The Russian Federation Council has approved legislation permitting foreign companies, as well as domestic firms with more than 20% foreign ownership, to conduct market research within the country.
The measure, which passed the upper house on Tuesday, represents a targeted adjustment to Russia’s regulatory framework for foreign business activity.
The bill imposes a strict condition on the newly granted access: any market research conducted under this provision must be used exclusively for calculating taxes, fees, and customs duties.
This limitation suggests the move is designed to facilitate fiscal compliance rather than to open the door for broader commercial intelligence gathering or strategic market analysis by foreign entities.
The development comes as Russia continues to navigate a complex economic landscape marked by sanctions and shifting trade dynamics.
While the government has recently tightened oversight in certain sectors—such as the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service’s recent coordination with e-commerce platforms to block speculative fuel resales—this legislative step indicates a willingness to streamline specific administrative processes for foreign stakeholders.