOST R51074-97 defines the
procedure formaking suchinformation available totheconsumer onthelabel.
Asconcerns Government Resolution No.481“OntheApproval oftheListofGoods the
Information ofWhich Must Contain theContra-Indications fortheApplication forCertain Types of
Diseases ”dated 23April 1997, thecontra-indications fortheuseofcertain products withrespect to
certain diseases aretobedetermined bytheRussian Ministry ofHealth, andGOST R51074 requires
thateachfoodadditive bespecified byitsgroup name andindex from theInternational Numerical
System (INS) orEuropean Numerical System (E)ontheconsumer label.
Question 76.
What assurances canRussia givethatlabelling regulations willbetransparent andwillbeapplied
equally toimports anddomestically produced goods?
Answer
Seetheanswers toQuestions 6,46,73,74and75herein. These regulations equally apply
toRussian andimported products.
Thestandards aredescribed intheGOST forfoodlabelling andthestandard fornon-food
products arecurrently under development.
Question 77.
What assurances canRussia giveusthatmandatory labelling requirements willbeimposed only
totheextent necessary toensure consumers haveessential information andother legitimate policy
objects aremet?
Answer
Seetheanswer toQuestion 76herein.
Sanitary andPhytosanitary Measures (WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/6)
General
Question 78.
Could Russia provide anexhaustive listofregulations specifically related tosanitary and
phytosanitary measures which havebeenadopted sofar?Document WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/6 doesWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page31
notpresent aclear picture ofthecurrent situation. Has,forinstance, theRegulation No.5061-89
been adopted sofarandwhyistheGovernment Decision No.799onmeasures toprotect the
consumer market oftheRussian Federation from lowquality imported goods notmentioned in
thisdocument?
Answer
Theoverall listsandcollections ofallapplicable sanitary andphytosanitary normative acts,
including product quality andsafety requirements, areavailable inRussian andcanbeprovided upon
request.
Insubstitution ofpreviously applicable normative document 5061-89, Resolution No.27of
theRussian Federation State Committee forSanitary andEpidemiological Supervision dated
24October 1996 approved anewdocument, "Hygienic Requirements fortheQuality andSafety of
Alimentary RawMaterials andFoodstuffs. SanPiN 2.3.2.560-96" witheffect from1September 1997
fornewproducts under development andfrom 1March 1998 forproducts under manufacture and
introduction.Thisdocumentisinharmonywithinternationalstandardsandimposesidenticalrequirements
upon bothdomestic andimported products.
Themainpartofthedocuments specified above wasalready submitted totheWTO Secretariat.
Seedocuments L/7410/Add.1, WT/ACC/RUS/2/Add.1, WT/ACC/RUS/19/Add.1.
Question 79.
Could Russia ensure thatallsanitary andphytosanitary regulations which have been adopted
arepublished promptly insuchamanner astoenable interested Members tobecome acquainted
with them? Ifyes,could youenumerate thespecific publications where thisinformation is
provided?
Answer
Thetenregulatory documents arepublished inspecialized journals suchasVoprosy Pitaniya
(Nutrition Matters), Gigiyena ISanitariya (Hygiene andSanitation), Gigiyena Truda (Labour Hygiene),
Okhrana Truda ISotsialnoye Strakhovaniye (Labour Protection andSocial Insurance), Sotsialnaya
Zashchita (Social Protection), Toksikologichesky Vestnik (Toxicological Bulletin), etc.Inaddition,
allkeydocuments ineffect havebeenpublished ina7-volume collection. Aspecial information bulletin
oftheFederal Centre isexpected tobepublished inthefuture (seetheaddress oftheCentre inthe
answer toQuestion 82).
Several tensofthousands ofnormative andmethodological documents arecurrently applicable
withrespect toallaspects ofsanitary legislation, including product quality andsafety requirements.
Alldocuments arepublished andcanbepurchased from theFederal Centre ofSanitary and
Epidemiological Standardization, Hygienic Certification andExamination oftheRussian Federation
Ministry ofHeath.
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 78herein.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page32
Question 80.
When doesRussia intend toharmonize hersanitary orphytosanitary measures oninternational
standards, guidelines andrecommendations asmentioned under Article 3oftheSPSAgreement?
Could Russia provide usafirstschedule ofharmonization?
Answer
Therequirements ofallsanitary rules, norms andhygienic standards areintended toprotect
thehuman environment andpublic health intheRussian Federation andbased ontheresults oflong-term
research, practical application andinternational experience, undergo scientific examination before
approval and,inouropinion, donotcontradict theAgreement ontheApplication ofSanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures.
Question 81.
Asmentioned inAnnex BoftheAgreement ontheApplication ofSanitary andPhytosanitary
Measures, theRussian Federation willhave toensure thatoneenquiry point exists which is
responsible fortheprovision ofanswers toallreasonable questions from interested Members as
wellasfortheprovision ofrelevant documents. InJuly, theRussian delegation announced that
several enquiry points willbeimplemented nextyear. Could weobtain further clarification on
those centres andontheir geographical location?
Answer
Itisnowbeing considered whether itispossible fortheRussian Federation tohaveasingle
Inquiry Centre affiliated withGOSSTANDART which would beconcurrently responsible forboth
TBTandSPS-related issues. AllTBT-related matters andgeneral matters concerning SPScould be
handled byasingle centre ofGOSSTANDART while matters ofaspecial nature could beforwarded
tothespecialized inquiry centres oftheRussian Ministry ofHealth andtheRussian Ministry of
AgricultureandFoodstuffs.TheseinstitutionswouldthusformanintegralTBTandSPSinquiryservice.
Question 82.
WTO Governments arerequired tonotify other countries oftheir sanitary andphytosanitary
requirements which might restrict trade andtosetupenquiry points inorder torespond torequests
forgeneral, aswellas,specific information.
Aconstant andfrank communication ofinformation andexchange ofexperiences amongst WTO
Members provides agreater knowledge oftheMember 'slawmaking process andworking
procedures andatthesame time could bethebasis fornational standards andrelevant SPS
measures. Anincreased transparency would protect trading partners from protectionism through
unnecessary non-tariff barriers totrade.
Annex Bindicates thateachMember shallensure thatoneenquiry point exists andindicates the
purposes thereof.
TheRussian Federation indicated thatanenquiry point doesnotexistyetandtheyareinfavour
ofsetting upasingle enquiry point forbothTBTandtheSPSissues. Ifthatisthecase, weassume
thatthiswillbesetupoutside theMinistry ofAgriculture.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page33
Could Russia indicate which steps have been undertaken inthisrespect uptonowandprovide
information onthepossible structure andfunctioning?
Especially, ifasingle enquiry point exists howandonwhat basis therelevant requests would
behandled?
Answer
Asconcerns theestablishment ofasingle inquiry centre, thedecisions tobemade aredescribed
intheanswer toQuestion 81.TheMinistry ofHealth oftheRussian Federation hasitsCentre ofSanitary
andEpidemiological Standardization, Hygienic Certification andExamination at18-20 Vadkovsky
Pereulok, Moscow, whose duties include, inter alia,informational activities concerning sanitary
legislation.
Theinformation centre forphytosanitary measures willbelocated intheoffices oftheState
Plant Quarantine Inspectorate oftheRussian Federation, 3Orlikov Pereulok, Moscow.
Seealsodocument WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/6.
Question 83.
Could wealsoobtain more information ontherespective functions ofthefederal andregional
centres ofGossanepidnadzor (number, specific requirements andfunction)?
Answer
Detailed information ontherespective functions ofthefederal andregional centres ofsanitary
supervision issetforthintheRegulation “OntheRussian StateSanitary andEpidemiological Service ”
approved byResolution oftheGovernment No.625“OnAdoption ofResolution onSanitary-
Epidemiological Service oftheRussian Federation andResolution onStateSanitary-Epidemiological
Measurement”dated5June1994.Morethan2,300centresofstatesanitarysupervisioncurrentlyoperate
intherepublics, territories, regions, federal cities, autonomous regions, autonomous districts and
transport, ports ofentry (waterway andair)areas.
Question 84.
Thedialogue andcoordination within theCentral Government andregional bodies aswellas
non-governmental entities responsible fortheimplementation oftheSPSAgreement ’sprovisions
isoftheutmost importance. Members havetoensure thatmeasures aretaken inorder toprevent
thatlocal andregional governmental andnon-governmental bodies donotactinamanner
inconsistent withtheprovisions oftheAgreement.
Thisdelegation would likeinformation onsuchmeasures andontheorganisation andstructure
ofthebodies which, atdifferent levels, areresponsible fortheimplementation oftheAgreement ’s
requirements.
Answer
Inaccordance withtheRegulation “OnState Sanitary andEpidemiological Standardization ”
approved byResolution oftheGovernment No.625dated 5June 1994, uniform standards and
requirements areapplied intheRussian Federation thatmustensure uniform requirements atthefederal
andregional levels concerning public sanitary andepidemiological welfare.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page34
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 83herein.
