Belarus Cuts Bringing Goods From Abroad

What will the new norms be like?

The EAEU countries decided to cut the limits for import of goods from abroad once again. Thus, since January 1, 2019, residents of the EAEU countries traveling by land will still be able to bring goods for 500 euros and up to 25 kilograms by weight. Now the limits are 1,500 euros and 50 kilograms. The changes are stipulated by the decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission # 91 dated November 1, 2018. The new limits will apply to residents of all 5 countries that are members of the EAEU, including Belarus, tut.by reports.

Important to note, the EAEU member states have already cut the limits for bringing goods from abroad for personal use since March 29 this year. Thus, the changes suggested that until the end of 2018, residents of the EAEU countries traveling by land will still be able to bring goods for 1,500 euros and up to 50 kilograms by weight.

Since 2019, the norms will gradually decrease. Thus, already next year it will be allowed to bring 50 kilograms of goods, but for the sum no bigger than 1000 euros. In 2020 – the tourists’ bags will have to go thinner down to 35 kilograms, and the goods inside them should become cheaper, down to 750 euros. In 2021, it will be allowed to bring only 25 kilograms of goods for the sum no bigger than 500 euros.

If a traveler carries something over the limit, they will have to pay customs duty - 30% of the value of the goods, but not less than 4 euros for each extra or more expensive kilogram. All these rules will not apply to those not new things that people took on the road.

However, the new decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission further cuts off the limits on parcels from abroad for personal use. From January 1, 2019, residents of EAEU countries traveling by land will still be able to bring goods for 500 euros and up to 25 kilograms by weight. Now the limits are 1,500 euros and 50 kilograms.

The new limits will apply to residents of all 5 countries that are members of the EAEU, including Belarus. Note that the upper limit of norms and duty-free importation of goods for individuals, and the limits for international parcels are now set by the EEC. But the countries that are members of the EAEU can reduce them at the national level.

- The decision to decrease the norm was suggested by Russia, which brought the issue for consideration of the EEC Council, - they informed in the State Customs Committee. - The Republic of Belarus, just like all the other states-members of the EAEU, is obliged to fulfill the new decision of the Commission. According to the Customs Code, national legislations can only tighten the norms adopted by the EEC.

Important to note, Belarusians who travel abroad no more often than once every three months can take goods for personal use weighing up to 50 kilograms for the sum of no bigger than 1,500 euros. Those who travel more often - 20 kg and 300 euros, respectively.

In addition, Belarus may revise the limits on parcels from abroad. In October of this year, the Minister of Communications and Informatization of Belarus Kanstantsin Shulhan reported that the threshold for duty-free importation of goods via international mail to Belarus may be increased.

“There is a suggestion to increase the threshold to $ 200 and 31 kilograms. A draft decree is currently being worked out, it will soon be submitted to the head of state for consideration,” the Minister said.

Since April 14, 2016, the maximum amount of parcels in Belarus is limited to 22 euros and 10 kilograms per month (regardless of the number of purchases). Everything that surpasses the limit should be paid for - 30% of the amount exceeded. In addition, you must additionally pay a customs fee of 5 euros for customs operations for each parcel.