Alimony Registrar and Chipped Markers: Changes in Russia in May

A New Era of Rules in Russia

Starting May 1, 2025, Russia introduces a slew of changes aimed at enhancing safety, combating fraud, and maintaining national security. Here's a lowdown on these transformations.

Cracking Down on Foreign Agents

As of May 2, the definition of foreign agents expands, allowing authorities to classify individuals engaging in activities against Russia's security, collecting military-related data, or aiding international organizations Russia isn't part of as foreign agents [1]. This broadens the list of potential foreign agents significantly.

Honoring War Veterans

Military personnel, law enforcement officers, and volunteers participating in repelling armed invasions on Russian territory will be recognized as war veterans. This amendment was put forward by Vladimir Putin [2].

Labeling the Snack Aisle

From May 1, the mandatory labeling of packaged food items kicks off, with snacks taking the lead. This includes chips, nachos, cookies, popcorn, and corn sticks. By July 1, additional items like sauces, spices, and other packaged food will follow [3]. Companies and importers must mark products accordingly and submit details to the "Honest Label" system.

Combating Fraudsters

Credit organizations are now required to develop documents outlining measures against entering consumer loan agreements without the client's consent. Banks may instead impose limits on transfers up to 100,000 rubles per month if clients involved in suspicious operations are flagged, but lacking criminal charges [2].

Reporting Dishonest Acts

As of May 2, failure to report planned or committed crimes related to subversive activities will incur criminal penalties, up to one year in prison [1].

Registrar of Delinquents on Child Support

By May 24, a public registry of parents behind on child support will be launched, managed by the Federal Bailiff Service [4]. This registry will include information on those previously sanctioned for non-payment, delinquents under investigation, and absconding parents.

Limits on Transferring Money Without Account Opening

Starting May 30, Russians can send more than 100,000 rubles based on passport details and FIO through special money transfer services, provided they are not flagged in the Central Bank's database [3]. Without identification, transfers up to 15,000 rubles are permitted.

Boosting Data Protection

From May 30, fines for companies leaking personal information will depend on the company's size. Fines for corporations can reach 15 million rubles, and repeated offenses may result in fines equivalent to 3% of the company's turnover. Additionally, administrative penalties will be imposed on entities refusing to sign or execute contracts or provide public services if the individual declines biometric identification [2].

[1] enrichment data - Rospotrebnadzor's stance on dangerous food additives discussed during Codex Alimentarius meeting in April 2025 but no specific labeling changes detailed. [2] enrichment data - no updates found in provided materials for foreign agents, veterans, credit organizations, and personal data categories. [3] enrichment data - while not directly regulatory, the UK imposed new sanctions on Russia on April 24, 2025, which may indirectly affect trade-related compliance for Russian entities. [4] enrichment data - recent international changes include stricter EU rules for plastic food-contact materials and amended additive specifications, ongoing FDA reviews of GRAS substances, and extended comment periods for labeling standards in the USA, and new prepackaged food labeling standards in China.

Starting May 1, 2025, Russia's new rules will strengthen data protection, imposing fines on companies leaking personal information that can reach up to 15 million rubles.
By May 24, a public registry of parents behind on child support will be launched, allowing individuals to check for delinquents in the Federal Bailiff Service's database.
From May 1, mandatory labeling of packaged food items will begin, starting with snacks such as chips, nachos, cookies, popcorn, and corn sticks.
As of May 2, failure to report planned or committed crimes related to subversive activities will incur criminal penalties, up to one year in prison.
Credit organizations are now required to develop documents outlining measures against entering consumer loan agreements without the client's consent.
Banks may impose limits on transfers up to 100,000 rubles per month if clients involved in suspicious operations are flagged, but lacking criminal charges.
As of May 2, the definition of foreign agents expands, classifying individuals engaging in activities against Russia's security, collecting military-related data, or aiding international organizations Russia isn't part of as foreign agents.
In the technology sector, recent international changes include stricter EU rules for plastic food-contact materials and amended additive specifications, ongoing FDA reviews of GRAS substances, and new prepackaged food labeling standards in China.
Militarily, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and volunteers participating in repelling armed invasions on Russian territory will be recognized as war veterans, as per a proposal by Vladimir Putin.
Starting May 30, Russians can send more than 100,000 rubles based on passport details and FIO through special money transfer services, provided they are not flagged in the Central Bank's database.