Belarus Plans To Raise Taxes On Certain Types Of Alcohol

Premium imported beverages could see a significant price increase.

The authorities want to impose higher excise taxes on premium imported alcohol. This is provided for in the draft amendments to the Tax Code for 2027. If this decision is adopted, a number of alcoholic beverages will most likely see price increases, according to "Zerkalo".

For strong alcoholic beverages, according to the authorities’ plans, the excise tax will amount to 41.85 rubles per liter of anhydrous alcohol. For the main category of other alcoholic products with an alcohol content of 7% or higher, the rate is set at 27.9 rubles (this year—26.27 rubles).

The authorities intend to classify as “premium” alcohol imported into Belarus from countries outside the EAEU, provided that its import does not fall under the state’s exclusive right and it is included in the special MART list. This list is updated annually. For example, this year’s list includes dozens of varieties of cognac, whiskey, rum, and wine, as well as one gin from the United States.

The change will apply to cognac, vermouth, whiskey, rum, and gin produced outside the EAEU. However, premium natural wines from the MART special list will not be included in the group subject to the higher excise tax, as specified in the document. For these wines, the excise tax rate will be lower—2.42 rubles.

If the changes are adopted, the excise tax on other low-alcohol beverages will rise from 34.76 to 36.92 rubles, and on natural low-alcohol beverages—from 19.86 to 21.09 rubles. For fortified fruit wines—including vintage, premium-quality, and those produced using special technologies—the excise tax is planned to increase from 19.36 to 20.56 rubles per liter of anhydrous alcohol.

The excise tax increase will most likely lead to higher prices for these products. However, the price increase will not necessarily be proportional to this rise in tax rates.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail [email protected]