OREANDA-NEWS. February 25, 2010. The Expert Council on Developing Competition in Retail, formed by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia), discussed the antimonopoly provisions established by the Law "On the Fundamental Principles of Public Regulation of Trading Activities" (the Law on Trade), reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

The FAS Russia's Expert Council on Developing Competition in Retail intended to give explanations to Articles 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 22 of the Law. At the meeting FAS Russia presented its answers to the questions raised by market participants.

Discussing the provisions of the new law with the expert community is aimed at excluding broad interpretation of the Law and taking into account specific market conditions, revealing and eliminating possible drawbacks and controversial issues. Identified shortcomings will be discussed as part of the law enforcement monitoring. To ensure unified enforcement of the law throughout all regions in Russia, FAS is also developing the procedures for its regional offices for verifying law observance.

The Antimonopoly Service continues monitoring the situation in the trade sector. "When the transition period is over, it will be clear how the Law can be enforced. Certain provisions of the Law may need clarification and objectification. Also the monitoring will show any changes associated with retail chains. We will not disregard those business practices that will deteriorate the position of suppliers. Based on the findings of the monitoring we will form the package of amendments to the Law on Trade. It is of utmost importance that development of legislation in this area follows transforming relations among market participants and take into consideration their specifics", said Timofey Nizhegorodtsev, the Head of the FAS Russia's Department for Control over Social Sphere and Commerce.

The FAS Russia's Expert Council on Developing Competition in Retail will serve as a platform for discussions about enforcement of the Law on Trade. Enforcement of the Law will be monitored, in particular, by the Antimonopoly Service. The Expert Council will meet once a month.