LEGAL UPDATE
May 2026
PART I. TAX SECTOR
1. On making additions and amendments to the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia.
2. On Amendments and Supplements to the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 1676 of December 20, 2012.
PART II: HEALTH SECTOR
1. On making additions and amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 1976 of December 3, 2020.
2. On Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Universal Health Insurance:
3. On making amendments to the Code of the Republic of Armenia on Administrative Offenses.
3. On making amendments and additions to the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 171 of
February 13, 2020.
PART III: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECTOR
1.On establishing the types of intellectual property objects subject to registration in the National
Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects, the procedure for maintaining and publishing
such a register, the forms of applications submitted to the customs body by the owner of
intellectual property objects or his authorized person, as well as the forms of decisions
made by the customs body and notifications sent.
2. On the types of intellectual property objects subject to registration in the National
Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects, the procedure for maintaining and
publishing such a register, the forms of applications submitted to the customs body by the
owner of intellectual property objects or his authorized person, as well as the forms of
decisions made by the customs body and notifications sent (Part 2).
PART IV. CUSTOMS SECTOR
1. On approving the procedure for issuing one-time and general licenses for the import of restricted goods
into the territory of the Republic of Armenia.
PART V. PRIVATE SECTOR
1. On Amendments and Supplements to the Code of the Republic of Armenia on Administrative Offenses.
2. On Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Market Surveillance.
3. On amendments and additions to the Law on Audiovisual Media regarding prohibitions on the misuse of audiovisual programs.
4. On making amendments and additions to the Law on Audiovisual Media regarding the mandatory labeling of synthetic content.
PART VI. HIGH TECHNOLOGY SECTOR
1. Draft amendments and additions to the Law "On State Support for the High-Tech Sector".
2. On amending the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 450 of April 17, 2025.
PART VII. COMPETITIVE SECTOR
1. Draft Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Advertising.
PART I. TAX SECTOR
(This section of legal updates includes legal news related to the tax sector for April 2026)
1. On making amendments to the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia
Name of the legislative act
RA 04.03.2026 HO-60-N On Making Amendments to the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/223058
Change status:
The amendment to the law entered into force on April 1, 2026.
Which legislative act was amended by the adoption of the above-mentioned act:
With the adoption of the above-mentioned act, a change was made to the Tax Code.
What are the changes about:
As a result of amendments to the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia, stricter and digitalized accounting mechanisms have been introduced in the medical care and service sector, the aim of which is to ensure more transparent and controllable accounting of the services provided.
In particular, in each case of the provision of medical services, it has been stipulated that the given service must have a personal identification code generated by the electronic healthcare system, which must be reflected in the billing documents. This allows each medical service to be clearly identified and its movement in the system to be tracked.
In addition, for organizations providing medical services that are connected to the electronic healthcare system and accept payments by electronic means of payment, the use of an electronic cash register has become mandatory. This regulation has also been extended to medical services, equating them to other forms of economic activity from the point of view of tax control.
At the same time, the function of the electronic cash register system was clarified, emphasizing that it should also enable the electronic generation of receipts for transactions carried out for medical services.
In general, these changes have introduced a unified electronic identification and accounting system in the medical sector, which aims to increase the efficiency of tax control, reduce shadow turnover, and ensure a higher level of accounting for services.
Therefore, if you are engaged in the provision of medical care and maintenance services, it is recommended to ensure that your activities comply with the amendments made to the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia.
To supplement Part 1 of Article 4 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia of October 4, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as the Code) with the following paragraph 79:
Article 55. Settlement document and its preparation
4. The following must be included in the tax calculation or the adjustment tax calculation:
12) in the case of the provision of medical care and maintenance services, the personalized identification code of the relevant medical service generated by the electronic healthcare system for each service provided.
To supplement Article 380.1 of the Code with Part 1.2 with the following content:
Article 380.1. Use of electronic cash registers
1.2. In case of accepting payment through payment instruments based on payment technologies by organizations providing medical care and services and individual entrepreneurs connected to the electronic healthcare system, the use of an electronic cash register is mandatory.
In Part 2, after the words "implementation transactions", add the words "and the provision of medical care and maintenance services specified in Part 1.2."
Old version.
2. An electronic cash register is software that enables the generation of an electronic cash register receipt for transactions of supply of goods, provision of services or performance of works by taxpayers specified in Part 1 of this Article, and for transactions of passenger transportation by taxpayers specified in Part 1.1.
New version.
2. An electronic cash register is software that enables the generation of an electronic cash register receipt for transactions by taxpayers for the supply of goods, provision of services or performance of work specified in Part 1 of this Article, and for transactions by taxpayers for the provision of passenger transportation specified in Part 1.1, and for the provision of medical care and maintenance services specified in Part 1.2.
To supplement Part 3 of Article 381 of the Code with the following paragraph 20:
Article 381. Rules for the use of a cash register
20) in the case of the provision of medical care and maintenance services, the personalized identification code of the relevant medical service generated by the electronic health system for each service provided
2. Draft on Amendments and Supplements to the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia.
Name of the legislative act
Draft on Amendments and Supplements to the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia K-1318-13.04.2026-ТХ-011/0
http://www.parliament.am/drafts.php?sel=showdraft&DraftID=16307&Reading=0
Which legislative act was amended by the adoption of the above-mentioned act:
With the adoption of the above-mentioned act, a change will occur in the Tax Code.
What the changes are about:
The draft proposes a systematic and comprehensive approach, as a result of which Chapter 80.2 of the Code regulating the provisions on the exchange of information on financial accounts has been completely rewritten, guided by the Standard and the model legislation developed by the Secretariat of the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes in 2025, as well as the methodological instructions and recommendations provided by the latter, in particular:
- The draft provides clear definitions of key concepts derived from the Standard and used in the Code, which will ensure their uniform interpretation and consistent application in legal practice.
- The draft proposes to reserve the responsibility for conducting compliance audits of reporting financial institutions to the RA tax authority, since the Standard is applied exclusively for tax purposes and at any stage of the process, only the tax authority is the competent authority. Moreover, the draft also introduces amendments to the relevant provisions of Chapter 68 of the Code regulating tax audits, according to which it is proposed to expand the scope of thematic tax audit issues, adding the issue of compliance with financial accounts, as a result of which the tax authority may conduct a thematic audit exclusively on issues of compliance with financial accounts.
- The draft also proposes to apply liability measures to account holders and controlling persons in cases where the latter provide false or incomplete information to reporting financial institutions, or fail to provide mandatory information established by due diligence procedures. - In order to comply with international best practices and the practical capabilities of financial institutions, the deadline for submitting information to the tax authority has been extended, changing the current May 10th to June 30th, which will contribute to the submission of more complete and high-quality data.
-The draft also clarifies the provisions on the preservation and recording of documents by reporting financial institutions, according to which the Financial Institution shall preserve all documents related to financial accounts, as well as information available in computer programs and electronic media, in accordance with the procedure and within the time limits established by law, but not less than for a period of five years. As a result of the adoption of the legal act, it is expected to ensure the full, consistent and effective operation of the system of automatic exchange of information on financial accounts, fully complying with the requirements of the Standard and Model Legislation. As a result, the legal clarity, practical applicability and efficiency of the automatic exchange of information process will be guaranteed, various interpretations and misinterpretations will be excluded, which will contribute to the proper implementation of international obligations, strengthening the position of the Republic of Armenia in international tax cooperation platforms as a reliable and predictable partner, as well as increasing the efficiency of tax administration and institutional stability of the system.
To amend Part 5 of Article 134 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia of October 4, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as the Code) as follows:
Article 134. Submission of profit tax calculations
Old version.
5. Financial institutions defined in Chapter 80.2 of the Code, which are considered residents (registered) in the Republic of Armenia and non-residents with a permanent establishment registered in the Republic of Armenia, shall submit to the tax authority the information specified in Article 443.4 of the Code by May 10 of the tax year following each tax year, inclusive, in accordance with the procedure specified in Article 53 of the Code.
New version.
5. Reporting financial institutions defined in Chapter 80.2 of the Code, which are considered residents (registered) in the Republic of Armenia and non-residents with a permanent establishment registered in the Republic of Armenia, shall submit to the tax authority the information specified in the Standard on reporting accounts in accordance with the procedure specified in Article 53 of the Code and within the period specified in Article 443.4 of the Code.
Paragraph 6 of Article 156 of the Code shall be amended as follows:
Article 156. Submission of income tax calculations and other documents
Old version.
6. Financial institutions defined in Chapter 80.2 of the Code, which are considered residents (registered) in the Republic of Armenia and non-residents with a permanent establishment registered in the Republic of Armenia, shall submit to the tax authority the information specified in Article 443.4 of the Code by May 10 of the tax year following each tax year, inclusive, in accordance with the procedure specified in Article 53 of the Code.
New version.
6. Reporting financial institutions defined in Chapter 80.2 of the Code, which are considered residents (registered) in the Republic of Armenia and non-residents with a permanent establishment registered in the Republic of Armenia, shall submit to the tax authority the information specified in the Standard on reporting accounts in accordance with the procedure specified in Article 53 of the Code and within the period specified in Article 443.4 of the Code.
Article 402.3 of the Code shall be amended as follows:
Article 402.3. Violation of the rules for providing information on financial accounts, submitting information on non-disclosure of account holders and controlling persons, and maintaining inspection (investigation) procedures by a reporting financial institution or account holders and controlling persons
1. In case of failure by a Reporting Financial Institution to comply with the obligations of due diligence or maintenance of supporting documents established by Chapter 80.2 of the Code or legal acts established by Chapter 80.2 with respect to each account holder, a fine in the amount of 1 million drams shall be levied on the Reporting Financial Institution.
2. In case the Reporting Financial Institution fails to provide the information specified in the Standard to the tax authority in accordance with the procedures established by Chapter 80.2 of the Code or legal acts adopted pursuant thereto within the time limit specified in Part 1 of Article 443.4 of the Code, a fine of 500 thousand drams shall be levied on the Reporting Financial Institution for each piece of information not provided. In case the Reporting Financial Institution fails to provide the information within 30 days after the date of imposition of the fine, a fine of 1 million drams shall be levied on the Reporting Financial Institution for each piece of information not provided.
