A new federal regulation introduces administrative liability for violations tied to the circulation of methanol, according to reports from TASS and statements from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The change signals a shift toward clearer enforcement around the handling and distribution of methanol and related liquids, aiming to curb unsafe practices in the market.
Alongside this development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is actively working on draft laws to regulate methanol production and turnover more tightly. These proposals are part of a broader effort to establish sector-specific rules that cover manufacturing, storage, transport, and sale, with the goal of strengthening control over methanol and methanol-containing products across the supply chain.
Previously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation outlined a draft law designed to introduce state regulation over methanol production and distribution. The proposed framework envisions formalized oversight mechanisms, licensing where appropriate, and standardized procedures for reporting and auditing to ensure compliance at every stage of the lifecycle of methanol products.
Currently, turnover is monitored through the Unified State Automatic Accounting System for Ethyl Alcohol Production and Turnover (EGAIS), which tracks the volumes of production and movements of accountable liquids. The Ministry emphasizes that extending similar traceability to methanol would enable more accurate records of production volumes, along with monitoring of sales and usage within the market, ultimately supporting safer consumer outcomes.
In May, the Ministry of Industry and Trade put forward a plan to monitor the circulation of methanol and methanol-containing liquids, referencing a rise in poisoning incidents where methanol was disguised as ordinary alcoholic beverages. The proposed controls aim to detect and deter such deceit, protect public health, and reduce the risks associated with counterfeit or adulterated products in the market, especially during periods of heightened consumer demand.
Earlier discussions in the State Duma also touched on financial safeguards, including proposals to limit lending to certain foreign agents to ensure that financial support does not enable illicit or unsafe methanol activities. These discussions reflect a precautionary approach intended to strengthen regulatory resilience while maintaining a stable financial environment for legitimate industries involved in methanol production and distribution.