A bill on state regulation of the turnover of methanol and methanol-containing liquids has been submitted to the State Duma, which, among other things, implies the creation of a unified register of economic entities involved in the turnover and a ban on the retail sale of these substances. The document has been published in the Duma’s electronic database.

According to the explanatory note to the draft law, Russia is the 4th largest producer of methanol, accounting for about 5% of global production. According to the estimates of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the number of methanol producers will gradually grow and will amount to 23 companies by 2030 due to the implementation of investment projects to create new production facilities.

Methanol is a poison dangerous for humans, cases of poisoning with this substance are recorded. The purpose of this legislative initiative is to eliminate the uncontrolled circulation of methanol and methanol-containing liquids.

The bill introduces the obligation of economic entities involved in the turnover of methanol and methanol-containing liquids to be included in the relevant register for their activities. The Government of the Russian Federation must determine the federal body that will supervise this sphere and keep the register. It is established that the circulation of methanol and methanol-containing liquids by persons not included in the register is not allowed. It is proposed to prohibit the retail sale of these substances.

Other requirements are introduced for the circulation of methanol and methanol-containing liquids.