3. In case the Reporting Financial Institution provides the information specified in the Standard to the tax authority in accordance with the procedures established in Chapter 80.2 of the Code or legal acts adopted pursuant thereto later than the deadline established in Part 1 of Article 443.4 of the Code, a fine in the amount of 250 thousand drams shall be levied on the Reporting Financial Institution for each piece of information provided later than the deadline established in the Code.
4. In case of incomplete or false information provided by the Reporting Financial Institution, a fine of 1 million drams shall be levied on the Reporting Financial Institution for each incomplete or false information.
5. In case a Reporting Financial Institution provides false or incomplete information in a self-declaration received for the purposes of the due diligence procedures set forth in Part 4 of Article 443.4 of the Code, a fine of 500,000 AMD shall be levied on the Reporting Financial Institution.
6. In case of failure to submit a self-declaration by Account Holders and Controlling Persons or in case of providing incomplete or false information, a fine of 500,000 AMD shall be levied on Account Holders or Controlling Persons for each failure to submit or provision of incomplete or false information.
7. If the Reporting Financial Institution is a foreign legal entity or branch located in Armenia, the penalty shall apply to the person(s) responsible for the management of the activities of the Reporting Financial Institution. For the purposes of this section, responsible person(s) shall include, in the case of a trust, the manager(s), and in the case of a partnership, the partners.
8. In cases of detection of violations specified in this Article, fines shall not be applied if the financial institution has taken the necessary actions to eliminate the violation and has actually eliminated them before the end of the disciplinary proceedings, or the violation is of a technical nature.
9. Before applying the fine specified in this Article, the tax authority shall submit a draft administrative act on the application of the fine to the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia in order to obtain a conclusion on the possibility of the application of the fine specified in the administrative act leading to a difficult financial situation for the reporting financial institution, justified by the criteria established by the Board of the Central Bank. In case of receiving such a conclusion from the Central Bank, the tax authority may not apply the fine specified in the administrative act, if the reporting financial institution has taken appropriate measures to prevent violations.
Chapter 80.2 of the Code shall be amended as follows:
CHAPTER 80.2
AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
Article 443.3. Applied concepts
1. The concepts specified in this Chapter, as well as in other articles of the Code arising from the provisions of this Chapter, have the meaning defined by the Standard, in particular:
1) Standard: Single Reporting Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information, including the Interpretation thereto, approved by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on July 15, 2014, including subsequent amendments. The tax authority shall ensure the translation of the Standard, as well as its amendments and supplements, and their official publication by posting them on its official website.
2) Convention: the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters signed by the Republic of Armenia on January 24, 2018, including subsequent amendments;
3) Agreement: the Multilateral Agreement of Competent Authorities on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information, signed by the Republic of Armenia on January 12, 2024, including subsequent amendments;
4) Provision of information: a report defined by a joint legal act of the tax authority and the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia, by which the Reporting Financial Institution submits the information defined by the Standard to the tax authority.
5) Reportable Account: a financial account owned by one or more Reporting Persons or an account of a Passive Non-Financial Entity that is controlled by Persons who are Reporting Persons and that has been identified as such as a result of the application of due diligence procedures provided for in the Standard.
6) Reporting entity: a person of a reporting country, with the exception of a company whose shares are regularly traded on one or more specialized securities markets, an affiliated company of that company, a state body, an international organization, a central bank or a financial institution.
7) Reporting financial institution: a financial institution resident in the Republic of Armenia (except for branches of such financial institution located outside the territory of the Republic of Armenia) and a branch of a non- resident financial institution located in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, which are not non-reporting financial institutions within the meaning of the Standard and this clause. The list of non-reporting financial institutions is approved by a joint order of the tax authority and the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia.
8) Reporting State – a state with which information on financial accounts is exchanged on the basis of the principle of reciprocity. The tax authority publishes the list of countries carrying out the exchange on its official website by December 30 of each year.
9) Exempt account: Accounts defined by the Standard, the list of which is approved by a joint order of the tax authority and the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia.
Article 443.4. Provision of information by reporting financial institutions
1. The reporting financial institution shall submit to the tax authority, by June 30 of each calendar year inclusive, information on all reporting accounts for the previous year in electronic form. The procedure for providing information on reporting accounts by the reporting financial institution to the tax authority, the format and the procedure for its completion shall be established by a joint legal act of the tax authority and the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia.
2. In the event that a reporting financial institution fails to disclose reporting accounts in a given calendar year as a result of the due diligence procedures established by the Standard, the financial institution shall submit a zero report to the tax authority by June 30 of each calendar year, inclusive, in the manner and form established by the tax authority.
3. The due diligence procedure established by the Standard by the Financial Authority shall be established by a joint order of the tax authority and the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia.
Article 443.5. Preservation of documents
1. A Reporting Financial Institution shall maintain documentation obtained in the course of implementing due diligence procedures to verify compliance with the obligations set forth in the Standard, the Agreement, and this Chapter.
2. The Financial Institution shall retain all documents relating to financial accounts, as well as information contained in computer programs and electronic media, in accordance with the procedure and within the time limits established by law, but not less than for a period of five years. The procedures for transferring information on financial accounts to the competent authorities of foreign jurisdictions (territories), for receiving such information by the tax authority, as well as the requirements for the storage of information on transferred financial accounts shall be established by the Government.
Article 443.6. Evasion of obligations
1. In the event of any written or oral agreement being reached to avoid or not comply with the requirements of this Chapter, the provisions of the Standard, the Agreement and this Chapter shall apply to the persons who have reached it, if it is established that the main purpose of such agreement is to avoid or not comply with the requirements of this Chapter.
PART II: HEALTH SECTOR
(This section of legal updates includes legal news related to the healthcare sector for April 2025)
1. On establishing the procedure for using the universal health insurance package and the order of registration for receiving medical care and services within the framework of universal health insurance
Name of the legislative act:
On establishing the procedure for using the universal health insurance package and the order of registration for receiving medical care and services within the framework of universal health insurance N 25-N of March 31, 2026
https://www.irtek.am/views/act.aspx?aid=132286
Order status :
This Order entered into force on 31.03.2026.
What the amendments concern:
These amendments relate to the sub-legislative regulations adopted to regulate the implementation of the universal health insurance system being introduced in the Republic of Armenia.
The Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia No. 25-N of March 31, 2026 establishes the procedure for using the universal health insurance insurance package, as well as the order of registration of insured persons for receiving medical care and services within the framework of insurance. The Order regulates the identification process of insured persons, the mechanisms for applying for medical services and electronic referral, the conditions for access to primary, outpatient and hospital medical care, as well as the organization of the sequence of provision of services in medical organizations.
The purpose of the aforementioned regulations is to ensure the unified and effective operation of the universal health insurance system, the accessibility of medical services, and the clarification of the procedures for their provision.
Based on Article 5, Parts 2 and 7 of the Law "On Universal Health Insurance":
I order:
1. Define:
1) the procedure for using the universal health insurance package, in accordance with Appendix N 1:
2) the procedure for registering for medical care and services within the framework of universal health insurance,
in accordance with Appendix No. 2.
2. This order shall enter into force on the day following its official publication.
2. On approving the procedure for organizing and implementing standard population health preservation and improvement programs, within the framework of universal health insurance, as well as in hospital conditions under other conditions
Name of the legislative act:
On amending the Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia No. 38 of June 10, 2022 and repealing the Orders of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia No. 57 of September 28, 2013 and No. 65 of October 18, 2013, Standard "10" April 2026 No. 28-N https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/223886
Change status :
This Order entered into force on April 16, 2026.
What the amendments concern:
This order approves the criteria for the organization and implementation of medical care and services in hospital conditions within the framework of programs for the preservation and improvement of the health of the population, universal health insurance, as well as under other conditions.
The order was adopted on the basis of Article 2, Part 1, Clause 33 of the Law "On Medical Care and Service to the Population" and establishes unified legal and organizational requirements for the organization, provision and implementation of hospital medical care. The standard regulates the relations related to the provision of hospital medical care to persons aged 18 and over, the conditions of operation of medical organizations, the volume of services, as well as the procedures for the admission, hospitalization, transportation of patients and the use of medical services.
The standard stipulates that hospital medical care is provided in medical organizations with an appropriate license and includes services provided by the universal health insurance insurance package, medical care provided by state programs for the preservation and improvement of the health of the population, as well as therapeutic interventions performed using the latest and most expensive technologies. At the same time, the documents necessary for receiving medical care, the requirements for referral and the use of electronic health systems, the features of hospitalization in urgent and non-urgent cases, as well as the procedure for transferring patients from one medical organization to another are defined.
The purpose of this regulation is to ensure uniform standards for the organization of hospital medical care, accessibility and effective implementation of medical services within the framework of universal health insurance and state healthcare programs in the Republic of Armenia.
"ON APPROVAL OF THE STANDARD FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE IN HOSPITAL CONDITIONS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF PROGRAMS FOR THE PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE POPULATION'S HEALTH, COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INSURANCE, AS WELL AS IN OTHER CONDITIONS"
Based on Article 2, Part 1, Paragraph 33 of the Law "On Medical Assistance and Services to the Population":
I ORDER:
1. To approve the criteria for the organization and implementation of medical care and service in hospital conditions within the framework of programs for the preservation and improvement of the health of the population, universal health insurance, as well as under other conditions, in accordance with the appendix.
2. This order shall enter into force on the tenth day following the date of its official publication.
3. On approving the procedure for involving participants with the right to consultative vote in the work of the executive committee implementing strategic planning, risk management and supervision of the universal health insurance process
Name of the legislative act:
On approving the procedure for involving participants with the right to consultative vote in the work of the executive committee implementing strategic planning, risk management and supervision of the universal health insurance process N 29-N of April 13, 2026 https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/223992
Change status:
This Order entered into force on April 18, 2026.
What the amendments concern:
This order regulates the legal relations related to ensuring the participation of stakeholders in the management processes of the universal health insurance system.
Based on Part 2 of Article 32 of the Law "On Universal Health Insurance", the Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia No. 29-N of April 13, 2026 approved the procedure for involving participants with the right to consultative vote in the work of the executive committee implementing strategic planning, risk management and supervision of the universal health insurance process.
