International Agreements of Russia
Russia Ratifies Agreement with Congo on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments
Federal Law No. 191-FZ of 26 June 2026, "On Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Congo on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments"
The agreement, signed on 16 October 2025, establishes the parties' obligation to ensure the full protection and security of investments and investor income.
Russia ratified the agreement with the UAE on trade in services and investment, dated 7 August 2025
Federal Law No. 140-FZ of 25 May 2026, "On Ratification of the Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the United Arab Emirates"
The agreement enshrines free trade rules in services and investment, expands the basic commitments of both countries within the WTO, reduces regulatory barriers, and provides most-favored-nation treatment for businesses.
Russia ratified the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the UAE
Federal Law No. 133-FZ of 25 May 2026, "On Ratification of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and the United Arab Emirates, on the other hand"
The document provides for the introduction of customs preferences, including the reduction or complete elimination of duties on a wide range of goods, which will significantly increase mutual trade turnover.
Russia ratified the Agreement on the Fundamentals of Relations between the Russian Federation and the Togolese Republic
Federal Law No. 118-FZ of 2 May 2026, "On Ratification of the Agreement on the Fundamentals of Relations between the Russian Federation and the Togolese Republic"
The agreement on the development of mutually beneficial cooperation was signed in Moscow on 19 November 2025.
Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation: The Government of the Republic of Finland completely suspends the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Finland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income dated 4 May 1996
Information from the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation on economic partnership regarding the complete suspension by the Government of the Republic of Finland of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Finland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income dated 4 May 1996.
In accordance with Note No. VN/1187/2026-UM-10 of the Embassy of the Republic of Finland in Moscow dated 13 March 2026, the agreement with respect to Finland is suspended effective 1 July 2026.
The Agreement Between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the Procedure for the Mutual Enforcement of Court Decisions of the Courts of the Russian Federation and the Courts of the Republic of Belarus, Signed in Moscow on 18 December 2024 Ratified.
Federal Law No. 56-FZ of 23 March 2026, "On Ratification of the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the Procedure for the Mutual Enforcement of Court Decisions of the Courts of the Russian Federation and the Courts of the Republic of Belarus"
According to the agreement, court decisions issued by competent courts of one party do not require a special recognition procedure and are enforced in the territory of the other party in the same manner as court decisions issued in the territory of the other party, based on writs of execution issued by the competent courts of the party in whose territory the court decisions were issued.
This Agreement applies to court decisions rendered in civil cases and criminal cases in which civil claims are made that require the debtor to pay the claimant monetary funds, including state fees, other legal costs, and procedural expenses.
This Agreement does not apply to court decisions rendered in cases arising from administrative-legal relations, cases concerning the collection of alimony, court decisions rendered by arbitrazh courts of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation (in cases considered by it in arbitrazh proceedings), and economic courts of the Republic of Belarus, as well as court decisions insofar as they provide for the collection of monetary funds from the Russian Federation, its constituent entities or municipalities, or from the Republic of Belarus or its administrative-territorial units.
The Agreement also does not apply to court orders that, in addition to the debtor's obligation to pay monetary compensation to the creditor, provide for the satisfaction of non-monetary claims.
Regulation of activities related to water transport
Updated Rules for the Towing of Vessels and Floating Objects on Inland Waterways of the Russian Federation will come into effect on 1 September 2026
Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated 8 May 2026, No. 210 "On Approval of the Rules for the Towing of Vessels and Floating Objects on Inland Water Transport of the Russian Federation" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on June 2, 2026, No. 86830)
These rules establish the procedure for presenting and accepting vessels and floating objects for towing, the procedure for completing the consignment note, waybill, and receipt for the acceptance of the vessel and floating object for towing, and the procedure for delivering the towed vessel and floating object at the port (point) of destination.
