New Law on Smuggling Pathogenic Biological Agents: What You Need to Know

On April 18, 2025, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved a list of pathogenic biological agents, for violation of the rules for handling which criminal liability is now provided. The new document includes 256 names of dangerous viruses, bacteria, toxins, fungi and microorganisms, such as dengue viruses, foot-and-mouth disease, as well as genetically modified microorganisms.

The legislative changes also introduce criminal liability for smuggling, including penalties in the form of imprisonment for a term of 3 to 7 years and fines of up to 1 million rubles for the illegal movement of pathogenic bioagents across the border. In the case of smuggling by an organized group, the term of imprisonment can increase to 12 years, and the fine - up to 2 million rubles.

These measures are aimed at protecting public HEALTH, increasing control over the movement of dangerous biological agents and forming a more responsible attitude towards biosecurity issues among citizens and organizations. The legislation emphasizes the importance of ensuring the health of the population and the ecosystem, which is a necessary step in the fight against global threats associated with infectious diseases.