InRussia, phytosanitary control isuniformly implemented bytheStatePlantQuarantine Service
oftheRussian Federation. Anyinfluence onitsactivities ormaking ofindependent decisions concerning
phytosanitary measures onthepartoflocal orregional government ornon-government bodies or
organizations isthereby excluded.
Question 85.
TheSPSAgreement encourages governments toestablish national SPSmeasures consistent with
internationalstandards,guidelinesorrecommendations,wheretheseexist.Measureswhichconform
tointernational texts shall bedeemed tobenecessary toprotect human, animal orplant lifeor
health andpresumed tobeconsistent withtherelevant provisions oftheSPSAgreement.
Members maychoose nottouseinternational texts ifthese donotmeet thelevel ofprotection
deemed tobenecessary andtheymayintroduce measures which result inahigher levelofprotection
thanwould beachieved bymeasures based ontherelevant international texts, ifthere isascientific
justification orasaconsequence ofthelevelofprotection Members determine tobeappropriate,
providing thatthese measures arenotinconsistent withtheprovisions oftheAgreement .
Anygovernment hastheright toestablish thelevelofprotection itdeems tobeappropriate, but
oneoftheaimsoftheAgreement istoensure thatthisright isnotusedforprotectionist purposes
andtherefore doesnotresult inunnecessary barriers totrade.
TheRussian Federation seems tobasetheirSPSmeasures oninternational textsandoninformation
provided bypartners. When alevelofprotection higher thantheoneprovided byinternational
texts isneeded itisnotclear which procedures areusedasbasis forsuchrules.
Could theRussian Federation clarify towhich extent international textsandscientific evidence,
political decisions, information given bytrading partners orelsetheneedtorespect certain local
and/or national traditions aretaken intoaccount inestablishing their measures?
Answer
Sanitary andphytosanitary measures inRussia aredeveloped onthebasisofnational research
inthisfieldusing theresearch results andpractical experience ofother countries related toplant
protection andphytosanitary measures, including applicable international documents, etc.
TheRussian party considers thattheexisting system ofsanitary andepidemiological
standardization doesnotcontain anyinconsistency withprovisions oftheSPSAgreement might result
intrade restrictions. However, some ofitselements need further improvement, including certain
organizational matters.
Seealsotheanswers toQuestions 58,78,80,100herein.
Question 86.
Ithasbeensaidthatspecific domestic products withpeculiar characteristic andgiven (low) hygiene
levelareallowed forconsumption nation-wide, inorder tofulfil certain customs andhabits. On
thecontrary, anhigher level ofprotection, andtherefore higher hygienical standards meeting
atleastinternational texts, arerequested tosimilar imported products. Thisappears todiscriminateWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page35
between domestic andimported products andtherefore tobeinbreach withboththeGATT 1994
andtheSPSAgreement ’sprovisions.
This delegation would liketohave clarification onthespecific item andtoknow howthe
Russian Federation would dealwiththeabove saidprovisions.
Answer
Thisunderstanding isincorrect. Low-quality goods arenotpermitted forsale.Inthisregard,
therequirements fordomestic andimported products areidentical intheRussian Federation.
1. Hygiene Certification ofimported food, etc.
Question 87.
Wehavealready mentioned during theWorking Party thatwedonotunderstand whythehygienic
requirements forthesafety ofdifferent products arealsopresented inasetofsanitary rules and
hygienic standards such asrequirements orvideo display units, personal computers andhand
tools. Moreover, wewould begrateful toobtain more information ontherealsignificance of
theterm "organizations ofwork".
Answer
Thehygienic safety requirements forcertain products relate tovarious factors harmful tohuman
health, suchasrelease ofpotentially hazardous chemical substances, electromagnetic radiation, noise,
vibration, ionizing radiation, illumination, etc.Theterm"organization ofwork" intheheadings of
anumber ofsuchdocuments refers toregulatory measures covering working conditions andworking
proceduresinrelationtopotentiallyhazardousequipmentormaterials.Suchmeasuresalsocoverhygienic
requirements andregular medical inspections.
Question 88.
Within thedraft paper provided bytheRussian Delegation titled “General Description ofSPS
Regime intheRussian Federation ”,Russia hasincluded papers from theMinistry ofHealth and
theDepartments ofPlant Quarantine andVeterinarian Services. Absent, however, isapaper
from GOSSTANDART.
Weappreciate thedraft paper provided bytheRussian Delegation titled “General Description
ofSPSRegime intheRussian Federation ”.However, wenotethatspecific GOSSTANDART
requirements fortheCertificate ofConformity aremissing.
Answer
Therules covering thecompletion ofsuch acertificate ofconformity aredescribed in
Amendment 1totheCertification Regulations "GOST RCertification System. Product Certification
Procedure" adopted byResolution No.18oftheState Committee forStandard, metrology and
Certification oftheRussian Federation “OnIntroducing Amendment No.1totheCertification Rules
“TheCertification System ofState Standards R.TheProcedure forCarrying OutCertification of
Products ”dated 12September 1996.
Theabove-mentioned document isavailable forconsultation intheWTO Secretariat (Accessions
Division, Room 1126).WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page36
Question 89.
Itappears thatthere hasbeenarecent change intherolethatSGShasbeenplaying intheissuance
ofcertifications ofproducts forexport toRussia thataresubject toRussian foodstandards.
Ourunderstanding isthattheentry offoodproducts intoRussia inaccordance withRussia food
standards requires three forms ofcertification, ifacertificate ofconformity from theRussian
Standards Organization (GOST) isnottobeobtained directly from GOST upon entry ofgoods
intoRussia. Thefirstisahygiene certificate, certifying thattheRussian standard hasbeenmet.
Thesecond isaveterinary certificate. Thethird istheGOST certificate issued bySGS(GOST 's
agent abroad), subject tohygiene andveterinary certification.
Could Russia provided fulldetails ofthelinkbetween theGOST certificate andtheSanepidnazor
hygiene certificate?
Answer
Thecertificate ofconformity isaconclusive document authorizing foodimports intoRussia;
however, itmayonlybeissued subject toapositive opinion ofthesanitary andveterinary authorities
expressed intheformofahygienic certificate andaveterinary certificate respectively. Each ofthese
documents hasitsownmeaning. Theveterinary certificate establishes thattheanimal product hasbeen
derived from healthy animals andthehygienic certificate setshygienic standards forthecontent of
harmful substances infoodstuffs based ontheformula ofanyspecific item. Certification forconformity
includes verification oftheproduct 'sconformity withtheinformation stated onitslabelandtestsfor
thesafety indicators prescribed bythestandards andhygienic/sanitary rules.
Question 90.
IsitthecasethatSGSisabletoissueGOSSTANDART certificates ofconformance foranyproducts
which areexported toRussia? Ifso,could Russia provide details ofthisarrangement andproducts
covered?
Answer
Certificates ofconformity areissued bySGSinaccordance withtheareaofitsaccreditation.
Thenecessary details canbeobtained from therelevant SGSbranch: 1,place DesAlpes, P/B2152
Geneva, Switzerland, Telephone (4122)7399409 andFax(4122)738 6753.
Question 91.
Apart fromSGS, arethere other non-Russian bodies which havesuchanarrangement withGOST?
Ifso,could Russia provide details ofthearrangements including product coverage andprocedures
followed?
Answer
These organizations include DIN-GOST-TEF (Berlin) andMertkontrol (Budapest) which are
accreditedascertificationbodiesandfollowthegeneralprocedureapplicabletootherRussianauthorities.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page37
Question 92.
CanSGSdecide whether ornottherequirements ofaSanepidnazor health certificate aremet
byaconsignment ofaproduct inthecountry from which theconsignment isexported toRussia?
Ifso,howdoesSGSdecide this,andforwhich products?
Answer
Inaccordance withthecurrent agreement oncooperation andinteraction withforeign research
institutes andstandardization organizations, SGStesting laboratories inIndia (Bombay andKochin),
Georges Simon (Brussels) andAgrilab (Antwerp) areentitled toexamine products tobeimported into
Russia forconformity withthesanitary andhygienic standards applying intheRussian Federation.
Theresults ofsuchexamination aretaken intoaccount bytherelevant statesanitary andepidemic
supervision services oftheRussian Federation inissuing hygienic certificates foranyproducts received.
Question 93.
What aretherequirements forahygiene certificate, including itsperiod ofvalidity?
Answer
Ahygienic certificate istobeissued ifthespecific product conforms totherelevant sanitary
andhygienic standards. Thetypical period ofvalidity ofahygienic certificate isthree years.
Question 94.
IsthereamechanismforacceptingforeignhealthcertificatesequivalenttotheSanepidnazorhygiene
certificate?
