Russian government proposes tax on foreign media distribution

The Russian government may levy a tax on the distribution of foreign media publications.

The measure, which would see publications pay for a permit to be distributed in Russia, was proposed today in the lower house of the Russian State Duma. Presently, for distribution in Russia foreign publications have only to obtain permission from the government media watchdog Roskomnadzor, and do not have to pay any duty fees.

The government believes that the proposed amendments will eliminate any “unfair advantage enjoyed by the founders of foreign media, providing a more favourable operating environment”.

The government has proposed that the deputies of the State Duma promptly accept this amendment to current media law. According to the bill, these changes should take effect from 1 January 2016.

Source: Lenta (in Russian)