Effective 1 September 2026, the Procedure for Granting the Right to a Vessel's Captain to Navigate Without a Pilot in Areas of Compulsory Pilotage of Vessels Updated
Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated May 7, 2026, No. 203 "On Establishing the Procedure for Granting the Right to a Vessel's Captain to Navigate Without a Pilot in Areas of Compulsory Pilotage of Vessels" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on June 2, 2026, No. 86829)
The List of Violations of Mandatory Requirements Serving as Grounds for the Temporary Detention of a Vessel or Floating Object Updated
Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated 07 May 2026 No. 206 "On Establishing the List of Violations of Mandatory Requirements Serving as Grounds for the Temporary Detention of a Vessel or Floating Object, and the Maximum Time Limits for Such Detention" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on 02.06.2026 No. 86828)
The following violations serve as grounds for temporary detention of a vessel or floating object:
The maximum period for temporary detention of a vessel or floating object is until the violations of mandatory requirements that serve as grounds for temporary detention of the vessel or floating object are rectified, but no more than 30 calendar days from the date of temporary detention of the vessel or floating object.
This order shall enter into force on 1 September 2026, and remain in effect until 1 September 2032.
Effective 1 September 2026, the Procedure for Conducting Inspections of Small Vessels Subject to State Registration in the Small Vessel Register Established
Order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia dated 23 April 2026, No. 303 "On Approval of the Procedure for Conducting Inspections of Small Vessels Subject to State Registration in the Small Vessel Register" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia) (May 29, 2026, No. 86749)
The inspection is carried out by the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia upon application by the owner or proprietor of the small vessel or their representative, regardless of the applicant's registered address of residence (stay).
The inspection is carried out by an official regardless of the small vessel's technical condition, its completeness with equipment, and individual life-saving equipment.
During the inspection, the small vessel is classified (at the operational stage), and, based on the results, one of the navigation area complexity categories is assigned.
The Procedure for Cabotage and other Activities in the Internal Maritime Waters and Territorial Sea of the Russian Federation, in the Exclusive Economic Zone, and on the Continental Shelf of the Russian Federation Using Vessels Having the Flags of Foreign States Updated
RF Government Resolution of 30 May 2026, No. 648 "On Approval of the Rules for the Implementation of Activities Provided for in Clause 1 of Article 4 of the Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian Federation, Using Vessels Having the Flags of Foreign States, and Establishing Instances of the Implementation of the Said activity."
The list of information required in the permit application, the list of documents attached thereto, the procedure for submitting them to Rosmorrechflot, and the procedure have been defined.
Review of the application and accompanying documents, and decision-making by the coordinating federal executive bodies regarding the existence of a threat to national defense and security in the event of a permit being issued.
The permit shall specify its validity period. The permit is issued for a period of no more than one year.
Vessels flying the flags of foreign states for which permits have been obtained, when engaging in cabotage or other activities using such vessels, may navigate in accordance with these permits in the internal maritime waters and territorial sea of the Russian Federation, with the exception of areas prohibited for navigation and temporarily dangerous for navigation, after passing border, customs, and other controls at the checkpoint across the state border of the Russian Federation, unless otherwise provided by Russian legislative acts and Russian Government decrees.
It is envisaged that permits issued by Rosmorrechflot in accordance with RF Government Resolution No. 2033 of 7 December 2020, "On the Cases and Procedure for Carrying Out Activities Using Vessels Sailing Under the Flags of Foreign States," are valid until the expiration of their established term.
Effective 1 September 2026, Updated Rules for the Development and Application of a Ship Safety Management System Developed and Applied by Shipowners in Relation to Vessels Subject to State Registration, with the Exception of Small Vessels, Pleasure Craft, and Sports Sailing Vessels, Apply.
Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated 7 May 2026, No. 207, "On Approval of the Rules for the Development and Application of a Ship Safety Management System Developed and Applied by Shipowners in Relation to Vessels Subject to State Registration, with the Exclusion of Small Vessels, Pleasure Craft, and Sports Sailing Vessels" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on 1 June 2026, No. 86780)
These regulations define professional and qualification requirements, requirements for vocational training and continuing professional education, and certification of persons responsible for ensuring the safe operation of vessels. They also define the procedure for verifying the shipowner's compliance with Article 34.1 of the Inland Water Transport Code of the Russian Federation and verifying the application of the safety management system on board the vessel.
Source: ConsultantPlus Law System.
