Russia to impose higher duties on confectionery, lead batteries imported from 'unfriendly' countries until end of 2024
MOSCOW. July 22 (Interfax) - The Russian government has expanded the list of goods whose import from unfriendly countries is subject to increased duties, including confectionery and batteries.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has approved the corresponding amendments to government resolution No. 2240, dated December 7, 2022, which establishes additional import duties on importing specific goods from so-called unfriendly countries, and the government has posted the document on the portal of official information.
The document indicates that a duty of 35% will be imposed on various confectionery products and specific ingredients for them, namely on fruit pastes, hard candies, and toffee, until the end of 2024. A duty of 0.6 euros per kilogram will be imposed on cocoa-containing products in briquettes, plates or bars with or without filling; 0.73 euros per kilogram on chocolate candies; 0.35 euros per kilogram on biscuits/cookies with cocoa or chocolate, as well as on wafers; and 35% on dry biscuits/cookies, though not lower than 0.35 euros per kilogram.
The government has also added lead and other power batteries to the list, with the import duty to be 35% when imported from unfriendly countries, until said duty also expires on December 31, 2024.
"Implementing the measure should create additional incentives to develop Russian production, and as well as allow additional loading of surplus production capacities," the Economic Development Ministry's press service said regarding the government's decision.
The list of goods subject to increased import duties when imported from unfriendly countries previously included weapons, perfumes, wine and beer, plywood, and wallpaper.