Open Records Laws › Russia

Russia

Federal Law No. 8-FZ of February 9

Federal Law No. 8-FZ of February 9, 2009 "On Ensuring Access to Information About the Activities of State Bodies and Bodies of Local Self-Government"

RTI Rating: 98 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
30 days
Extension
15 days
Residency Required
None

The request must be considered within 30 days from the date of registration. An extension of up to 15 additional days is permitted; the requester must be notified within 7 days of registration if an extension is needed. Days are calendar days.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Written requests accepted', 'method': 'written'}
  • {'notes': 'Oral requests permitted', 'method': 'oral'}
  • {'notes': 'Electronic submission allowed', 'method': 'online'}

Requests must be in Russian language. Multiple submission methods available without mandatory official forms.

Required Elements

  • Surname, name, and patronymic (for individuals) or organization name
  • Mailing address, telephone number, fax, and/or email
  • Name of the targeted government body or official
  • Request must be in Russian language

Fees

Fees apply only when requested information exceeds the volume provided free of charge (threshold determined by the Government). Fees cover document reproduction and mailing expenses only. Electronic copies are not automatically free. Fee amounts are set centrally by the Government rather than by individual agencies.

Fee Waivers

  • No fee waivers for impecunious requesters. Free access limited to oral requests, internet-published information, information about requester's rights/duties, and other categories defined by federal law.

Exemptions

  • State and Official Secrets
    Information constituting government or other secrets protected by law. State secrets law is NOT subordinate to the RTI law, permitting additional restrictions.
  • Excluded Categories
    Personal data processing, citizen application procedures, and inter-agency information exchanges are excluded from the law's scope.
  • Court Information
    Access to court-related information governed separately under Federal Law No. 262-FZ with distinct access limitations.

All exemptions are mandatory without harm test requirements. No public interest override exists - disclosure cannot be compelled when an exemption applies, regardless of public benefit. Severability is required under Article 19(4): partial access must be granted when only portions of requested information are restricted. Critical weakness: state secrets legislation operates independently and can restrict information beyond RTI law provisions.

Appeal Process

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Appeals process provides multiple pathways but effectiveness is limited. The Prosecutor's Office provides independent oversight with binding authority, but lacks power to directly order declassification (only courts retain that power). No system exists for sanctioning systematically non-compliant agencies. While damages compensation is available, there are no whistleblower protections.

Sources & References