"Thin" capitalisation (under-capitalisation): new rules Pepeliaev Group advises that on 29 January 2016 the State Duma adopted a federal law  which significantly changes the rules for taxing interest on debt obligations to related parties and/or on debt obligations raised with such parties involved (the so-called "thin" capitalisation, or "under-capitalisation" rules). The law also clarifies many issues which may arise in connection with law enforcement practice where these rules are applied.

The Government has approved three new priority development areas (PDA) Pepeliaev Group advises that on 28 January 2016 the Russian Government adopted a resolution to establish first priority development areas (PDAs) in monotowns in Russia and a new priority development area in the Far East.

Provisions have come into force amending legislation on limited liability companies and the registration of legal entities Law firm Pepeliaev Group advises that changes have been made to the procedure for transferring a membership interest in a limited liability company and to the list of transactions which need to be notarised. A notary will now be involved in a wider range of corporate procedures and transactions with membership interests in limited liability companies.

New departmental regulations concerning intellectual property Pepeliaev Group advises that the regulator Rospatent has prepared a large package of departmental regulations in terms of protecting intellectual property.

Software being classified as medical devices Pepeliaev Group advises that the Federal Service on Surveillance in Healthcare (known in Russia by the abbreviation 'Roszdravnadzor') has issued explanations concerning the registration of software as medical devices ('Explanations').

Special rules for conducting joint scheduled audits in relation to residents of priority development areas Pepeliaev Group advises that on 1 January 2016, special rules took effect for conducting joint scheduled audits in relation to residents of priority development areas in Russia.

A change in monetary and credit policy may serve as grounds for contractual terms and conditions to be reviewed Pepeliaev Group advises that the State Commercial Court for the city of Moscow has issued a notable decision in recognising a change in the monetary and credit policy carried out by financial authorities as grounds for the terms and conditions of a lease agreement to be reviewed.  

The media must disclose information regarding foreign financing: market players face new requirements Pepeliaev Group advises that the Russian Law "On the media" and the Russian Code of Administrative Offences have been amended with regard to the obligation of a media editorial office, broadcaster and publisher to notify the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (known by the Russian abbreviation 'Roskomnadzor') that they have received foreign funding.

The procedure has come into force for registering manufacturers' prices for medical devices that are implanted in a human organism Law firm Pepeliaev Group advises that rules have been established for the state regulation of prices for medical devices which have been included in the list of medical devices that are implanted in a human organism when medical care is provided under the state programme guaranteeing that free medical care will be provided to the public.

New rules for establishing which courts have jurisdiction of cases Law firm Pepeliaev Group advises that the approach has changed to establishing whether courts of general jurisdiction or state commercial courts should consider disputes regarding the prohibition on causing damage to the environment.

Government Imposes New Restrictions on Companies’ Information and Advertising Products Pepeliaev Group advises that, from 1 January 2016, restrictions will be imposed on the establishment of mass media entities by foreign entities and Russian companies with foreign membership.  

Joining the Federal Industrial Agreement for Textile, Consumer Goods and Porcelain and Earthenware Industries in Russia for the years 2015-2017 On the federal level , an Industry Agreement for Textile, Consumer Goods and Porcelain and Earthenware Companies for the period 2015-2017 has been adopted. This Agreement sets out additional obligations. The Agreement automatically covers companies from the relevant industries