32. Contingencies
Insurance
The insurance industry in the Russian Federation is in a developing state and many forms of insurance protection common in other parts of the world are not yet generally available. The Group has limited coverage for its plant facilities, business interruption, or third party liability in respect of property or environmental damage arising from accidents on Group property or relating to Group operations. Until the Group obtains adequate insurance coverage, there is a risk that the loss or destruction of certain assets could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s operations and financial position.
Taxation contingencies
The taxation system in the Russian Federation is relatively new and is characterized by frequent changes in legislation, official pronouncements and court decisions, which are often unclear, contradictory and subject to varying interpretation by different tax authorities. Taxes are subject to review and investigation by a number of authorities, which have the authority to impose severe fines, penalties and interest charges. A tax year remains open for review by the tax authorities during the three subsequent calendar years; however, under certain circumstances a tax year may remain open longer. Recent events within the Russian Federation suggest that the tax authorities are taking a more assertive position in their interpretation and enforcement of tax legislation.
These circumstances may create tax risks in the Russian Federation that are substantially more significant than in other countries. Management believes that it has provided adequately for tax liabilities based on its interpretations of applicable Russian tax legislation, official pronouncements and court decisions. However, the interpretations of the relevant authorities could differ and the effect on these consolidated financial statements, if the authorities were successful in enforcing their interpretations, could be significant.
Environmental contingencies
The environmental legislation, currently effective in the Russian Federation, is relatively new and characterised by frequent changes, official pronouncements and court decisions, which are often unclear, contradictory and subject to varying interpretation by different authorities.
The Group is involved in chemical production, which is inherently exposed to significant environmental risks. The Group companies record environmental obligations as they become probable and reliably measurable. The Group companies are parties to different litigation with the Russian environmental authorities. The management believes that based on its interpretations of applicable Russian legislation, official pronouncements and court decisions no provision is required for environmental obligations. However, the interpretations of the relevant authorities could differ from management’s position and the effect on these consolidated financial statements, if the authorities were successful in enforcing their interpretations, could be significant.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements