New Laws Effective February 1: Changes for Citizens and Businesses in Russia

21:30; 31 January 2026 year

Starting from February, Russia Introduces Key Legal Amendments Affecting Social Benefits, Consumer Rights, Energy Sector, and Specific Sectors Social Benefit Increases From the first day of the month, various benefits will increase by 5.6%, including the maternity capital. The capital amount for the birth of the first child will be 728,900 rubles. For the second child, the supplement will be 234,300 rubles. If a family did not previously have a right to maternity capital, they will receive 963,200 rubles upon the birth of the second child. The increase will affect 40 different monthly financial payments, including those for veterans of WWII and combat actions, Chernobyl victims, heroes of Russia and labor, disabled individuals, and families with children. The one-time payment for childbirth will rise nearly to 28,500 rubles, while payments for mothers who have distinguished themselves will reach 76,500 rubles. The maternity capital for the first child will almost reach 722,000 rubles, for the second and subsequent children it will be 963,200 rubles. Families who have already spent part of the maternity capital will have their remaining balance indexed. Return of Complex Technical Goods The rights of consumers when returning defective goods classified as technically complex (such as household and electronic appliances) are clarified. Consumers can now demand compensation for the difference between the purchase price and the current price of a similar product at the time the dispute is resolved. The law includes several exceptions. Russian Red Cross Legal Status The legal status of the Russian Red Cross (Rossijskij Krasnyj Krest) is codified in legislation. The organization’s activities include providing assistance to people in difficult life situations, caring for the needy, and promoting blood donation. Energy Sector Reforms The government’s powers in the energy sector are expanded, including during special regimes. The terminology of the legislation is updated, and the concept of programs to enhance the reliability of the electric grid is introduced. Approval of these programs is entrusted to the highest executive authorities of the regions. February 3: Diplomatic Accreditation The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MID) will have the authority to establish the procedure for accrediting representatives of diplomatic and consular missions, as well as employees of international organizations and their missions in the country. February 6: Credit Cooperatives Self-regulatory organizations that unite credit cooperatives will be allowed to independently place funds from their compensation funds. Investments are permissible only in deposits and accounts at systemically significant banks, subject to diversification, liquidity, and solvency requirements. February 28: Food Supply Contracts The transition period for amending food supply contracts concluded before September 1, 2025, is ending. Provisions that impose responsibility on suppliers for under-supply beyond agreed volumes must be removed. Otherwise, such conditions will be considered invalid starting in March.

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