Russian Federal Tax Service sent to subordinate tax bodies to use in their work a Ruling of the Supreme Court concerning signs of breaking down business for tax evasion purposes

Over the past few years there has been a significant increase in the number of microfinance organizations in Russia (MFO). Some organizations were aiming at generating high income on interest and penalties, other organizations (primarily retailers) regarded MFOs as an instrument to increase sales of their products. 

Federal Antitrust Service worked out a legal position under which even if parties entered into a distribution agreement, actions of a manufacturer can be recognized as violation of antirust legislation by performing coordination of business activity

Russian Supreme Court confirmed that bad faith of first and second tier contractors cannot serve as grounds for denying VAT deductions.

Focus on reduction of the court’s workload – new rules for examining disputes through arbitration

Restrictions provided by the law and a capability of the Bank of Russia to directly control many internal processes in rating agencies most likely will not suit foreign rating agencies.

2016 began for the pharmaceutical sector with introduction of new state support measures for Russian pharmaceutical companies and with additional requirements for pharmaceuticals produced by foreign companies

On December 29, 2015, Russia passed a piece of legislation according to which all disputes connected with corporate governance in a Russian company may only be submitted to an arbitration court (as opposed to the state commercial court), except for the following disputes: 

• Convening of general meetings of shareholders;
• All corporate disputes in respect of the companies with strategic importance;
• Buy-out of shares in joint stock companies;
• Expulsion of shareholders from the company. 

Draft law submitted to Russian Duma provides tougher measures to combat improper use of agricultural land

On February 15, 2016, Federal Law No.32-FZ became effective, specifying current legal regulations on taxation of profits of controlled foreign companies