 Legal Digest: What Changed in May 2026 A selection of key changes in Russian legislation over the past days — for businesses, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. 1. Sick Leave: Precedent in Favor of Employees The Cassation Court refused the Social Fund of Russia (SFR) to recover expenses for sick leave, even if the employee did not work for a year (unpaid leave + sick leave). The Fund is obligated to pay — the absence of a labor function is not a reason to refuse. 2. VAT on Online Purchases from Abroad The Ministry of Finance has submitted drafts to the government on the phased introduction of VAT on cross-border electronic trade. Prepare for changes in the tax regime. 3. Labeling Expands From September 1, 2026 — mandatory labeling of new categories: electronic devices, dairy products. Plus tobacco products — now with administrative liability for violations (Federal Law No. 120). 4. Capital Construction: New Requirements from May 5 Customers under 44-FZ are required to establish additional requirements when designing particularly dangerous and technically complex facilities. 5. Code of Administrative Offenses: Right to Copies of Case Materials Federal Law No. 119 has secured the right for participants in proceedings to make extracts and take copies — an important step for protecting rights. 6. Land Code: Amendments Federal Law No. 121 — changes to the Land Code of the Russian Federation and the law on the development of housing construction and tourism infrastructure. 7. State Duties: Preparing for Increase Draft Law No. 1222962-8 proposes to increase the amounts of state duties for acquiring Russian citizenship, entry, and exit. 8. SFR: Tariffs for 2027 A draft order has been published with indicators by type of economic activity for calculating discounts and surcharges to tariffs for compulsory social insurance against accidents. 9. EAEU: New Labeling Rules Decision of the EEC Board No. 49 — changes in the labeling of goods within the Eurasian Economic Union. Full texts for each link are in my note. If you need to analyze a specific case, write to me. #legaldigest #legislation2026 #law #taxlaw #personnelchanges