Larisa Vovkivskaya: the number of opened cases reduced twofold

In 2016 the “forth antimonopoly package” came into effect reducing burden upon business

Deputy Head of FAS Legal Department, Larisa Vovkivskaya, summed up the results of enforcement of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” at a Pravo.ru conference.

According to the representative of the antimonopoly body, the number of opened and investigated cases dropped down twofold. “It is a striking example of the changes introduced to the antimonopoly law”, said Larisa Vovkivskaya. “Also amendments to the Code on Administrative Violations enable to transfer some cases to a “fast track”, when consumer rights and interests must be promptly restored. Thus, the “forth antimonopoly package” that entered into force in 2016 reduced the burden upon the business community”. Larisa Vovkivskaya gave statistical data that proved the following: in 2015 FAS opened and investigated more than 9000 cases while in 2016 the figure was over 4000 cases.

The representative of the antimonopoly authority also discussed using the institution of warning. “Last year FAS issued more than 5000 warnings, 77% of which were executed. This factor has already led to reducing the number of opened cases”, continued Deputy Head of FAS Legal Department.

The next block of her presentation Larisa Vovkivskaya devoted to judicial practice. She pointed out that the amendments that came into force reduced the burden upon judicial system. For instance, collegial bodies were formed to review decisions and injunctions issued by regional FAS Offices. According to Deputy Head of FAS Legal Department, the Central FAS Office reversed or changed around 30% acts of regional antimonopoly bodies. “In-house appeal allows to elaborate unified practice of antimonopoly enforcement”, stated FAS representative.

Larisa Vovkivskaya added that in 2016 the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation had reviewed judicial practice of cases on competition protection which would facilitate a unified approach to many enforcement issues.

Finally, Larisa Vovkivskaya answered numerous questions and emphasized the importance of such events.