The project is not popular with meat producers, bakeries, milk producers, the Fish Union, and other associations. They all believe that the law will lead to discrimination in the market and harm localized production.
A proposed law mandating shelf space for domestically produced goods in Russian stores is drawing strong criticism from several major industry associations. Critics argue the legislation could lead to market discrimination and harm local production, including firms operating within allied nations.
According to Vedomosti, a coalition of food industry organizations — including the Association of Retail Trade Companies (ACORT), the National Meat Association, the Fish Union, as well as dairy producers and bakers — has sent a formal appeal to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin opposing the bill.
The legislation, often referred to as the "Russian shelf" law, was drafted two years ago. It would require retail outlets to reserve shelf space for goods produced in Russia or within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Initially, the proposal focused on cosmetics and household chemicals, but a May 29 version of the bill reportedly expands the mandate to cover all non-food domestic products. Importantly, manufacturers must not be under foreign control to qualify.
Industry groups say they support Russian producers but insist that development should be driven by market-based mechanisms, not mandates. Representatives from ACORT and Soyuzmoloko told Vedomosti that more effective alternatives include investment incentives, tax breaks, R&D subsidies, and marketing support.
Opponents warn the bill fails to account for producers from countries friendly to Russia and risks distorting competition by imposing rigid quotas rather than fostering organic growth in domestic manufacturing.
