THE PRESIDENT OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION DURING HIS SPEECH AT SPIEF-21 INSTRUCTED THE FAS RUSSIA TO IMMEDIATELY PREPARE THE RELEVANT DRAFT LAW

The antimonopoly service is working systematically to reduce excessive control over small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

As part of the amendments to the "anti-cartel package", the FAS Russia took into account the proposals and comments of business. Thus, the provisions granting the antimonopoly service functions of law enforcement agencies were excluded. We are talking about seizures and requisitions of documents during inspections, transmission the results of operational-search activities to the antimonopoly service.

At the same time, all the instruments to increase the effectiveness of the existing FAS measures to combat cartels are preserved.

It should be noted that the "anti-cartel package" provides for an increase in the level of cartel income (from 50 to 100 million rubles), which could give rise to a criminal offense. It is thus proposed to significantly decriminalize the composition of the crime: now large cartels with an income exceeding 100 million rubles will be subject to the criminal prosecution.

In addition, the FAS Russia has submitted to the Government a draft law that provides for the possibility of small or medium-sized enterprises paying half of the amount of the imposed administrative fine, in case of holding a person administratively responsible for violations provided for in Part 1-4 of Article 14.32 of the Code of Administrative Offences of The Russian Federation (anti-competitive agreements) and upon the payment of an administrative fine no later than 20 days from the date of the decision on the imposition of an administrative fine.

"The FAS Russia is developing a long-term and clear procedure for market participants to exercise the powers of the service, to maintain a balance between producers and consumers. Our task is not to fine violators, but to prevent violations. We are moving away from the "ticket quota system". The main priorities of the antimonopoly service aim to promote the job creation, attract investment, and develop competition," said Maxim Shaskolsky, head of the FAS Russia.