The Order establishes the procedure for involving participants with the right to consultative vote in the work of the committee overseeing the Universal Health Insurance Fund, the requirements for participants, the process of submitting, accepting and evaluating applications, as well as the selection criteria. It is envisaged that representatives of organizations with state registration in the Republic of Armenia, which are engaged in activities in the field of protection of the rights of healthcare workers, employers, employees or patients, as well as in the fields of drug circulation or medical care and service, have at least three years of experience and are not in contractual relations with the Fund, may participate in the work of the committee.
The procedure also defines the public process for involving participants, the forms and deadlines for submitting documents, the mechanism for examining submitted applications and assessing their compliance, as well as the number of participants involved with the right to consultative vote (at least five and a maximum of ten people) and the five-year term of their participation.
The purpose of this regulation is to ensure inclusiveness, transparency, and effective management of professional and public participation in the strategic planning, risk management, and oversight processes of the universal health insurance system.
Based on Article 32, Part 2 of the Law "On Universal Health Insurance":
I ORDER:
1. To approve the procedure for involving participants with consultative voting rights in the work of the executive committee implementing strategic planning, risk management and oversight of the universal health insurance process, in accordance with the appendix.
2. This order shall enter into force on the day following its official publication.
ORDER
INVOLVING PARTICIPANTS WITH THE RIGHT TO CONSULTATIVE VOTE IN THE WORK OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIC PLANNING, RISK MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF THE GENERAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROCESS
1. This procedure regulates the relations related to the involvement of participants with the right to consultative vote in the activities of the Executive Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Supervisory Committee) of the Universal Health Insurance Fund (hereinafter referred to as the Fund) for strategic planning, risk management and supervision of the universal health insurance process.
2. The process of involving participants with the right to a consultative vote in the Supervisory Committee is organized and conducted by the Foundation.
3. Organizations registered in the Republic of Armenia (in the person of their representatives) may participate in the Supervisory Committee with the right to a consultative vote, which:
1) engage in activities in any of the following areas: protection of the rights and interests of healthcare professionals, employers, employees, patients (in the case of public organizations), circulation of medicines, or medical care and service (in the case of other organizations);
2) have at least three years of experience in the given field;
3) are not members of any other body of the Foundation
4) are not in a contractual relationship with the Fund.
4. For the involvement of participants with the right to consultative vote in the Supervisory Committee, an announcement shall be published on the Fund's website no later than 5 working days after this order enters into force.
5. The declaration must include at least the following information:
1) the place and address for submitting applications, the telephone number and e-mail address of the person responsible for accepting applications;
2) In case of hand-delivery of applications, the days and hours of acceptance;
3) requirements for the organization submitting applications and the list of necessary documents to be submitted with the application;
4) Deadline for submitting applications.
6. Applications shall be submitted within 15 working days from the day following the publication of the announcement.
7. The application must include the following information:
1) name of the organization, location or place of operation, e-mail address;
2) name, surname, passport details, CV, contact details (telephone number, e-mail address) of the participant nominated by the organization,
3) the organization's field of activity and the period of time it has been operating in that field.
8. The following documents shall be submitted with the application:
1) copies of the organization's charter and the registration certificate issued by the registering authority;
2) information on the experience in the field specified in subparagraph 1 of paragraph 3 of this procedure and its duration;
3) A statement stating that the Organization is not included in other bodies of the Foundation and is not in contractual relations with the Foundation, stating that the Organization is not included in other bodies of the Foundation and is not in contractual relations with the Foundation.
9. The application and the attached documents (hereinafter collectively referred to as documents) may be delivered in person, sent by mail, or submitted to the email address specified in the announcement, certified by an electronic digital signature or signed and videotaped.
10. The organization shall be notified of the receipt of documents sent by mail and electronically within one business day following receipt of the documents, at the email address provided by it.
11. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
12. Documents sent by mail are considered submitted on time if they are delivered to the post office before the end of the period specified in paragraph 6 of these regulations.
13. The completeness and compliance of the documents shall be checked no later than 20 working days after receipt of the documents. The completeness and compliance of the documents submitted by the organizations with the requirements set forth in this procedure shall be determined by the Board of Trustees of the Fund based on the results of voting at the Board of Trustees meeting convened in accordance with the Law "On Foundations".
14. In cases where the documents are incomplete or do not comply with the list of required documents, the applicant is notified of this within one working day after checking the completeness of the documents (by e- mail or in writing), and is given three working days to correct the deficiencies.
15. If the deficiencies are not eliminated within the specified period, the submitted application will not be processed.
16. The number of participants (participants) with the right to a consultative vote in the work of the supervisory committee shall not be less than five, and the maximum number shall not exceed ten.
17. When involving participants with the right to consultative vote in the work of the supervisory committee, the involvement of at least one participant nominated by a non-governmental organization from each sector defined in subparagraph 1 of paragraph 3 of this procedure and the involvement of a participant nominated by another organization operating in the fields of drug circulation or medical care and service shall be taken into account (proportionality criterion).
18. In case of impossibility of attracting participants from each of the sectors defined in subparagraph 1 of paragraph 3 of this procedure, taking into account the proportionality criterion defined in paragraph 17 of this procedure, preference shall be given to organizations with the greatest experience (longest activity) in each of the sectors defined in subparagraph 1 of paragraph 3 of this procedure (longest experience criterion).
19. If the selection of submitted applications cannot be carried out based on the criteria set out in paragraphs 17- 18 of these Rules, then the advantage shall be given to the organization that submitted the application earlier.
20. Information on the results of the engagement is posted on the Fund's website within one business day.
21. Participants involved in the work of the Supervisory Committee with the right to consultative vote participate in the work of the Supervisory Committee for a period of 5 years, after which the involvement of new participants is carried out in accordance with this procedure.
22. Participants selected to participate in the work of the Supervisory Committee with the right to consultative vote may withdraw from the list of persons participating in the work of the Supervisory Committee with the right to consultative vote upon their application. In this case, the involvement of a new participant shall be carried out in accordance with this procedure.
PART III: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECTOR
(This section of legal updates includes legal news related to the intellectual property sector for the month of April 2026)
1. On establishing the types of intellectual property objects subject to registration in the National Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects, the procedure for maintaining and publishing such a register, the forms of applications submitted to the customs body by the owner of intellectual property objects or his authorized person, as well as the forms of decisions made by the customs body and notifications sent
Name of the legislative act:
On establishing the types of intellectual property objects subject to registration in the National Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects, the procedure for maintaining and publishing such a register, the forms of applications submitted to the customs body by the right holder of intellectual property objects or his authorized person, as well as the forms of decisions made and notifications sent by the customs body, No. 266-N of March 10, 2026
https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/222873
Status of the newly adopted legislative act:
This order is effective from April 4, 2026.
What the changes are about:
As a result of the changes made in the customs regulation sector of the Republic of Armenia, a new regulation of the national customs registry of intellectual property objects has been introduced.
The amendment stipulates that copyright objects, trade and service marks, as well as geographical indications may be registered in a unified register maintained by the customs authority. At the same time, the procedures for maintaining the register, publication, submission of applications and decisions taken by the customs authority have been regulated, including the possibility of their submission electronically.
The overall goal of the amendment is to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights at the border control stage, ensure the prevention of the import of counterfeit or infringing goods, and digitalize and unified administer processes..
Based on Part 2 of Article 6, Part 6 of Article 187, Parts 3 and 16 of Article 232 of the Law "On Customs Regulation":
I order:
1. Define:
1) Types of intellectual property objects subject to registration in the National Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects, in accordance with Appendix No. 1:
2) The procedure for maintaining and publishing the national customs register of intellectual property objects, in accordance with Appendix No. 2.
3) Forms of applications submitted to the customs authority by the owner of intellectual property rights or his authorized person, as well as decisions made by the customs authority and notifications sent, in accordance with Appendix No. 3.
2. To establish that the decisions and notifications specified in subparagraph 3 of paragraph 1 of this decision shall be drawn up in accordance with the forms specified in Appendix No. 3 of this decision, in case of submission through the relevant system of the electronic platform "National Single Window for Foreign Trade of the Republic of Armenia" (trade.gov.am), and before the launch of the specified system or in cases of force majeure, they shall be drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Law "On Fundamentals of Administration and Administrative Proceedings".
3. To declare invalid the Order No. 178-N of the State Revenue Committee under the Government of the Republic of Armenia dated June 13, 2012 “On the form of the application for suspension submitted to the customs bodies of the Republic of Armenia and the procedure for its submission and consideration, the types of intellectual property objects registered in the register, the procedure for maintaining the register and publishing the information recorded in it, the procedure for adopting a decision to suspend the release of goods, informing the right holder and the person transporting the goods about the adopted decision, as well as approving the procedure for extending the period for suspending the release of goods and declaring invalid the Order No. 02/1507 of the Ministry of State Revenue of the Republic of Armenia dated December 5, 2000” of the Ministry of State Revenue of the Republic of Armenia.
4. This order shall enter into force on the tenth day following the date of its official publication.:
2. On the types of intellectual property objects subject to registration in the National Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects, the procedure for maintaining and publishing such a register, the forms of applications submitted to the customs body by the owner of intellectual property objects or his authorized person, as well as the forms of decisions made by the customs body and notifications sent (Part 2)
The name of the newly adopted legislative act:
On the types of intellectual property objects subject to registration in the National Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects, the procedure for maintaining and publishing such a register, the forms of applications submitted to the customs body by the right holder of intellectual property objects or his authorized person, as well as the forms of decisions made by the customs body and notifications sent (Part 2) of March 10, 2026 N 266-N https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/222873
Status of the newly adopted legislative act:
This order is effective from April 4, 2026.
What the amendments concern:
With the adoption of the above-mentioned act, a change was made to the Government Resolution No. 2142-N of December 23, 2021 on approving the procedure for the formation and maintenance of the Register of Medical Workers.
PART IV. CUSTOMS SECTOR
(This section of legal updates includes legal news related to the customs sector for April 2026)
1. On approving the procedure for issuing one-time and general licenses for the import of restricted goods into the territory of the Republic of Armenia
Name of the legislative act :
On Amendments to Decision No. 904 of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of July 3, 2025 No. 449-N of April 9, 2026
https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/223755
Change status:
This Decision entered into force on April 14, 2026.
Which legislative act was amended by the adoption of the above-mentioned act:
As a result of the adoption of the legislative act, a change was made to the Government Resolution No. 904 of July 3, 2025 "On Establishing the Procedure and Forms for Issuing One-Time and General Licenses for the Import of Goods Subject to Restriction into the Territory of the Republic of Armenia".
What the amendments concern:
The resolution establishes the legal regulation of licensing the import of restricted goods into the territory of the Republic of Armenia.
By Decision No. 904-N of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of July 3, 2025, based on the Law "On Trade and Services" and Article 47 of the Treaty "On the Eurasian Economic Union", the procedure for issuing one-time and general licenses for the import of restricted goods was approved, as well as the forms of the relevant licenses were established.
The decision regulates the relations related to the distribution of permitted volumes of imports of restricted goods imported into the Republic of Armenia from non-member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (except for goods originating in the CIS countries), the issuance of licenses to participants in foreign economic activity, as well as import control. The principles of distribution of import quotas are established, distinguishing between historical and non-historical importers, providing for a distribution of 75 and 25 percent of the total permitted volume of imports, respectively.
The Order also defines the documents required for obtaining a license, the procedure for submitting and examining applications, the mechanisms for exchanging information between the authorized body and customs authorities, as well as the requirements for implementing imports and ensuring reporting.
The purpose of this decision is to ensure state regulation of the import of restricted goods, balanced implementation of foreign trade, and effective administration of import restrictions in the Republic of Armenia.
Based on Article 2, Part 1, Paragraph 25 and Article 2.1 of the Law "On Trade and Services", as well as Article 47 of the Treaty "On the Eurasian Economic Union", the Government of the Republic of Armenia decides:
1. Define:
1) the procedure for issuing one-time and general licenses for the import of restricted goods into the territory of the Republic of Armenia, in accordance with Appendix No. 1;
2) the form of a one-time license for the import of restricted goods, in accordance with Appendix No. 2;
3) the form of the general license for the import of restricted goods, in accordance with Appendix No. 3. 2. This decision shall enter into force on the tenth day following its official publication.:
PART V. PRIVATE SECTOR
(This section of legal updates includes legal news related to the private sector for the month of April 2026)
1. On Amendments and Supplements to the Code of the Republic of Armenia on Administrative Offenses
Name is the legislative act:
Law HO-111-N on Amendments and Supplements to the Code of the Republic of Armenia on Administrative Offenses
https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/223909
Change status:
This Law entered into force on April 17, 2026.
Which legislative act was amended by the adoption of the above-mentioned act:
As a result of the adoption of the legislative act, a change was made to the Code of the Republic of Armenia on Administrative Offenses.
What the amendments concern:
This law proposes to amend the Code of the Republic of Armenia on Administrative Offenses, establishing administrative liability for the circulation of goods prohibited by law in the retail trade sector.
In particular, Article 158 of the Code is supplemented by Part 12.1, which provides for administrative liability for the presence or alienation of goods prohibited by Part 2.1 of Article 9 of the Law "On Trade and Services" when carrying out retail trade in trade facilities, public catering facilities, places of trade, mobile trading points, fairs (vernisages), exhibition-sales, street trade and open-air trade.
It is envisaged that in the case of the first recording of the mentioned violation, a warning will be applied to the official, and in the case of committing the same violation again, an administrative fine will be imposed in the amount of one hundred to one hundred and fifty times the minimum salary.
The law also establishes a phased entry into force: the law generally enters into force on January 1, 2027, with the exception of Article 1 of the law, which enters into force on the day following its official publication.
Article 158 of the Code of the Republic of Armenia on Administrative Offenses (hereinafter referred to as the Code) shall be supplemented with the following content, part 12.1:
Article 158. Violation of the requirements established by law by a seller of trade, public catering facilities, provider of household services, organizer of sales at mobile trading points or service provider or organizer of sales through mobile trading, organizer of a place of trade
2.1. The presence or alienation of goods prohibited by Part 2.1 of Article 9 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Trade and Services" when conducting retail trade in trade facilities, public catering facilities, places of trade, mobile trading points, fairs (vernissages), exhibition-sales, through mobile trade, as well as in the case of outdoor trade:
results in a warning against the official who committed the violation.
Re-committing the act provided for in this part:
shall entail the imposition of a fine on the official in the amount of one hundred to one hundred and fifty times the established minimum wage.
This law shall enter into force on January 1, 2027, except for Article 1 of this law, which shall enter into force on the day following its official publication.
2. On Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Market Surveillance
Name of the legislative act :
Law HO-112-N on Amendments and Supplements to the Law "On Market Control" https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/223901
Change status :
This Law entered into force on April 26, 2026.
Which legislative act was amended by the adoption of the above-mentioned act:
As a result of the adoption of the legislative act, a change was made to the Law "On Market Control"
What the amendments concern:
This legislative initiative proposes to make amendments and supplements to the Law "On Market Supervision" of October 25, 2023 HO-323-N, introducing a new tool for implementing supervision - the institution of monitoring.
The draft law supplements Part 1 of Article 3 of the law with a new paragraph 18, which defines the concept of “monitoring.” Monitoring is defined as a set of actions carried out by an authorized body, the purpose of which is to prevent and detect violations of requirements arising from the laws of the Republic of Armenia, other legal acts and international treaties.
At the same time, the law is supplemented with a new Article 5.1, which defines the legal procedure for conducting observations. It is envisaged that the observation is carried out on the basis of an order of the head of the authorized body, without prior notification, and the order must indicate the body conducting the observation, the official, the purpose of the observation, the period and the scope of the study. The absence of the head of the observed economic entity or the failure to confirm the fact of receiving the order does not impede the implementation of the observation.
The legislative regulation also establishes the maximum duration of the observation, which cannot exceed five working days. After the observation is completed, a protocol is drawn up, which records the actions taken, violations identified, and legal grounds applied. The economic entity is entitled to submit explanations and objections to the protocol.
The draft also defines the responsibilities of economic entities during the monitoring, in particular, not to obstruct the monitoring process, submit the required documents, and ensure the necessary conditions for the activities of officials conducting the monitoring. In case of violations, the authorized body issues an order, setting appropriate deadlines for their elimination.
The results of the observation serve as the basis for initiating administrative proceedings and applying administrative sanctions, and the provisions of the Law "On Fundamentals of Administration and Administrative Proceedings" apply to administrative proceedings related to the observations.
The draft also clarifies the areas in which monitoring may be carried out, in particular, compliance with restrictions on the circulation of polyethylene bags and single-use plastic products, as well as monitoring compliance with the rules for the production, sale, labeling, advertising, sale of tobacco products and their substitutes, and prohibitions on sales to minors.
At the same time, it is envisaged that the mentioned regulations do not apply to the observations prescribed by the Law "On Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances".
In general, the goal of the proposed amendments is to introduce a preventive and operational control mechanism in the field of market surveillance, ensure the detection of violations at an earlier stage, and increase the effectiveness of state control over economic activity.
To supplement Part 1 of Article 3 of the Law HO-323-N of October 25, 2023 "On Market Surveillance" with the following paragraph 18:
18) Monitoring: a set of actions carried out by the authorized body in cases prescribed by law for the purpose of preventing and detecting violations of the requirements established by the laws and other legal acts of the Republic of Armenia and documents adopted in accordance with international treaties of the Republic of Armenia.
To supplement the law with Article 5.1 with the following content:
Article 5.1. Conduct of Observations
1. The monitoring is carried out on the basis of an order of the head of the authorized body, which indicates the name of the body conducting the monitoring, the name, surname, position of the person conducting the monitoring, the purpose of the monitoring, the period and the scope of the issue being monitored (according to the offenses defined by the Code of the Republic of Armenia on Administrative Offenses).
2. The inspection shall be carried out without prior notice. The order to conduct the inspection shall be presented for familiarization to the head of the economic entity under inspection or his/her substitute, at their request.
3. The absence of the head of the observed economic entity or his/her substitute at the observation site or failure to request the order to conduct the observation or to confirm the fact of receiving it with a signature is not a basis for not conducting the observation at that time.
4. A single observation period of no more than five working days may be set for each person being observed.
5. After the observation, a protocol is drawn up, which indicates the name of the authorized body, the position, first name, last name of the person (persons) conducting the observation, the name (title) of the economic entity, in case of detecting violations, also the detected violations, a description of the violations, the period of the violation (if possible to determine) and the legal norms whose requirements have not been met. The observed entity has the right to submit explanations and objections to the drawn protocol, attached to the protocol, and to submit documents.
6. In case of detection of violations of the requirements in accordance with the legislation during the monitoring, the official carrying out the supervision shall issue an order to eliminate the violations, setting deadlines for their implementation.
7. During the monitoring, the economic entity is obliged to:
1) not to obstruct the process of observation, to comply with the lawful requirements of the person conducting the observation;
2) upon request of the official conducting the review, submit the required documents, data, provide their photocopies, duplicates and other information.
3) create the necessary conditions for the activities of the persons conducting the monitoring;
4) comply with the requirements of the order within the time limit specified in the order, duly informing the authorized body within two working days.
8. The results of the monitoring are the basis for initiating administrative proceedings and applying administrative sanctions.
9. The provisions of the Law "On Fundamentals of Administration and Administrative Proceedings" shall apply to administrative proceedings related to observations.
10. Supervision in the form of observation is carried out with respect to the following requirements established by legislation:
1) The Law on "Trade and Services" prohibits the possession or disposal of polyethylene bags and sacks (except for bags used for packaging, as well as bags made from secondary raw materials intended for garbage), disposable plastic (including foam plastic) containers (except for plastic containers with lids used for packaging), plates, cups, cup lids, spoons, forks, knives, and sticks intended for drinking or stirring.
