Translation disclaimer: machine-assisted translation may contain inaccuracies. Always refer to the original source for authoritative text.
A bill to launch the National System for Confirming Anticipated Delivery of Goods (SPOT) [a proposed platform designed to verify and track goods imported into Russia from Eurasian Economic Union member states, aimed at reducing grey-market and counterfeit trade] was approved today at a meeting of the Government Commission on Legislative Activity (KZD) [a standing interagency body that reviews draft legislation before it is submitted to the State Duma]. The bill was prepared as part of the implementation of an action plan for whitening [formalizing and bringing into legal compliance] certain sectors of the economy.
The document establishes the legal framework governing the operation of the National System for Confirming Anticipated Delivery of Goods. Its purpose is to ensure transparent and effective regulation of imports from member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) [an economic union comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan], to strengthen tax discipline, and to prevent the illegal circulation of goods.
The SPOT system is aimed at creating equal competitive conditions for doing business. It will bring entrepreneurs operating in the "grey zone" into legitimate commercial circulation and reduce the volume of counterfeit goods on the market. Its introduction will also help improve the administration of indirect taxes within the EAEU.
Initially, SPOT will apply to goods imported into the Russian Federation from EAEU member states by road transport. It may subsequently be extended to other modes of transport by decision of the Government.
SPOT applies to all goods supplied to the Russian Federation from other EAEU member states under transactions concluded between importers and exporters. It does not apply to currency, securities, oil, electricity, goods transported by individuals for personal and household use, or similar categories.
For goods covered by SPOT, the following baseline instruments will be established:
- A pre-delivery document, completed by the Russian recipient (importer) of the goods. This is intended to prevent situations in which goods are received by entities that do not exist and/or have ceased operations, or that are not actually acquiring the goods and do not expect their delivery. - A security deposit, paid in an amount equal to the indirect taxes payable on the goods. This instrument applies primarily to taxpayers with low financial standing — such as shell companies, organizations with a short operating history and/or low volume of economic activity, and organizations that do not file financial reports.
The Federal Tax Service (FNS) [Russia's national tax authority] plays the central role in the operation of SPOT and serves as its operator.