Answer
Such amechanism doesexist andisdescribed intheRegulation “OnIssue ofHygienic
CertificatesforProducts”approvedbyResolutionNo.1oftheStateCommitteeoftheRussianFederation
forSanitary andEpidemiological Supervision dated 5January 1993.
Question 95.
Weseektoclarify thecertification andtesting requirements forimported foodandtherelationship
between them. Itappears thataparticular product mayhavetobetested intwoormore different
laboratories tofulfil various requirements.
Answer
Hygienic certification ofimported foodstuffs is,asarule,implemented atthecontract execution
stage bytherelevant territorial agencies ofsanitary supervision. Thisshould takeintoaccount the
examination results ofanyforeign laboratories andresearch institutes accredited within thesystem
ofStatesanitary supervision oftheRussian Federation. Nocertification maybeconducted withrespect
toanyproducts accompanied withcertificates ofconformity issued bytheEuropean Certification Society
DIN-GOST-TEF Berlin-Brandenburg. Itshould benoted thatanyhygienic certificate issued byaState
sanitary andepidemiologic supervision agency withrespect toaspecific product iseffective throughout
theRussian Federation.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page38
Yes,aspecific product maybeinspected forconformity withvarious requirements bytwo
ormore different laboratories attheinstruction oftheCertification Centre inorder tospeed upthe
certification testsorwithrespect tospecific components, depending onthespecialization ofsuch
laboratories.
Question 96.
Weseekclarification astowhether sub-federal entities areinvolved incertification andtesting
activities.
Answer
EachRussianFederationregionalgovernmenthasseveralcertificationauthoritiesdulyaccredited
andresponsible forfoodstuff certification. Competent specialists ofother localorganizations maybe
employedwherethecertificationschemeincludesananalysisofconditionsofproductionforthepurposes
ofinspection control ^,etc.Inaddition, theRegulations onCertification ofFoodstuffs andAlimentary
RawMaterials provide fortheoption tousespecialists ofanumber ofterritorial agencies oftheMinistry
ofAgriculture andFoodstuffs oftheRussian Federation andtheState Committee forSanitary and
Epidemiological Supervision oftheRussian Federation asauthorized certification authority
representatives.
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 83herein.
Question 97.
Weunderstand thatforrawandprocessed food commodities, Russia 'sFood andAgriculture
Ministry maysetthelevelofprotection withtheuseofsanitary andphytosanitary measures for
imports. Wealsounderstand thatforthose commodities, quality, labelling andother standards
maybesetbyGOSSTANDART. Effectively, weunderstand thatthisrequires twolevels of
inspection forimports incustoms. Could Russia indicate ifitintends tosimplify itsimport
verification procedures forrawandprocessed foods? Arethere plans tomerge thestandard setting
body withtheinspection delivery body?
Answer
Normative documents aredeveloped bytheState Sanitary andEpidemiological Supervision
Service, Plant Quarantine Service andGOSSTANDART withtheparticipation ofspecialists ofcertain
agencies concerned, including theStateCustoms Committee. Therefore thereisnoneedfortwolevels
ofcustoms control overimports andamerger ofthecontrolling andsupervising bodies, instead, the
practices oftheirinteraction arebeing improved.
Nomerger ofthestandard setting andinspection delivery bodies iscurrently under discussion.
However, proposals havebeenprepared toimprove thecertification system, theirmainpurpose being
toeliminate functional redundancy.
TheRussian Government intends tosimplify alltypes ofprocedures butwishes toensure that
neither thehealth oftheRussian consumer noranimal health isendangered.
Itshould benoted thatphytosanitary control, byvirtue ofitsspecific nature, cannot becombined
withanyother typeofcontrol. Nophytosanitary measures areusedtorestrict imports. Simplification
ofphytosanitary control below thelevelrequired forphytosanitary status assessment anditscombination
withother types ofcontrol isnotenvisaged.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page39
Question 98.
Could theRussian Federation clarify thesignificance andthecontents ofthe“hygienic certificate ”
issued bythenational Ministry ofHealth andnecessary forcertain foodproducts, materials in
contact withfood, etc.,inorder tobegranted theaccess intheRussian Federation?
Istheabove-mentioned certificate issued attheexpense oftheMinistry ofHealth ordoesitrequire
additional costtobemetbytheexporting country?
Answer
Thehygienic certificate which isissued bytheState sanitary andepidemiologic supervisory
oftheRussian Federation (GOSSANEPIDNADZOR) isadocument confirming theexporter 'sright
tosupply acertain foodproducts ormaterials coming intocontact therewith totheRussian consumer
market. Incertain cases, thehygienic certificate setsspecific hygienic standards fortheproduct, unless
theyareprovided elsewhere. Theexpense ofobtaining suchcertificates isborne bytheexporting
country. Theperiod ofvalidity ofahygienic certificate istypically three years.
Question 99.
The“importation permits ”arementioned asessential inorder toimport certain products into
theRussian Federation. Could theRussia Federation givesome more information onthisissue
(e.g.validity, authority responsible, cost)?
Answer
OnlytheChief StateVeterinary Inspector oftheRussian Federation isentitled toissuepermits
forimportation ofanycargoes subject toveterinary control. Thetermofvalidity ofsuchimport permit
depends ontheterms andconditions ofthesalescontract between therelevant trade partners.
Theimportation intoRussia ofanyproducts subject tomandatory phytosanitary control
(quarantined products) according totherelevant listisonlypermissible under import quarantine permits
tobeissued bytheState Plant Quarantine Inspectorate oftheRussian Federation anditsregional
agencies.
Such import quarantine permits statethespecific requirements forphytosanitary conditions
ofquarantined products tobeimported anddetermine theterms andconditions oftheirimportation
anduse.Thisisthepractice ofmany countries around theworld. Thefeeforissue ofsuchpermits
isnegligible anddoesnotaffect theprice oftheproducts.
Question 100.
Could thisdelegation have some further details onthe“Medical andBiological Requirements
forQuality ofRaw Materials andFood inRussia ”,especially ontheextent towhich these
requirements aretaken intoaccount, asopposed tointernational texts, i.e.OIErecommendations,
inthenegotiations withtrading partners inorder todraft export certificates?
Answer
Currently the“Medical andBiological Requirements forQuality ofAlimentary RawMaterials
andFoodstuffs ”havebeensuperseded bythe"Hygienic Requirements fortheQuality andSafety of
Alimentary RawMaterials andFoodstuffs. SanPiN 2.3.2.560-96"WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page40
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 78herein.
Thisdocument determines therequirements forfoodproducts describing theirconsumption
properties andsafety tohuman health interms oforganoleptic, physio-chemical, microbiological,
parasitological andradiological indicators, thecontent ofpotentially hazardous chemical compounds
andbiological items andtheproduct 'snutritional value. Any products imported into the
Russian Federation should comply withtherequirements ofthesaidSanitary Regulations aswellas
withthesafety specifications determined forsuchproducts inthecountry oforigin thereof.
Thecurrent “Hygienic Requirements fortheQuality andSafety ofAlimentary RawMaterials
andFoodstuffs ”havebeenharmonized withtherequirements ofanalogous international documents
tothemaximum extent possible.
Question 101.
Towhich extent andbywhom inspections andcontrols arecarried outonbothliveanimals and
foodstuffs?
Answer
Statesupervision andcontrol aretheresponsibility oftheGOSSTANDART, theState Trade
Inspectorate,theStateSanitaryandEpidemiologicalService(GOSSANEPIDNADZOR),theStateService
ofVeterinary Supervision andtheDepartment ofAnimal Breeding andPedigree Operations ofthe
Ministry ofAgriculture andFoodstuffs oftheRussian Federation atborder checkpoints andatlocations
where cargoes arereceived within thescope oftheirrespective authority.
Labelling
Question 102.
Inaddition, specific GOSSTANDART requirements forGovernment Regulation No.1575dated
27December 1996(thelabelling law)were notincluded. When willRussia provide thisessential
information?
Answer
Seetheanswers toQuestions 6,46and73to76herein.
Question 103.
Atwhat point willthelabelling lawbeenforced?
Answer
GOST R51074-97 "Food Products. Consumer Information. General Requirements" applies
tobothRussian andforeign-made foodstuffs which aresoldwholesale andatretail intheterritory of
theRussian Federation.
Question 104.
What agency istheimplementing authority?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page41
Answer
Themanufacturer isresponsible forplacing information ontheconsumer labelinaccordance
withapplicable law;theGOSSTANDART isincharge ofState supervision.
Question 105.
What arethepenalties fornon-compliance?
Answer
Forfailure tocomply withanymandatory requirements ofstatestandards, including labelling,
theState supervisory bodies willimpose thefollowing measures inaccordance withapplicable law:
- prohibition onimport orsuspension ofsaleofproduct;
- penalty equal tothepriceoftheproduct, forviolation ofaprohibition onimport onembargo,
ortosuspension ofsaleoftheproduct.
