Rules of the alcohol industry will be introduced for producers of viscous distillate.

      The deputies adopted amendments to the Federal Law on state regulation of the production and circulation of ethyl alcohol, alcoholic and alcohol-containing products. The document changes the rules of operation for whiskey distillate producers.

      As explained by the Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy, Maxim Topilin, previously there were exceptions for seven types of distillates, including whiskey, which were introduced considering the needs of import substitution, insignificant volumes, and technological features of production. However, the situation has changed since then.

      According to Rosalkogoltabakcontrol, the production of whiskey distillate in 2023 increased by 2.5% compared to the previous year, by 54% in 2024, and by 60% in 2025. This dynamic, as noted by Topilin, may indicate a shift of volumes from the ethyl alcohol production sector, where requirements were tightened starting in 2024.

      The law proposes to extend the norms applicable to ethyl alcohol producers to whiskey distillate producers. This includes increasing the requirements for authorized capital, expanding the grounds for license revocation, and introducing a list of individuals with unsatisfactory reputations who are prohibited from holding managerial positions in alcohol production companies.

      Additionally, the amendments for the second reading clarify the name of the register of capacities of the main technological equipment. Changes are introduced for producers of alcohol-containing products: organizations must own, manage, or lease (for a period of at least one year) production and warehouse facilities that are real estate objects.

      The procedure for early termination of licenses is also changing — applications are now accepted exclusively in electronic form. A mechanism for the seizure of items recognized as physical evidence or used for illegal production is established.

      Producers of ethyl alcohol with a valid license as of September 1, 2024, are required to provide information about legal entities that belong to the same group of persons or are affiliated, as well as about the personal composition of the governing bodies.

      The law comes into force on September 1, 2026. Provisions containing mandatory requirements will take effect on November 1, 2026. A transitional period for existing whiskey distillate producers regarding authorized capital and net assets is provided until March 1, 2028. This will allow businesses to carry out the necessary measures without a sharp decline in production volumes and will contribute to the harmonization of the industry in accordance with unified quality and safety standards.