2) As defined in the Law "On the Reduction and Prevention of Harm to Health from the Use of Tobacco Products and Their Substitutes":
a. prohibition on the free sale of samples of tobacco products or tobacco product substitutes (except for substitutes used for medical purposes) or imitations of tobacco products by manufacturers of tobacco products or tobacco product substitutes, their representatives or sellers,
b. prohibition of sponsorship of tobacco products or tobacco product substitutes,
c. general requirements for the import, sale or production of tobacco products or tobacco product substitutes under the legislation of the Republic of Armenia,
d. requirements for the packaging and labeling of tobacco products or tobacco product substitutes in terms of providing information on adverse health effects,
e. rules for the sale of tobacco products or their accessories or tobacco product substitutes (except for tobacco product substitutes used for medical purposes) or tobacco product imitations,
f. prohibition on the sale or any other means of sale of tobacco products or their accessories or substitutes for tobacco products to persons under the age of 18,
g. prohibition of the sale or any other method of self-service (self-selection and delivery to a designated place for payment), vending machines or mechanical devices of tobacco products or their accessories or tobacco product substitutes (except for tobacco product substitutes used for medical purposes) or tobacco product imitations,
h. the prohibition on applying any discount when selling tobacco products or their accessories or tobacco product substitutes (except tobacco product substitutes used for medical purposes) or tobacco product imitations,
i. prohibition on the retail sale or any other form of sale of tobacco products in an open pack or in a pack where the number of products in the pack is more or less than the number of products certified by the manufacturer, or on the sale of cigarettes by the piece or any other form of sale, or on the sale or any other form of sale of tobacco products or tobacco product substitutes in a package forming a whole with food or non-food products,
j. the sale or any other form of sale of tobacco products or their accessories or substitutes for tobacco products or imitations of tobacco products in areas or institutions prohibited by law,
k. prohibition on the public display of tobacco products or their accessories or tobacco product substitutes (except for tobacco product substitutes used for medical purposes) in shops and public catering establishments.
11. The provisions of this Article do not apply to the monitoring prescribed by the Law "On Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances".
3. On amendments and additions to the Law on Audiovisual Media regarding prohibitions on the misuse of audiovisual programs
Name of the legislative act:
RA Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Audiovisual Media https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/224016
Change status:
This Law entered into force on April 28, 2026.
Which legislative act was amended by the adoption of the above-mentioned act:
As a result of the adoption of the legislative act, a change was made to the Law on Audiovisual Media.
What the amendments concern:
This legislative initiative proposes to make comprehensive amendments and supplements to the Law "On Audiovisual Media" HO-395-N of July 16, 2020, aimed at modernizing regulations, tightening control mechanisms, and increasing legal clarity in the sector.
First of all, the concept of “audiovisual program distributor” is being revised: instead of the current regulation, it is proposed to define it as a natural or legal person providing audiovisual programs to the operator based on a written agreement with the person who owns the property rights, thereby emphasizing the change in the legal basis and the fact of ownership of rights.
Article 9 of the law is completely reworded, establishing a broad and detailed system of prohibitions on the abuse of audiovisual programs. In particular, calls for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order, war or violence, hate speech, propaganda of discrimination, the dissemination of pornography, as well as the propaganda of a criminal subculture are prohibited. The specifics of liability during live broadcasts, the powers of the supervisory body to apply to the competent authorities regarding criminally punishable acts, as well as restrictions on the broadcasting of certain audiovisual content in the evening and night hours are also defined. At the same time, the dissemination of content interfering with the internal political life of Armenia in foreign programs is prohibited. Significant changes are also planned in the field of regulation of network operators. Article 49 is redrafted, stipulating that retransmission may be carried out only on the basis of a written agreement with the person holding the property rights, and in the case of foreign programs, prior notification to the regulatory state body is also provided. Additional regulations establish obligations to provide video recordings during administrative proceedings, requirements for immediate termination of retransmission, as well as clear deadlines for storing and submitting information.
clarified . Article 54 establishes the obligation of distributors to provide videos during administrative proceedings, as well as the authority of the regulatory body to make decisions on the termination of the legal force of the notice in case of violations.
Article 57 is completely rewritten, expanding the grounds for administrative liability and establishing a system of fines for various violations. The amounts of fines are differentiated depending on the nature and repetition of the offense, including a principle of multiplication in case of repeated violations.
The new Article 58.1 of the Law introduces a comprehensive system for the suspension and termination of a network operator’s license. The suspension of a license can be applied for up to 30 days in the presence of a number of grounds, including repeated violations, technical inconsistency, prolonged suspension of retransmission, or based on the operator’s application. The grounds for termination include the liquidation of a legal entity, transfer of a license, detection of false data, failure to eliminate violations, as well as other cases determined by the regulatory authority.
In general, the proposed package of amendments is aimed at strengthening control over the audiovisual media sector, clarifying content restrictions, as well as tightening licensing and liability systems, ensuring a higher level of protection of public interests and the information environment.
Paragraph 10 of Article 3, Part 1 of the Law HO-395-N of July 16, 2020 "On Audiovisual Media" (hereinafter referred to as the Law) shall be amended as follows:
Old version.
10) Distributor of audiovisual programs: a natural or legal person providing audiovisual programs to the operator for distribution based on a contract with the Broadcaster.
New version.
10) Distributor of audiovisual programs: a natural or legal person who provides audiovisual programs to an operator for distribution based on a written agreement with the person who owns the property rights.
Article 9 of the Law shall be amended as follows:
Article 9. Prohibition of abuse of audiovisual broadcasts
1. It is prohibited in audiovisual programs:
1) dissemination of information that calls for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order or war, encourages or justifies such actions;
2) dissemination of information containing propaganda of violence and cruelty;
3) dissemination of information inciting national, racial, sexual or religious hatred, as well as inciting, encouraging or justifying discrimination based on age, disability or other personal or social characteristics;
4) distributing pornography, based on Article 300 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia;
5) spreading calls for other acts that are criminally punishable or prohibited by law; 6) broadcasting of films and audiovisual programs containing propaganda of criminal subculture, except for the cases provided for in Part 4 of Article 9 of this Law.
2. In case of violation of the prohibitions established by Part 1 of this Article, with the exception of Point 4, during a live broadcast, the Broadcaster shall not be held liable if the violation was warned or announced during the live broadcast, and in case of a repeated violation, the live broadcast shall be terminated.
3. In the event that the regulatory state body, during the implementation of the supervisory functions assigned to it by law, discovers elements of an act prohibited by the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, it shall apply to the competent authorities.
4. Audiovisual programs and films of an erotic nature, films containing horror and obvious violence, films and audiovisual programs containing propaganda of criminal subculture, as well as programs that may have a negative impact on the health, mental and physical development, and upbringing of minors may be broadcast from 24:00 to 6:00.
5. The dissemination of content that interferes with the internal political life of the Republic of Armenia in foreign audiovisual programs is prohibited.
6. The regulatory state body shall establish the standards for the prohibition of abuse of information calling for war, encouraging or justifying such actions, as defined in paragraph 1 of part 1 of this Article, and for audiovisual programs as defined in paragraphs 2 and 3, parts 4 and 5.
7. Broadcasters are prohibited from broadcasting entertainment programs and advertisements on state-declared days of mourning and remembrance.
8. Broadcasters or operators may distribute audiovisual programs defined in Part 4 of this Article without time restrictions if there is a technical possibility to introduce an artificial barrier (code) to consumers' access to these programs.
9. It is prohibited for the Broadcaster, and in the case of non-linear information, the operator, to distribute an audiovisual program or audiovisual broadcast without the consent of the person owning the property rights thereto.
In Article 49 of the Law, Part 1 shall be amended as follows:
Article 49. Activities of a person who has received a network operator license:
Old version.
1. The audiovisual programs of Broadcasters operating in the territory of the Republic of Armenia and beyond its borders may be retransmitted by a person who has received a network operator license on the basis of a contract with a distributor of audiovisual programs or a broadcaster.
New version.
1. An audiovisual program may be retransmitted by a person who has received a network operator license based on a written agreement reached with the audiovisual program distributor or Broadcaster or the person who owns the property rights to the foreign audiovisual program.
to supplement parts 1.1, 6 and 7 with the following content:
1.1. Based on a written agreement reached by a person who has received a network operator license with a person who owns the property rights to a foreign audiovisual program, the audiovisual program may be retransmitted only after submitting a paper or electronic notification to the regulatory state body. The process of submitting a notification to the regulatory state body, approving it, as well as the termination of the legal force of the administrative act adopted on approving the notification shall be regulated in accordance with the requirements of the provisions of Article 54 of this Law.
"6. The person who has received a network operator license shall, within 24 hours after being notified by the regulatory state body of the initiation of administrative proceedings regarding an apparent violation of the provisions of Part 1 of Article 9 of this Law, as well as the requirements for excluding content interfering with the internal political life of the Republic of Armenia in foreign audiovisual programs, cease retransmission of the given audiovisual program.
7. In the event of the initiation of administrative proceedings regarding the apparent violation of the requirements of Part 1 of Article 9 of this Law or the detection of content of interference with the internal political life of the Republic of Armenia in foreign audiovisual programs, upon receipt of the request of the regulatory state body, the network operator that carries out retransmission based on a written agreement reached with the person owning the property rights to the given foreign audiovisual program shall, within 15 working days, submit the video recordings or audio recordings of the audiovisual programs or broadcasts. The video recordings or audio recordings of the audiovisual programs requested by the regulatory state body may not be submitted if, as of the date of the initiation of administrative proceedings, 30 days have passed since the date of the apparent violation.
Article 54 of the Law shall be supplemented with Parts 6 and 7 with the following content:
6. In the event of the initiation of administrative proceedings for an apparent violation of the requirements of Part 1 of Article 9 of this Law or for the detection of content of interference in the internal political life of the Republic of Armenia in foreign audiovisual programs, the distributor of audiovisual programs shall, within 15 working days after receiving the request of the regulatory state body, submit the video recordings or audio recordings of audiovisual programs or broadcasts. The video recordings or audio recordings of audiovisual programs requested by the regulatory state body may not be submitted if, as of the date of the initiation of administrative proceedings, 30 days have passed since the date of the apparent violation.
7. In case of failure to submit the video recordings and audio recordings within the period specified in Part 6 of this Article, as well as in case of violation of the requirements of Part 1 of Article 9 of this Law or the requirement to exclude interference in the internal political life of the Republic of Armenia in foreign audiovisual programs, the regulatory state body shall be entitled to adopt a decision in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law, based on the results of administrative proceedings, on terminating the legal force of the administrative act adopted on the approval of the notification in respect of the given audiovisual program.
Article 57 of the Law shall be amended as follows:
Article 57. Fine
1. A fine may be imposed on a person who has committed an offense defined in this Article no later than two months from the date of the offense, and in the case of an ongoing or persistent offense, no later than two months from the date of its discovery.
2. Failure by a person who has received a written warning in accordance with the procedure established by Article 56 of this Law to comply with the requirement specified in the warning within the period specified in the warning or committing the same violation that served as the basis for the warning again within one year after the application of administrative penalties established by Article 56 of this Law: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage.