2. Veterinary Control ofImportation ofLiveAnimals intotheTerritory ofRussia andof
Imported Products ofAnimal Origin
Question 106.
Asitwasagreed inother accession Working Parties, itcould beveryuseful tohaveasummarized
listortable withallproducts subject tosanitary andphytosanitary measures intheRussian
Federation; themeasures applied; abriefdescription oftheirjustification and,when appropriate,
theirrelation withthepresent international standards, guidelines andrecommendations developed
bytherelevant organizations (Codex Alimentarius Commission, theInternational Office of
Epizootics andtheInternational Plant Protection Convention).
Answer
Inaccordance withResolution No.1"OntheProcedure forIssuance ofHygienic Certificates
forProducts" dated 5January 1993, which isnowineffect, sanitary (hygienic) control shallapply
toallfoodstuffs, including babyandspecialized foods, foodadditives, biologically active nutritional
additives, new(unconventional) alimentary rawmaterials, materials coming intocontact withfoodstuffs
andarticles made therefrom andfoodproduction equipment
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 97herein.
Thelistofquarantined products subject tomandatory phytosanitary inspection cannot, due
toitsspecific nature, becombined withthelistofproducts subject toother types ofcontrol. Itexists
asaseparate listandisconsistent withtheinternational standards, recommendations oftheEuropean
Plant Protection Organization andtheFAO International Plant Protection Convention.
Question 107.
Could youplease provide more information ontherelationship and/or difference between the
"import permit" andthe"hygienic certificate" delivered bytheDepartment ofVeterinary Control?
Does the"import permit" operate asanimport licence?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page42
Answer
Veterinary permits fortheimport ofspecific types (shipments) ofanimal cargoes imported
intotheRussian Federation areissued bytheChief StateVeterinary Inspector oftheRussian Federation.
Theissuance ofhygienic certificates fallswithin theauthority oftheMinistry ofHealth ofthe
Russian Federation. Nopermit fortheimport ofanimal cargoes (products) constitutes animport licence.
Question 108.
Could youdescribe howtheborder SPSinspection isbeing performed? Areallshipments subject
toborder inspection orisitbeing done onarandom orsample basis?
Answer
Border sanitary andhygienic inspection iscarried outselectively byspecialists ofsanitary and
quarantine stations.
Allshipments ofcargoes which fallwithin theauthority ofthestateveterinary service aresubject
toborderveterinaryinspection.TheVeterinaryDepartmentoftheMinistryofAgricultureandFoodstuffs
isready toprovide adescription ofhowborder veterinary inspection isimplemented.
Primary phytosanitary inspection iscarried outusing scientifically based procedures bothat
checkpointsontheRussianborderandatcustomsclearancelocations.Mandatoryphytosanitaryinspection
applies toalltypes ofquarantined products, cargoes andmaterials according totherelevant list.Random
phytosanitary inspection maybecarried outwithrespect toanyproducts, cargoes, materials, packages
andvehicles irrespective oftheirpurpose.
Question 109.
Could youplease telluswhythere isaneedtoreplace theveterinary certificate withaveterinary
permit oncethegoods have crossed theborder? How doesthisprocedure work andhowmuch
timedoesthesubstitution ofcertificates take?
Answer
Theveterinary certificate oftheexporting country which accompanies thecargo should inall
cases bereplaced withaveterinary certificate oftheRussian Federation. Theexchange procedure is
caused bythefactthatallanimal cargoes within theRussian Federation andtheCIScountries must
betransported together withveterinary certificates executed inRussian. Transportation based on
documents issued byforeign veterinary authorities ispossible onlybefore customs clearance.
Thetimerequired forsubstitution ofcertificates willopened onthecircumstances ineachcase.
Question 110.
Onpage 3,wereadthat"...in caseofnon-compliance withveterinary requirements, thecargo
mayeither bedisinfected ordenied entry intoRussia". Wewould appreciate abrief description
oftheprocedure andtherationale behind it.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page43
Answer
Thisprocedure isimplemented onanadhocbasis, depending onthedegree ofbreach ofthe
veterinary requirements ortheestimated riskofimportation ofinfectious animal diseases intothe
Russian Federation, aswellasontheepizootic situation intheexporting country orthetypeofcargo.
Thisprocedure issetforthinResolution oftheGovernment oftheRussian Federation No.830“On
StateVeterinary Service oftheRussian Federation Intended toProtect Russian Territory Against the
Importation ofInfectious Animal Diseases fromForeign States ”dated 29October 1992which entitles
theborder veterinary authorities toissue binding instructions tothecargo owner inorder toremedy
anydiscoveredbreachoftheveterinaryregulations.Wheretheveterinarytermsandconditionsofsupplies
arebreached, theauthorities maydetain anyimports subject toinspection andsuspend orprohibit their
discharge, loading ortransit aswellasmake decisions concerning theprocedure forsaleordestruction
ofanyconfiscated cargoes, aswellastotakesamples ofanimal products forinspection andfurther
laboratory examination.
Question 111.
Could youplease inform us,inasummarized way, howtheriskassessment procedures arebeing
conducted orused?
Answer
TheVeterinary Department oftheMinistry ofAgriculture andFoodstuffs isresponsible for
riskassessment withrespect toalltypes ofanimal cargoes. Theprocedure forsuchassessment isbased
onanalysing theepizootic situation intheexporting country anditsveterinary support orexport control.
Question 112.
Wewould liketocome backtotheproposal ofestablishing, onaprovisional andvoluntary basis
andwithout anymandatory commitment totheWTO, aSPSfocal point andasystem of
consultation onnewSPSmeasures.
Answer
Theactivities necessary toestablish aWTO Inquiry Centre forsanitary andphytosanitary
problems arecurrently under way
Seealsotheanswers toQuestions 81and82herein.
Question 113.
Insome cases, upon agreement withtheexporting country, theDepartment ofVeterinary Control
sends itsexperts toaspecific country toperform checks ontheexisting veterinary, sanitary and
hygiene conditions. Could theRussian delegation present usexamples ofsuchagreements and
have suchpractices occurred sofar?
Answer
Notypeofpedigree animal maybeimported intoRussia unless Russian veterinarians have
visited theexporting country tosupervise theprocess ofquarantine. Thenecessity forthepresence
ofRussian veterinarians inexporting countries inorder tosupervise meatshipments depends onthe
epizootic situation intherelevant country, forinstance, veterinary inspection ofbeef inWT/ACC/RUS/23
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European Communities countries (epizootic situation withrespect toBSE) orporkinGermany, France
andHolland (with respect toKChS). Another alternative isperiodic jointinspections ofmeatfactories
(slaughter houses) followed byapproval oftheirlistsofslaughter houses approved forexport (poultry
slaughter houses intheUSA, swine slaughter houses intheUnited States, Canada, China, Vietnam)
intoRussia.
3. Control oftheimport ofplant products andother quarantine materials
Question 114.
Wenotethatinpapers from thePlant Quarantine andVeterinarian Departments thatimport
permits arerequired.
Why areimport permits required? Aretheyrequired forallcountries? What arethecriteria
forissuing animport permit?
Answer
Cargoes which aresubject tostate veterinary inspection should beimported intothe
Russian Federation inaccordance withArticle 14ofLawoftheRussian Federation No.4979-1 "On
Veterinary Medicine" dated 14May1993andResolution oftheGovernment oftheRussian Federation
No.830"OntheStateVeterinaryServiceoftheRussianFederationIntendedtoProtectRussianTerritory
against Importation ofInfectious Animal Diseases fromForeign States", i.e.onlyhealthy animals and
products derived fromhealthy animals fromforeign countries where thesituation withinfectious animal
diseases isfavourable maybeimported intotheRussian Federation, subject totherequirements of
theRussian veterinary legislation andtheterms andconditions ofanyinternational treaties towhich
theRussian Federation isaparty.
Thekeycriteria fortheissue ofanimport permit are:
- theexportingcountryisinafavourablesituationasregardsextremelyhazardousanimaldiseases,
andsatisfactory warranties withrespect tothequality andsafety ofanimal cargoes areinplace;
- therequirements oftheAnimal Health Code oftheInternational Office ofEpizootics (IOE)
should becomplied with;
- thecargoes subject toinspection should comply withtheRussian veterinary requirements at
thetimeoftheirimportation thatisconfirmed byacertificate inthegeneral form orinsuch
otherformasmaybeagreed between theVeterinary Department andthestateveterinary service
oftheexporting country ordetermined byanyagreements (conventions, treaties, protocols,
etc.)concluded onabilateral basisbetween thestateveterinary services ofRussia andforeign
states; and
- thecargoes subject toveterinary inspection mayonlybeimported pursuant toapermit issued
bytheChief State Veterinary Inspector oftheRussian Federation.
