The healthy lifestyle and obesity prevention agenda in Russia is evolving beyond the scope of healthcare and social policy, becoming an increasingly important driver of regulatory change with potentially significant implications for businesses.

Russian authorities are currently working on a comprehensive package of anti-obesity measures that is expected to shape public policy priorities in the medium and long term. The emerging approach reflects a broader shift toward more restrictive and systemic regulation, leading to increased pressure on businesses, particularly companies involved in the production and distribution of products high in salt, sugar, and trans-fatty acids.

Among the key regulatory trends currently under discussion are:

• increased fiscal pressure, including the possible introduction of excise taxes on new categories of “unhealthy” products;
• stricter consumer labeling requirements;
• marketing and retail restrictions, especially in segments targeting children;
• amendments to technical regulation requirements concerning product composition standards.

The Kesarev team has prepared an analytical memo outlining the transformation of Russia’s public policy on healthy lifestyle promotion and obesity prevention, key regulatory trends, and their potential impact on businesses.

The memo is available at the link below.