Russia Ratifies Agreement with Congo on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments
Federal Law No. 191-FZ of 26 June 2026, "On Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Congo on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments"
The agreement, signed on 16 October 2025, establishes the parties' obligation to ensure the full protection and security of investments and investor income.
Russia ratified the agreement with the UAE on trade in services and investment, dated 7 August 2025
Federal Law No. 140-FZ of 25 May 2026, "On Ratification of the Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the United Arab Emirates"
The agreement enshrines free trade rules in services and investment, expands the basic commitments of both countries within the WTO, reduces regulatory barriers, and provides most-favored-nation treatment for businesses.
Russia ratified the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the UAE
Federal Law No. 133-FZ of 25 May 2026, "On Ratification of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and the United Arab Emirates, on the other hand"
The document provides for the introduction of customs preferences, including the reduction or complete elimination of duties on a wide range of goods, which will significantly increase mutual trade turnover.
Russia ratified the Agreement on the Fundamentals of Relations between the Russian Federation and the Togolese Republic
Federal Law No. 118-FZ of 2 May 2026, "On Ratification of the Agreement on the Fundamentals of Relations between the Russian Federation and the Togolese Republic"
The agreement on the development of mutually beneficial cooperation was signed in Moscow on 19 November 2025.
Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation: The Government of the Republic of Finland completely suspends the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Finland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income dated 4 May 1996
Information from the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation on economic partnership regarding the complete suspension by the Government of the Republic of Finland of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Finland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income dated 4 May 1996.
In accordance with Note No. VN/1187/2026-UM-10 of the Embassy of the Republic of Finland in Moscow dated 13 March 2026, the agreement with respect to Finland is suspended effective 1 July 2026.
The Agreement Between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the Procedure for the Mutual Enforcement of Court Decisions of the Courts of the Russian Federation and the Courts of the Republic of Belarus, Signed in Moscow on 18 December 2024 Ratified.
Federal Law No. 56-FZ of 23 March 2026, "On Ratification of the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the Procedure for the Mutual Enforcement of Court Decisions of the Courts of the Russian Federation and the Courts of the Republic of Belarus"
According to the agreement, court decisions issued by competent courts of one party do not require a special recognition procedure and are enforced in the territory of the other party in the same manner as court decisions issued in the territory of the other party, based on writs of execution issued by the competent courts of the party in whose territory the court decisions were issued.
This Agreement applies to court decisions rendered in civil cases and criminal cases in which civil claims are made that require the debtor to pay the claimant monetary funds, including state fees, other legal costs, and procedural expenses.
This Agreement does not apply to court decisions rendered in cases arising from administrative-legal relations, cases concerning the collection of alimony, court decisions rendered by arbitrazh courts of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation (in cases considered by it in arbitrazh proceedings), and economic courts of the Republic of Belarus, as well as court decisions insofar as they provide for the collection of monetary funds from the Russian Federation, its constituent entities or municipalities, or from the Republic of Belarus or its administrative-territorial units.
The Agreement also does not apply to court orders that, in addition to the debtor's obligation to pay monetary compensation to the creditor, provide for the satisfaction of non-monetary claims.
Regulation of activities related to water transport
Updated Rules for the Towing of Vessels and Floating Objects on Inland Waterways of the Russian Federation will come into effect on 1 September 2026
Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated 8 May 2026, No. 210 "On Approval of the Rules for the Towing of Vessels and Floating Objects on Inland Water Transport of the Russian Federation" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on June 2, 2026, No. 86830)
These rules establish the procedure for presenting and accepting vessels and floating objects for towing, the procedure for completing the consignment note, waybill, and receipt for the acceptance of the vessel and floating object for towing, and the procedure for delivering the towed vessel and floating object at the port (point) of destination.