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 116herein.
Question 115.
Inthepaper titled “Veterinary control ofimportation ofliveanimals intotheterritory ofRussia
andofimported products ofanimal origin ”,paragraph 6,sentence 3,Russia states that“afterWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page45
thegoods havecrossed theborder, theveterinary certificate isreplaced withaveterinary permit
valid intheRussian Federation ”.
Please confirm thatreplacing theveterinary certificate withaveterinary permit isautomatic and
thatnoadditional requirements need bemettoobtain thepermit.
Answer
Seetheanswer toQuestion 109herein.
Question 116.
AccordingtotheRussianPlantQuarantineAuthority,importpermitsarenotrequiredforshipment
ofplants andplant products from CIScountries.
Thisappears tobeaviolation ofMFN treatment. Would Russia please explain howitjustifies
exempting some countries from astandards regulation required byother countries?
Answer
Noimport quarantine permits arerequired foranyproducts, cargoes ormaterials subject to
mandatory phytosanitary inspection which areimported from anyCIScountry pursuant tothePlant
Quarantine Cooperation Agreement signed between thegovernments oftheCIScountries inApril 1992.
Thisisduetothefactthatformerly theterritories ofthese countries constituted aunified territory of
theSoviet Union inwhich uniform phytosanitary regulations wereeffective. Naturally, cargoes were
transported within thatcountry without anyimport quarantine certificates onthebasisofphytosanitary
certificates. Thatprocedure didnotgrant MFN treatment toanySoviet Union republic, nordoesit
provide forsuchtreatment now. Thephytosanitary requirements forquarantined products imported
fromCIScountries areeffectively thesameasforsimilar products imported fromanyother countries.
Thepurpose ofimport quarantine permits isexplained intheanswer toQuestion 99.
Question 117.
Could Russia provide information onwhat department ororganization willperform therisk
analyses foreachmajor agriculture commodity areasuchasanimal health, plant protection and
foodtobeincompliance withtheAgreement ontheapplication ofsanitary andphytosanitary
measures?
Answer
Theassessment ofphytosanitary risksanddevelopment ofmeasures tomanage thesame are
theresponsibility oftheAll-Russian Plant Quarantine Research Institute (ARPQRI); and,withrespect
toalltypesofanimalcargoes,oftheVeterinaryDepartmentoftheMinistryofAgricultureandFoodstuffs
oftheRussian Federation.
Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs)
Question 118.
Weunderstand thatinthenewamendment tothePSAlawthatpassed firstreading intheDuma
inJune, theselection criteria have been changed. Among other things, weunderstand thatat
least50percentofaproject would havetobeRussian content tobeeligible forPSAprovisions.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page46
Thisappears tobeinconsistent withtheobligations thatRussia willhave toassume under the
TRIMs Agreement. Wewould therefore welcome anindication from theRussian delegation of
itsplans toensure thatthePSAlegislation anditsimplementation willbeTRIMs-consistent.
Answer
Seedocument WT/ACC/RUS/5/Add.1.
Government Procurement
Question 119.
Wewould welcome anupdate onthestatus ofthenewgovernment procurement lawwhich we
understand wastobepresented totheDuma inthefallof1997. Willthisnewlawsupersede
alltheprovisions oftheApril 1997 Presidential Decree onprocurement aswellasallprevious
Laws dealing withprocurement?
Concerning Presidential Decree No.305of8April 1997 andRegulations ontheOrganization
ofthePurchase ofGoods, Works andServices forState Needs:
Weareaware thatDecree No.305hasaninterim nature andwillbereplaced bytheSpecial Federal
LawonProcurement oncethisisadopted. Nevertheless, intheabsence ofadraft ofthenew
lawwhich could form thebasis offurther discussion, wewish toraise anumber ofquestions
relating toDecree No.305. Itisnoted thatanumber ofquestions mayarise asaresult ofa
misunderstanding oftheEnglish translation oftheDecree andaccompanying Regulations.
Answer
Thedraftofthelaw“OnStatePurchases ”,submitted fortheapproval totheStateDuma will
supersede allprovisions oftheRussian Federation Presidential Decree No.305“OnMeasurement
toPrevent Corruption andBudget Expenses Cutback inOrganization ofPurchase ofGoods ”dated
8April 1997. Asconcerns thebidding procedure, itwillalsosupersede allprior lawsrelevant to
procurement forstateneeds
Question 120.
ThetitleofDecree No.305enumerates asobjectives theprevention ofcorruption andthereduction
ofbudgetary expenses and,isassuch, directed attheprocuring entities, orcustomers. There
isnoobjective directed atthesupplier (likefreecompetition, equal opportunities ofbidders and
non-discriminatorytreatmentofsuppliers).DoesthenewLawonGovernmentProcurementaddress
theconcerns ofsuppliers too?Doesitmention non-discrimination andequal access togovernment
procurement opportunities asanobjective tothelaw?
Answer
TheRussian Presidential Decree andtheRegulations approved thereby provide forcompetition
andequal opportunities forthebidders. Subject toapplicable law,these documents prohibit the
establishment ofanycriteria, requirements orprocedures ofadiscriminatory nature.
TheRegulations ontheOrganization oftheProcurement ofGoods, Works andServices for
StateNeeds approved byRussian Federation Presidential Decree No.305“OnMeasurement toPrevent
Corruption andBudget Expenses Cutback inOrganization ofPurchase ofGoods ”dated 8April 1997WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page47
provide thatonlyRussian manufacturers (suppliers) willbeinvited tobidwhere products aretobe
procured tomaintain thenecessary levelofdefense capacity andsecurity oftheRussian Federation.
Inanyother case, aninvitation tobidshallnotbelimited toRussian suppliers.
Question 121.
Inwhich cases canthecustomer restrict theparticipation ofsuppliers inatender "...on theground
ofthecountry oftheir location..." according toparagraph 14(j) oftheRegulations?
Answer
Theparticipation ofsuppliers inabidding canberestricted byreason oftheircountry oflocation
pursuant toaninternational treaty. Inaddition, customers mayimpose suchrestrictions fortheneeds
ofnational defence ornational security pursuant toRussian legislation.
Thecustomer shallbarasupplier (contractor) from participation inprocurement procedures
ontheground oftheircountry oflocation onlyincases provided byfederal law.Inparticular, the
RussianGovernmentmayrestrictparticipationofforeignsuppliersdependingonthetermsandconditions
ofRussian suppliers 'access tothestateprocurement markets ofother countries.
Question 122.
Paragraph 17oftheRegulations mentions thepossibility forthecustomer toreject allapplications,
ifithaspreviously beenreserved inthetender. What procedure isapplicable after therejection
ofallapplications? Asitseems thatsuchrejection isnotsubject toappeal (paragraph 59(b) of
theRegulations), howisitensured thatthepossibility ofrejection ofalltenders isnotabused?
Answer
Thecustomer mayreject allapplications forparticipation inabidding (tender) if:
- thesupplierwhichhasappliedforparticipationinabidding(tender)failstomeetthequalification
requirements; or
- anyunfairactsareidentifiedonthepartofthesupplierorthesupplierhasintentionallysubmitted
anyuntrue information onitsqualifications.
Inturn, thesupplier maychallenge anyactswhich heconsiders unfair, inaccordance with
theCivilCode oftheRussian Federation, under theProcedure approved byPresidential Decree No.305
“OnMeasurement toPrevent Corruption andBudget Expenses Cutback inOrganization ofPurchase
ofGoods ”dated 8April 1997.
Ifthecustomer complies withthebidding documentation, thishelps toprevent abuse.
Question 123.
Inwhich circumstances canacustomer holdan"internal tender" limited toRussian suppliers,
according toparagraph 31oftheRegulations?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page48
Answer
Thecustomer mayholdaninternal bidding (tender) if:
- onlyRussian suppliers mayparticipate inprocurement activities inaccordance withRussian
legislation; or
- thecustomer believes thatonlyRussian suppliers willbeinterested inparticipation inbidding
(tender).
Question 124.
What kindofpreferences canbegranted (andcanbetaken intoaccount ascriteria) according
toparagraph 36(e) oftheRegulations?
Answer
Theentire answer should besuperseded asfollows:
Inaccordance withSection 36(e) ofDecree 305“OnMeasurement toPrevent Corruption and
Budget Expenses Cutback inOrganization ofPurchase ofGoods ”of8April 1997, thecriteria tobe
considered bythecustomer inidentifying thesuccessful bidshall bedetermined, including any
preferences granted andadditional factors (other thantheprice). These criteria, preferences andfactors
aredescribed indetail intheMethodological Recommendations (seeAnswer 133).
Question 125.
