Report: Russia’s customs service starts imposing higher duties on goods from ‘unfriendly’ countries
Russia’s customs service has started imposing higher import duties on goods brought in through the Eurasian Economic Union if those goods were made in countries Moscow considers “unfriendly,” lawyers and business owners told Forbes Russia.
The elevated rates range from 15 to 50 percent, Forbes Russia reported. French perfume is now taxed at 20 percent and lipstick at 35 percent, even though the standard duty on both is 6.5 percent. Previously, customs authorities had not demanded additional duties if a product had acquired the status of an Eurasian Economic Union good.
If the practice continues, prices on everyday non-food consumer goods could rise by 10–15 percent, and by as much as 30 percent in some segments, Forbes Russia warned. Clothing and cosmetics sold on online marketplaces are among the most vulnerable categories, the outlet said.
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