OREANDA-NEWS  On 02 June was announced, that the Saratov Regional Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (OFAS Russia) found that the Saratov Customs Office violated Part 1 Article 18 of the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition".

Investigating the case, OFAS Russia established that in January 2006 the Saratov Customs Office and "ROSNO-MS" Insurance Company" OJSC signed a 1-year contract for mandatory medical insurance of the customs officers.

Under Part 1 Article 18 of the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition", the federal executive bodies select financial organisations through open tenders or auctions in accord with the provisions of the Federal Law "On State and Municipal Procurement of Goods, Works and Services" on financial services, including medical insurance.

Starting from 26th October 2006, the Saratov Customs Office was obligated to organise annual open tenders (auctions) to determine the insurance companies with which to sign contracts for mandatory medical insurance.

Upon processing the case, the Commission of the Saratov OFAS Russia issued a determination to the Saratov Customs Office on stopping the antimonopoly violations. By 1st September 2009 the Saratov Customs Office must organise an open tender for an insurance company that will provide the services for mandatory medical insurance of the officers of the Saratov Customs Office, and by 15th September 2009 the Customs Office must report about executing the determination to the Saratov OFAS Russia.