According toparagraph 42oftheRegulations, thetender commission evaluating thebidconsists
of3officials ofthecustomer andofrepresentatives ofthesupplier. How many representatives
dothesuppliers haveandhowaretheychosen (especially ifthere aremany more suppliers than
representatives)? Who chooses therepresentatives ofthecustomer: thecustomer itself orthe
supervising authority?
Answer
Thetender commission includes atleastthree officers ofthecustomer andrepresentatives of
thesuppliers.Thesupplierrepresentativesareincludedinthetendercommissionforsupervisorypurposes
withadeciding vote, thatiswhytheirnumber inthecommission should beatleasttwo,butnotin
excess of50percentofallcommission members. Thesuppliers electtheirrespective representatives
themselves.
Thenumber ofrepresentatives andparticipants inthebidding (tender) procedure whomonitor
compliance withthebidding procedure itself isunlimited.
Question 126.
According toparagraph 59(a) oftheRegulations, themethod ofplacement oforders isnotsubject
toappeal. Howisitthenensured thatthemethods areusedaccording totheregulations? Which
entity supervises thecorrect useofthedifferent methods?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page49
Answer
Themethod forplacement oforders forproduct procurement forstateneeds shallbedetermined
bythecustomer itself except asstipulated inSections 27and30oftheRegulations approved by
Russian Federation Presidential Decree No.305“OnMeasurement toPrevent Corruption andBudget
Expenses Cutback inOrganization ofPurchase ofGoods ”dated 8April 1997. Specific bidding methods
(provided intheRegulations) shallbeagreed uponwiththeRussian Federation Ministry ofEconomics
oritsauthorized territorial agency.
Question 127.
Itisourunderstanding thatDecree No.305supplements, rather thanreplaces, Law60-FZ of
13December 1994 andDecision No.594of26June 1995.
Please explain which piece oflegislation takes precedence intheevent ofconflicting provisions.
Answer
Decree No.305“OnMeasurement toPrevent Corruption andBudget Expenses Cutback in
Organization ofPurchase ofGoods ”of8April 1997, wasadopted, inparticular, pursuant toSection 5,
Article 3ofFederal Law No.60-FZ "On Product Supplies forFederal State Needs" dated
13December 1994 andgoverns theprocedural matters related tothemechanism forcompetitive
placement oforders forproduct purchases forstateneeds. Inthisregard, therearenoconflicts between
them.
Question 128.
TheRussian Federation continues towork actively towards theadoption ofafederal lawonthe
organisation oftenders forthepurchase ofgoods, works andservices forState needs.
What isthecurrent state ofplayregarding theadoption ofthislaw?
Please provide anindicative timetable foritsadoption andimplementation.
Answer
Starting in1997, thedraft lawhasbeen under consideration bytheState Duma ofthe
Russian Federation. On23October 1997, theStateDuma 'sCommittee forEconomic Policy decided
atitsmeeting tosubmit thedraftlawfordiscussion ataplenary meeting.
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 119herein.
Question 129.
Itisourunderstanding thatamore accurate English translation ofDecree No.305andthe
accompanying regulations hasbeen prepared.
Would itbepossible toreceive acopy ofthis?WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page50
Answer
Animproved translation ofthisDecree isavailable forconsultation intheWTO Secretariat
(Accessions Division, Room 1126).
Question 130.
Itisourunderstanding thattheDecree (andinduecourse theSpecial Federal Law) applies to
federal, regional, municipal andlocalauthorities, butnotState-owned enterprises which operate
according tomarket principles. Please confirm whether ornotthisunderstanding iscorrect.
Answer
Suchanunderstanding isnotaccurate. Theprovisions oftheDecree alsoapply toanycustomers
(including State-owned enterprises) which usetheproceeds ofthefederal budget, budgets oflocal
governments oftheRussian Federation, government non-budgetary funds andnon-budgetary funds
oflocalgovernments oftheRussian Federation granted asState support, including Stateguarantees.
Question 131.
Does theDecree apply alsotoutilities, forexample intheelectricity, transport (alltypes) and/or
telecommunications sectors? Ifnot,whynot?
Answer
Itapplies.
Seetheanswers toQuestions 130and137herein.
Question 132.
Point 6oftheDecree requires theGovernment tosubmit adraft decree tothepresent onthe
establishment ofthetitleSupplier ofProducts fortheState Needs ofRussia.
What isthestate ofplayonthisDecree?
What isitspurpose?
Would itbepossible toreceive acopy ofthisDecree?
Answer
ThisDecree (Presidential Edict No.630,dated 25June1997) isavailable forconsultation in
theWTO secretariat (Accessions Division, Room 1126).
Question 133.
Anumber oftheprovisions ofregulations accompanying Decree No.305seem torequire theneed
forimplementing guidelines orregulations tobepromulgated bytheMinistry ofEconomics (e.g.
provision 20).WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page51
Have these implementing guidelines beenadopted? Ifso,would itbepossible toreceive acopy
ofthem? Ifnot,what isthestateofplayregarding their adoption andtheindicative timetable?
Answer
Theimplementation ofanumber ofprovisions contained intheRegulations approved byDecree
No.305“OnMeasurement toPrevent Corruption andBudget Expenses Cutback inOrganization of
Purchase ofGoods ”of8April 1997, requires thatcertain directives anddecisions already adopted
bytheMinistry ofEconomics befulfilled. These directives arepresented intheMethodological
Recommendations fortheHolding ofAuctions andTenders which include allmodel (tender)
documentation.TheMethodologicalRecommendationswereapprovedbyOrderNo.317oftheMinistry
ofEconomics dated 30September 1997 andcanbesubmitted upon request.
Question 134.
Article 3seems toprovide forthepossibility ofpurchasing products without theuseofatender
procedure.
Under what circumstances would thispossibility beutilised?
Willthedetermination ofthecomposition andvolumes oftheproducts concerned bedetermined
onayearly basis?
How willtheGovernment decide which products andvolumes areinvolved?
Answer
Thelistandvolumes ofproducts being purchased forthestateneeds aredetermined bythe
Government oftheRussian Federation based onproposals oftheMinistry ofEconomics ofthe
Russian Federation.
Question 135.
Article 8provides forasystem ofpre-qualification ofsuppliers.
How areinvitations toparticipate inaqualification process made known, e.g.ispublication in
anamed gazette ornewspaper amandatory requirement?
Isuseofthequalification process limited tocertain prescribed circumstances (ifso,which), or
istheuseofthisprocess lefttotally tothediscretion of“customer ”?
Answer
Invitations toparticipate inthequalification process aredelivered toanyparties concerned
through themassmedia (bothprinted andelectronic). Their mandatory publication incentral (forfederal
needs) andregional/republic (fortheneeds oflocalgovernments oftheRussian Federation) periodicals
isprovided.
Thequalification procedure isdetermined bythecustomer inaccordance withtheRegulations
approved byDecree ofthePresident oftheRussian Federation No.305“OnMeasurement toPrevent
Corruption andBudget Expenses Cutback inOrganization ofPurchase ofGoods ”dated 8April 1997.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page52
Thequalification process isgoverned byrecommendations forholding auctions andtenders
adopted bytheMinistry ofEconomics oftheRussian Federation
Seealsoanswer toQuestion 133herein.
Question 136.
Please explain thepurpose ofArticle 12.
Answer
TheissueinArticle 12istheconfirmation ofthewinning bidder 'squalifications. Forinstance,
ifthere isasignificant timelagbetween thequalification process andthedetermination ofthetender
results, thecustomer maycheck whether thesupplier hasgonebankrupt oversuchperiod.
Aninaccuracy inthetextofArticle 12willbecorrected when finalizing thedraftlaw.
Question 137.
TheDecree introduces theconcept ofthresholds (setoutinterms ofamultiple oftheminimum
wage), forexample inArticle 14.
Where there isathreshold involved, howarecontracts valued todetermine whether ornotthey
fallabove orbelow thethreshold?
Answer
Thisamount doesnotconstitute arestriction assuchbutrepresents athreshold value upon
exceeding ofwhich thecustomer isobliged tomaintain bidding minutes (transcript) instead ofbrief
notes. Thisamount alsoinfluences thecustomer 'schoice ofthebidding method (seeSections 27and
29oftheDecree) andtheneedtoprovide anybidsecurity (seeSection 40oftheDecree).
Thismatter istobedetermined bythecustomer inthetender documentation based onthe
quantities andapplicable price oftheproduct.
Question 138.
Itisourunderstanding thatthe“customer ”andthewinning “supplier ”conclude a“State
contract ”.
Answer
Thatiscorrect.
Question 139.
What aretherules governing “State contracts ”?
Seeforexample Article 33(f) herein.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page53
Answer
Therulesarecontained intheCivil Code oftheRussian Federation, other federal lawsofthe
Russian Federation anddocuments adopted bytheMinistry ofEconomics oftheRussian Federation
arerelevant inthisrespect, inparticular seetheanswers toQuestions 127and133herein.
