Russia overhauls pensions, consumer laws and driving school standards in May
What Will Change for Russians in May?
In May 2026, some pensioners in Russia will see their payments increase—with raises ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 rubles. Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports on the upcoming legal and regulatory changes taking effect in May 2026.
Pensioners who turn 80 will see their fixed payment toward their insurance pension double—from 9,500 rubles to 19,100 rubles. The same applies to individuals who were first classified as having a Group I disability in April 2026; their fixed payment will also double starting May 1. However, if such a person later turns 80, they will not receive another pension increase.
Pensions for pilots and miners will also change in May. Former civil aviation flight crew members who have retired are entitled to an additional monthly hazardous-duty supplement.
The recalculation applies to those who: — Worked in flight operations for at least 25 years (men) or 20 years (women); — Left flight work due to health reasons, in which case the minimum service requirement is reduced to 20 and 15 years, respectively.
A similar supplement is available to former miners and coal industry workers, provided they meet the following conditions: at least 25 years of total service in coal mines or open-pit mines. For certain professions, such as mine rescuers and tunnelers, the requirement is at least 20 years.
The supplement amount depends on average monthly earnings, length of service, and contributions. On average, the increase ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles per month. Such recalculations are conducted quarterly.
Driving Schools to Be Ranked
Russia will introduce a ranking system for driving schools. On May 28, amendments to the law on vehicle safety will take effect, along with government-approved regulations for creating such rankings.
The State Traffic Inspectorate's website will publish data on each school's performance, including the percentage of students who pass their driving exams on the first attempt and how many former students are involved in traffic accidents within two years of obtaining their licenses.
The frequency of ranking updates will be set by an Interior Ministry order, currently under review by the Justice Ministry. The first ranking—intended to help future drivers choose a school—will not be published before February of next year.
Mandatory Labeling for Building Materials, Electronics, and Cakes
Building Materials
Starting May 1, the sale of certain unlabeled building materials will be prohibited. Cement producers must register in the state information system, with product circulation monitoring beginning in autumn 2025.
The transition period, during which manufacturers could supply unlabeled stock, ends on April 30. From May 1, the sale of unlabeled products will be restricted, and violations may result in administrative penalties.
Radio Electronics
Mandatory Labeling of Radioelectronics to Begin May 1, 2026
Starting May 1, 2026, Russia will require mandatory digital tracking codes for radioelectronics, a measure designed to protect consumers from unsafe products and ensure fair competition for law-abiding businesses.
From that date, labeling will apply to smartphones, laptops, lighting equipment, electrical outlets, and printed circuit boards, among other goods.
Cakes and Pastries
Russia will also launch the next phase of its mandatory labeling system for sweets and confectionery on May 1, 2026. The new requirements will cover more complex products, including cakes, pastries, Swiss rolls, and croissants sold in consumer packaging.
In March 2026, mandatory labeling was introduced for certain sugar-based products—cookies, wafers, marshmallows, marshmallow fluff, and pastila. The May expansion will broaden the list of labeled goods, effectively covering a significant portion of the confectionery market.