3. Restrict the right to receive other audiovisual information legally distributed by broadcasters and operators in the areas where the respective broadcasting areas overlap: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of three hundred times the established minimum wage.
4. Broadcaster names should be displayed on screen only in foreign languages, without continuous transcription into Armenian. shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage.
5. Broadcasting Armenian programs for less than 55 percent of the total airtime by the broadcaster, except for cases provided for by law: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of three hundred times the established minimum wage.
6. Retransmission of a single audiovisual program by a network operator without a written consent from the person owning the property rights: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of fifty times the established minimum wage.
7. Retransmission of two to five audiovisual programs by a network operator without a written agreement with the person who owns the property rights: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of two hundred times the established minimum wage.
8. Retransmission of six to ten audiovisual programs by a network operator without a written agreement with the person who owns the property rights: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of four hundred times the established minimum wage.
9. Retransmission of more than ten audiovisual programs by a network operator without a written agreement with the person owning the property rights: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of five hundred times the established minimum wage.
10. In case of non-compliance with the criteria (standards) specified in Part 2 of Article 14.5 of this Law, the use of the results of measurements made by the relevant person shall entail the imposition of a fine on the person making the measurements in the amount of five thousand times the established minimum wage. Moreover, if the person making the relevant measurements does not submit the necessary information, documents or other materials required of him or her specified in Part 3 of Article 14.5 of this Law, or they are submitted improperly (incorrectly, incompletely, later than the deadline set by the regulatory state body or in a form different from the format set by the latter), then it shall be considered that the relevant measurements do not comply with the criteria (standards) specified in Part 2 of Article 14.5 of this Law.
11. Failure to submit the written confirmation provided for in Part 4 of Article 14.5 of this Law (including when the submitted confirmation does not contain any part of the specified content or the necessary accompanying documents) shall in each case separately result in the imposition of a fine on the persons performing the relevant measurements, as well as on other persons who transfer the results of the measurements or other data processed on the basis of these results or use them in any way in relations with third parties, in the amount of one thousand times the established minimum wage. Moreover, the measure of responsibility provided for in this part shall be applied only in the case when the person fails to submit the written confirmations received from persons with whom he has entered into direct relations.
12. Failure to provide the relevant persons with the results of audits, inspections and other studies performed in relation to the measurements provided for in Part 4 of Article 14.5 of this Law (including failure to provide them within the established time limit or incomplete provision) shall, in each case, result in the imposition of a fine for the persons obliged to provide them in the amount of one thousand times the established minimum wage.
13. Each case of failure to comply with or improper compliance with the notification provided for in Part 5 of Article 14.5 of this Law shall separately result in the imposition of a fine for the persons obligated to provide such notification in the amount of one thousand times the established minimum salary. 14. Broadcasting programs for the purpose of conducting pre-election (on the issue put to the referendum) campaign for elections (referendums) without the mandatory continuous caption "Pre-election (on the issue put to the referendum) campaign" on the screen during the period specified by law, and in the case of audio programs, not mentioning it at least twice during each program: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of five hundred times the established minimum wage.
15. Broadcasting by broadcasters of advertisements for strong alcoholic beverages (alcohol content of 20% or more by volume) and energy drinks, broadcasting advertisements for tobacco and tobacco products between 06:00 and 22:30, as well as direct or indirect use or display of tobacco or tobacco products in children's audiovisual programs : shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of two hundred times the established minimum wage.
16. Commercial interruptions in news programs: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of three hundred times the established minimum wage.
17. Failure by a broadcaster to present its output data on air every day: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage.
18. Failure by a broadcaster to continuously broadcast its symbol during the broadcast of its programs (except in cases of broadcasting advertising): shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of three hundred times the established minimum wage.
19. Violating the requirements for broadcasting audiovisual programs of an erotic nature and films containing horror and obvious violence, films and audiovisual programs containing propaganda of a criminal subculture, as well as audiovisual programs that may have a negative impact on the health, mental and physical development, and upbringing of minors: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of four hundred times the established minimum wage.
20. Failure by the network operator, within 24 hours of being notified by the regulatory state body, to stop the retransmission of an audiovisual program in apparent violation of Part 1 of Article 9 of this Law, as well as the requirement to exclude interference in the internal political life of the Republic of Armenia in foreign audiovisual programs: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of five hundred times the established minimum wage.
21. Violation by the broadcaster of the requirements of Article 9, Part 1, Points 2-5 of this Law: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of four hundred times the established minimum wage.
22. Failure to submit a notification to the state body regulating satellite broadcasting: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of four hundred times the established minimum wage.
23. Violating the requirements of Article 6 of this Law: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of two hundred times the established minimum wage.
24. Violating the established procedure for maintaining an electronic register of audiovisual programs: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage.
25. Violation of the requirements of the Law "On Advertising" by the broadcaster: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of five hundred times the established minimum wage.
26. Failure to preserve video and audio recordings of broadcast programs by the broadcaster within the period specified by this law: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of three hundred times the established minimum wage.
27. Violating the requirements of Article 7 of this Law: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of five hundred times the established minimum wage.
28. Failure to meet the conditions provided for in Part 7 of Article 42 of this Law: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage .
29. Violating the requirements of Article 8 of this Law: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of two hundred times the established minimum wage.
30. It is prohibited to carry out sponsorship: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of two hundred times the established minimum wage.
31. Broadcasting advertisements and entertainment programs on state-declared days of mourning and remembrance: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of four hundred times the established minimum wage.
32. Failure by a licensed Broadcaster to comply with the requirement of at least 20 percent of the weekly airtime of children's, educational, cultural and sports-oriented audiovisual programs in the audiovisual program: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage.
33. Failure to comply with the requirement to include a five-second, prominently displayed message at the start of an audiovisual program containing scenes of smoking: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage.
34. Carrying out activities without the notification specified in Article 54 of this Law: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of five hundred times the established minimum wage.
35. Carrying out activities without the notification specified in Article 49 of this Law: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of two hundred times the established minimum wage.
36. The broadcaster, or in the case of non-linear information, the operator, distributes an audiovisual program or audiovisual broadcast without the consent of the person owning the property rights thereto: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage.
37. Failure to submit documents or other information specified by a decision of a regulatory state body or a presidential letter or legislation within the established period, or submitting unreliable or incomplete information: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of five hundred times the established minimum wage.
38. Failure to submit information to the regulatory state body regarding the revenue generation gap and amount for the previous year: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one hundred times the established minimum wage.
39. Failure to act in accordance with the general description of the main directions and measures for the implementation of the goals set by the broadcaster: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of two hundred times the established minimum wage.
40. Failure to implement self-regulatory measures to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Code of Ethics: shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of three hundred times the established minimum wage.
41. Repeating the same violation within one year by a person subject to an administrative penalty on the grounds specified in Parts 2-40 of this Article: shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of three times the penalty imposed.
To supplement the law with the following content in Article 58.1:
Article 58.1. Suspension and Termination of the Network Operator License
1. The license of a network operator shall be suspended for a maximum period of 30 days if:
1) the network operator has been subject to an administrative penalty three times within one year on the basis specified in Part 41 of Article 57 of this Law;
2) the technical means of the network operator do not comply with accepted standards, as a result of which there is a danger to human health or obstacles are created for the activities of other Broadcasters or operators;
3) the network operator has not retransmitted for 72 hours without any valid reason;
4) the network operator does not perform retransmission within six months from the date of obtaining the license;
5) There is a corresponding application from the network operator about this.
2. After the license is suspended, if the violations specified in Part 1 of this Article are eliminated within the period specified by the regulatory state body, the regulatory state body shall lift the suspension.
3. The license shall be terminated if:
1) the legal entity has been liquidated, or the activities of the natural person have been terminated;
2) the license has been transferred to other individuals or legal entities;
3) materially false or distorted information has been found in the documents submitted for licensing;
4) the violation specified in Part 1 of this Article has not been eliminated;
5) there is a corresponding application from the network operator about this;
6) the network operator has retransmitted audiovisual programs while the operation of an audiovisual program or audiovisual transmission has been suspended by the regulatory state body;
7) other grounds for terminating the license are established by law.
4. On making amendments and additions to the Law on Audiovisual Media regarding the mandatory labeling of synthetic content
Name of the legislative act:
RA Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Audiovisual Media https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/224054
Change status:
This Law entered into force on April 28, 2026.
Which legislative act was amended by the adoption of the above-mentioned act:
As a result of the adoption of the legislative act, a change was made to the Law on Audiovisual Media.
What the amendments concern:
The proposed legislative amendment intends to introduce legal regulation of synthetic content into the Law "On Audiovisual Media", due to the growth of materials created or modified using artificial intelligence and digital technologies and their potential impact on the perception of information.
This amendment supplements the basic concepts of the law with a new concept of “synthetic content.” It includes audiovisual, sound, or image materials that have been created or modified, in whole or in part, using generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other digital technologies. Such content may cause the consumer to perceive things that are not consistent with reality, especially regarding its origin, authenticity, or the actions and speech of the individuals depicted.
The legislative amendment also establishes a mandatory labeling requirement for synthetic content. In particular, audiovisual media service providers are obliged to ensure that such content is clearly and comprehensibly marked with an appropriate notice. If the content is created using artificial intelligence or machine learning, the label “Created by AI” is used, and in the case of materials modified using other digital technologies, the label “Subjected to digital processing” is used.
The amendment also details the methods of labeling, depending on the type of content. In the case of audiovisual programs, the labeling must be visible throughout the program and be included in the description field. In the case of audio programs, it is played at the beginning and end of the program, as well as reflected in the description. In the case of visual materials, the labeling must be placed directly on the image and repeated in the description section.
At the same time, it is envisaged that if the program is not entirely synthetic, then the labeling shall be carried out only for the relevant sections. In the case of programs of an artistic, fantastic, humorous or educational nature, a more flexible approach is allowed, placing the labeling also in a description or other accessible format, provided that it is accessible and understandable to the consumer.
The legislative amendment also stipulates that the technical standards and application procedure for labeling are established by the regulatory state body.
Finally, the amendment provides for administrative liability, imposing a fine of three hundred times the minimum wage for violating the requirements for labeling synthetic content.