Question 140.
According toArticle 19“State contract must stipulate theright ofthecustomer tocancel the
contract onhisinitiative intheprocedure established bythelegislation oftheRussian Federation ”.
Under what circumstances might thisoccur?
Answer
Therightandcircumstances ofcontract termination bythecustomer onitsowninitiative are
determined bythecivilcode oftheRussian Federation (Articles 450,451). Forexample, when
sequestration ofthefederal budget occur, funds previously allocated forthecontract maynolonger
beavailable andthecontract must beterminated.
Question 141.
InArticle 20,information relating totheaward ofthecontract must bepublished nolaterthan
10daysafter the“summing upofitsresults ”.Isthisterm thesame asthedateoftheaward
ofthecontract?
Answer
No,itisnot.Thecontract istobeentered intowithin 20daysafterthedateofdetermination
ofthetender results.
Question 142.
Article 23requires thatthelanguage usedforthetender process isRussian. Please confirm our
understanding thattheSpecial Federal Law, onceadopted, willalsoprovide fortheuseofEnglish.
Willanyother languages bepermitted?
Answer
Russian istheofficial language ofRussia. Thecustomer mayissue documentation inseveral
languages which inallcases must include aRussian version.
Question 143.
Section IIoftheRegulations setoutthedifferent methods ofprocurement andtheconditions
oftheir application. Although formost methods ofprocurement there doesnotappear tobea
differentiationbetweenforeignanddomesticsuppliers,itisourunderstandingthatforeignsuppliers
remain largely excluded from theprocurement market asaresult ofthecontinuing existence of
the1994 Law. Furthermore, Article 31provides forthepossibility ofinternal bidding.
Article 30(c) provides forsingle source bidding “ifasingle supplier enjoys exclusive rights with
respect toaproduct andanequivalent substitute isnonexistent ”.Please provide examples of
suppliers whoenjoy suchexclusive rights.WT/ACC/RUS/23
Page54
Answer
Formostprocurement methods, nodifference ismade between foreign andRussian suppliers.
Seetheanswer toQuestion 121herein.
Aspecific example ofasingle source purchase isthepurchase ofcopyright-protected products.
Question 144.
Please explain thepurpose ofArticle 31.Under what circumstances would itbeused?
What isthelegislation referred toinsub-paragraph (a)ofArticle 31?
How doesacustomer decide whether onlyRussian suppliers willbeinterested inparticipating
inthetender (sub-paragraph (b))?
WillArticle 31,oranarticle withsimilar effect, bemaintained inthenewSpecial Federal Law
onProcurement?
Answer
TheRegulations ontheOrganization ofthePurchase ofGoods, Works andServices forState
Needs approved byDecree ofthePresident oftheRussian Federation No.305“OnMeasurement to
Prevent Corruption andBudget Expenses Cutback inOrganization ofPurchase ofGoods ”dated
8April 1997 stateasfollows:
Section 31.Thecustomer mayholdaninternal tender if:
(a) onlyRussian suppliers participate insuchprocurement activities inaccordance with
Russian law;
(b) thecustomer believes thatonlyRussian suppliers willbeinterested inparticipation
insuchtender.
ThereareseverallegislativeactswhichwouldapplyinthecontextofArticle31(a).Forexample,
Federal LawNo.53-FZ "OnPurchases andSupplies ofAgricultural Products, RawMaterials and
Foodstuffs" dated 2December 1994 andFederal LawNo.60-FZ "OnProduct Supplies forFederal
State Needs" dated 13December 1994 (asamended on19June1995 and17March 1997).
Seealsotheanswer toQuestion 145herein.
Question 145.
WillthenewSpecial Federal Lawcontinue todifferentiate between domestic (Russian) andforeign
suppliers? Ifso,inwhat respects?
Answer
Thedraftlawisunder review intheStateDuma oftheRussian Federation, andthisquestion
canonlybeanswered aftertheadoption ofthelaw.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Question 146.
Article 32requires publication ofinvitations totender intheprinted mass media.
Arecustomers required topublish inparticular journals ornewspaper, oristhislefttothe
discretion ofthecustomer itself?
Answer
There isnospecification astotheparticular journals ornewspapers inwhich publication is
totakeplace.
Question 147.
Article 33setsouttheinformation tobeprovided intheinvitation fortender, andArticle 36the
information tobeprovided inthebidding documents.
Point (d)ofArticle 33refers to“thecriteria andtheprocedure fortheevaluation ofthe
qualifications ofthesupplier ”.CanRussia confirm whether ornotthispoint covers alsothe
contract award criteria?
Answer
No,Article 33(d) doesnotcover contract award criteria.
Question 148.
Point (e)ofArticle 33refers tothepossibility ofrestricting applications toa“certain circle of
suppliers ”.Does thisrefer totheprocedures setoutinArticles 27and28(closed bidding), and
31(internal bidding)? Doesthetender notice havetoprovide thereasons whybidding isrestricted?
Which oftheprovisions ofeither Article 33or36requires thecustomer toindicate thetypeof
tender process being followed?
Answer
Point (e)ofArticle 33referred tothepossibility ofrestricting applications toa“certain circle
ofsuppliers ”anditrefers totherules defined inArticles 27,28and31.
- reasons forsuchalimited circle ofsuppliers must notbenoted ininvitation tothetender;
- Articles 33and36onlystateachoice oftender made bycustomer.
Question 149.
Point (s)appears torefer topossible offset requirements. Willoffsets bepermissible under the
newSpecial Federal Law?
Answer
Neither Sub-section (s)ofSection 36northeentire Regulations contain anyinformation on
thepossibility ofaset-off between thesupplier andthecustomer.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Question 150.
Point (v)ofArticle 36refers to“anyother requirements ”which might besetbythecustomer.
What circumstances doesthisprovision seektoaddress? HowwilltheRussian Federation ensure
thatthisprovision isnotabused?
Answer
Thisprovisions willnotbeabused because such"other requirements" mayonlybeimposed
bythecustomer inaccordance withRussian legislation andwiththenormative actsoftheMinistry
ofEconomics.
Question 151.
Article 38setsouttheprocedure forsubmitting tenders.
According toArticle 38theclosing dateforthesubmission oftenders isnolessthan45daysfrom
the“dayofissuance ofthebidding documents ”.Does thisterm refer tothedateofpublication
ofthetender notice inthemass media? Ifnot,what datedoesitrefer to?
Answer
Thedeadlineforbidsubmissionisfixednotbeforebutaftertheexpirationofnolessthan45days
afterthedateofissuance ofthetender documentation. Bythetimeofpublication oftheinvitation to
bidthecustomer must haveissued itsqualification andtender documentation.
Question 152.
Tenders mayonlybesubmitted inwriting inasealed envelope. Does thismean thatsubmission
oftenders byfax,telexorother electronic means isnotpermitted? Ifso,whynot? Isthere any
intention tochange thissituation inthenewSpecial Federal Law?
Answer
Thisprocedure isnecessitated bytherequirement thatsuchinformation should bemaintain
asconfidential untilthepublic announcement ofbidsoccur.
Question 153.
Section IVsetsouttheprocedures formethods ofprocurement other thanopen tendering.
Arethetwoclosed bidding processes referred toinArticles 55and56subject totherules of
Section IIIoftheRegulations?
Answer
Yes,theyare,except forthepublication oftheinvitation tobid.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Question 154.
Section Vsetsoutanappeals procedure.
WhydoesArticle 59notprovide thepossibility tochallenge thechoice ofmethod ofprocurement?
How would anaggrieved supplier goabout making suchachallenge?
What isthecomplaints procedure ifaState contract hasalready been concluded?
Answer
Thechoiceoftheprocurementmethodfallswithinthecustomer'sauthority,subjecttoapplicable
law.After thecontract isexecuted, allcomplaints should bemade through thearbitration court.
Question 155.
Under Article 61,does theMinistry ofEconomics have toprovide areason forrejecting a
complaint? Ifnot,whynot?
Answer
Thelastparagraph ofthesaidSection provides thattheMinistry ofEconomics ofthe
Russian Federation must, within 30days, render awritten justified decision concerning suchacomplaint
(including adecision denying thecomplaint).
Question 156.
Article 62deprives suppliers oftheright toafileacomplaint ifasimilar complaint hasalready
beenaddressed andtheaforementioned supplier hasnottaken partintheprocedure. Howdoes
theRussian Federation ensure thatallinterested suppliers aremade aware ofcomplaints filed,
sothattheycanassociate themselves withthecomplaint iftheysowishandnotlosetheir right
tofileafuture complaint?
Answer
Under PartVofDecree No.305“OnMeasurement toPrevent Corruption andBudget Expenses
Cutback inOrganization ofPurchase ofGoods ”of8April 1997, eachsupplier isentitled tofilea
complaint based ontheirowndetermination without regard totheactions ofother unrelated suppliers.
