Deputy Metelev announced the introduction of a bill on foodsharing to the State Duma in the spring

The bill on foodsharing, providing fines for violation of food safety requirements, will be introduced to the State Duma in the spring session. This was reported on December 27 by the chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy Artem Metelev.

Foodsharing is the practice of distributing food products, usually with expired shelf life, between members of the community with the help of special organizations.

"The bill is ready. We are holding political consultations on it and assessing possible risks, working with partners and regions to take everything into account," TASS news agency quoted Metelev as saying.

According to the deputy, the bill proposes to exempt from VAT entrepreneurs who transfer products to charitable organizations for further distribution to the needy. He added that only companies and non-profit organizations from the special register, which are focused on social orientation, will be able to use the privilege.

Metelev noted that this law is very important, especially now, in the conditions of the special operation, people are waiting for its adoption. He also added that the bill will allow to supply more humanitarian aid to border and historical regions.

Earlier, on May 13, it was reported about the development of the bill. It implies the transfer of not already expired goods (this is prohibited), but only those that have not been sold due to expiration dates, reduced demand, seasonality of use and so on. Later, on September 3, the government supported this bill.

Currently, it is more profitable for sellers to send unsold products for utilization, as in this case they retain the VAT deduction, and when transferring goods to charity, their tax expenses increase to 20%. In this connection it is proposed to make appropriate adjustments to the Tax Code, and it is envisaged that retailers included in a special list to be determined by the government will be able to engage in such charity.