In general, the goal of the legislative amendment is to ensure transparency in the digital and media environment, reduce the potentially misleading impact of artificially created content, and increase the level of information protection for consumers.
To supplement Part 1 of Article 3 of Law HO-395-N of July 16, 2020 "On Audiovisual Media" (hereinafter referred to as the Law) with the following paragraph 31:
Article 3. Basic concepts used in the law
31) synthetic content - audiovisual, audio or other information material or image, which has been fully or partially created or modified using generative artificial intelligence (hereinafter referred to as AI), machine learning or other digital technologies and may create in the consumer a perception of apparent inconsistency with reality or a delusion regarding its origin, authenticity or the speech, image, actions or phenomena of the person represented therein
To supplement the law with Article 9.1 with the following content:
Article 9.1. Mandatory labeling of synthetic content
1. Audiovisual media service providers are obliged to ensure clear, audible or visible and legible marking of synthetic content in broadcast audiovisual materials:
1) in the case of synthetic content created or modified in whole or in part using generative artificial intelligence or other technologies based on machine learning, with the indication "Created by AB";
2) in the case of synthetic content that has been fully or partially modified using other digital technologies, with the note "Subjected to digital processing".
2. Marking shall be carried out in the following ways:
1) in the case of an audiovisual program, it shall be shown throughout the video and reflected in the description field, except for the case provided for in Part 3 of this Article;
2) in the case of an audio broadcast, it shall be included twice: at the beginning and at the end of the audio broadcast, including in the description field; 3) in the case of images , be reflected on the image and included in the image description field.
3. In the event that the program is not entirely of synthetic content, the marking shall be made only in the part of the program that contains synthetic content.
4. At the choice of the broadcaster, content creator or producer, fantasy, fiction, humorous, educational audiovisual programs or films must be marked with one of the marking methods specified in this Article, in the description or in another accessible format, provided that this information is accessible or understandable to the consumer.
5. The requirements for the labeling of audiovisual programs or films containing synthetic content shall be established by the regulatory state body.
Article 57 of the Law shall be supplemented with the following content, part 30.1:
Article 57. Fine
Violation of the requirements of Article 9.1 of this Law:
shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of three hundred times the established minimum wage.;
PART VI. HIGH TECHNOLOGY SECTOR
(This section of legal updates includes legal news related to the high-tech sector for April 2026)
1. Draft amendments and additions to the Law "On State Support for the High-Tech Sector"
Name of the legislative act:
Draft law on amendments and additions to the Law "On State Support for the High-Tech Sector"
http://www.parliament.am/draftreading_docs8/P-1302_DR2.pdf
Change status :
This Draft was adopted in second reading and in full on 07.05.2026.
What the amendments concern:
The goal of the project is to improve the toolkit for providing state support in the high-tech sector and eliminate and clarify a number of problems that have emerged during the implementation of the law.
As a result of the substantive changes provided for in the Draft:
1) The provisions of the law on the provision of state support for employees performing work under a civil law contract are removed from the regulations. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that during the provision of support, employees performing work under civil law contracts cannot be identified through the platform, since only the number of employees under such contracts is included in the non-personalized registration database of the tax authority, and in this case, the authorized body is forced to obtain the contracts of the latter from the economic entities applying for support, which is problematic and inexpedient.
In addition, as a result of the analysis of the three quarters of 2025, their number is quite small, which does not have a significant impact on the targeting of state support for the sector.
2) Taking into account the priorities of the high-tech sector and the development of scientific research and experimental development (R&D) activities in the Republic of Armenia, it is proposed to provide in the Law that:
"When providing state support defined by law, the amount of support for employees benefiting from tax privileges under Article 150, Part 1.1 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia shall be calculated on the basis of an amount equivalent to 20 percent of the salary and other payments equivalent to it for the same period instead of the amount of income tax calculated for the reporting period on the salary and other payments equivalent to it."
The purpose of this regulation is that the income tax calculated for the AVUM is not separately recorded in the SRC database, and therefore, for persons involved in R&D work, whose tax is calculated at 10 percent within the framework of the income tax exemption, it is not possible to calculate the support from that amount, or to separate the persons benefiting from the exemption, since these employees, in addition to salaries and payments equal to them, also receive other income from the employer that is not considered a salary, in connection with which income tax is also calculated, and they are not presented separately in the SRC database so that it is possible to receive it through IPs.) In addition, the analysis of the provision of previous supports has shown that their difference is very small. Therefore, it was found appropriate to take the amount equivalent to 20 percent of AVUM for persons involved in R&D work as well.
3) The draft rewrites the concept of a new employee, according to which a new employee is a hired employee performing professional work who has not been an hired employee of an employer operating in the high-tech sector during the four years preceding the year of employment, and who was hired by an employer operating in the high- tech sector after December 31, 2024.
The transitional provisions of the draft also regulate the recruitment of new employees, according to which it is possible that after the law enters into force, an economic entity may apply for state support for a new employee who entered the high-tech sector after January 1, 2025, if the previous employer of the new employee, the economic entity, did not receive state support for its part.
5) A change is also envisaged in the form of support provided to labor migrants, in particular, state support amounts are transferred to the economic entity as an intermediary for the purpose of transferring them to the labor migrant. Moreover, the economic entity must transfer the state support amount to the labor migrant within five working days after receiving it. In this case, no tax liability arises for the economic entity that is the employer, as well as for the hired labor migrant, in terms of state support amounts.
6) It is envisaged that subsidiaries, branches and representative offices of legal entities may also apply for state support.
7) A number of technical changes and additions are also being made.
The subject of the draft regulation is the improvement of the state support toolkit for the high-tech sector and the exclusion of problematic situations.
As a result of the adoption of the project, it is expected that more favorable conditions will be created for the progressive development of the high-tech sector. It is also expected that problematic situations will be excluded in the procedure for providing state support. The provision of support will be more targeted.
In Part 1 of Article 3 of the Law HO-498-N of December 4, 2024 "On State Support for the High-Tech Sector" (hereinafter referred to as the Law):
Article 3. Basic concepts used in the law
Old version.
4) hired employee: a person performing work in accordance with an employment or civil law contract;
New version.
4) "hired employee" means a person performing work in accordance with an employment contract or an individual legal act on employment."
Paragraph 10 should be reworded to read as follows:
Old version.
10) new employee - a hired employee who has entered the high-tech sector for the first time and performs professional work;
New version.
10) new employee - a hired employee performing professional work who has not been an employee of an employer operating in the high-tech sector during the four years preceding the year of employment, and who was hired by an employer operating in the high-tech sector after December 31, 2024.
Article 5 of the Law shall be redrafted with the following content:
Article 5. Implementation of state support for the high-tech sector.
1. The types of activities in the high-tech sector subject to state support, according to the classifiers of economic activities, are defined by the Government.
2. State support for high-tech organizations or individual entrepreneurs (hereinafter also referred to as economic entities) or other entities shall be provided by this Law. Other areas of support may be established by the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia and other legislative acts.
3. The authorized body, taking into account the priorities for the development of the high-tech sector, may develop and submit to the Government for approval other procedures for providing support.
4. State support is provided to economic entities engaged in activities defined by the classifiers of economic activities subject to state support established by the Government:
1) for attracting new employees. The state support defined by this point is provided to the economic entity in the amount of 60 percent of the income tax calculated on the salary of the new employee and other payments equivalent to it. The status of a new employee is maintained from the 1st of the month of hiring a new employee for professional work within the meaning of this law, up to and including the last day of the month including the day of the third year of employment calculated in calendar days.
2) For the preparation and retraining of personnel performing professional work necessary for carrying out activities defined by the classifiers of economic activities subject to state support established by the Government (hereinafter referred to as retraining). The state support defined by this point is provided to an economic entity in the amount of 50 percent of the income tax amount calculated in the reporting period on the salary of a trained employee performing professional work and other payments equivalent to it.
5. A migrant worker employed by economic entities engaged in activities defined by the classifiers of economic activities subject to state support established by the Government shall be provided with state support in the amount of 60 percent of the income tax calculated on his/her salary and other payments equivalent to it. Moreover:
1) The application for state support to a labor migrant is submitted by the economic entity and the amount of state support is transferred to the economic entity, as an intermediary, for the purpose of transferring it to the labor migrant.
2) The economic entity shall transfer the state support amount to the migrant worker within five working days after receiving it, as a payment made by the authorized body for the migrant worker (for his benefit).
6. The risk of calculating and changing the salary and other payments equivalent to it, which serve as the basis for the provision of state support defined in this Article, as well as not transferring the amounts of state support to the labor migrant, shall be borne by the economic entity.
7. Training is the acquisition and continuous improvement of new professional knowledge by an employee, the procedure for examining and accepting the justifications for which is established by the authorized body.
8. When providing state support defined in Parts 4 and 5 of this Article, the amount equivalent to 20 percent of the salary and other payments equivalent to it for the same period shall be used as the basis for calculating the amount of state support for employees benefiting from tax privileges under Part 1.1 of Article 150 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia, instead of the amount of income tax calculated in the reporting period on the salary and other payments equivalent to it.
9. The state support defined in Parts 4 and 5 of this Article shall be provided to economic entities operating in the general taxation system and the turnover tax system for the period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2031. Moreover, economic entities operating in the turnover tax system, as well as their labor migrants, may continue to use state support after the expiration of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which they began using state support, if the given economic entity operates in the general taxation system.
10. The procedures for providing state support specified in Parts 4 and 5 of this Article shall be established by the Government.
Article 6 of the Law shall be redrafted with the following content:
Article 6. Requirements for entities applying for state support
1. The following entities may apply for state support:
1) Commercial organizations registered in the Republic of Armenia, including subsidiaries, branches and representative offices of legal entities;
2) Individual entrepreneurs registered in the Republic of Armenia.
2. The scope of activities of economic entities applying for state support, and in the case of an application for a labor migrant, the scope of activities of their employer economic entity must comply with or include the activities defined by the classifiers of economic activities subject to state support established by the Government.
3. Entities meeting the requirements set forth in this Law receive state support on a voluntary basis, by applying through the platform.
4. The platform automatically approves or rejects the provision of state support.
5. In case of approval of the provision of state assistance, a contract is signed between the recipient of state assistance, and in the case of a labor migrant, the intermediary, and the authorized body, and in case of rejection, an administrative act on the rejection of the provision of state assistance is presented to the applicant through the platform in the form of a letter from the authorized body.