Expiry Dates/Service-life Markings
Question 157.
Weunderstand thatinJune theGovernment passed aResolution No.720 concerning the
requirement todisplay expiry dates oncertain foodstuffs andtodisplay service lifeonseveral
goods. Wewould welcome assurances thatnational treatment willapply andanyfurther details
youcanprovide withrespect toplace ofenforcement, andwhat limits ifanymight apply tothe
expiry dates andservice lifetimes, i.e.,istheproducer completely freetospecify these dates?
Wewould alsowelcome therationale forhaving aservice liferequirement forsome items, such
asfurniture, which weunderstand areincluded onthelist.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Answer
Under Russian Government Resolution No.720“OnApproval oftheListofDurable Products,
Including Components (Parts, Units, Assemblies), Which, ontheExpiration ofaSpecified Period,
CanThreaten theLifeandHealth ofConsumers, Damage Their Property ortheEnvironment andfor
Which theManufacturer MustStateTheir Service LifeandtheListofProducts Which ShallBeDeemed
Unsuitable forTheir Intended Purpose upon theExpiration ofTheir Shelf Life" of16June1997, a
listofdurable goods, which upon theexpiry ofadefined period, maycreate danger tothelifeand
health ofaconsumer, orotherwise cause damage toaconsumer ’sproperty ortheenvironment, including
home furnishings: sofas, couches, ottomans, chair-beds, mattresses, armoires, suites offurniture, or
setsoffurniture units.
TheUSSR Ministry ofForest Industry on14December 1987approved aprocedure, developed
byVNIPIEILESPROM, forforecasting furniture demands anddetermining theaverage service life
ofvarious types offurniture.
Thecriteria fordetermining theservice lifeoffurniture arethefollowing: termofdurability
ofmaterials utilized (glues, lacquers, plastic components, synthetic veneers) aswellasthefunctional
purpose, frequency ofmaintenance andconstruction features.
Onthebasis oftheabove mentioned criteria, thisprocedure establishes average service lives
forfurniture, forexample: dining tables -15years, writing tables -12years, containers forstorage
ofclothes -22years, andcontainers forstorage ofdishes -20years, etc.
Ingeneral,theaverageservicelifeoffurnitureisapproximately20years,andthereforefurniture
isincluded intheaforementioned Resolution.
Agriculture
Domestic Support Tables
Question 158.
Weunderstand thattheDuma recently overrode thePresidential vetoontheLawontheState
Regulation oftheAgro-Industrial Complex. Wewould welcome assurances from theRussian
delegation thatthisdevelopment willnotaffect Russia 'sability tofulfilthecommitments regarding
domestic support foragriculture andexport subsidies thatitwillbeassuming upon accession
totheWTO.
Answer
Pending.
Question 159.
Thebaseperiod usedtoestablish commitments willneedtobebased onarecent three yearperiod
which reflects current agricultural support programmes.
Answer
Pending.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Question 160.
Wewould appreciate fuller details concerning transport subsidies, toassess whether theyare
domestic orexport related.
Answer
Pending.
Question 161.
Russia hasindicated thatexpenditures forforest management andtheupkeep oftheforest rangers
service arecovered under "operating expenses" insupporting table DS:1. These expenditures
should notbeincluded asforestry isnotcovered bytheAgriculture Agreement.
Answer
Pending.
Question 162.
Russia hasincluded support forpedigree livestock breeding initsnon-product-specific AMS for
want ofbreakdown dataforspecific types oflivestock. Weconsider thatthisshould beclassified
under product-specific support regardless ofthetypes ofbreeding stock involved.
Answer
Pending.
Question 163.
Russia indicates thatthetaxbenefits were calculated onthebasis ofagricultural enterprises
compared withindustrial enterprises. Arethetaxbenefits directed onlytotheagriculture sector?
Answer
Pending.
Question 164.
Russia states thatelectric power allowances wereestimated onthebasis ofdifferences intherates
charged toagriculture andtoindustry. Wewould appreciate further details onthenature of
these allowances. Aretheydirected onlytotheagriculture sector?
Answer
Pending.
Question 165.
Forsupporting table DS:1, general services "themaintenance ofgovernment- funded institutions
(Ministry ofAgriculture andFood, Committee ontheFood Industry, Land Committee, StateWT/ACC/RUS/23
Page60
Grain Inspectorate, Maintenance ofRegional Institutions)", thefigures for1993 and1994 have
been amended. What isthebasis fortheamended figures?
Answer
Pending.
Question 166.
These programmes relate tomaintenance ofgovernment-funded institutions. What isthenature
ofthesupport andhowdoesitmeet thecriteria ofparagraph 2,Annex 2oftheAgriculture
Agreement?
Answer
Pending.
Question 167.
Given thatsub-federal authorities may have theauthority toprovide financial support to
agriculture, cantheRussian Federation Government ensure thatsub-federal authorities willnot
actinsuchawaythatRussia breaches itsWTO commitments?
Answer
Pending.
Question 168.
Russia hasstated intheanswer toQuestion 28ofWT/ACC/RUS/9/Add.1 thatthefunctions of
local authorities donotinclude (except insome cases) theregulation ofprices onagricultural
products andfood. Could Russia provide alistofsuchexceptions anddetails oflocalauthorities
regulations withregard totheexceptions?
Answer
Pending.
Question 169.
According toArticle 1(a)oftheAgreement onAgriculture “AMS”isthesupport provided for
anagricultural product infavour oftheproducers ofthebasic agricultural product or
non-product-specific support provided infavour ofagricultural producers ingeneral. Suchsupport
issubject toreduction unless thesupport respects thecriteria laiddown inAnnex 2tothe
Agreement.
Insupporting table DS:1 (green policies), theRussian authorities have listed “Upkeep ofsocial
infrastructure facilities (themaintenance ofhousing, schools, hospitals andother institutions,
theprovision ofpartial compensation forthecostoffuelforheating purposes) ”asanagricultural
support measure. Thisisassumed tomean thattheRussian authorities consider suchpayments
as“non-product-specific support infavour ofagricultural producers ingeneral.WT/ACC/RUS/23
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Could theRussian authorities explain howsimilar social infrastructure isfunded intowns and
cities andifsuchfunding isconsidered assupport toother sectors e.g.under theAgreement on
SubsidiesandCountervailingMeasures?Ifthefundingisnotconsideredassupporttoothersectors,
could theRussian authorities explain whythefunding istreated differently fortheagricultural
sector?
Answer
Pending.
Concerning answers toquestions indocument WT/ACC/RUS/17/Add.1
Question 170.
Question 192:DS:5 showed theprices atwhich products were procured forpublic stockholding.
Question 228:Eligible production isprocurement tomeet theState’sneeds. These purchases are
made byvarious organizations foravariety ofpurposes asdetermined bygovernmental agencies.
Question 230:Average prices atwhich products arepurchased bythegovernment were usedas
administrative prices foreachproduct. Applied administrative prices arebased onmarket prices
asbestdetermined bygovernmental agencies.
Insupporting table DS:1, theRussian authorities have described “Public stockholding forfood
security purposes asfollows: Expenses forestablishing federal andregional food stocks (the
provision ofgovernment budget loans tosetupfoodstocks tosupply areas intheFarNorth,
establish reserves, andmeet other state needs).
Could Russia explain whether thequantities ofeligible production intable DS:5 areused, totally
orpartly, tomeet thestate needs forwhich theexpenditure arelisted intable DS:1? (example:
In1993theeligible production forwheat intable DS:5 isindicated as15,085,000 t.Arethebuying
price, storage costs, distribution costs, transport cost,losses etc.ofthisquantity orapartthereof
captured bytheexpenditure listed inDS:1 i.e.for1993 thesumof23,201,080 mil.rubles).
Answer
Pending.
Question 171.
Could Russia explain theaimandthefunctioning oftheregime(s) withadministered prices, in
particular:
What istheaimoftheregime e.g.toensure availability forstateneeds, toensure farmers income,
toensure lowconsumer prices?
Which criteria areusedforfixing administered prices andwhofixes theprices?
AretheadministeredpricesidenticalforthewholeRussianFederationorareseveralpricesapplied?
When aretheprices fixed (e.gannually before theharvest, pluriannually) andinwhich legal
instrument aretheprices publicized?WT/ACC/RUS/23
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AretheRussian authorities obliged tobuyallproducts offered bythefarmers orarequantitative
limits applicable?
Arethefarmers obliged tosellproducts togovernmental agencies orcantheysellthewhole harvest
ontheopen market iftheysowish?
When aretheproducts released from stocks (according tothemarket situation, forspecific uses,
forobligatory export etc.)?
How aretheselling prices determined when theproducts arereleased from stocks?
Who determines theselling prices?
Answer
Pending.