Effective 1 September 2026, the Procedure for Granting the Right to a Vessel's Captain to Navigate Without a Pilot in Areas of Compulsory Pilotage of Vessels Updated
Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated May 7, 2026, No. 203 "On Establishing the Procedure for Granting the Right to a Vessel's Captain to Navigate Without a Pilot in Areas of Compulsory Pilotage of Vessels" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on June 2, 2026, No. 86829)
The List of Violations of Mandatory Requirements Serving as Grounds for the Temporary Detention of a Vessel or Floating Object Updated
Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated 07 May 2026 No. 206 "On Establishing the List of Violations of Mandatory Requirements Serving as Grounds for the Temporary Detention of a Vessel or Floating Object, and the Maximum Time Limits for Such Detention" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on 02.06.2026 No. 86828)
The following violations serve as grounds for temporary detention of a vessel or floating object:
- The absence of documents stipulated by the Inland Water Transport Code on the vessel or floating object. Russian Federation;
- malfunction of primary and emergency power sources;
- insufficient and/or malfunctioning of the vessel's life-saving appliances;
- absence or malfunction of radio communication equipment;
The maximum period for temporary detention of a vessel or floating object is until the violations of mandatory requirements that serve as grounds for temporary detention of the vessel or floating object are rectified, but no more than 30 calendar days from the date of temporary detention of the vessel or floating object.
This order shall enter into force on 1 September 2026, and remain in effect until 1 September 2032.
Effective 1 September 2026, the Procedure for Conducting Inspections of Small Vessels Subject to State Registration in the Small Vessel Register Established
Order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia dated 23 April 2026, No. 303 "On Approval of the Procedure for Conducting Inspections of Small Vessels Subject to State Registration in the Small Vessel Register" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia) (May 29, 2026, No. 86749)
The inspection is carried out by the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia upon application by the owner or proprietor of the small vessel or their representative, regardless of the applicant's registered address of residence (stay).
The inspection is carried out by an official regardless of the small vessel's technical condition, its completeness with equipment, and individual life-saving equipment.
During the inspection, the small vessel is classified (at the operational stage), and, based on the results, one of the navigation area complexity categories is assigned.
The Procedure for Cabotage and other Activities in the Internal Maritime Waters and Territorial Sea of the Russian Federation, in the Exclusive Economic Zone, and on the Continental Shelf of the Russian Federation Using Vessels Having the Flags of Foreign States Updated
RF Government Resolution of 30 May 2026, No. 648 "On Approval of the Rules for the Implementation of Activities Provided for in Clause 1 of Article 4 of the Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian Federation, Using Vessels Having the Flags of Foreign States, and Establishing Instances of the Implementation of the Said activity."
The list of information required in the permit application, the list of documents attached thereto, the procedure for submitting them to Rosmorrechflot, and the procedure have been defined.
Review of the application and accompanying documents, and decision-making by the coordinating federal executive bodies regarding the existence of a threat to national defense and security in the event of a permit being issued.
The permit shall specify its validity period. The permit is issued for a period of no more than one year.
Vessels flying the flags of foreign states for which permits have been obtained, when engaging in cabotage or other activities using such vessels, may navigate in accordance with these permits in the internal maritime waters and territorial sea of the Russian Federation, with the exception of areas prohibited for navigation and temporarily dangerous for navigation, after passing border, customs, and other controls at the checkpoint across the state border of the Russian Federation, unless otherwise provided by Russian legislative acts and Russian Government decrees.
It is envisaged that permits issued by Rosmorrechflot in accordance with RF Government Resolution No. 2033 of 7 December 2020, "On the Cases and Procedure for Carrying Out Activities Using Vessels Sailing Under the Flags of Foreign States," are valid until the expiration of their established term.
Effective 1 September 2026, Updated Rules for the Development and Application of a Ship Safety Management System Developed and Applied by Shipowners in Relation to Vessels Subject to State Registration, with the Exception of Small Vessels, Pleasure Craft, and Sports Sailing Vessels, Apply.
Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated 7 May 2026, No. 207, "On Approval of the Rules for the Development and Application of a Ship Safety Management System Developed and Applied by Shipowners in Relation to Vessels Subject to State Registration, with the Exclusion of Small Vessels, Pleasure Craft, and Sports Sailing Vessels" (Registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on 1 June 2026, No. 86780)
These regulations define professional and qualification requirements, requirements for vocational training and continuing professional education, and certification of persons responsible for ensuring the safe operation of vessels. They also define the procedure for verifying the shipowner's compliance with Article 34.1 of the Inland Water Transport Code of the Russian Federation and verifying the application of the safety management system on board the vessel.
Source: ConsultantPlus Law System.