2. On amending the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 450 of April 17, 2025
Name of the legislative act :
RA Government Decision No. 564-N of 23.04.2026 on Amending Decision No. 450 of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of April 17, 2025
https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/224296
Change status :
This Decision entered into force on April 28, 2026.
Which legislative act was amended by the adoption of the above-mentioned act:
As a result of the adoption of this Law, a change was made to the RA Government Resolution No. 450-N of April 17, 2025 on establishing the procedures for providing state support to the High-Tech sector.
What the amendments concern:
This amendment proposes to review the regulation of the deadlines for submitting applications for state support for migrants working in the high-tech sector, established by the government decision adopted on the basis of the Law "On State Support for the High-Tech Sector".
In particular, the main purpose of the amendment is to clarify the procedure for submitting applications and establish a unified deadline for reporting periods. The new edition clarifies that applications for assistance can be submitted for each quarter within the specified deadlines, related to the deadline for submitting tax calculations.
As a general rule, applications must be submitted from the business day following the deadline for submitting tax calculations for the last month of the quarter, up to and including the 20th of the month following that month. This regulation aims to ensure predictability of the process and comparability with the deadlines for submitting tax reports.
At the same time, a special transitional regulation is planned for the first quarter of 2026. In this case, the deadline for submitting applications is set exclusively from June 1 to June 30, 2026 inclusive. This approach is due to possible adaptation needs during the initial application phase of the introduced regulation.
The amendment also clearly stipulates that each application may only relate to the previous quarter, with the exception of the aforementioned transitional case. In other words, the system is built on the logic of quarterly periodicity, excluding the accumulation or retroactive submission of applications for future periods.
The new regulation also clarifies that after the expiration of the established deadlines, applications for a given quarter will no longer be accepted, which aims to ensure the discipline and administrative predictability of the process.
Finally, it is envisaged that the decision will enter into force on the day following its official publication, but its effect will extend to relations arising from January 1, 2026, ensuring uniform application of the retroactive regulation.
Based on Part 10 of Article 5 of the Law "On State Support for the High Technology Sector" and Articles 33 and 34 of the Law "On Regulatory Legal Acts", the Government of the Republic of Armenia decides:
1. Paragraph 11 of Appendix No. 4 to Decision No. 450-N of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of April 17, 2025 "On Establishing the Procedures for Providing State Support to the High-Tech Sector" shall be amended to read as follows:
Appendix No. 4
The Government of the Republic of Armenia's 2025
Decision No. 450-N of April 17
PROVISION OF STATE SUPPORT TO A LABOR MIGRANT EMPLOYED BY AN ECONOMIC ENTITY IN THE HIGH-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR
"11. Applications for assistance may be submitted after the business day following the deadline for submitting tax calculations for the last month of the quarter, up to and including the 20th of the month following the given month, with the exception of applications submitted for the first quarter of 2026, which may be submitted from June 1 to June 30, 2026, inclusive. Moreover, applications shall be submitted only for the quarter preceding the date of application, with the exception of applications submitted from June 1 to June 30, 2026, inclusive, which shall be submitted only for the first quarter of 2026. Applications for the previous quarter shall not be accepted after the deadlines for submitting applications specified in this paragraph."
2. This decision shall enter into force on the day following its official publication and shall apply to relations arising from January 1, 2026.
PART VII. COMPETITIVE SECTOR
(This section of legal updates includes legal news related to the highly competitive sector as of April 2026)
1. Draft Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Advertising
Name of the legislative act :
Draft Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Advertising http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=10334&lang=arm
Change status:
This project is on the agenda of the National Assembly.
What the amendments concern:
As a result of these legislative amendments, it is planned to make a number of systemic and substantive changes to the RA Law "On Advertising", which are aimed at more clear and effective regulation of advertising relations, as well as strengthening the protection of consumers and competition.
In particular, Article 2 of the law is being revised, which specifies and clarifies the main concepts used in the field of advertising. These amendments provide a more complete definition of the concept of “advertising”, emphasize the purpose of its dissemination - the formation or maintenance of interest among an indefinite number of people. At the same time, various types of advertising are defined, including unscrupulous, deliberately false and misleading advertisements, the content of each of which is disclosed in more detail, paying particular attention to situations where information may be distorted or unreliable.
The law also clarifies the subjects of advertising relations: the concepts of advertiser, advertising producer, advertiser and advertising consumer, which allows for a clearer separation of the role and scope of responsibility of each. In addition, new institutions are introduced, such as "umbrella" advertising, social advertising and lottery advertising, through which separate specific sectors and targeted information flows are regulated.
The legislative amendments also revise Article 21, defining the criteria for assessing misleading advertising. In this context, it is clarified that when assessing the misleading nature of advertising, both the characteristics of the product or service, as well as the conditions for pricing and the information provided about the advertiser should be taken into account. An important innovation is the provision according to which the burden of proving the accuracy of the data provided during advertising activities is placed on the advertiser itself, which significantly strengthens the legal protection of consumers.
At the same time, the legislation is supplemented with a new Article 21.1, which defines the conditions for the admissibility of advertising containing comparisons. According to these regulations, such advertising is permissible only if it is not considered misleading, is carried out on the basis of an objective comparison, refers to goods or services serving the same purpose, and does not contain discrediting or unfair use of competitors' trademarks or activities. In addition, it is prohibited to cause confusion between economic entities operating in the market or to use the reputation of a competitor in an unfair manner.
Overall, these changes aim to ensure more transparent and fair regulation of the advertising field, reduce the spread of misleading information, increase consumer confidence, and ensure a healthy competitive environment in the economy.
Article 2 of Law HO-55 of April 30, 1996 "On Advertising" (hereinafter referred to as the Law) shall be amended as follows:
"Article 2. Basic concepts used in the law"
1. The following basic concepts are used in this law:
1) advertising - the dissemination of information about legal or natural persons, goods, ideas or initiatives among an indefinite number of persons, using various types of information media, which is designed to form or maintain interest in the given natural or legal person, goods or initiatives;
2) Unfair advertising - advertising, the prohibitions and restrictions established by the current legislation have been circumvented during the ordering, production and distribution of which.
3) Deliberately false advertising: a form of dishonest advertising through which the advertiser, advertising producer or advertising carrier deliberately misleads advertising consumers.
4) misleading advertising - dishonest advertising that contains any unreliable, distorted information, or the information is presented in a way that, although it is factually correct, in any way, including the manner of presentation, may create a false impression about the economic entity, its activities or the product (work, service) offered, the measures contributing to its advertising, distribution or sale, the geographical origin or production or sale process of the product (work, service), its suitability for a particular purpose, its shelf life, quality, quantity or other characteristics, the conditions of offer or delivery or the price or the method of its calculation or the rights of the consumer, misleads or may mislead consumers as defined by this Law and, due to its misleading nature, may affect the economic behavior of these persons or may harm competing economic entities.
5) advertising containing comparisons - advertising that directly or indirectly mentions a competing economic entity or the goods or services offered by the latter;
6) Counter-advertising - a type of advertising that is given with the aim of eliminating misconceptions that have arisen among consumers as a result of dishonest advertising, by refuting the dishonest advertising and restoring the real facts.
7) Advertiser - a legal or natural person who submits advertising information for the purpose of production, placement and dissemination of advertising.
8) advertising producer - a legal or natural person who directly provides services in the field of advertising production;
9) advertiser - a legal or natural person who, by providing appropriate funds, places and disseminates advertising;
10) Advertising consumer: a legal or natural person to whom the advertisement is delivered and who bears the corresponding impact of the advertisement.
11) " Umbrella " advertising is advertising in which the trademark or trade name used for the advertised goods and services is identical or confusingly similar to the trademark of the goods and services or the trade name of the legal entities producing or offering them, the advertising of which is subject to restrictions under this Law.
12) social advertising is non-commercial (non-profit) information disseminated for the purpose of informing the public about human rights and obligations, the protection of the health of the population, as well as healthy lifestyles and social protection, volunteering, nature conservation, educational programs, patriotic education, the preservation, dissemination and development of culture, disaster resistance, the protection of national interests and other areas, which has been recognized as social advertising in accordance with the procedure specified in Article 13, paragraph 1.2 of this Law.
13) Lottery advertising: advertising of lottery organizers or their sponsors or lotteries or lottery names or lottery brand names (logos).
Article 21 of the Law The second paragraph of Part 2 should be amended as follows:
Article 21. General provisions on unfair advertising
When determining whether an advertisement is misleading, the following characteristics may be taken into account, in particular the information included therein that relates to:
1) the characteristics of the goods or services, such as the availability, nature, structure, form and date of production or supply, suitability for the intended use, methods of use, quantity, technical specifications, country of origin, the results expected from its use or the results of tests and inspections and material characteristics of those goods or services;
2) the price or the method of calculating the price, as well as the conditions for the supply of goods or the provision of services;
3) the advertiser's distinctiveness, characteristics and rights, such as, for example, his identity, assets, qualifications and industrial or intellectual property rights or his awards.
Fill in Part 7 with the following content:
7. During advertising activities, the advertiser bears the responsibility of proving the accuracy of the data presented in the advertisement.
To supplement the law with the following content in Article 21.1:
Article 21.1. Permissible cases of advertising containing comparisons
1. Advertising containing comparisons is permitted in the following cases:
1) it is not misleading within the meaning of Article 2, Part 1, Point 4, Article 21, Part 2, Paragraph 2 of this Law or the Law "On Protection of Consumer Rights";
2) it objectively compares goods or services that meet the same needs or are intended for the same purpose;
3) it objectively compares one or more essential, verifiable features of those goods and services that form a full and complete impression of the product and may include price;
4) it does not damage or discredit the competitor's trademarks, trade names, other distinctive signs, goods, services, activities, or moral and other characteristics;
5) in the case of products with an appellation of origin, it refers to the same appellation;
6) it does not unfairly exploit the reputation of a competitor's trademark, trade name or other distinctive signs or the place of origin of competing goods;
7) it does not present goods or services as replicas or copies of goods or services bearing a registered trademark or trade name;
8) it does not cause confusion among persons engaged in commercial activities between the advertiser and its competing economic entity or between the trademarks, trade names, other distinctive signs, goods or services of the advertiser and its competing economic entity.