Russian govt commission approves bill to launch SPOT system to control imports from EAEU countries

MOSCOW. March 11 (Interfax) - The Russian government's legislation commission approved a bill on Tuesday to launch the national SPOT system for confirming expected delivery of goods, which is intended to crack down on grey imports from other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries, the Finance Ministry reported.

Under the SPOT system, importers will have to file a document on upcoming delivery for a good being imported from an EAEU country to cross the border into Russia.

"This is necessary to eliminate situations where goods are received by persons who do not exist or have ceased to operate, or who are actually not acquiring goods and do not expect their delivery," the ministry said.

In addition, the importer will have to put down a security deposit equal to the amount of indirect taxes due on the expected goods. This requirement will apply foremost to taxpayers with low financial soundness, such as fly-by-night firms, organizations with a short history or small scale of operations, organizations that have not filed financial statements, and so on.

SPOT, which will be operated by the Federal Tax Service, will apply to all goods imported into Russia from other EAEU members under transactions made between importers and exporters of goods. However, the system will not apply to foreign currency, securities, oil, electricity, or goods brought across the border by individuals for personal needs.

The Finance Ministry expects that the SPOT system will foster the "creation of equal competitive conditions for doing business," help "bring entrepreneurs from the 'grey zone' into the legal trade turnover and reduce the amount of counterfeit on the market," as well as "improve the administration of indirect taxes within the EAEU."

SPOT will initially apply to goods imported into Russia through other EAEU member countries by automobile. Subsequently, the system may be expanded to other types of transport by decision of the government.

The SPOT system is supposed to go into pilot operation on April 1 this year and full-fledged operation on July 1. Prepayment for confirmation of goods delivery will have to be made starting October 1.